======Species of the Wizarding World======
=====Introduction=====
The world inhabited by [[Wizard|wizards]] and [[Witch|witches]] is populated by a vast and diverse array of sentient, non-sentient, magical, and non-magical species. The term "species" in this context is a broad classification encompassing everything from [[Human]]s and [[Goblin]]s to magical creatures like [[Dragon]]s and non-corporeal entities like [[Ghost]]s. The official classification of these different life forms is handled by the [[Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures]] at the [[Ministry of Magic]], which divides them into three primary categories: [[Being]]s, [[Beast]]s, and [[Spirit]]s. This system, however, is not without its historical controversies and exceptions.
=====Ministry of Magic Classification=====
The definitions for [[Being]], [[Beast]], and [[Spirit]] were established to create a legal framework for the rights and responsibilities of all intelligent life within the magical community. These definitions are detailed in the in-universe textbook, //[[Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them]]//.
  * **[[Being]]**: Defined as "any creature that has sufficient intelligence to understand the laws of the magical community and to bear part of the responsibility in shaping those laws." This category grants a creature representation on the [[Wizengamot]]. Initially, this included [[Human]]s, [[Goblin]]s, [[Vampire]]s, and [[Hag]]s. The inclusion of the latter two caused [[Centaur]]s and [[Merpeople]] to reject the "Being" status, as they did not wish to be grouped with such [[Dark Arts|Dark]] creatures.
  * **[[Beast]]**: This category includes any magical creature that does not meet the criteria for a "Being," either due to a lack of human-like intelligence or because they have explicitly rejected the "Being" classification. It is the largest and most diverse category, ranging from the highly intelligent [[Centaur]] to the non-sentient [[Flobberworm]].
  * **[[Spirit]]**: This classification is for amortal, non-corporeal entities. The most common types of spirits are [[Ghost]]s, who are the imprints of deceased wizards and witches, and [[Poltergeist]]s, which are indestructible spirits of chaos.
=====Notable Species by Classification=====
The following is a list of some of the most prominent species encountered in the wizarding world, organised by their [[Ministry of Magic]] classification.
  * **Beings**
    * **[[Human]]s:** The dominant sentient species on the planet, consisting of a magical populace ([[Wizard]]s and [[Witch]]es) and a non-magical one ([[Muggle]]s). Individuals with magical ancestry but no magical ability are known as [[Squib]]s. Interbreeding with other species is possible, resulting in half-breeds such as [[Rubeus Hagrid]] (half-[[Giant]]) and [[Fleur Delacour]] (part-[[Veela]]).
    * **[[Goblin]]s:** Highly intelligent beings with a distinct form of [[Magic|goblin magic]], known for their skill in metalwork and their control of the wizarding economy through [[Gringotts Wizarding Bank]]. They have a long and often contentious history with wizards over issues of rights and ownership.
    * **[[House-elf|House-elves]]:** Small, humanoid creatures who are magically bound to serve a wizarding family or institution for life, unless freed by being presented with clothes. They possess a powerful and unique brand of [[Magic]] that does not require a [[wand]]. Notable examples include [[Dobby]], [[Kreacher]], and [[Winky]].
    * **[[Vampire]]s:** Humanoid beings known for drinking [[blood]]. They are classified as "Beings" but are not explored in great detail in the novels. A vampire named Sanguini attended [[Horace Slughorn]]'s Christmas party.
    * **[[Hag]]s:** Dark creatures described as resembling ugly, old witches. They are known to practice a rudimentary form of [[Magic]] and have a taste for the flesh of human children.
  * **Beasts (by Choice or Definition)**
    * **[[Centaur]]s:** Proud and intelligent creatures with the upper body of a human and the lower body of a horse. They are skilled in archery, healing [[Magic]], and [[Divination]] through stargazing. They reside in herds, such as the one in the [[Forbidden Forest]], and deliberately chose "Beast" status to maintain their independence from wizard laws. Notable centaurs include [[Firenze]], [[Bane]], and [[Ronan]].
    * **[[Merpeople]]:** Sentient aquatic beings who live in underwater communities around the world, including the [[Great Lake]] at [[Hogwarts]]. They have their own language ([[Mermish]]) and a sophisticated culture. Like centaurs, they rejected "Being" status.
    * **[[Giant]]s:** Enormous humanoids possessing immense strength but limited intelligence compared to humans. Their population has dwindled due to their own internal conflicts and persecution by wizards. [[Rubeus Hagrid]]'s half-brother, [[Grawp]], is a full-blooded giant.
    * **[[Veela]]:** Semi-human magical beings who appear as stunningly beautiful women. When angered, they transform into harpy-like creatures with scaly wings and the ability to throw fireballs. Their dance is magically hypnotic to men.
    * **[[Acromantula|Acromantulas]]:** Monstrous, eight-eyed spiders capable of human speech and possessing near-human intelligence. They are highly dangerous and carnivorous. The colony in the [[Forbidden Forest]] was led by the patriarch [[Aragog]].
    * **[[Sphinx|Sphinxes]]:** An Egyptian creature with the head of a human and the body of a lion. It is highly intelligent and used by wizards to guard treasures, posing riddles to those who try to pass. [[Harry Potter]] encountered one in the Triwizard Tournament maze.
    * **[[Troll]]s:** Large, brutish magical creatures of prodigious strength and immense stupidity. Several types exist, including Mountain Trolls, Forest Trolls, and River Trolls. [[Professor Quirrell]] infamously let a Mountain Troll into [[Hogwarts]] in Harry's first year.
  * **Spirits**
    * **[[Ghost]]s:** The transparent, three-dimensional imprints of deceased magical individuals who chose to remain on the mortal plane. They can pass through solid objects but can still interact with their surroundings to a limited extent. The [[Hogwarts]] ghosts include [[Nearly Headless Nick]], the [[Bloody Baron]], the [[Fat Friar]], and the [[Grey Lady]].
    * **[[Poltergeist]]s:** Amortal, non-corporeal entities of chaos that are never truly alive. They can manipulate physical objects and delight in causing mayhem. The most famous example is [[Peeves]], the resident poltergeist of [[Hogwarts]].
=====Behind the Scenes=====
  * Much of the detailed information regarding the official classification of species comes from the supplementary book //[[Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them]]//, written by J.K. Rowling and presented as an in-universe textbook owned by [[Harry Potter]].
  * J.K. Rowling has occasionally expanded on the nature of certain species, such as [[Vampire]]s, on the Pottermore/Wizarding World website, clarifying that while they exist, they do not play a significant role in the main story arc. (Pottermore)