======Toad======
=====Object Information=====
  * **Type:** [[Pet]], [[Familiar]], [[Amphibian]], [[Potions Ingredient]]
  * **Owners:** [[Hogwarts]] students (notably [[Neville Longbottom]])
  * **Maker:** Not Applicable
=====Description and Appearance=====
A toad is a common, non-magical [[amphibian]] known in both the [[Muggle]] and [[Wizarding world|wizarding worlds]]. They are typically characterized by their stout bodies, warty skin, and short legs, distinguishing them from frogs.
While many varieties exist, the most prominent individual toad in the series is [[Trevor]], who belongs to [[Neville Longbottom]]. He is described simply as a toad and is notorious for frequently getting lost. Another known type is the Giant Purple Toad, which was once advertised for sale in the [[Daily Prophet]].
=====Magical Properties and Usage=====
Although toads are not inherently magical creatures, they are integrated into various aspects of magical practice and culture, primarily as student familiars, subjects for [[Transfiguration]], and as a source for [[Potions]] ingredients.
  * **Familiar:** The official [[Hogwarts]] first-year equipment list permits students to bring an [[owl]], a [[cat]], or a toad. By the 1990s, toads were considered a deeply unfashionable and old-fashioned choice of [[pet]]. [[Ron Weasley]] expressed surprise that Neville owned one, remarking that toads had "gone out of fashion years ago."
  * **Potions Ingredient:** Various parts of a toad are utilized in the art of [[Potions]]. During a [[Potions]] lesson, [[Professor Snape]] mentions that toad spleens are a key ingredient in the [[Shrinking Solution]]. He also once threatened to feed [[Trevor]] to his [[stew]], implying their use in other concoctions.
  * **Transfiguration Subject:** Due to their commonality and manageable size, toads are frequently used as practice subjects in [[Transfiguration]] classes. In their first lesson, [[Professor McGonagall]] demonstrated a spell by turning [[Trevor]] into a [[teapot]] before changing him back.
=====History=====
The tradition of keeping toads as familiars in the [[Wizarding world]] is a long-standing one, as proven by their continued presence on the [[Hogwarts]] supply list. This practice likely stems from the creature's deep-rooted association with magic and witchcraft in [[Muggle]] folklore, a connection that has been absorbed into wizarding culture.
However, by [[Harry Potter]]'s time at [[Hogwarts]], the toad's status had diminished significantly. Students largely preferred more useful familiars like [[owl]]s, which could deliver mail, or more traditionally affectionate pets like [[cat]]s and [[rat]]s.
=====Role in the Story=====
The primary role of a toad in the narrative is embodied by [[Trevor]], the long-suffering [[pet]] of [[Neville Longbottom]]. [[Trevor]]'s constant escapes serve as a recurring minor plot device and a characterization tool for Neville.
  * In //Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone//, Neville's search for [[Trevor]] on the [[Hogwarts Express]] is the catalyst for [[Harry Potter]] and [[Ron Weasley]] meeting [[Hermione Granger]]. Later, [[Trevor]] is found by [[Rubeus Hagrid]] and used in [[Professor McGonagall]]'s first [[Transfiguration]] demonstration.
  * Throughout the series, [[Trevor]]'s tendency to get lost highlights Neville's initial forgetfulness and perceived incompetence. However, Neville's persistent and caring efforts to find his [[pet]] also underscore his loyalty and fundamentally kind nature.
  * During the [[Battle of Hogwarts]] in //Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows//, Neville is seen directing younger students to herd escaped toads towards the [[lake]], a final, poignant nod to his years of experience keeping track of [[Trevor]].
=====Behind the Scenes=====
  * In the film adaptation of //Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban//, the [[Hogwarts]] Frog Choir is introduced. This musical ensemble features students holding large toads that provide deep, croaking bass notes for their songs. (film)
  * In some //Harry Potter// video games, a [[Chocolate Frog Card]] for the Ancient Greek witch [[Circe]] states that one of her pleasures was turning lost sailors into a "squealing herd of pigs and toads." (video game)