The Being Division

• Type: Ministry of Magic Division
• Department: Department for the Regulation and control of Magical Creatures
• Location: Level Four, Ministry of Magic Headquarters, London
• Jurisdiction: Creatures classified as 'Beings' (e.g., Goblins, House-elves, Vampires, Hags, and Werewolves in human form)
• Key Features: An administrative body responsible for the rights, responsibilities, and legal relations concerning magical creatures defined as 'Beings'.

The Being Division is one of the three principal divisions within the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, alongside the Beast Division and the Spirit Division. Its primary function is to legislate and manage relations with magical races that possess sufficient intelligence to understand and contribute to the laws of the wizarding world. The official definition of a 'Being' that guides the division's work was established in 1811 by Grogan Stump, then Minister for Magic. As detailed in the textbook Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, a 'Being' is 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 definition was created after centuries of debate and several failed attempts. Previous definitions included one by Burdock Muldoon in the 14th century, which classified any creature walking on two legs as a Being (a definition that disastrously included Trolls), and another by Elfrida Clagg which focused on the ability to speak human tongues (which improperly included creatures like the Jarvey). The classification system is not without controversy and complexity. For instance, Centaurs and Merpeople were offered 'Being' status but rejected it, preferring to remain classified as 'Beasts' to avoid being associated with creatures like Hags and Vampires. Werewolves are a unique case, handled by the Being Division while in their human form but falling under the jurisdiction of the Beast Division's Werewolf Capture Unit when transformed. Goblins are classified as 'Beings,' with their affairs managed by the associated Goblin Liaison Office.

The Being Division is first mentioned in detail by Hermione Granger in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. During her campaign for house-elf rights through her organization, S.P.E.W., she researches the Ministry of Magic's classifications to understand the legal status of house-elves, who fall under the Being Division's purview. Her research highlights the political nature of these classifications and the prejudice inherent in the magical legal system. The division's existence and location are officially confirmed in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix when Harry Potter visits the Ministry of Magic for the first time. The voice in the magical lift announces the departments on Level Four, stating it is home to the “Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, incorporating the Beast, Being, and Spirit Divisions, Goblin Liaison Office, and Pest Advisory Bureau.” The division primarily serves as a world-building element that deepens the reader's understanding of the Ministry's bureaucracy and the complex societal structure of the wizarding world.

While a part of the Being Division's broader structure, several specialized offices handle specific 'Beings':

• Goblin Liaison Office: This office operates in conjunction with the Being Division to manage all relations with the goblin community. A known Head of this office was Cuthbert Mockridge.
• Office for House-Elf Relocation: Mentioned by Hermione Granger, this office is responsible for finding new homes for house-elves who have been freed. It presumably falls under the direct authority of the Being Division.
• Werewolf Support Services: This office, also part of the Being Division, deals with werewolves in their human state, likely offering support and managing their integration into society.

Much of the detailed history regarding the definition of a 'Being' and the establishment of the Being Division is not found in the seven main novels but comes from the supplementary textbook Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, written by J.K. Rowling under the pseudonym of its in-universe author, Newt Scamander. This book provides the context for the political and historical struggles that shaped the division's role.