Horned Slug

• Type: Magical Creature, Potions Ingredient
• Distinction: A type of slug distinguished by the presence of one or more horns.
• Usage: Primarily used in the brewing of Potions.

A Horned Slug is a magical beast whose specific appearance is not described in great detail in the novels. As their name suggests, their primary distinguishing feature is the presence of horns. In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Harry Potter notes a large jar of “what looked like giant slugs” in the Potions Master's private stores, implying they may be considerably larger than their mundane, non-magical counterparts. Their colour, number of horns, and other physical characteristics remain unknown from the primary canon.

The primary and only known use of Horned Slugs is as a Potions Ingredient. They are a key component in the Boil-Cure Potion, a simple remedy for boils. The method of preparation for this potion involves stewing the slugs. This task was assigned to first-year students during their first Potions lesson with Professor Snape, suggesting that Horned Slugs are not dangerous to handle and require only basic magical preparation. They are kept as a standard ingredient in the Hogwarts Potions classroom and storeroom.

Horned Slugs are one of the very first magical ingredients that Harry Potter encounters at Hogwarts. In his first Potions class, he and Ron Weasley are tasked with stewing Horned Slugs and crushing snake fangs for their Boil-Cure Potion. This introduces the reader to the often unglamorous and meticulous work involved in Potions. Later, in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Harry sees a jar of them in Professor Snape's private storeroom while desperately searching for something to help him with the Second Task of the Triwizard Tournament. Their presence reinforces their status as a common ingredient, and Harry's observation of them occurs just moments before Dobby arrives to give him Gillyweed.

• It is a common fan misconception that Horace Slughorn stated that Horned Slug horns were highly valuable. In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Slughorn is discussing the value of Acromantula venom and fangs after the burial of Aragog, not slug horns.
• Horned Slugs appear as collectible items in the Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets video game (video game).
• They are also featured as interactive creatures and ingredients in the Years 1-4 video game (video game).
• The creature was featured on a card in the Harry Potter Trading Card Game.