Knarl Quill

• Type: Writing Implement, Potion Ingredient
• Owners: Not specified
• Maker: The Knarl creature

A Knarl quill is a spine obtained from the back of a Knarl, a magical beast that is physically indistinguishable from a Muggle hedgehog. The quills are presumably sharp and pointed, much like hedgehog spines, though their exact colour and size are not detailed in the novels. The term “quill” strongly suggests they are prepared for use as a writing instrument, similar to a standard goose feather quill. The Knarl itself is described as a creature covered in quills and is native to northern Europe and America (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them).

The primary implied use of a Knarl quill is for writing. While not explicitly shown being used for this purpose in the novels, its name follows the convention of other quills used by wizards, such as the Sugar Quill or the Black Quill used by Dolores Umbridge. A significant property of the quill relates to its acquisition. Knarls are highly suspicious creatures and believe that any human offering them food in the garden is attempting to lure them into a trap. If a Knarl suspects a person of trying to steal its quills, it will react violently and has been known to savage the garden and property of the homeowner. To obtain a quill without being attacked, one must leave a saucer of milk out for the Knarl. If the Knarl is placated by the offering, it will assume the person is friendly and will not object to a few of its quills being taken. In some contexts outside of the original novels, Knarl quills are also used as a potion ingredient ( Hogwarts Mystery (video game)).

The use of Knarl quills is known to at least fifth-year students at Hogwarts, as they are a subject of study in Care of Magical Creatures. During the 1995-1996 school year, Professor Grubbly-Plank's class studied Knarls, with Hermione Granger correctly answering a question from Dolores Umbridge about the proper method for obtaining their quills. During this same lesson, Lee Jordan was headbutted by a Knarl after attempting to offer it milk, demonstrating the creature's cantankerous nature.

The Knarl quill serves a minor but notable role in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. The discussion surrounding its acquisition is the central focus of a Care of Magical Creatures lesson being inspected by High Inquisitor Dolores Umbridge. The scene highlights Hermione Granger's academic knowledge and Professor Grubbly-Plank's competence as a teacher. It also provides a moment of levity and characterises the Knarl as a difficult creature, reinforcing the themes of the subject.

• The scene from Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix where Hogwarts students study Knarls and their quills was not included in the film adaptation.
• In the video game *Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery*, the Knarl quill is a common potion ingredient that players can collect and use (video game).