Leprechaun

A Leprechaun is a small, mischievous magical Being native to Ireland. They are classified by the Ministry of Magic as XXX, meaning a competent wizard should be able to cope with them. While not malicious, they are known for their love of pranks, particularly on Muggles. They are most famous for their ability to create Leprechaun Gold, a form of enchanted currency that vanishes after a few hours, and for their role as the mascots for the Irish National Quidditch Team.

Leprechauns are known to reside exclusively in Ireland. While they have their own language, they are capable of conversing in English. (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them) Their most prominent appearance in recent history was during the 1994 Quidditch World Cup final between Ireland and Bulgaria. Serving as the mascots for the Irish National Quidditch Team, they flew into the stadium and created spectacular magical formations, including a giant, glittering green shamrock and a comet. During the celebration of Ireland's victory, they showered the crowd from cauldrons filled with what appeared to be Galleons. This Leprechaun Gold led to significant trouble. Ron Weasley was deeply disappointed when the handful of coins he had collected vanished the next morning. More seriously, Ludo Bagman used the vanishing gold to pay off his gambling debts, including a significant wager won by Fred and George Weasley, who were infuriated by the deception.

Leprechauns are small, humanoid creatures, described as being around six inches in height and typically clad in green. (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them) They are viviparous, meaning they give birth to live young. (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them) Their personality is characterized by a mischievous nature. They enjoy tricking Muggles, but their pranks are generally harmless. Their diet consists primarily of leaves. Despite their depiction in Muggle folklore, they are not malevolent beings.

• Illusory Gold Creation: The signature ability of a Leprechaun is the creation of Leprechaun Gold. This substance is visually indistinguishable from real gold but is magically unstable and vanishes after a few hours. This ability is a well-known example of one of the Principal Exceptions to Gamp's Law of Elemental Transfiguration, which dictates that money cannot be conjured from nothing.
• Enchanting Objects: Leprechauns are capable of placing lasting enchantments on objects. Ron Weasley owned a souvenir hat from the Quidditch World Cup which would dance when tickled, an effect that lasted long after the event.
• Coordinated Flight: During the Quidditch World Cup, the Leprechauns demonstrated the ability to fly in complex, coordinated patterns, suggesting a powerful form of collective magic.

While not possessing items in the traditional sense, Leprechauns are known for creating and using specific objects:

• Leprechaun Gold: Their most famous creation, used as a dazzling but temporary illusion.
• Cauldrons: They were seen using cauldrons to shower the stadium with their imitation gold during the Quidditch World Cup.
• Enchanted Merchandise: They produced items like the dancing souvenir hats sold at the 1994 Quidditch World Cup.

• Ministry of Magic: The Ministry of Magic classifies Leprechauns as XXX Beings. This classification grants them legal recognition and certain rights within the wizarding community, acknowledging their intelligence and ability to understand magical law. (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them)
• Goblins: Leprechauns are often contrasted with Goblins. While both are small, intelligent magical Beings associated with currency, their roles are opposite. Goblins control the wizarding economy and produce real, permanent money at Gringotts Wizarding Bank, whereas Leprechauns create only worthless, temporary imitations.
• Muggles: Leprechauns are said to enjoy playing tricks on Muggles. Consequently, they have a place in Muggle folklore, though these depictions are noted to be largely inaccurate. (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them)
• Irish National Quidditch Team: They have a strong connection with the Irish National Quidditch Team, for whom they serve as official mascots.

The name “Leprechaun” originates from the Irish word leipreachán. This term is widely believed to be derived from the Old Irish luchorpán, which translates to “small body,” a fitting description for the creature.

• In the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, the Leprechaun mascots are depicted as small, flying humanoids who form a massive, animated Leprechaun figure in the sky that dances a jig before raining down the gold. (film)
• The supplemental book Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, written by J.K. Rowling, is the primary source for details about the Leprechaun's classification, height, diet, and reproductive methods. (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them)