He's loyal. He's patient and kind. He's possibly the most well-known Magizoologist today
Hello my amazing snakes! Welcome to Chatting with... Newton Scamander.
Most of us should know about Mr. Scamander as his book is one of our required readings here at Hogwarts. He attended Hogwarts from 1908 until his unfortunate expulsion around 1913. It wasn't long after, that he began working for the ministry dealing with magical creatures and the rest is as they say, history.
I met with Mr. Scamander at his home in Dorset earlier this week and had the pleasure of speaking with him about his love for magical creatures.
Serenity Black: Mr. Scamander, I appreciate you taking the time out of your day to meet with me. It's honestly a pleasure meeting you!
Newton Scamander: It's a pleasure, dear. You caught me at a good time. I'm home for a bit to spend time with my family before going on a new adventure.
SB: Oh, I can't wait to hear or read about it, sir! Now, as you know, you're considered an authority in the field of Magizoology. Did you always know that's what you wanted to do?
NS: I did. You see my mother was a breeder of Hippogriffs. I learned my love of magical creatures from her. She wasn't too fond of me becoming a Magizoologist though. I don't know why, maybe she wanted something "better" for me. But, I love what I do. I couldn't imagine having done anything different.
SB: Wow! You grew up with Hippogriffs? That must have been amazing, albeit somewhat frightening?
NS: It was amazing. Now as you may have already learned in your Care of Magical Creatures class, Hippogriffs are very dangerous until they are tamed. My mother was an excellent trainer. I remember as a young lad I would sit and watch her train them for hours. She was fantastic with them. It was truly magical watching her work.
SB: Amazing. Was that the only creature you had as a child?
NS: Mostly. At the age of seven, I did have Horklumps that I studied.
SB: Horklumps?
NS: You may not have learned about them yet. But Horklumps look like wild fleshy mushrooms that are coverd in these black brittles. However, they aren't mushrooms at all they were actually animals. I remember first seeing them in Scandinavia, that's where they originated from. But around 1991 they could be found in Scotland.
SB: I had no idea! Thank you for sharing that information. I'm going to have to make note to read about them some more when I get back to Hogwarts. Although you're retired, I see you still travel to study magical creatures. Do you think you'll ever stop and just enjoy home?
NS: Laughs I don't think Tina would let me. But in all honesty, this is my life. I've loved magical creatures my entire life, I don't think it'll ever stop.
SB: I understand completely. When you wrote Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, did you think that students and families everywhere would still be reading it today?
NS: I didn't know, no. I had hope. Hope that people would learn to understand these creatures and not fear them. Be cautious yes... but fear... no!
SB: I think you've succeeded. NS: Oh, I do hope so!
SB: Now before I let you go, I always try to play a game of rapid fire questions before ending each interview and I'd love to play with you. It's simple, I ask a question or say a word and you quickly answer the first thing that comes to mind. Would you like to play?
NS: Fire away, my dear.
SB: Ok! In your opinion, most misunderstood creature?
NS: I would say Thestrals.
SB: Hippogriffs
NS: Childhood
SB: Rubeus Hagrid
NS: An amazing man and a true carer of magical creatures.
SB: If you could tell one thing to someone who was afraid of magical creatures, what would you tell them?
NS: Learn to understand them. Read everything that has been published about the particular creature. Once you understand it, it starts becoming less and less frightening.
SB: And finally, what's your favorite magical creature?
NS: Oh dear! That's like asking me to pick my favorite child or grandchild. looks around suspiciously and then whispers Bowtruckles, but I'll deny it if ever asked. He lets out a hearty laugh.
SB: It has truly been a pleasure, Mr. Scamander. Best of luck with your upcoming adventure and I can't wait to read all about it!
NS: The pleasure was all mine, Miss Black!
It was such a great honor meeting Newton Scamander himself. Many of us in the magical world grew up with his books on magical creatures. So, to have met him in person was a true pleasure.
That's all for this month, folks! Serenity Black signing off!