Hagrid’s Magical Creatures: The #1 Hogwarts Experience!?

“Yeh’ll have a great time at Hogwarts — I did — still do, ’smatter of fact.”

Rubeus Hagrid

Accio Quick Quotes Quill!

It’s the Quibbler Creative Editor here again, and today I interviewed Hogwarts’ own Professor Rubeus Hagrid about his Care of Magical Creatures class! He let me in on all the secrets first years like you need to know to get the most out of your time at Hogwarts.

We’ve already talked about finding your way to the Wizarding World via the portal in Universal Studios Orlando. We also discussed getting your school supplies in Diagon Alley and how to have some fun in Hogsmeade. But now it’s time to get down to business and do some studying.

(After all, shouldn’t we all strive to be more like Hermione?)

While studying is pretty boring in the muggle world, you’ll be pleased to know studying magic is generally more exciting. But one class at Hogwarts rises above the rest – there’s never a dull moment with Hagrid and his fantastic beasts!

So carefully stroke the spine of your Monster Book of Monsters: class is in session!

Flight of the Hippogriff

“Yeh always wait fer the Hippogriff ter make the first move,” Hagrid continued. “It’s polite, see?”

Class will begin at Hagrid’s hut, so head down from Hogwarts castle until you reach his homey abode. (It’s the grey, brick hut with a disconcertingly flammable thatched roof.)

Now, one of the first creatures Hagrid likes to introduce to his students is Buckbeak, the hippogriff. When I asked if that was a safe lesson for first years, Hagrid told me, “Buckbeak is a good hippogriff. Always cleans his feathers.” So, you’ve got nothing to worry about!

However, you should be aware of the protocol for approaching a hippogriff. It includes a reverent bow, as they are rather proud animals. But once Buckbeak bows in return, you’re free to approach! Just look into those big, blinking yellow eyes, and you’ll see he’s really just a big sweetheart – despite what Draco Malfoy may say. (Harry Potter himself will vouch for this hippogriff!)

Because Buckbeak is so gentle, he’s perfect for riding whether you’re an 11-year-old first-year or one of our older students.

After you’ve made your bow to Buckbeak, you’re free to start your hippogriff flight (just try not to pull on his feathers accidentally). You’ll take off from Hagrid’s hut, twisting and turning through the pumpkin patch, and even glide by Hogwarts castle. It’s an incredible view, and your spirit will soar along with Buckbeak as you gaze across the grounds.

The happy memories you make with Hagrid and Buckbeak might just be strong enough to use for casting a Patronus charm!

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

“We’ll be on the bike, brooms an’ thestrals can’t take me weight, see. Not a lot o’ room on the seat with me on it, though, so you’ll be in the sidecar.”

Rubeus Hagrid

Of course, Buckbeak isn’t Hagrid’s only class pet. But to see his other friends, you’ll have to brave the Forbidden Forest and ancient enchanted ruins on a magical motorbike adventure! You may want to have your wand at the ready. . .

You’ll meet up with Hagrid for class once again and be joined by special guest lecturer Arthur Weasley! Renowned tinkerer and muggle enthusiast Mr. Weasley has helped Hagrid replicate his magical motorbike ten-fold, so there’s enough transportation for each student. And believe me, you’ll want something as swift as Sirius Black’s old bike in the Forbidden Forest. (There’s a reason it’s forbidden. It usually spells certain death or worse: spiders.) But 50 miles per hour should be fast enough to get you away from most of the unfriendly inhabitants. . .

Shortly after class begins, you’ll be introduced to a Blast-Ended Skrewt! This enormous creature resembles a muggle “scorpion,” but it shoots fire from its back end. You should probably duck to avoid the flames!

Once you’ve zoomed by Hagrid and his Skrewt, hang on tight to the handlebars of your motorbike – or brace yourself in the sidecar – because Arthur Weasley’s “living” vehicles are a bit unpredictable! (Seriously, that Ford Anglia has more attitude than Crookshanks!)

You definitely won’t want to eat any Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans before this class; you’re liable to take sharp turns around the moss-covered ruins, severe dives through the trees, fly backward, and also free fall vertically through the air. I’m beginning to think Hagrid should have just borrowed some Nimbus 2000s for you all. . .

Oh, but don’t be scared off. The thrills and spills are part of what makes Care of Magical Creatures the best Hogwarts class! And getting to see Fluffy, too, of course! (That’s Hagrid’s gigantic three-headed dog.) I asked Hagrid what we’d all want to know, and that is, how in the world do you obedience train a three-headed dog??

“Fluffy’s a piece o’ cake if yeh know how to calm him down, jus’ play him a bit o’ music an’ he’ll go straight off ter sleep,” Hagrid told me (suddenly looking like he shouldn’t have told me).

As you continue through the mist of the Forbidden Forest, be sure to watch out for the Devil’s Snare. This plant loves entangling and entrapping unsuspecting first years – and entire motorbikes! If you should find yourself caught, just use the charm Lumos Solem; this plant hates sunlight, and the bright charm will make it shrink back and drop you. (Just don’t look down!)

Emerge from the depths of Hogwarts’ Forbidden Forest, and, if you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of a beautiful unicorn and her foal. The school doesn’t get any more magical than that!

When you’re out of the forest, that means the class is dismissed, but you’re more than welcome to come back and visit Hagrid and his creatures any time you want. Learning about fantastic beasts never gets old!

Magical Menagerie

“Ah, well, people can be a bit stupid abou’ their pets,” said Hagrid wisely. Behind him, Buckbeak spat a few ferret bones onto Hagrid’s pillow.

If you find yourself wishing you, too, could raise a pet hippogriff or three-headed dog, then you’re in luck! A shop called Magical Menagerie in Diagon Alley deals in all sorts of magical creatures, so you don’t have to make any sketchy trades with illegal dragon dealers in the back of the Hog’s Head pub. (Looking at you, Hagrid.)

To get back to Diagon Alley, just head to Hogsmeade Station and take the Hogwarts Express. The views are entirely different on the way back to London! Hagrid will be there to see you off as you leave Hogwarts. Be sure to thank him for the great time you had in his class! And make sure you wave to Buckbeak as he flies alongside the train.

Back in Diagon Alley at Magical Menagerie, you can purchase your own hippogriff, baby Norwegian Ridgeback, snowy owl, or even a baby niffler! Start your magical creatures collection here and become Hogwarts’ next Rubeus Hagrid. (Honestly, that’s goals.)

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Where you go next on your Wizarding World journey is up to you! Just remember, Hogwarts – and Hagrid! – will always be there to welcome you home.

Cover Image

Photo: Jeremy Thompson via Flickr

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