Magical Flora and Fauna...A Walk on Hogwarts' Grounds

Homo Sardonicus

Among other things, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
 (located in Scotland just outside of Hogsmeade) is home to a most unique 
and elusive creature, Homo Sardonicus, commonly known as 
Skulking Potions Master (pictured below right).    A subspecies of Genus 
Homo Sapiens, the Skulking Potions Master is found only 
within the hallowed walls of Hogwarts' Grounds.

While nominally an indoor creature, Homo Sardonicus can often be found as pictured, in the bushes outside.  Its normal territory is in the Dungeons of Hogwarts, where the fast-moving biped puts on impressive displays to intimidate challengers and protect its hunting-grounds.

The puzzling Homo Sardonicus is a solitary creature, not only disinterested in but actively shunning companionship.  It is an opportunistic omnivore, feeding on carrion and the spoils of others' successful hunts.  Homo Sardonicus also hoards particularly desirable foodstuffs, storing them in airtight containers until needed.  Magical Creatures Experts believe that this is the reason why this Genus displays such hardiness and adaptability, despite its solitary lifestyle and dependence on its environment.  This food-hoarding is also believed to account for the species' hostility and suspicious nature towards creatures who invade its territory.

The mating habits of this Genus are not known - although it is manifest that they do mate, the continued existence of the species being incontrovertible proof.

Studying Homo Sardonicus has been challenging for researchers.  While most of its time is spent in the protective confines of Hogwarts' dungeons, magical scientists quickly found that observation of the species in this arena was impossible; the presence of researchers altered the behaviour of the subject to a sufficient degree so as to contaminate the study.

Furthermore, scientists found the subject's hostility increased with its proximity to researchers, and several of the fellows received injuries before confirming that the cranky biped became violent when cornered.

Researchers met with more success observing the subject outdoors.  It was there that Homo Sardonicus earned its common name Skulking Potions Master, after observation of the lithe animal protectively expanding its territory onto the school grounds.

In a phenomenon only recently caught on Magical camera, Homo Sardonicus (named for the sharp, bark-like hissing noises that issue from its mouth when disturbed) will, usually during the spring and late fall, prowl in a predatory fashion around the perimeter of the school (mostly on the pathways), discouraging interlopers and, presumably, marking its territory.

Upon occasion, lucky observers can find Homo Sardonicus rooting through thick bushes, following the scent of its quarry.  Scientists believe, in the picture captured above right, Sardonicus is 'skulking' in the bushes, hoping to catch an enemy or prey unawares.  This picture is doubly-unusual, first for the clarity and proximity of the subject and also for its uncharacteristic noticeability.  Under normal circumstances, Skulking Potions Master is undetectable when on the alert.

While this Equinoxal behaviour is disruptive to the other creatures in the Hogwarts environs, it serves the (doubtless unintentional) but important purpose of keeping down the population levels of Homo Sapiens, a species whose breeding patterns can tend to overwhelm an ecosystem.

In conclusion, despite its solitary nature and irascibility, Homo Sardonicus is a valued and necessary part of the natural balance of Hogwarts School, and we hope to be able to observe and appreciate this magnificent animal for years to come.

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