Werewolves

Here you can find out information about werewolves according to the Harry Potter series (other mythology is not mentioned on this page). Note: If you have not read the 3rd and 5th books in the Harry Potter series, this section contains spoilers.

What are they?

Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them, p. 41-42:

M.O.M. Classification: XXXXX *
The Werewolf is found worldwide, though it is believed to have originated in northern Europe. Humans turn into Werewolves only when bitten. There is no known cure, though recent developments in potion-making have to a great extent alleviated the worst symptoms. Once a month, at a full moon, the otherwise sane and normal wizard or Muggle afflicted transforms into a murderous beast. Almost uniquely among fantastic creatures, the Werewolf actively seeks humans in preference to any other kind of prey. It is also interesting to note that the first Werewolf Register was created in 1947 by Newt Scamander.

* This classification refers, of course, to the Werewolf in it's transformed state. When there is no full moon, the Werewolf is as harmless as any other human. For a heart rendering account of one wizard's battle with lycanthropy, see the classic "Hairy Snout, Human Heart" by an anonymous author (Whizz Hard Books, 1975).

What is wolfsbane potion?

Werewolves take it to alleviate their monthly symptoms (painful transforming and aggressive behaviour). Although it isn't a cure for Lycanthropy, it is a great advancement in potion-making and is one step further toward a cure. It must be taken for the full week before a full moon to have any effect, and sugar makes it useless. The potion was invented by a wizard named Damocles, who received the Order of Merlin and is the uncle of a current Hogwarts student, Marcus Belby.

Other information

Within the Ministry of Magic, in the Beast Division of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, there is a Werewolf Capture Unit and a Werewolf Register. Werewolf Support Services also exist within the Ministry and are located in the Being Division of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. Also mentioned is the Werewolf Code of Conduct which was written in 1637.

In addition to the above, we have recently learned that two years prior to the events of OotP, Dolores Umbridge, a Ministry of Magic official who 'loathes half-breeds', drafted a piece of anti-werewolf legislation that makes it almost impossible for werewolves to find work.