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Page Nine


Ashwinder and Billywig

Ashwinder (XXX)

The Ashwinder is a serpent that is created from the remains of any magical fire that is allowed to burn unchecked.

The Ashwinder is pale-grey with glowing red eyes. They rise from the embers of the dying fire, and slither off into a dark corner to lay their eggs, leaving an ashy trail behind. Ashwinders only live for an hour, and will collapse to dust when they have laid their eggs.

Ashwinder eggs are red and give off intense heat. If they can be frozen with a Freezing Charm, they can be used in a Love Potion, or eaten whole as a cure for ague.

Since Ashwinders are created by magical fires, they can be found anywhere. However, if in a residence and allowed to lay their eggs, the eggs will ignite and burn the dwelling down within minutes.
Billywig (XXX)

The Billywig is an insect native to Australia. It is around half an inch long and a vivid sapphire blue. The speed of the Billywig means that it is rarely noticed by Muggles, and Wizards only spot it once they have been stung.

The Billywig's wings are attached to the top of its head, and the wings rotate extremely fast, spinning the Billywig so that it can fly. Xenophilius Lovegood used Billywig wings for his recreation of Rowena Ravenclaw's diadem because he believed they "induce an elevated frame of mind". The Billywig also has a long, thin stinger at the bottom of its body. Anyone stung by a Billywig will suffer giddiness, followed by levitation. Because of this side-effect, young Australian witches and wizards try to catch Billywigs and provoke them into stinging them. Too many stings, however, can cause the victim to hover uncontrollably for days on end. Sometimes, the victim will suffer from a severe allergic reaction, and permanent floating may ensue.

Dried Billywig stings are used in several potions, and are believed to be a component in Fizzing Whizbees




Homework:

1. How are Ashwinders created?

2.Describe a Billywig.

3. Why do some try to get stung by Billywigs?