"Werewolves"
Beast Division
Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures
Ministry of Magic



DEFINITION OF A WEREWOLF

An individual afflicted with lycanthropy; an individual that uncontrollably changes from a human form into a wolfish form as a result of the full moon; a dark creature that actively seeks the death of humans during the full moon; a formerly-human beast possessing a human form, transforming into a wolf form as a result of the full moon; "man-wolf"



MINISTRY OF MAGIC CLASSIFICATION

XXXXX - Known wizard killer/impossible to train or domesticate
Werewolves are classified as magical beasts and dark creatures



THE FULL MOON AND TRANSFORMATIONS

When the sun sets and the full moon rises, werewolves tranform into a wolfish body and mind. They do not return to human form until the full moon has set again. It is speculated that the transformation may be slightly delayed if the werewolf has not yet been exposed to moonlight.

The transformations are known to be quite painful, as the body is entirely reshaping itself. The proper growth of child or adolescent victims may be inhibited or delayed due to the interference of the transformations. Some potions may relieve the pain, but conclusive studies are forthcoming.

Werewolves do not retain their human mind when they transform; they are taken over by the wolfish mind and instincts. In the early stages of the condition, werewolves might not remember what the wolfish mind experiences, as they are still adjusting psychologically to their lycanthropy. Some werewolves successfully block their memories of what happens when they transform, but this is regarded as unhealthy behavior.



GEOGRAPHIC RANGE

Found worldwide, the werewolf can live wherever a human or wolf can survive. Werewolves are believed to have originated in northern Europe, where their populations are more concentrated, but significant numbers are also found in western Europe and North America. They are less common in Africa and Asia, and have no significant presence in the Pacific Islands.



PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

The wolf form of a werewolf differs from a normal wolf in several ways:
- Larger in overall size
- Snout is slightly longer and broader
- Teeth are longer and sharper
- Shoulders, back, and limbs are more muscular
- Paws are larger, with stronger claws for tearing and ripping (normal wolves don't use them as weapons)

Coloration varies depending on the werewolf's place of origin. Heavy amounts of white fur are common among northern Europe populations; western Europeans tend towards mixtures of white, grey, brown, and black; pure black is more common in werewolves than in normal wolves, especially in African populations. Interestingly, the coloration of the wolf form almost always is reflected in the human form, particularly in eye color and fur/hair color. Pale skin generally reflects the wolf form having a white underbelly, paws, and muzzle; darker hair colors reflect darker shading on the head and back; grizzled hair is very common. Strong differences in coloration between forms are rare.

Generally, the human form is not readily identifiable as a werewolf, as the features associated with lycanthropy can also be found in normal humans. However, werewolves share some common physical traits:
- Thick hair, increasing in colder seasons and climates
- Thick nails that grow towards points (rather than being squared or rounded)
- Longer canine teeth (with pronounced points) and sharper premolars and than is usual in humans
- Unusual shading and patterns of hair coloration (reflecting fur coloration)
- Dark-rimmed irises, which are often warm shades of brown (yellow eyes have been noted in many feral werewolves)
- Unusually youthful features (due to dark magic reducing effects of aging) *
- Possible stunted growth (if victim of childhood/adolescent lycanthropy) or unusual muscularity for level of physical activity

* Although many develop lines from stress, the features remain rather young and the skin retains youthful elasticity

These wolfish traits start to show in the human form after several dozen transformations. The development might be slowed if the human mind continues to reject the wolf; some werewolves actually show NO signs of the wolf despite experiencing hundreds of full moons.

Childhood and adolescent victims tend to develop all of the traits in varying degrees. Adult victims are more successful in retaining an unaltered human appearance, or possess few wolf features that aren't obvious to the unaware.

Feral werewolves usually develop all of these traits to a strong degree, the wolf in them very apparent. They also tend to have far sharper senses than humans due to the heavy influence of their wolf side.

After a transformation, the human form often exhibits a paler complexion, dark circles under the eyes, increased thickness in hair and nails, and exhaustion.

Werewolves have a greater resistance to disease than both humans and wolves, and their wolf form is more difficult to injure than a normal wolf. Because of their human form, their lifespan is far greater than that of a normal wolf. Due to the genetic changes caused by lycanthropy, werewolves can no longer produce offspring with humans (or with wolves.) However, because of the transformations, any possible offspring are destroyed in the womb long before they can fully develop; thus, werewolves are unable to reproduce even among themselves.

Lycanthropy is passed through the bite of a werewolf. There is conflicting evidence as to whether the werewolf is contagious in their human form, however.



BEHAVIOR

Generally, werewolves are solitary creatures, regardless of the moon phase. Unfortunately, knowledge of werewolf psychology is limited at this time, but it is clear they are psychologically separate from both humans and wolves. Because of their transformations between forms, a werewolf could be considered to have two minds operating under completely different instincts; some werewolves, however, behave no differently when in human form. Individual beliefs regarding their own mind-set vary considerably.

Werewolves tend to be more irritable, aggressive, and prone to violence before and after the full moon. Some werewolves successfully curb these behaviors, but experience heavy exhaustion as a result of battling their "wolf mind." Psychiatric disorders are common, and proximity to the full moon increases the onset of related symptoms.

Many werewolves attempt to integrate themselves into human society (wizard or Muggle, depending on their preference,) though they are usually met with persecution when their condition is known. Werewolves are not permitted to reveal their condition to Muggles, as it alerts Muggles to the existence of magical beasts; thus, the rare Muggle werewolves are greatly distanced from their friends and relatives. Werewolves are often withdrawn and reserved among human company, and they may harbor unfavorable or violent feelings towards humans.

Feral werewolves have been isolated from humans and exhibit highly aggressive behavior when approached, prefering to keep to their own kind or remain alone. It is strongly recommended that feral werewolves not be approached near the full moon, as violent reactions are likely. Some form packs with hierarchies comparable to that of grey wolves.

Most werewolves do not identify themselves as "human," particularly if they were infected with lycanthropy at an early age. Adult victims may think of themselves as human beings afflicted with a disorder, rather than a separate species. Some parents of werewolves encourage this line of thinking, though it often causes confusion and self-doubt when the werewolf enters puberty.

The wolf form is incredibly dangerous and murderous; it will attack and attempt to kill any human it finds. Survivors of werewolf attacks almost always become infected with lycanthropy themselves, as the werewolf's bite transmits the condition. Muggles rarely survive attack, as they don't know how to defend against them; werewolves usually develop from wizards or wizard-borns.



DIETARY HABITS

The wolf form almost exclusively pursues humans, far prefering them to normal wolf prey, such as moose, bison, and reindeer when in packs; small mammals when alone. If hungry enough, the wolf form will resort to animals, but it will always seek humans when available. Like a normal wolf, the werewolf recognizes weak prey and prefers it over stronger, healthier prey (which would be more difficult to subdue.) Children, the elderly, and the infirm are at great risk.

The human form prefers (red) meat to plant substances. It isn't strictly carnivorous like the wolf form, but due to the changes in its biology, it could survive on a carnivorous diet. Some werewolves attempt to become vegetarians, but it is rare that they succeed.



SILVER ALLERGY

Silver has magical properties of a lunar nature, and is commonly associated with the moon. Many beasts that are affected by the moon are also affected (though in different ways) by silver.

All werewolves are allergic to silver, but in varying degrees. Some are highly allergic in one form, but only mildly in the other. Possible allergic reactions upon contact with silver are:
- Itchiness
- Hives
- Stinging
- Blisters
- Burns (possibly severe)
- Shooting pains
- Headaches or migraines
- Nausea (possibly vomitting)
- Dizziness/vertigo
- Loss of consciousness

Psychological effects have also been noted; the wolf form becomes wildly enraged and even more dangerous. The human form might additionally have a strong increase in aggression and violent tendencies (often described as having the "wolf mind" brought out.)

Though rare, some werewolves experience symptoms from mere proximity to silver, especially when present in large amounts. It is highly recommended that those individuals be kept away from any silver or silver compounds to prevent attacks, as it is uncertain what amounts might cause the reactions.

Some Muggle literature suggests using silver to kill a werewolf; this is a dangerous assumption. It has been noted that silver alone DOES NOT kill a werewolf without extreme exposure over a long period of time, and it may only make their murderous behavior increase. Relying upon silver for protection is not recommended. However, enhancing normally non-lethal weapons with silver can prove useful, as can utilizing silver in offensive spells. Pelt hunters should avoid using silver, as the allergic reactions may cause damage to the pelt or decrease in quality.



WOLFSBANE AND THE WOLFSBANE POTION

Wolfsbane (or aconite; monkshood) is as highly poisonous to werewolves as it is to humans. The plant itself can help subdue werewolves, though it isn't recommended that one brandish it in the hopes of avoiding attack. The wolf form seems to have far stronger reactions to wolfsbane than the human form, suggesting that wolfsbane acts to curb the wolf mind itself, rather than actually affecting the human. Sometimes a small amount of wolfsbane is placed by bedsides to treat psychological symptoms of silver exposure. Like silver, exposure to and contact with wolfsbane can cause illness and unconsciousness, so werewolves tend to avoid it.

Some wizard courtrooms place bundles of silver and wolfsbane near doorways to ward off werewolves, with the assumption that the combination will make the werewolf too ill to enter, but not provoke violent thoughts.

A recent development, the Wolfsbane potion eliminates the murderous behavior of werewolves while in their wolf form, apparently by allowing the werewolf to retain their human mind. It should be taken within the week preceeding the full moon to produce the full effect. As the potion is incredibly difficult to brew, it should not be attempted by any but the most highly skilled Potions Masters. Weak brews may have little result, and improper brewing can kill the werewolf. No substances should be added to the potion besides the essential ingredients, as additional materials render the solution inactive or even deadly. Imbiding further potions may also interfere with the effects.

The potion is not a cure for lycanthropy, nor does any cure exist.



ATTITUDES TOWARDS WEREWOLVES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND IRELAND

Muggles have displayed a fascination with werewolves in their literature and entertainment, generally portraying the horrific side of werewolf behavior. As with wizards in centuries past, individuals suspected of being afflicted with lycanthropy were imprisoned or executed. Their beliefs about werewolves are often confused with Animagi, as they usually think werewolves voluntarily transform. They also tend to believe werewolves have a form that blends human and wolf characteristics.

It should be noted that the current use of the term "lycanthropy" among Muggles refers to a psychiatric condition, where the individual believes themself to transform into a wolf due to hallucinations.

The wizarding world shuns werewolves and persecutes against them. It is commonly assumed that all werewolves are untrustworthy; dangerous regardless of the moon phase; violent; murderous.

Childhood and adolescent victims are rarely permitted to attend school, or are expelled when their condition becomes known. Almost all fully trained wizards were infected after completing their education, as schooling is likely to be terminated if their condition is discovered. Some adolescent victims were able to conceal their condition long enough to complete their education, but childhood victims rarely received any wizarding education. Many parents, if they still associate with their child, assume (usually correctly) that their child won't be permitted to attend school, and make no attempts to seek educational opportunities.

It is known that Headmaster Albus Dumbledore of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry permitted a victim of childhood lycanthropy to attend his school and become a fully trained wizard, and the individual has twice been hired as a professor. Previous headmasters have rejected known werewolves, and it is not likely future headmasters will follow Headmaster Dumbledore's example.

Though Clause 3 of the Code of Wand Use states that no non-human creature is permitted to carry or use a wand, an exception is made for those rare werewolves that have received a proper wizarding education.

Werewolves rarely find paid work when their condition is known, or lose their jobs due to their inability to work during a full moon. Werewolves are required by law to inform their employers of their lycanthropy if the job involves interaction with children. Severe penalties result if the werewolf fails to notify the employer in these cases. They are not required to inform their employers of their status in other positions, but they cannot expect to hold a job for any considerable amount of time.

As werewolves are considered magical beasts and not beings, they cannot take part in government functions, and have no legal representation. They do not have the same rights as human beings.



WEREWOLF DEPARTMENTS IN THE MINISTRY OF MAGIC

The Werewolf Registry is responsible for keeping track of all werewolves in the United Kingdom and Ireland. All werewolves are required to register themselves when they become infected (or in the case of minors, their parents or guardians must register them.) The Registry is part of the Beast Division, and works closely with the Capture Unit to provide identifying information regarding any werewolves that must be apprehended.

The Werewolf Capture Unit keeps both Muggles and wizards safe from werewolves by patrolling known werewolf habitats during the full moon, and subduing (by any means necessary) any werewolf that enters human areas. They are also sent to apprehend any werewolf that attacks or kills a human being. It is also part of the Beast Division.

Werewolf Support Services is a part of the Being Division. All werewolves are assigned to a designated shelter, where they are routinely evaluated for both physical and mental health while in their human forms. The wolf form is also observed from time to time. The shelter is available for use during all full moons so werewolves have a safe place to transform, or as temporary housing the rest of the month. Some shelters provide counseling, medical services, and/or assistance finding paid work. Werewolf Support Services is authorized to conduct experiments and psychological testing for the safety of human beings and advancement of knowledge.



MUGGLE WEREWOLVES

It is rare that a Muggle survives to become a werewolf. Children, the elderly, and the infirm cannot survive a werewolf bite; only healthy young to middle-aged adults have a chance. The cause of death is suspected to be the intrusion of Dark Magic, but the untreated wound is definitely a major factor in many deaths (Muggles are not equipped to successfully treat a werewolf's bite.)

Those few Muggles that become werewolves are transferred to a shelter specifically designated for Muggle werewolves. They receive medical attention for their wounds, and counseling to help them adjust to their condition. In time, they may be allowed to re-enter Muggle society, provided they do not reveal their condition to any Muggles. They are only made aware of the existence of werewolves, not wizards; Memory Charms are used to prevent them from remembering any magical healing and potions. However, those that already know of wizards through family members are given the opportunity to join wizarding society.