this version of FB / Crookshanks / Lexicon help

[Steve Vander Ark]

No: HPFGUIDX 14313


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> This and the absence of the 3-headed dog leaves the possibility of 
> other as yet unmentioned creatures appearing in the next books, but 
my 
> guess is that most of them will be on the list.

The proper name for the 3-headed dog is "hellhound." Cerberus was 
one, in Greek mythology. He guarded the Underworld's entrance. Like 
anyone would really want to go down there...

I think it's pretty clear that the version of FB we have in our hands 
is a specially prepared edition that drastically pares down the 
beasts included. Dementors and boggarts are an excellent example of 
beasts that SHOULD be there but aren't. This is also apparent in the 
list of students on that checkout list. I think it was added 
specifically for this edition. They said, well, it has a library 
slip, what do we do with that, and Dumbledore said, "Let's just put 
some names on it that the Muggles will recognize." 

As for Crookshanks, I think it's obvious that JKR put that one 
creature in the book (don't have my copy--was it a Kneezle?) to tip 
us off to what Crookshanks really is. The description is uncannily 
close to that of Crookshanks, especially when you take the behavior 
into account. I'd say that Crookshanks is a mix of one of those and a 
normal cat. Not that there's any such thing as a "normal" cat...

Amy, in regards to working on the Lexicon for me, I would be 
delighted to have help. Doreen already is doing some work for me and 
I have approached a few folks here and there for permission to use 
their stuff (some of which is still in my to-do pile). And of course, 
Caius has contributed a lot of wonderful writing for the Journal. But 
there is absolutely no money involved. I have been approached a 
number of times to include advertising on my site, but I have always 
refused, although it gets a LOT of hits and would certainly be able 
to generate some support cash. But no one makes a speck of money off 
the Lexicon -- it's all volunteer, including me. I like it without 
those ugly banner ads.

Of course, if Scholastic wanted to pay me to do it and make it part 
of their official site, that would be fine too. I wonder how I would 
ask them about that?

Steve Vander Ark
The Harry Potter Lexicon
The best Harry Potter website on the planet. Well, I like it anyway.
http://www.i2k.com/~svderark/lexicon