[HPforGrownups] Crookshanks

[Richelle Votaw]

No: HPFGUIDX 46957

Kathy writes:


> Hi all.  I'm new to the group, I'm so glad that I found it.  Have
> you discussed Crookshanks?  I've been wondering if it's possible
> that he's really an animagus?

Hi Kathy, welcome aboard. I think Crookshanks is part Kneazle.  I am 97%
sure that JKR confirmed that in an interview but can't for the life of me
think which one right now.  According to Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find
Them:

    The Kneazle was originally bred in Britain, though it is now exported
worldwide.
    A small catlike creature with flecked, speckled, or spotted fur, outsize
ears, and a
    tail like a lion's, the Kneazle is intelligent, independent, and
occasionally
    aggressive, though if it takes a liking to a witch or wizard, it makes
an excellent
    pet.  The Kneazle has an uncanny ability to detect unsavoury or
suspicious
    characters and can be relied upon to guide its owner safely home if they
are lost.
    Kneazles have up to eight kittens in a litter and can interbreed with
cats.
    Liscences are required for ownership as Kneazles are sufficiently
unusual in
    appearance to attract Muggle interest.

Now, JKR interview that I can't find aside, several points in there sound
very much like Crookshanks.  First of all, it says they can interbreed with
cats.  Which means Crookshanks is probably half cat/ half Kneazle, which
would probably make him look more like a cat and therefore be mistaken for a
cat.    Second, "intelligent, independent, and occasionally aggressive."
Sound familiar?  Third, "if it takes a liking to a witch or wizard, it makes
an excellent pet."  Well, Crookshanks has certainly taken a liking to
Hermione, after being stuck in that pet shop so long.  Last, but not least,
". . . has an uncanny ability to detect unsavoury or suspicious characters"
which of course is why Crookshanks was so aggressive toward Scabbers.

Richelle

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"May it be a light to you in dark places, when all other lights go out."
---- Lady Galadriel, The Fellowship of the Ring
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