Show pageOld revisionsBacklinksBack to top This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong. ======The Stuffed Vulture====== =====Object Information===== * **Type:** Component of a magical outfit; Manifestation from the [[Riddikulus]] [[charm]] * **Owners:** The original hat belongs to [[Augusta Longbottom]]; the magical manifestation was created by [[Neville Longbottom]]. * **Maker:** N/A (Magically created) =====Description and Appearance===== The stuffed [[vulture]] is a large, seemingly taxidermied bird described as being "moth-eaten." It is perched atop a tall hat, which itself is part of an outlandish outfit belonging to [[Neville Longbottom]]'s grandmother, [[Augusta Longbottom]]. The complete ensemble, as imagined by Neville to counteract a [[Boggart]], consists of the vulture-topped hat, a long green dress, a fox-fur scarf, and a large, crimson handbag. The appearance of this entire outfit on the fearsome figure of [[Professor Snape]] is designed to be utterly ridiculous. =====Magical Properties and Usage===== The stuffed [[vulture]] itself does not possess any inherent magical properties. Its existence is solely the result of the successful casting of the [[Riddikulus]] [[charm]] on a [[Boggart]]. The purpose of the [[vulture]] and the accompanying attire is to transform the user's greatest fear into a comical figure. A [[Boggart]] is a shape-shifting non-being that takes the form of what a person fears most. The charm to defeat it, [[Riddikulus]], requires the caster to envision the frightening creature in a humorous form. The power that vanquishes a [[Boggart]] is laughter. The image of [[Professor Snape]] wearing a hat with a large, moth-eaten [[vulture]] on it provided the necessary amusement to repel the creature. =====History===== The stuffed [[vulture]] made its only appearance during a [[Defence Against the Dark Arts]] lesson in 1993, taught by Professor [[Remus Lupin]]. To teach his third-year students how to handle a [[Boggart]], [[Lupin]] had each student face it one by one. [[Neville Longbottom]]'s greatest fear was [[Professor Snape]]. Following [[Lupin]]'s advice to picture Snape in his grandmother's clothes, Neville confronted the Boggart-Snape and cast the [[Riddikulus]] [[charm]]. The [[Boggart]] was instantly forced to transform, appearing in [[Augusta Longbottom]]'s distinctive clothes, crowned by the hat with the stuffed [[vulture]]. The sight caused the entire class, including [[Lupin]], to erupt in laughter, successfully neutralizing the threat. =====Role in the Story===== The appearance of the stuffed [[vulture]] is a pivotal moment for [[Neville Longbottom]]'s character development. It represents one of his first clear and public successes in practical [[magic]], especially in a high-pressure situation. By successfully facing down his greatest fear (even in [[Boggart]] form), Neville gains a significant boost in confidence, earning him ten [[House Points]] for [[Gryffindor]] and the respect of his peers. The event serves as an early indicator of the courage that Neville would later display. =====Behind the Scenes===== * In the film adaptation of //Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban//, the vulture-topped hat is faithfully recreated and becomes a memorable visual from the [[Boggart]] scene. The [[vulture]] itself is depicted as large and slightly decrepit, wobbling humorously on Boggart-Snape's head. (film)
