Professor Sparks picks up a small sack that she had sitting on the ground, and reaches her hand in. There is a soft rustling, and she reaches even further. Soon, half her body is in the bag, even though you're sure the bag isn't that big on the inside. When she finally crawls out, she is holding a small white, wiggling puppy. "This, class, is a crup. It looks almost exactly like a Jack Russel Terrier, except for the fact that it has a forked tail." She patted the crup on the head, and held him out to the class with two hands. "They are extremly loyal to wizards, but won't get along with muggles too well. Would any of you like to hold him? His name is Jim."

After the class had sufficiently had their turn, she placed Jim on the ground and watched him sniff his way around the feet of the class. Then, she turned toward the bag and began to dig some more. After a minute, she brought out what appeared to be a common house cat. "This is a Kneazle. Much like a house cat, especially since many of them are bred with them to make them more docile. They're extremely smart, and can detect someone with ill intentions almost instantly. Because of their ill behavior, you must acquire a license to own one, unless of course it is a hybrid." This time, she did not offer the kneazle to the students, instead, letting it go roaming around her garden. "Not quite sure how that one would act, best leave it to its business."

"Last for today, but certainly not least, we have the most majestic and helpful creature for any wizard. Owls." At her words, dozens of owls came floating down from the owlery. If their owner was in the class, they hooted and landed on their shoulders. Those that belonged to the school, searched for an unoccupied wizard and likewise landed on them. "This part of the lesson is practical. I'm going to show you how to properly check your owl for any disease or injury." A small brown barn owl landed on Professor Sparks shoulder, and she grinned, scratching under its neck. "This is Spiffy, my owl. He's going to help me demonstrate today."

"First, you're going to take your owl gently onto your arm from your shoulders, like so." She demonstrated quickly. "First, you're going to want to look into their eyes. If they appear clouded or red, they may be sick. Glassy and shining eyes are important." She looked back at the class. "Next, the beak. Make sure it's not chipped or discolored in anyway." She placed a finger on Spiffy's beak, and he playfully snapped at her. It was obvious they were the best of friends. "After that, run your hands over the feathers and down the appendages to make sure the owl doesn't flinch at your touch." As she finished, she put Spiffy on the very top of her head, letting him nest in her hair. "If your owl still seems a little off, despite appearing normal, you can bring them by anytime. I'm always here to help you with any of your magical creatures, including your toads, bats, or others that we haven't mentioned here today."

Assignment The assignment is due at the end of term However I will be doing something called the Early Bird Special. For everyone that sends in their answers before August 17th at 11:59PM Subeta time, you get entered into a special Care of Magical Creatures gift pack giveaway. All you have to do is turn in your assignment before the above date, then offer 0sp on this trade lot.

The prizes are:

Be sure to include your house in your smail (just so I don't have to look it up :p)

Your assignment today includes two small questions. You may sMail them to where she will grade them.

Each question will be graded out of a maximum of 10 points each for a total of 20 possible House Points.

1.) What requirements is it to owning a Crup?

2.) Name one sickness an owl can get, and how to cure it.