Chizpurfle

Warning! At least some content in this article is derived from information featured in Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery. Spoilers will be present within the article.

A Chizpurfle is a type of very small magical parasite. Crab-like in appearance, they are up to a twentieth of an inch with fangs. Magic attracts them and they are commonly found in the fur and feathers of Crups and Augureys.^[1] Chizpurfle carapaces^[2] and fangs^[3] are used in potion-making.

Biology and Habits

Chizpurfles attack magical objects like wands and cauldrons, gnawing through to the magical core or gorging on the last remnants of potions.^[1] They are also attracted to spells, such as the Wand-Lighting Charm Duo.^[2] In the absence of magic, Chizpurfles attack Muggle items powered by electricity. This explains the sudden failure of various new electrical goods.^[1]

Chizpurfle infestations are usually easily handled by patented potions on the market, but more severe infestations need to be dealt with by the Pest Sub-Division of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures.

Etymology

The word "Chiz" is an English word for "cheat" or "swindle", presumably a cognate of "chisel". The word "Purfle" is a fur trimming border of a garment.

Behind the scenes

• As they feed off of magic, Chizpurfles are thaumavores, and as they can also feed off of electricity, they are also electrovores, but prefer magic over electricity.
• In Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Rowan Khanna says Rubeus Hagrid was once very upset and cried when he thought he trod on a Chizpurfle.

Appearances

• Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (video game) (PS1 version only) (Mentioned only)
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (video game) (PS1 version only) (Mentioned only)
• Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (video game)
• Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
• Fantastic Beasts: Cases from the Wizarding World
• Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery (Mentioned only)

Notes and references