Matagot

Matagot
Species information
Eye colour	Light blue
Skin colour	Black
Native to	France (possibly)
Distinction	Resembles black cat in appearance Capable of multiplying Normally harmless, vicious when provoked
Affiliation	French Ministry of Magic
Ministry of Magic Classification	Beast
Status	Extant

The Matagot was a magical beast that resembled a large, black cat in appearance.

Description

Matagots after exiting the wizarding world

In France, they were used by the French Ministry of Magic for handiwork, such as handling the correspondence and security of some departments. Normally, they were harmless, but if provoked, they would turn into very ferocious creatures.

Matagots appeared to be resistant to most forms of magic and spells, and could multiply themselves by generating permanent duplicates upon being hit with offensive spells, such as the Stunning Spell.

Upon exiting the wizarding world, Matagots would turn into ordinary-looking black cats. They could also enter this state within the wizarding world if treated in a friendly-enough manner, particularly if food was offered. However, if threatened or attacked, they would turn back into their normal form, known as their "spirit form."

A Matagot could be found in the Magical Creatures Reserve, near Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, in Scotland.

Celine Castillon, an eminent Wizard's Chess player and a student at Beauxbatons Academy of Magic, was nicknamed the "Matagot of Wizard Chess".

Behind the scenes

A Matagot as a POP! Vinyl

• A Matagot is a spirit in French folklore that tends to take the form of a black cat. While many Matagots are evil in nature, some can be helpful to humans. If a "wealth-bringing" Matagot is allowed to eat and drink first at every meal, it will give its owner a solid gold coin each morning.
• The Matagot closely resembles the specially-bred Sphynx breed of domestic cat, known for its lack of coat (fur).
• Newt Scamander mentions that they are spirit familiars, which is a subject of much debate and controversy in the fandom. This is because J. K. Rowling has previously stated that "familiars, in the strictest sense, do not exist in the world of Harry Potter", after years of fans debating whether or not Hedwig was Harry Potter's spirit familiar.
  • It is worth noting that the exact phrasing suggests that something one could call a familiar may exist, but nothing that rigidly adheres to the archetype of such a thing.

Appearances

• Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald - The Original Screenplay (First appearance)
• Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald
• Wizarding World
• Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery
• Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells
• Harry Potter: Magic Awakened