In the pursuit of knowledge, my travels have crossed paths with fellow seekers. The Lovegoods are a delight to encounter no matter the biome, and a positively scintillating discussion if one can pin them down long enough. Ropes must be involved if the conversation will out-last a single meal, but manners count; if treated with good manners, they may consider returning the favor.

A different conversation with an acquaintance, Squire Grim Jowls, has lead me to a new subject that titillates the imagination. It is a beast known to the adherents of a book series that has achieved near cult-like status amongst the younger generation, and not a few members of the older lines. It shall not be named of course; merely speaking the name may invoke the Curse that causes many to decry such minor things as logic, plot and personality. Therefore, I shall speak only of the famed creature.

The Grim (Canis custodem) is perhaps one of the most famous of canine creatures in the wizarding world. While native to multiple cultures and geographies, the most famous species is native to the United Kingdom. Lesser known variants, such as the Cŵn Annwn (Canis vigilantes) and the Garmr (Canis sanguine) from Wales and Norway respectively, are understood to be related, but lack the international fame of C. custodem.

Works by the renown Turkish medi-wizard K. Shitaliz recount tales of C. custodem being discovered posting vigil over graveyards hundreds of years old. Of course, this necessitates an understandably convoluted history of the species, simplified for the current needs.

Unlike muggle cultures, the wizarding realm understands existence to encompass more than simple material matters. Ghosts and phantasms exist in abundance, neither requiring the same atmosphere or sustenance as mortals. Certain species such as the Common Ashwinder (Calculus comedenti) and dragons (Majister reptilium) ingest copious quantities of energy, exhibiting characteristics blending botanical photosynthesis in the carnivorous frame of mobile predators.

These discrepancies create the broad categories derived by the Greeks (see: Griechische Codices: Bestiarium Ausgabe, [Grecian Codices, Bestiary Edition] by Selig Fürst-Ulfric, 1212) and updated by one of the last great minds to straddle both magical and mundane realms, Carl Linneaus.

Systema Naturae, whose tenth edition introduced binomial nomenclature for naming creatures, is only half of the great works. The other half, Ratio Contra Naturam, concerned itself with the incorporeal denizens of this plane.

C. custodem is a uniquely amphibious creature in the collected works. It possesses a corporeal body when needed, defending graveyards from grave-robbers and phantasms alike. Thick fur made of iron-hard hairs shrugs aside heavy blows, and its aura consists of pure chaotic energy, dispelling even powerful curses directed at its large form. Keen eyesight aids this creature in its eternal vigil, limited by the non-corporeal portion of its nature. But within its small realm of responsibility it misses nothing, from Astral Projections (see: Now-you-see-me-now-you- by Voploshchennoye Zlo – also known as the Incarnation of Evil – c.1899) to wizards cloaked in demiguise cloaks (see: Fundamentals of Purloining Controversial Materials, by Dragon Fate, 1872).

When fully corporeal, C. custodem seems to attain a weight appropriate for the situation. Observations of children would make it seem the beast weighs no more than a large child; but an errant Dire Wolf (Canis dente) of three hundred pounds will be tossed from the graveyard like a bespelled bag of rubbish.

Sustenance for C. custodem is variable. Offerings are absorbed, or ingested depending on the form, to great extent. This shifting condition is only exacerbated by the intangible form which C. custodem can take.

To whit, Spectral grade magics are measured on different standards than the traditional Flamel and Merlin scale (see: Fantastic Phantasms, by Nautica de Sub, 1623). Traditional measurements fail to accurately measure energy production within incorporeal creatures, and are of particular uselessness when gauging Flamel calculations.

Therefore, we operate on a form of presence, the cardinal.

Cardinal measurements (see: Alternative Measurements in Evaluating Non-physical Phenomenon, by Oleg Sun-ganner, 1821) operate in a form of ratio; a full Cardinal presence indicates complete corporeal presence. A score of zero Cardinals demonstrates the exact opposite; full spectral form.

In the former, caloric content improves the beast's well-being. Gifts of meat, high fat-content breads, and proteins are consumed as any other corporeal creature might. But while an individual may, with the proper tools, take measurements of the caloric content, such a thing is useless on C. custodem. Whereas a sea serpent might survive a predetermined duration on a known quantity of meat, C. custodem eludes all such estimations. Some have argued this is due to spectral creatures existing outside of what is considered normal existence (see: Ghosts, Time, and Thyme, by Sachun Amphibion Demise, 1978), and is even most likely to be correct.

Other noteworthy hallmarks can be found through searching Historic records of C. custodem. Tomes from the older Church days include stories from grateful clerics, crediting the creature for their successful defense of entire properties (see: Tales of the Grim by Edward Winoski, 1721). These independently verified accounts record specific territorial behaviors with C. custodem: they defend their territory from all intruders intending harm.

A specific example may be found in the collected works of Head Abbot Vayneosky of the Sherston Abbey, of Wiltshire. In his writings are several references to what is now known to be C. custodem. Of pertinent interest is the journal entry from December 11, 1510.

"This Midwinter's Night, in the one thousand, five hundred and eleventh year of Our Lord, the fires of burning homes drove many to fear and workings of the Evil One. Indeed, for Thieves and Brigands, liberated from Good Sense came seeking the treasures entrusted to my Beloved Abby.

"While their numbers were few, evil did smite their hearts, and the False Light did deceive their poor souls and seduce them to such depravity. But Our Lord did see our need, and sent His guardian. A fell creature of such majesty and might that none could withstand him. Arrows did skip from his thews, and in rage he did break bones and blades alike. With my own eyes I did see this mighty Defender of the Faith face a large man with ash stave, and crush the wood and hand quite apart.

"After such courage in the face of debauched Man, this noble dog paced to my side. Gathering my courage, I did perform the Last Rites, for even the moste wicked may repent at the Last. But at my every move the beast of massive size strayed not one step from mine side, watching.

"I did fear, for it is not given to mortal man to know the hour of his passing. But this great defender did remonstrate my cowardice most gently, gracing me with the touch of a faithful companion on my hand.

"And I did, and so shall continue to, commend the actions of this Noble Beast, for he is indeed a Defender sent by Our Lord, a stout lad, and the Goode Boye to which all such of his mortal kindred aspire …."

It is observed herein that the C. custodem was defending an Abbey from pillagers, a pattern that is seen again and again. As land became more parceled, divided between owners and businessmen, that territory became smaller, shrinking from the vast acreages once devoted to the Church and their dependent villages to mere acreage devoted to mass crop production. With this geographic decrease, the C. custodem became seen less and less often, until its existence is a bare footnote in the annals of our peoples.

In these modern times, the place of C. custodem has become a relic, reminders of past eras. We may have forgotten their purpose, or even take the silent vigilance in which they take for granted. But they will never abandon their post. If one should walk past a graveyard, and should see an ominous shape peering at them through iron bars over the resting places of the fallen, do not fear. It is only a guardian, promising safe passage for the departed and those that visit their memories.

I am,

In humility,

Charles Levinhand, Master Temporal Majus, Magical Creatures Enthusiast, and grateful beneficiary of the Plumbone and Serpent Orders.