Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay

by J.K. Rowling

A guide to help people understand why we should be protecting these creatures instead of killing them.

The Niffler is standing in a shop window. In order to hide, it is emulating a jewellery stand, little arms outstretched, covered in diamonds. NEWT stares at the Niffler in disbelief. Sensing NEWT’S stare, the Niffler slowly turns. The two of them make eye contact.

My philosophy is that worrying means you suffer twice.

Before wizards went underground, when we were still being hunted by Muggles, young wizards and witches sometimes tried to suppress their magic to avoid persecution. Instead of learning to harness or to control their powers, they developed what was called an Obscurus.

A law that has us scuttling like rats in the gutter! A law that demands that we conceal our true nature! A law that directs those under its dominion to cower in fear lest we risk discovery! I ask you Madam President— (eyes flashing to all present) —I ask all of you. Who does this law protect? Us? (gesturing vaguely to the No-Majs above) Or them? (smiling bitterly)