(An excerpt from 'Care of Magical Creatures and Where to Find Them' By Newt Scamander) Veela and Half-Veela
Veela are widely renowned for their beauty and grace, or, if you're a more academic and less romantically inclinedindividual, their fire magic. (See page 57 for more on Pyromancy) An uncommon truth of these beings is that they are distant descendants of the Fair Folk.
A typical full-Veela is a pale, snow white, with silky blonde hair. (See page 15 for more on Use of Creature Parts in Wandmaking) Though Veela, like humans, have many variations depending on culture, climate, and heritage.
(You laugh to yourself.)
A common misconception, is that all Veela are female. This is categorically untrue, as the species could not survive without reproduction. This is thought to come from the commodification of Veela beauty, often as mascots and 'entertainers.' While it is true that female Veela are more easily recognised, male Veela share many of the same traits as their partner sex. In fact, Veela as a species do not seem to have any Sexual Dimorphism at all, with both the male and female being described as "Beautiful, alluring, hypnotic" when calm but, "Terrifying, cruel, and beaked" when angry. Male Veela are more often mischaracterized as only half, due to this misconception.
(Again, you laugh, don't you know it.)
The Veela are thought to be descended from the Fair Folk of the Winter Unseelie Courts. (See page 20 for more on Fae Courts) This is because of their bird-like faces, unusual grace, ability to seemingly float, and of course, their wings. Now, it might seem confusing to some that descendants of the Winter Court would have such strong pyromancy, but in truth, Winter Fair Folk were rumored to make frequent use of fire. A common consequence for insulting a Winter Fae was coming home to a burnt-out house, or if the perceived insult was great enough, a painful death by fire.
Because of this fire magic, Veela and Part-Veela were hunted as during the Dark Times (See partner Encyclopedia: The Dark Times: A History of Blood Wars) even more so than 'plain' witches and wizards. It is to be noted that perhaps the reason there is such a perceived difference between male and female Veela's is due to the fact female Veela were often forced to light by the Witch Trials, as the movement was largely misogynistic. To keep themselves and their family safe, male Veela would 'turn-coat' or camouflage themselves by using their charm to gain high-level positions in The Church and participate themselves in The Trials. (See page 62 for more on The History of Magical Gender)
The Veela are perhaps the closest we come to true Fae-
(The rest of the page is burned away, with ash still streaked over the spine and cover. Crumbling blackened edges are all you can see of the next few pages. You're a bit sad, you wanted to know more, but you could always ask your father.)