Character Analysis
Even though Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them isn't, strictly speaking, about Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling manages to work him in somehow. Because, you know, it's Harry Potter.
Dumbledore explains in his foreword:
You hold in your hands a duplicate of Harry Potter's own copy of Fantastic Beasts, complete with his and his friends' informative notes in the margins. Although Harry seemed a trifle reluctant to allow this book to be reprinted in its present form, our friends at Comic Relief feel that his small additions will add to the entertaining tone of the book. Mr. Newt Scamander, long since resigned to the relentless graffitiing of his masterpiece, has agreed. (2.4)
Harry's notes are pretty funny because they overlap with little jokes and info we know from Harry's story. When Mr. Scamander writes,
Rumours that a colony of Acromantula has been established in Scotland are unconfirmed. (9.3)
Harry crosses out the word "unconfirmed" and writes, "confirmed by Harry Potter and Ron Weasley" underneath.
Hey: if you almost got killed by a bunch of giant murderous spiders, you'd want to make some corrections in the margins, too.
Some other examples:
There have been no recorded sighting of the Basilisks in Britain for a least four hundred years. (10.4)
Harry writes: "That's what you think," because he totally killed one that was living below Hogwarts in the Chamber of Secrets. Boom.
About the Hungarian Horntail:
Supposedly the most dangerous of all dragon breeds. (12.13)
Harry writes: "You're not kidding," in reference to his battle with that nasty Hungarian Horntail during the Triwizard Tournament.
And in the entry on Werewolves, Harry simply writes, "Werewolves aren't all bad," (30.1) which is, of course a reference to his friend and favorite werewolf, Remus Lupin.
Harry's notes really bring his character to life. He's funny and kind of goofy at times, but also warm and caring. (Just like the Harry we know and love.)
He's also had a lot of real life adventures with these fantastic beasts. For Harry, this isn't just stuff he's read about in a book. It's stuff he's lived. (And, bonus: at this point he's only fourteen. He doesn't really know what else is in store for him at this point.)
All we'll say is hold onto your Hippogriffs, Harry. It's gonna be a wild ride.
For more on Harry Potter—because you can never have too much Harry Potter—try starting with our character guide on him in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.