Vampires are one of the most controversial races in the wizarding world. — Classified as Non-Living Part Humans by the international wizarding community, and as Beings by the Ministry, they are tolerated at best by the rest of the magical community. Centaurs and mers declined being classified as Beings by the Ministry because they did not want to be associated with vampires. This is because vampires, in order to survive, must drink human blood.

The average lifespan of a vampire is unknown. As far as experts in the field are concerned, the only ways a vampire can die are starvation and violence.

Vampires are created, not born.

Not every vampire bite results in the creation of a new vampire. In order for a person to become a vampire, they must be drained of at least 51% of their blood by the vampire. This will result in either death - the more likely outcome - or vampirism, after a painful and multi-hour transformation process. The person becomes extremely feverish and 'dies,' only to wake up again as something else.

Vampirism works as an incurable 'virus' transmitted through bites - when humans have enough white blood cells, they can destroy the virus, but when enough blood is drained their body can no longer fight off the virus. Vampires have a heightened sense of smell and eyesight, as well as heightened physical abilities. They are hunters. If originally a wielder of magic, a vampire will be stripped of their magical abilities as part of the transformation.

Human-like beings, vampires are pale and gaunt with sharp teeth. When turned, a vampire will keep most of their human appearance. However, they will appear so pale that they may almost have a blue tinge. This is due to the fact that they do not have blood flowing and for all intents and purposes, greatly resemble a recently dead body. Those that try to function in society often appear emaciated, as they often do not allow themselves the pleasure of filling themselves on blood. Instead, they simply drink enough in order to keep themselves alive. Excessive blood drinking can help to combat the corpse-like look however it is not easy to get away with. They have dark shadows under their eyes, as they have no need to sleep.

When speaking, the sharpened teeth of the vampire will be evident. In addition, a vampire is incapable of creating a reflection.

In order to survive, vampires must drink human blood on a weekly basis. If they do not consume enough of it, they will starve to death.

Vampires that are newly turned (less than fifty years) will have difficulty being able to control their thirst around humans if they have not recently fed. Those who are more experienced and perhaps slightly more in control of their curse, can sometimes resist.

The more moral vampires who try to function in society will often seek out humane ways to keep themselves alive. The Being Division in the Department for the Regulation & Control of Magical Creatures does offer a blood bank. For those who prefer to avoid the Ministry and the scrutiny it can bring, there are some members of the lower working class who will act as 'human blood banks' for money. This is a very dangerous job, although it is not unheard of - when it becomes a choice between prostitution and being a blood bank, selling your blood is often preferable.

Animal blood or blood pops can be used as a temporary alternative to human blood, much like a snack to tide one over before mealtime. It is, however, impossible for a vampire to live solely on such a diet and at least once a month a vampire will have to forego staving off hunger with animal blood by drinking human blood.

Vampires dislike the sunlight because their skin is so sensitive to it - it burns easily and can be quite painful to them. This is not to say, however, that a vampire can never walk about outside during the day. If properly shaded (think parasol, hat, clothes that cover most skin) then a vampire can usually tolerate the sun but never for extended amounts of time. They also have an aversion to garlic and can be kept away at its presence. Vampires, as well, are unable of crossing the threshold of a private property such as family homes without invitation. In the case of public buildings such as pubs and shops they may come and go freely. Anything else, however, and they must be extended an invitation.

Vampires who become 'too visible' to muggle society, through mass-murder or self-revealing, will be imprisoned or killed by the Ministry of Magic. As such, vampires who live outside of magical society are often permanently 'on the run.' Vampires who live in magical society often live in the Forbidden Forest. Those who live in Hogsmeade or Wizarding London and are 'out' are registered with the Ministry and have access to its blood banks, and are often the first people to be questioned whenever a vampire murders someone in or near these communities. It is technically illegal for a vampire to live in Irvingly, although it is possible - they will just be in a great deal of trouble if the Ministry finds out.

Most vampires are nomadic and solitary. Some form groups. Although there are not 'rules' to vampire society, they tend to self-police - vampires who become a problem are often killed by other vampires before the Ministry can be brought in.

Although illegal, there are those who work as vampire-hunters. It is a career that is sometimes lauded, but can also result in criminal convictions.

Mers and centaurs do not like or socialize with vampires. Although vampires have no specific 'problems' with werewolves, they can identify lycanthropes as having 'wrong' blood if they try to drink from them, and it may make them nauseated or ill.

It is possible for vampires to breed with humans. It is extremely rare, as it is not only dangerous for the human but also taboo in society. The resulting child will be a half-vampire.

Half-vampires have one vampire parent and one human parent. Their lifespan is the same as that of a human. If they have magic in their genes from the human parent, they can also attend Hogwarts and wield a wand, as the magical gene is dominant.

Downfalls of being a half-vampire include being easily burnt in the sunlight, being pale and gaunt, being attracted to the taste of blood (though not needing it as a life source), having exaggerated canine teeth, and being extremely discriminated against to the point that they will have difficulty having a life within magical society if their parentage is known.

They will possess an above average sense of smell. They are able to reproduce with other part-vampires and humans. Offspring of half-vampires will inherit their vampiric traits, though they will be less intense. The more the vampiric gene gets watered down with human blood, the less intense the effects of their heritage will be.

Half-vampire bites are similar to human bites except they might be a little deeper (due to their slightly protruding fangs). They don't have the vampiric mutation gene that is required in turning another into a vampire. Half-vampires also do not taste 'pleasant' to vampires, and cannot be turned into vampires.