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{{Youmay|potions in general|the [[Potions (class)|Hogwarts subject]]}}
  
{{Youmay|potions in general|the [[Potions (class)|Hogwarts subject]]}}
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[[File:SilverCauldron.jpg|leftt|thumb|200px|A potion brewing in a silver cauldron.]]
  
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[[File:SilverCauldron.jpg|thumb|240x240px|A potion brewing in a [[Silver Cauldron]]]]{{Quote|I don't expect many of you to appreciate the subtle science and exact art that is potion-making... I can teach you how to bewitch the mind and ensnare the senses. I can tell you how to bottle fame, brew glory, and even put a stopper in death.|Severus Snape|Philosopher's Stone}}
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[[File:Hermione during Potion class.JPG|thumb|250px|[[Hermione Granger]] making potion in the [[Potions (class)|Potions class]] in [[1996]].]]
  
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'''Potions''' (Latin ''potio'', 'beverage') are [[magic]]al mixtures commonly brewed in [[cauldron]]s and used to create various effects on the drinker. A [[Wizardkind|wizard or witch]] who specialises in potion brewing is known as a [[potioneer]].
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'''Potions''' (Latin ''potio'', 'beverage') are [[magic]]al mixtures commonly brewed in [[cauldron]]s and used to create a number of effects on the drinker. Potions rang in effects and nature and in difficulty as well. An example of a beginners potion is the [[Cure for Boils]], which is the first potion learned at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]]. An incredibly advanced and challenging one is the [[Polyjuice Potion]] that even adult Witches and Wizards have trouble with.
   
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A [[Wizardkind|wizard or witch]] who specialises in potion brewing is known as a [[potioneer]] or a potions master.
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==Nature==
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[[File:Potion ingredients.png|thumb|left|240x240px|Potion ingredients]]
 
Potions are brewed from ingredients with magical properties. Potions can be used as medicine, lethal [[poison]], or give the drinker any effect from strength enhancement to immunity to flames. Potions are not necessarily used by drinking, as some can be applied by physical contact or create an effect simply by being created, such as the [[Regeneration Potion]]. According to former [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry|Hogwarts]] [[Potions master]], [[Professor]] [[Severus Snape]], potions can "bewitch the mind, ensnare the senses and even put a stopper in [[Death|death]]."
  
Potions are brewed from ingredients with magical properties. Potions can be used as medicine, lethal [[poison]], or give the drinker any effect from strength enhancement to immunity to flames. Potions are not necessarily used by drinking, as some can be applied by physical contact or create an effect simply by being created, such as the [[Regeneration Potion]]. According to former [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry|Hogwarts]] [[Potions master]], [[Professor]] [[Severus Snape]], potions can "bewitch the mind, ensnare the senses and even put a stopper in [[Death|death]]."
   
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===Dangers===
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Potions must be brewed carefully to achieve the proper effects. In certain cases, those are brewed incorrectly or in a dirty cauldron can become poisons.<ref name="pa7">''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]'', Chapter 7 - (''The Boggart in the Wardrobe'')</ref><ref name="op22">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]'', Chapter 22 - (''St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries'')</ref> In other cases, even potions that have been brewed correctly may in some cases have deleterious effects, even if their intended effect is beneficial; for example, [[Felix Felicis]] causes recklessness and overconfidence when used more than sparingly,<ref name="hbp9">''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]'', Chapter 9 - (''The Half-Blood Prince'')</ref> while the [[Elixir to Induce Euphoria]] has side-effects such as excessive singing and nose-tweaking, though these can be countered by adding [[peppermint]].<ref name="hbp22">''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]'', Chapter 22 - (''After the Burial'')</ref>
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==Teaching and labeling==
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[[File:Potions.jpg|thumb|240x240px|A potions classroom]]
 
There is a [[Potions (class)|Potions class]], devoted to the study of potion recipes and effects, at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]].
  
There is a [[Potions (class)|Potions class]], devoted to the study of potion recipes and effects, at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]].
   
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There exists a [[Potions Association]] that oversees the labeling of certain potions, and possibly other aspects.
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==Terms==
  
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The [[science]] of potion making includes the use of words that are specific to this art.
  
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* A '''brew''' is a liquid mixture made by steeping, soaking, or boiling solid ingredients in water.
  
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* A '''concoction''' is, simply, a mixture of ingredients.
  
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* A '''draught''' or '''draft''' is one serving or portion of a potion. The word ''draft'' indicates the substance is drawn from a cask rather than from a closed bottle.
  
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* An '''elixir''' is a sweetened, aromatic solution used as medicine.
  
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* A '''philtre''' is a potion designed to enchant or [[charm]] the drinker.
  
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* A '''poison''' is a potion intended to cause harm or [[death]] to the drinker.
  
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* A '''tincture''' is a benign medicine preserved in alcohol.
  
   
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==Supplies used in Potion Making==
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=== Supplies ===
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* Silver or pewter [[cauldron|Cauldron]]
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* Silver, brass, copper or pewter [[cauldron|Cauldron]]
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* Glass or crystal phials
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* Glass or crystal [[phial]]s
 
* Silver Knife
  
* Silver Knife
 
* [[Mortar and Pestle|Mortar and pestle]]
  
* [[Mortar and Pestle|Mortar and pestle]]
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* A [[wand]]
  
* A [[wand]]
   
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==Texts on Potions==
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==Texts on potions==
 
* ''[[One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi]]'' by [[Phyllida Spore]]
  
* ''[[One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi]]'' by [[Phyllida Spore]]
 
* ''[[Moste Potente Potions]]''
  
* ''[[Moste Potente Potions]]''
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==Behind the scenes==
  
==Behind the scenes==
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*Brewing potions is an activity that can be performed on ''[[Pottermore]]'' to earn [[House points]].
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*[[J. K. Rowling]] has noted that - even if they were to follow the instructions exactly and had all the ingredients - a Muggle could not brew a potion because there is always the need to channel magic at some point, at some stage one would have to use a [[wand]].<ref>[http://www.accio-quote.org/articles/2006/0801-radiocityreading1.html JK on the prospect of Muggle potioneers]</ref>
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*[[J. K. Rowling]] has noted that - even if they were to follow the instructions exactly and had all the ingredients - a Muggle could not brew a potion because there is always the need to channel magic at some point, at some stage one would have to use a [[wand]].<ref>[http://www.accio-quote.org/articles/2006/0801-radiocityreading1.html JK on the prospect of Muggle potioneers]</ref> In ''Pottermore'', this is seen as the final step of brewing a Potion is always to wave the wand.
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*An advertisement can be seen in the [[Quibbler]] about potion-making called [[Ancient Potion Maker]].
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* In [[1996]], a business called [[Potions Lady]] that specialised in making potions for women placed an ad in the ''[[Daily Prophet]]''.
 
==Appearances==
  
==Appearances==
 
{{Imagecat|Images of potions}}
  
{{Imagecat|Images of potions}}
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* ''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (video game)]]''
  
* ''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (video game)]]''
 
* ''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]''
  
* ''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]''
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* ''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (film)]]'' {{mention}}
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* ''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (film)]]'' {{Mention}}
 
* ''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]''
  
* ''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]''
 
* ''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (film)]]''
  
* ''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (film)]]''
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* ''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (video game)]]''
  
* ''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (video game)]]''
 
* ''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]''
  
* ''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]''
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* ''[[The Tales of Beedle the Bard (real)|The Tales of Beedle the Bard]]'' {{Mention}}
 
* ''[[LEGO Harry Potter: Characters of the Magical World]]''
  
* ''[[LEGO Harry Potter: Characters of the Magical World]]''
 
* ''[[LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4]]''
  
* ''[[LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4]]''
 
* ''[[LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7]]''
  
* ''[[LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7]]''
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* ''[[Pottermore]]''
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* ''[[Wonderbook: Book of Potions]]''
   
 
==See Also==
  
==See Also==

Revision as of 16:05, 28 August 2014

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SilverCauldron

A potion brewing in a Silver Cauldron

"I don't expect many of you to appreciate the subtle science and exact art that is potion-making... I can teach you how to bewitch the mind and ensnare the senses. I can tell you how to bottle fame, brew glory, and even put a stopper in death."
— Severus Snape[src]

Potions (Latin potio, 'beverage') are magical mixtures commonly brewed in cauldrons and used to create a number of effects on the drinker. Potions rang in effects and nature and in difficulty as well. An example of a beginners potion is the Cure for Boils, which is the first potion learned at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. An incredibly advanced and challenging one is the Polyjuice Potion that even adult Witches and Wizards have trouble with.

A wizard or witch who specialises in potion brewing is known as a potioneer or a potions master.

Nature

Potion ingredients

Potion ingredients

Potions are brewed from ingredients with magical properties. Potions can be used as medicine, lethal poison, or give the drinker any effect from strength enhancement to immunity to flames. Potions are not necessarily used by drinking, as some can be applied by physical contact or create an effect simply by being created, such as the Regeneration Potion. According to former Hogwarts Potions master, Professor Severus Snape, potions can "bewitch the mind, ensnare the senses and even put a stopper in death."

Dangers

Potions must be brewed carefully to achieve the proper effects. In certain cases, those are brewed incorrectly or in a dirty cauldron can become poisons.[1][2] In other cases, even potions that have been brewed correctly may in some cases have deleterious effects, even if their intended effect is beneficial; for example, Felix Felicis causes recklessness and overconfidence when used more than sparingly,[3] while the Elixir to Induce Euphoria has side-effects such as excessive singing and nose-tweaking, though these can be countered by adding peppermint.[4]

Teaching and labeling

Potions

A potions classroom

There is a Potions class, devoted to the study of potion recipes and effects, at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

There exists a Potions Association that oversees the labeling of certain potions, and possibly other aspects.

Supplies

Texts on potions

Behind the scenes

  • Brewing potions is an activity that can be performed on Pottermore to earn House points.
  • J. K. Rowling has noted that - even if they were to follow the instructions exactly and had all the ingredients - a Muggle could not brew a potion because there is always the need to channel magic at some point, at some stage one would have to use a wand.[5] In Pottermore, this is seen as the final step of brewing a Potion is always to wave the wand.
  • An advertisement can be seen in the Quibbler about potion-making called Ancient Potion Maker.
  • In 1996, a business called Potions Lady that specialised in making potions for women placed an ad in the Daily Prophet.

Appearances

Wiki
The Harry Potter Wiki has 970 images related to Potion.

See Also

Notes and References

  1. ↑ Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 7 - (The Boggart in the Wardrobe)
  2. ↑ Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 22 - (St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries)
  3. ↑ Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 9 - (The Half-Blood Prince)
  4. ↑ Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 22 - (After the Burial)
  5. ↑ JK on the prospect of Muggle potioneers
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