Potions have always been essential in magic. Stories of witches tell of brewing magical drinks that turn men into mindless animals, restore youth, and make the drinker invisible. Other potions caused false emotion to be created such as when Ron Weasley declares his Love Potion-induced feelings for Romilda Vane.
“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.” ~ Professor Severus Snape
First year students will learn many skills that will be important for potion making. Advanced students will apply these skills to the development of a Marauder’s map and wizard wands.
A wizard or witch who specializes in potion brewing is known as a potioneer or a potions master.
In this course, students are expected to keep a journal to record what has been done (including ingredients, procedures, spells, chants, etc) and reflect upon what was learned.
Print a periodic table of the elements and put it into your notebook. On the facing page sketch out elements 1-10, use color-coding for protons, neutrons, and electrons.
Potions
Knowledge of potions and charms is a powerful weapon against dark forces. Learn about ions, ionic and covalent bonds, and compounds. Write the definitions in your notebook.
Prepare each of the potions described below and record your observations. Illustrate as desired.
Potion 1: Goblin Slobber
Goblin slobber is a potion which is particularly effective against being followed through woods and caves. Just drip some goblin slobber on the path behind you and anything that is chasing you will be driven away.
- One flask of water
- ¼ measure instant goblin slobber(dehydrated)
- 1 full measure Manticore milk
- 1 full measure water
- 3 drops goblin blood
Cauldron (mixing bowl will do if you have not yet received your cauldron)
1. Rehydrate the goblin slobber:Pour the instant goblin slobber into the flask of water. Stir briskly with wand to dissolve while chanting “soluloso aqualitem.” Repeat until fully dissolved.
2. Into the manticore milk pour the measure of water and the goblin blood and stir, repeating incantation.
3. The final step is to pour the two solutions into the cauldron and stir well chanting “goblinatum sloberosum.” You may need to adjust the quantities, so add them slowly.
Muggles will know these ingredients as: Instant goblin slobber= Borax. Manticore milk= Elmer’s glue. Goblin blood= green food coloring. flask=quart, measure=cup
Potion 2: Muggle Paper
This bright yellow potion gives you the ability to detect whether someone is muggle or magic.
- 1 vial nettle nectar
- 1/4 vial (approx) ground dragon scale
- filter paper
- Veritaserum
1. Put your filter paper into the cauldron.
2. Dissolve the ground dragon scale into the nettle nectar, shaking well to dissolve.
3. Pour over top of paper, allowing it to soak in well.
4. Remove paper from cauldron and hang to dry. Dust off any left over dragon scale.
5. Once paper is dry, dip right hand into Veritaserum (pour it into a bowl) and place directly onto paper with a slap.
6. Your true bloodline will be revealed!
Muggles will know these ingredients as: Nettle nectar= rubbing alcohol, ground dragon scale= turmeric, and veritaserum= baking soda and water solution.
Potion 3: Instant Ocean
This potion is very useful for creating a peaceful seaside vacation atmosphere in a small space. If made properly you can see the tiny waves and sea-foam inside the flask. This potion should be done in a place where messes are not a problem in case of sloppy magic by first year students. A calming charm may be needed in case of storms at sea.
- Narrow-necked flask
- 2 vials Midsummer Dewdrops
- 1/2 dribble Kraken slime
- 3-4 drops of Squeaking-Squid ink
- 1 teaspoon Pulverized Narwhal Horn dissolved in ~2 tablespoons very warm water
- Funnel
- Large Cauldron
1. Stand flask in cauldron with funnel in top
2. Add 3-4 drops of squid ink to the Midsummer dew, shake well to mix
3. pour through the funnel into the flask
4. Add the Kraken slime to the mixture in the flask.
5. Pour the narwhal horn mixture into the bottle and remove the funnel.
Muggles will know these ingredients by their common names: hydrogen peroxide, dawn detergent (preferably green), blue food coloring, and yeast.
Marauder’s Map
In the film Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, what first appears to be a blank piece of parchment becomes a magical Marauder’s Map. In this lesson, students create their own invisible inks, they learn what acids, bases and indicators are and how they can be used.
Begin by drawing a pH scale in your notebook. Use your “muggle” paper (created with Potion 2) to test a variety of substances around the house (vinegar, wine, lemon juice, baking soda, cola, bleach, ammonia, milk, etc). Make a table in your notebook showing your results. If you have litmus papers you can use them as well.
With your knowledge of acids and bases, create a map of your own using an ink you have devised.
Wizard Wands
Wands have been mentioned throughout time. Popular fantasy stories from a variety of origins have featured characters using wands. It could thereby be reasoned that Ollivander’s (makers of fine wands since 382 B.C.) had provided them.
To begin, learn about molecules and sketch several in your notebook (water, carbon dioxide, methane, glucose, etc.) Consider making models with gum drops or balls of clay and toothpicks.
“There will be no foolish wand-waving or silly incantations in this class. ” ~ Professor Snape on Potions class
Explosive Enterprises is a line of fireworks sold at Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes. This group of fireworks included the original Weasleys’ Wildfire Whiz-Bangs as well as a variety of new and creative pyrotechnic products created by Fred Weasley and his twin brother George.
This post is part of a five-day hopscotch. Join me each day this week as we dive into each course.
Care of Magical Creatures (Zoology)
Potions (Chemistry) – this post