A collection – Ramblings of a Student
written by ❊ Sɴᴏᴡ ❊
This is a collection of the Essays and Short Stories that I have written for various classes. Anyone is welcome to look at my work and perhaps take inspiration from it – but no plagiarism! I may also include some of the short stories that I have written outside of homework. Please enjoy.
Last Updated
05/31/21
Chapters
6
Reads
1,202
Potions Essay #1
Chapter 4
• My backround in potions is, thanks to my Grandma, perhaps more significant than some. My Grandma is a professional potion brewer, known in our muggle community as an 'herbalist.' As a result of my upbringing, I've seen many potions come to life under my Grandma's skilled hands. I hope that one day I can do Potions justice, though I don't think I could ever quite replicate what my Mum brings into being.
• It seems to me that potions 'work' in very different ways. Depending on a number of factors;
Of course, ingredients, and, quality of ingredients. After all, aged dragon scale is beneficial to a potion, whilst aged herbs are not. As in, a potion that calls for dragon scale would be much more powerful if the dragon scale has been carefully aged. While a potion that calls for herbs would surely be weaker if made with herbs that weren't fresh. I imagine that where one procures the ingredients makes a large difference as well. I've read that dragon scales procured from a well treated dragon that has been raised by an accomplished dragon trainer will have higher quality, than say, dragon scales that have come from an enraged and possibly abused dragon.
The affect of the potion would also be different depending on the intention of the person making the potion. If someone tries to make a 'draught of peace' while angry and unsettled, it is very likely that the potion will come out wrong. Or, at the very least, the wrong color.
Who is taking the potion would surely make a difference as well. Different constitutions respond differently, and while some wizards may not be affected by an average dose of a potion, other wizards may be overly affected by the same amount. Which is why, I suppose, you have to be careful with how much you give, and start out with a small amount before increasing the dosage. (Especially if you're Madam Pomfrey)
I think what potions 'are' is rather subjective. It is my personal belief that potions can be many things. For example, a perfume is a kind of potion in itself. The scent alone can affect a person's mood and how they feel. Why, cooking a soup could even be loosely described as a sort of potion brewing. However, many contemporary wizards would probably disagree with me. The safest definition of what a potion 'is' probably more sums up to an infusion of magic and powerful ingredients created by the force of a wizard's will and concentration and of course, their magic.
• Truly? I'm interested in everything! I want to learn everything I possibly can about potions. I am a very willing student, and though I stick my nose in everything, I very much appreciate people correcting my mistakes. I look forward to learning from you this year Professor Baine.
• It seems to me that potions 'work' in very different ways. Depending on a number of factors;
Of course, ingredients, and, quality of ingredients. After all, aged dragon scale is beneficial to a potion, whilst aged herbs are not. As in, a potion that calls for dragon scale would be much more powerful if the dragon scale has been carefully aged. While a potion that calls for herbs would surely be weaker if made with herbs that weren't fresh. I imagine that where one procures the ingredients makes a large difference as well. I've read that dragon scales procured from a well treated dragon that has been raised by an accomplished dragon trainer will have higher quality, than say, dragon scales that have come from an enraged and possibly abused dragon.
The affect of the potion would also be different depending on the intention of the person making the potion. If someone tries to make a 'draught of peace' while angry and unsettled, it is very likely that the potion will come out wrong. Or, at the very least, the wrong color.
Who is taking the potion would surely make a difference as well. Different constitutions respond differently, and while some wizards may not be affected by an average dose of a potion, other wizards may be overly affected by the same amount. Which is why, I suppose, you have to be careful with how much you give, and start out with a small amount before increasing the dosage. (Especially if you're Madam Pomfrey)
I think what potions 'are' is rather subjective. It is my personal belief that potions can be many things. For example, a perfume is a kind of potion in itself. The scent alone can affect a person's mood and how they feel. Why, cooking a soup could even be loosely described as a sort of potion brewing. However, many contemporary wizards would probably disagree with me. The safest definition of what a potion 'is' probably more sums up to an infusion of magic and powerful ingredients created by the force of a wizard's will and concentration and of course, their magic.
• Truly? I'm interested in everything! I want to learn everything I possibly can about potions. I am a very willing student, and though I stick my nose in everything, I very much appreciate people correcting my mistakes. I look forward to learning from you this year Professor Baine.
