Magical Theory

[Horst or Rebecca J. Bohner]

No: HPFGUIDX 12921

I've been thinking, or rather wondering, about the differences between
spells, charms, and potions.

Specifically, for what purposes would a potion be used as opposed to a spell
or a charm?  It would appear that there are certain effects which *only* be
produced by the drinking or otherwise administering of a potion, but that in
the main these effects are limited and temporary in nature (i.e. the
Polyjuice Potion).  Can anybody think of a potion with total and permanent
effects?  Aside from those that are actually fatal, that is.  How much
overlap is there between spells, charms, and potions?  Is it possible to use
any one of these to produce the same effect (i.e. an invisibility spell /
charm / potion)?

And what's the distinction between a spell and a charm?  Again, I would say
that charms seem to be temporary and specific whereas spells seem to be more
permanent and far-ranging, but that may be a distinction existing only in my
mind.

I'd be interested to hear thoughts on this.
--
Rebecca
(with apologies to those who are going to see this twice, but there doesn't
seem to be that much overlap between Diagon Alley and HP for Grownups --
yet.)