Potions: That Subtle Science

[Cindy C.]

No: HPFGUIDX 28027

Amber wrote:
> > 2) What is the difference between a potion, draft, draught, 
> solution, and concoction? Or is there no distinction and they are 
> simply arbitrary names? 
> 
Blaise wrote:

>I don't 
> think that JKR has any particular distinctions between them in 
mind.  
> (Incidentally, draft and draught are the variant spellings of the 
> same word.)  The reason I think they are used with identical 
meanings 
> is that JKR tends to choose alliterative names.  Confusing 
> Concoction, for example, or Swelling Solution, or Deflating 
Draught.  

Blaise,

I hadn't thought of that very good idea, and a lot of the names of 
potions are quite catchy, aren't they?  But there are a few of 
potions that don't fit the formula if JKR intends to choose 
alliterative names, though.  For instance, we are told of a Sleeping 
Potion and a Sleeping Draught, but never a Sleeping Solution; Skele-
gro Potion, not Skele-gro Solution; Sleek-easy Potion, not Sleek-easy 
Solution.

While I'm back on the subject, I have to issue a quick L.O.O.N. Alert 
to an error in the theory that potions are temporary and don't 
require an antidote.  In GoF, Fred and George used an Aging Potion, 
grew beards, and were sent to Madam Pomfrey.  I originally said Fred 
and George would have lost their beards in time, but went to Madam 
Pomfrey to speed things along.  That explanation, as it turns out, is 
quite lame and flatly wrong.  Fred and George didn't grow beards as a 
result of the Aging Potion; they got beards when they attempted to 
cross the age line.  So the Aging Potion apparently works like other 
potions -- F and G tell us they ingested a drop each, the potion 
gives you the "aura" or perhaps the feeling of being older, and wears 
off without an antidote.  Perhaps if they had consumed a whole lot of 
Aging Potion, it would have changed their outward appearance also.  

Cindy