Taking Lupin his potion (WAS: What is brave?)

[porphyria at mindspring.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 35181

Some of you were wondering whether Snape brought the werewolf-pacifying potion with him to the Shrieking Shack when he went after Lupin, and if not, why not.

Marina suggested:
"I think he must've left it in the office.  There was no mention of him having it in the Shack, and I suspect that shlepping a full goblet from Lupin's office all the way to the Shrieking Shack would've been impractical, unless the goblet had a really well-fitted lid."

Yeah, that was my thought for a while, but now I've come up with a better theory (always being eager to defend Snape's competency). This is from the original scene in PoA where Harry is visiting Lupin in his office and Snape shows up with the potion:

    "Ah, Severus," said Lupin, smiling. "Thanks very much. Could you leave it here on the desk for me?"

    Snape set down the smoking goblet, his eyes wandering between Harry and Lupin.

    "I was just showing Harry my grindylow," said Lupin pleasantly, pointing at the tank.

    "Fascinating," said Snape, without looking at it. "You should drink that directly, Lupin."

    "Yes, Yes, I will," said Lupin.

My theory is that it has to be drunk right away, as Snape suggests, while it is still smoking, otherwise the effectiveness will be lost. After all, it's a fussy, unstable potion; even sugar will neutralize its effectiveness. So while it might keep long enough for Snape to walk it to Lupin's office, maybe it won't stay fresh while he hikes all the way to the Shack.   

~~Porphyria

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