Fields of Magic (was Re: Potions Master Question)

[JoAnna]

No: HPFGUIDX 93989

Neri:
> 3. Power. Fields that require the wizard to be more powerful are
> likely to be more distinguished. It seems Potions and Herbology
> require very little power (in fact, I can't see why a muggle or a
> squib won't be able to brew many of these potions). OTOH
> Transfiguration seems to require a lot of magical power.

Potioncat:
<<<I see this view as a real mistake. If Potions did not take power,
Lupin could make his own wolfsbane potion. Just as not all adult
wizards can form a corporeal patronus, not all can make certain
potions. Just because you do not wave a wand or mutter an
incantation does not mean it is not powerful magic.>>>

I agree.  Remember what Hermione said in PS/SS, once she and Harry 
were confronted with the seven potions and the riddle (this is 
quoted from memory as I don't have my book handy; I believe it's 
from the chapter entitled "Through the Trapdoor"):

"Brilliant!"  Hermione said. "This isn't magic - it's logic.  A lot 
of the greatest wizards haven't an ounce of logic; they'd be stuck 
here forever."

Potions, perhaps, may be one of those fields that require a wizard 
to draw on different talents and abilities than those normally used 
for Charms, Transfiguration, etc.  Perhaps logic is an integral part 
of Potions, which is why a lot of great wizards aren't very adept at 
it.

Think of Neville - he is abysmal at most subjects, including potions 
(though his skills in DADA have greatly improved).  Yet he is a 
brilliant Herbology student, a subject that doesn't require a great 
deal of magical power, but does require intelligence and a good eye 
for detail (*I* could never remember the nuances of the different 
plants and what they're used for!)  

However, I do think Neville would do much better at Potions if he 
wasn't so terrified of Snape; in OotP he seems fairly relaxed during 
the Potions O.W.L. and manages not to melt his cauldron.  After all, 
one would think that Herbology and Potions go hand-in-hand, 
considering that most if not all magical plants are also used as 
potion ingredients - however, *brewing* the potion may be a 
different story (e.g. many gardeners may not be able to cook very 
well).

Interesting conversation so far, btw, I find this topic 
fascinating.  :)

- JoAnna