Potions Master Question/ Fields of magic

[bufo_viridis at interia.pl]

No: HPFGUIDX 94087

> Viridis wrote:
> > So why [Dumbledore] was teaching transfiguration? He is powerful enough to > be equally good in both fields. But still... 

> Potioncat:
> This one took on a life of its own!  I up-treaded back to see what 
> started it all. And here I am.  
> 
> Viridis, was your question ever answered?

This thread did take a life of its own, and I was following with interest, waiting or opportune moment to join, but since I was addressed so directly, can't lurk any more, can I? :-)
Hi, Sergeant, nice to meet you here :)

In my original post I did indeed equated Potions with Alchemy, which as Kathryn pointed out, may very well not be the case, Alchemy being a version of transfiguration - transmutation. Not all alchemists were concerned with transmutation of metals into gold (the whole Chinese alchemy was concerned with the Elixir of Immortality ? did Flamel studied in China?). Keeping within our cultural sphere one of the more famous Alchemists, was making a point that this study is for medicinal use  - I mean ?father of pharmacy? Paracelsus (Auroleus Phillipus Theostratus Bombastus von Hohenheim ? anybody still thinks JKR uses strange names?). 

My question was answered indirectly ? that quite possibly Dumble is master of three fields (Transfiguration, Potions and Alchemy) not just two as  thought. I always wanted to point that Dumble is probably a Potion Master ? thing which may/may not be of importance, but which is certainly overlooked (also in this very discussion :)) OK, it could have been discussed earlier I haven?t checked all 100,000 messages onboard.

Now continuing the fascinating thread I started: 
Part of Alchemical process was indeed the spiritual unification of alchemist with his ?production? ? translating into JKR terms, using magic, not only ingredients in proper quantities (even if it doesn?t include ?stupid wand waving?). Alchemy is not taught in Hogwarts. Maybe it?s a kind of higher level magic, specialized field, combining great skills in Transfiguration and Potions. Hogwarts after all is a kind of high school, they teach basics there (advanced, but still basics). There are no wizardish universities, but there can (must) be apprecenteships ? possibly Dumble was Flamel?s apprentice (them being friends doesn?t exclude such possibility). 

I?d agree with Nkafkafi, Neri and Potioncat and others that probably some fields of magic are more ?distinguished? than other ? although we have too little info about them to say which ones. I do not read Snape coveting DADA as a show of dissatisfaction with Potions ? after all he?s skilled in the fighting arts and seeing Lockhart-like abominations f***ing up the job must give him boils. And if somebody knows the importance of fighting skills, especially in this very moment, it?s him. 

As for some subjects having strong theoretical background ? we don?t know how much well organized knowledge goes for Herbology for example, not to mention seemingly very theoretical subjects like Arithmancy, of which we have no details whatsoever.

DADA in my opinion is not a ?branch of magic? just like medicine is not ?branch of science? ? it?s basically a kind of military training, using knowledge derived from many fields, just like medicine uses different sciences for single purpose. Note that for Auror training ? basically advanced DADA - you need good marks from several subjects. You can also get a Nobel prize in medicine, but in fact you?re getting it for biochemistry or sth similar

There are large areas undescribed properly ? like Charms ? sorry don?t remember who talked about possibility that jinxes, hexes are included here? Did you also notice that  - unlike most of the fantasy books ? we have no Illusory magic? Unless creating illusions is also part of charms ? maybe advanced ones, post-Hogwartish.

Right, two more remarks for the end of this ramble (sorry, early morning etc.). 

Don?t you think that also Dumble may be one of the greatest wizards alive he?s not exactly ?the best Headmaster Hogwarts ever had?? I mean, forget DADA, but Trelawney and Binns? And Hagrid? It seems that is good-nature and needs of war are taking precedence over academic merit of the school. Unless  that?s what Hogwarts always lacked in it?s 1000 year long history ? kind nature and sense of humour (albeit weird one).
 
Neville?s melting cauldrons ? aren?t they indirect indicator (admire my aliteration, please) of his hidden power? His potions are not simply useless ? they are powerful enough to melt the metal and probably a piece of floor, too. Imagine such a mixture upended on Thingy?s head (or just Bella ? now that?s a facial treatment).

I hope there will be more posts to this thread.
Cheers, Viridis

P.S. And Sergeant ? yes, I can easily imagine Snape teaching transfiguration (?Since you managed to transplant your ears on the cactus, Longbottom, let them stay there till you serve your week of detentions?)


________________________
Curiouser and curiouser!