[HPforGrownups] The Potions Book: Is Snape *really* the HBP?

[rayheuer3 at aol.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 133884

 
Adesa writes:
 
>So, are we to assume as Harry did that the 
>Prince must have  been at Hogwarts *50 years ago*, based on the 
*publication* 
>date? Snape  must have had a second-hand book then, right? Certainly 
possible, 
>given  he was at the school on a need-based scholarship.
 
  As you say, young Severus' texts were probably purchased used.   I was 
immediately annoyed at Harry for missing the obvious fact that this book  1) has 
obviously been the standard text for NEWT potions for a half-century or  more 
(Hello!  It's still being assigned now!) and the Half-Blood Prince  could 
easily could have attended Hogwarts at any point during that time, and 2)  
obviously contains errors - or at least the recipes/methods used to brew the  potions 
can be (and have been) improved.
 
  Another thing that bothers me, though ... Snape with his strict  
interpretations of Hogwarts' rules (at least when Harry is around) does not  strike me 
as the kind who would write in his textbook, nor would he leave it in  a supply 
closet - he would have it on a shelf in his study.
 
  --  Ray



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