Draught of Living Death (Was: Draco and Narcissa in

[Steve]

No: HPFGUIDX 140704

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "ellecain" <ellecain at y...> wrote:
> ...edited...
> 
> So I believe what Snape said in PS/SS was: 
> "For your information, Potter, asphodel and wormwood make a 
> *sleeping potion* so powerful, it is known as the Draught of Living 
> Death" (pg 103,UK edition)
> 
> It seems to me that the potion is primarily a *sleeping potion*, but 
> a very potent one; I dont see how the drinker would be affected 
> beyond being put into a deep sleep.
> Maybe I have missed the canon where it says the potion can be used
> to fake the effects of death, in which case please remind me of it.
>
> ellecain

bboyminn:

Let's not be too logical here, although everything you say is true in
the real world, we are not in the real world. For example, look at the
deep sleep spell put on Ron and Hermione when they were at the bottom
of the lake (Tri-Wiz Tournement - 2nd task). They went without taking
a breath for well over an hour, and sufferred no ill effects. 

Further, you /speculate/ that the bad guys would be in a position to
closely inspect the alledged bodies of the Malfoys. If they were
declared dead and a funeral were held, especially an open casket
funeral, then they were then buried (or appropriately disposed of)
that would seem pretty conclusive to most people. 

Of course, I can see one problem, what happens to the Malfoy estate?
Does Lucius have a brother or close cousin, or would it go to
Narcissa's sister or cousin? Could it go to Bellatrix who apparently
is the oldest even though she is a wanted criminal? Remember, Sirius's
estate almost went to her. I guess it's possible for Malfoy's to
/conviniently/ leave a Will that leaves everything to Hogwarts in the
event that Draco was also dead, but short of that, I don't see how
they could maintain control of their money. It's a complicated affair.

Further, if the potion didn't create a state that gave the appearance
of death, then why is it called the 'Draught of the Living Death'? If
it didn't mimick death then it would be called the Draught of Really
Deep Sleep. 

It's difficult to determine how important the potion is, it's
certainly been mentioned enough to keep it in our minds, but whether
that is significant or a misdirection only time will tell.

Steve/bboyminn