Lupin and Wolfsbane potion

[justcarol67]

No: HPFGUIDX 147569

Sydney wrote:
> It's possible that the Wolfsbane potion could be poisonous if not
made exactly right-- the main ingredient being wolfsbane or aconitum
luparia, which like most aconites is fatally toxic. 


Carol responds:
In addition to the excellent points made by Steve and Sydney in this
thread, I think we should look specifically at the etymology of
"wolfsbane" (wolf's bane). "Bane" means death or poison, and wolfsbane
is so named because it was believed to be specifically poisonous to
wolves. The Latin name, which I believe is actually aconitum vulparia,
 suggests an aconite (poisonous plant) specifically dangerous to foxes
(vulpes=fox) but could relate to wild canines in general. Aconitum
luparia, if correct, means a plant poisonous to wolves, more or less
synonymous with wolfsbane.

A site called "Inter Canem et Lupum" (Between Dog and Wolf), which
interestingly (hem, hem!) has links to material on black dogs, Grims,
and werewolves (which I confess I have not yet explored), has this to
say about aconite:

"Wolfsbane (Aconitum vulparia, lycoctonum), along with silver, is
typically described as among an extremely small number of substances
which can harm a werewolf. The name originates from Germany, where it
was once used to poison wolves."

http://fan.inkstigmata.net/canemetlupum/wolfsbane.html

Ironically, then, Wolfsbane Potion uses an ingredient normally
poisonous to werewolves as an antidote to the mental anguish of
transformation into a werewolf. That being the case, Lupin would be
extremely foolish to attempt to make the potion himself even if he
were skilled at potion making.

As for why he can't buy it rather than make it, I think that has been
adequately explained upthread by his poverty and the instability of
the potion. I would add that the anti-werewolf legislation instituted
by Umbridge could well include restrictions on the sale or trade of
Wolfsbane Potion.

On a sidenote, we should probably watch out for the Centaur Bane,
whose name foreshadows death to someone, perhaps Firenze or Hagrid.

Carol, who thought this was going to be a two-line "I agree" post!