Snape's potions book (was Re: Who needs Harry?)

[Zara]

No: HPFGUIDX 182353

> Potioncat:
> Many of us have bemoaned the fact that Snape's potions book was 
> destroyed in the fire. I wonder if JKR did that on purpose, or if 
it 
> had simply served its purpose for her.
> 
> But it crosses my mind, what would have been discovered in 
Professor 
> Snape's office and quarters after his death? Surely he had notes?

zgirnius:
I think JKR probably burned the book on purpose. 

However, I believe that Snape's improvements to potions, both the 
ones in the book that was destroyed, and the ones to potions taught 
in years 1-5, remain out there in the minds and notes of a generation 
of students. Percy, I bet, knows them all. <g>

In HBP, Hermione went from producing perfect potions every time, to 
being merely one of the better students, whose attempts, while 
correct, were rarely completed in the time allotted. While Harry, as 
we know, became the star student.

The difference, in my opinion, was that in years 1-5, Hermione was 
using the Prince's instructions, and well. Whereas in Year 6, only 
Harry was, (and for once, he was paying attention) and this made a 
big difference. But I expect that the NEWT classes taught by Snape, 
did learn the better instructions.