CHAPTER DISCUSSION PS/SS 8, THE POTIONS MASTER

[nikkalmati]

No: HPFGUIDX 188494





> > 1. Harry's Astronomy class is mentioned here for the first and last time before the Astronomy OWL in OoP. Why do you think that the class takes place so late despite the rule that no students should be in the corridors after hours? Do you think that all of the first-years have Astronomy together or is this class another attended by Gryffindors only? Do all the Astronomy classes take place at midnight, and, if so, how does Professor Sinistra fit seven (or more) midnight classes into her schedule?


Nikkalmati

 I assume they have Astronomy at night so they can observe the sky. Maybe they are escorted back to the common room. If there is more than one class,  they would have to share telescopes, probably.  Maybe not everyone takes Astronomy after third or fourth year.  Maybe it meets only once a week at night and once or twice in the daytime.

Nikkalmati

> 
> 2. Harry takes five core subjects—Herbology, Potions, Charms, Transfiguration, and Defense Against the Dark Arts, along with History of Magic and Astronomy. What do you think of this set of classes for a group of eleven-year-old novice witches and wizards? Which class (setting aside the instructors since we barely glimpse any of them except Snape) would be your favorite and why?

Nikkalmati
It seems like a comprehensive set of courses.  I am not sure why it never seems to change when they get older.  I would probably like Charms because you could do a wide range of actions with charms.

Nikkalmati

> 
> 3. Why do you think that Quirrell's turban and classroom smell like garlic? Did his blushing and confusion when Seamus asked him about fighting off the zombie arouse your suspicion? What was your initial reaction when Quirrell rescued Harry and Ron from detention with Filch for trying to get through the forbidden door?


Nikkalmati
His turban and classroom smelled like garlic to repell vampires, I assume.  I am still not sure what to think of his rescuing Harry and Ron.  

Nikkalmati 
> 
> 4. Harry's first Potions class is on a Friday, "Double Potions with the Slytherins." Does Potions class meet only once a week for a double period or might there be some other reason for having the first class so late in the week? Why do you think that the Gryffindors have two classes (Potions and the not-yet-scheduled flying lessons) with the Slytherins, one class (Herbology) with the Hufflepuffs, and none with the Ravenclaws?

Nikkalmati

I am not sure.  Maybe it meets only once a week for first years.  Maybe there were other activities scheduled for first years during that first week - orientation?  I am not sure they don't have any double classes with Ravenclaw.  Maybe JKR just did not mention it.

Nikkalmati
> 
> 5. Snape asks Harry where he might find a bezoar, what he would get if he added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood, and what the difference is between monkshood and wolfsbane? Why do you think that Snape asked those particular questions? Do you think that he asks the same questions to every class or that he chose them specifically for Harry?

Nikkalmati

These are questions that relate to the story later, which of course is not why Snape would choose them.  I think they are probably simple questions suitable for first years, but not for one raised by Muggles.  I doubt he would ask the same questions every year or the students would all b e prepared for it.

Nikkalmati
> 
> 6. When Snape asks Harry about the bezoar, Harry wonders whether Snape expects him to have memorized every word of "One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi." But the Potions text mentioned in "Diagon Alley" is "Magical Drafts and Potions" by Arsenius Jigger. "One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi" is almost certainly the Herbology text. How do you explain this apparent error on JKR's part?

Nikkalmati

Flint?

Nikkalmati
> 
> 7. Just for fun, why do you think that Snape (and, later, Slughorn) is referred to by the old-fashioned title "Potions master" when no other teacher (except the headmaster or headmistress) is called by a similar title? Why not "Potions teacher" for Snape and "Charms master" for Flitwick, for example?

Nikkalmati

Well, it could indicate the availability of an advanced degree in Potions that is not recognized for other subjects;  it could also mean that there is an offical body of some sort that acts like a union of potions teachers.

Nikkalmati
> 
> Thank you Carol>>