Official Ravenclaw Entries
Task 1 - Potion
GOOD HEALTH POTION
INGREDIENTS
- clear spring water
- 27 Holly berries picked between mid-February and mid-March
- skin of an Elaphe Longissima Longissima (a serpent of the family Colubridae, an adder)
- 7 strong feathers of a raven
- dried leaves of Mentha aquatica (water mint)
- 1 ounce of fresh Asphodel leaves
- Ferula root secretion
- a bezoar of a Capra Aegagrus
- a toad
- willow bark
Instruments needed:
- (hand-)mirror
- small kettle or cauldron
- scales
- sharp knife
- mortar
EXPLANATIONS [shortened]:
The red berries of the Holly already were a symbol of life and health in Ancient Rome as they appear in the middle of winter; they were used for the Saturnalia-festivals, hence 27 (=3^3) berries - Saturn is the third planet seen from Earth. Saturn is usually connected to the "Pisces"-constellation visible between Feb 15 and Mar 21, the time when the hollies bear fruit.
The Elaphe LL. aka Aesculap-adder is best known from the pharmacy symbol together with the Caduceus as it has of old been a symbol for health, hence also named after the Greek god of Healing, Aesculap. The Elaphe LL has been used in Alchemy since. The serpent (bitting its own tail) in general is a symbol for Eternity/Life and was a holy animal in pre-Christian religions; but since the beginnings of Christianity in Europe, it has rather been seen as an incarnation of the Devil and a metapher of Evil.
Raven: The Raven is one of the most intelligent birds, in mythology connected to prophecy, wisdom, rune-lore and the soul, often also incarnations of Gods, like for example Odin or Bran [who was also connected to Saturn, see above]; - often seen as the opposite of the serpent and in eternal fight with it. Here used as it's a potion most powerful for Ravenclaws, probably weaker for not-Ravenclaws.
Mentha Aquatica and Asphodel: Mint is a general ingredient of protecting or healing charms; its fragrance is said to clear one's thought of illness. Asphodel is still used today for calming and healing cures. The root secretion of the Ferula-plant, which can be found in mediterranean regions, can also be used for medical purposes; Lupin uses the "Ferula"-spell to heal Ron's broken leg in PoA.
Bezoar: A bezoar is the organic "sedimentation" in the stomach of some herbivores, like goats or the Capra Aegagrus in this case, also called "bezoar-goat" in some languages. The bezoar is often used for detoxication in potions and cures.
Toad: In the christian occidental tradition like the serpent connected to the Devil, yet said to be a guardian and protector, defending houses or souls against Evil influence (like illness) and in some legends invulnerable. Alchemy compares it to "dark, fertile ground", the health of the earth.
The Willow was already holy and sacred to the gods in Ancient Greece, its name also coming from the same etymological root as "wicca", the Old English source for the word "Witch"; the Phoenix, whose tears have healing powers, usually dwells in Willow trees.
Runes: Both runes "Uruz" (="Auroch"; rune looks somehow like "n", just bigger and more pointed - a reversed U) and "Sowilo" (="Sun"; looks like a pointed S) symbolize health and great energy. As they also mean "success", they were unfortunately misused by extremistic organisations, but that should in no way be connected to their original purpose, healing. Given the fact that Ancient Runes is also a subject taught at Hogwarts, I hope their usage here is not misunderstood.
Spells: Chiuso cf Italian chiudere -> pp chiuso, "shut, close"; Curem < Latin curo, conj. curem, ca. "I shall heal / care for []"
DIRECTIONS:
1. Cut the Asphodel leaves into small (!) pieces and mix them with some (about 15) drops of Ferula Root Secretion; let them rest for about two days; then add the pounded holly berries.
2. Carefully heat about 3 litres (~2.5-3 quarts) of water in a small cauldron until it begins to boil, then take it off the fire and add the bezoar.
3. Pulverize 2 ounces of the serpent's skin and add it to the water (if possible, in small portions, not all at once)
4. Stir the potion once with each of the raven feathers and then put them into the fire; afterwards put the cauldron back over the fire and wait until it boils again.
5. Add the Asphodel-Ferula-Holly-mixture; the potion should now be dark green.
6. After about 15 minutes, the potion should be a little thicker than normal water and also less transparent; if not, wait a little longer and make sure that you used enough Holly berries and Asphodel.
7. Catch the mirror image of a toad in your mirror by using the "Chiuso"-spell, break the glass of the mirror (you can repair and re-use your mirror afterwards ^^) and find the biggest fragment.
8. Use this fragment to cut one of the two healing runes into a small piece of willow bark, then pulverize the bark and also add it to the potion while speaking "Curem!". Take the cauldron off the fire.
9. Now crush some leaves of Mentha Aquatica and carefully add them to the potion, too; then stir everything again and wait until it cooled down.
RESULTS
The resulting potion should be clear, deep green and smell like fresh herbs; it suffices for about 12 portions and can also be mixed with clear water without weakening the potion. This potion was created for Ravenclaws and might be less powerful for others.
Used as a drink, it helps to strengthen the immunity system and quickly heals of most diseases / immunizes the body against them for several months. Open wounds covered with the potion heal within a few hours.
Side effects: Some people react allergically on aqua-mint; it's not absolutely necessary for the potion and can be replaced by other similar herbs like balm (melissa).
Overdose might cause sleeplessness.
Task 2 - Questions and Answers
1) What does the Rictusempra spell do and in which Book is it mentioned?
- It's mentioned in the second book; Harry uses it against Malfoy, it's a tickling spell.
2) What is another name for The Room of Requirement?
- Come And Go Room
5) The quidditch move were two chasers from either side fly towards an opposing chaser while the third flies straight towards him/her is called what?
- Parkin's Pince
6) What was Andros the Invincible famous for?
- the Ancient Greek magician is said to have been the only known wizard to produce a Patronus the size of a giant.
(isn't named in the books though, is he? Only in the PC game)
7) What type of bow tie did Peeves wear to the death day party?
- A revolving one
8) What room did Harry stay at in the Leaky Cauldron?
- Number 11
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