[Cl: P] T1: Lesson III: Befuddlement

[The Sorting Hat]

'No, no, not at all.' The Headmistress began. 'In fact-' She looked at the grandfather clock in the corner of the room. '-You're just on time.' The Professor walked in the center of the classroom and peered around at the students. 'Right, so who can tell me anything about Befuddlement Draughts?' She nodded towards the first person to raise their hand.

[Helia Ollivander]

"Well befuddlement draughts are used to disorient, distract, or disillusion your opponent, though if too many are used it can cause serious brain damage so you have to be careful when using them in duels."

[The Sorting Hat]

(( Haha.. charms.. I meant draughts! Ive changed it, and it still sort of makes sense - so sure! And I was loving the "charms" in italics =P ))

'Exactly Miss. Ollivander, 10 points to Ravenclaw.' The Headmistress exclaimed in her usual bubbly manner. 'It does exactly what it says on the box - befuddle! (( I take it that that is a word... )) Perhaps someone could name a potion that has a very similar affect?'

[cream200]

Ella thinks hard and comes up with a brain wave. She quickly puts her hand up.
"Miss could Amortentia count as it befuddles the fdrinker into thinking that they are in love?"

[Jerred Boneman]

"Anything that makes the user different from their normal selves, Professor." Jerred said. "Especially the luck potions."

[The Sorting Hat]

'Both very good points.' The Headmistress said nodding. '5 points apiece.' She added as she leant against her desk. 'A Love Potion certainly does befuddle the drinker, as does luck potions and suchlike, for afterall your thoughts are being misled.' The Professor began knowingly. 'I was thinking of the Confusing concoction, very similar effect to the Befuddlement Draught, though has rarer ingredients and therefore a stronger effect of confusion.'

She peered around at the class. 'Luckily for us, the components of the draught are reasonably easy to come by and are found in plentiful supply in the potions cupboard. Does anyone has any suggestions to what ingredients could be used to cause confusion?'

[Jerred Boneman]

"Easy Professor." Jerred said, hand raised. "Sneezewort, scurvy-grass, and lovage." He smiled, remembering them from his previous year at Hogwarts.

[The Sorting Hat]

'Ah yes, brilliant Mr. Boneman, 10 points to Slytherin!' The Headmistress exclaimed with an approving grin. 'Scurvy-grass.. named once by muggle sailors who ate the plant as a way of preventing the illness.' She informed as a bit of background. 'It is particularly effective at inflaming the brain and therefore is a major component of most befuddlement potions, causing the drinker to become reckless.' The teacher explained informingly.

'The sneezewort is a kind of yarrow and is often used in trick and joke concoctions, for afterall as the name suggests it can cause sneezing.' She paced to the other side of the room still peering round at all the students in turn. 'Use of it in this however, promotes of property of hotheadedness.' She added with a smile. 'Perhaps someone would be able to tell me about lovage?' She inquired, giving a nod to the first student who raised their hand.

[Jerred Boneman]

"Professor, lovage is a plant where the leaves and the fruit of the plant are used for flavouring of muggle dishes." Jerred said. "The fruit of the lovage plant seems to be ground and used as a spice... however the roots are used is diuretic."

[The Sorting Hat]

'Again, very good! Another 10 points!' The Professor praised watching the lad with an impressed expression. 'Seems you are taking more of an interest in my lesson today Mr Boneman.' She said with a smirk.

(( 10,000th post of the forum!!!! -GASP- ))

[cream200]

Ella raised her hand
"Professor, even though they have different ingredients are they concocted in the same way seeing as they are very similar?"

[The Sorting Hat]

The Professor turned to the Gryffindor. 'Though the ingredients are different, that may not necessary mean they don't have the same effect.' She began. 'It is often that they just differ in strengths and therefore effectiveness.' The Headmistress explained. 'Though in some cases with other potions, you do have to concoct them the same.. its normally the type and effect of the ingredient that makes the potion truly work.' She said with a slight nod. 'Half of potion making is learning correct properties, uses and potential of components - once you've mastered that, you could make anything.'

'Good question.' The Headmistress commented. 'Any others before we begin a practical?' She asked whilst looking for any raised hands around the room.

[Keaira Liath]

Keaira raised her hand tentatively, seeming to think of her question on the spot. "Professor, would agapanthus be used in befuddlement draughts commonly used to meddle with emotions?"

[Jerred Boneman]

admin said:

'Again, very good! Another 10 points!' The Professor praised watching the lad with an impressed expression. 'Seems you are taking more of an interest in my lesson today Mr Boneman.' She said with a smirk.

(( 10,000th post of the forum!!!! -GASP- ))

((;D ))

"Yes, Professor, I am." Jerred said, sitting back a little. He smiled slightly before listening in to the rest of the class.

[The Sorting Hat]

The Headmistress gave another smirk towards Jerreds direction before turning to answer the question put forward by Keaira.

'Good question Miss. Liath.' The Professor began. 'A suggestion of a component and the properties - well done, 5 points to Gryffindor.' She added with a smile. 'Well, Agapanthus, a plant with an African origin, is not a commonly used in befuddlement draughts, but would have a very similar sort of effect, however likely to be slightly weaker than what we are going to use. Perhaps you would like to use it in your practical though?' She inquired smiling. 'I would love to be proved wrong.' She gave a small smile.