Round table discussion toward improving Muggle-Wizard relations

[kira_cho]

Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge would like to welcome all of you in this round table discussion toward improving Muggle-Wizard relations

Comments

Introduction

[rea_saint]

Name: Re'a Saint
Occupation: Chemist, Research Scientist
Location: The Pacific Northwest

Question/Concern:

1. How closely related are Potions, Alchemy, and Chemistry related?
2. How do wizards conduct their experiments?
e.g. Professor Snape was found to have scribbled in the margins of his potions textbook the more correct potion-making method. I'm curious whether this came about from repeated tests (as we scientists do) or by some form of magical intuition or sense.
3. How are potion formulas formed/discovered?
4. Since non-wizards can experience the effects of say, felix felicis, wouldn't it follow that given the proper recipe/method/ingredients, non-wizards can also brew potions? Has this been attempted

Re: Introduction

[androgynous88]

Mr. Saint, I think you're thinking too hard (a common Muggle ailment, it seems).

As regrettably we do not study Alchemy here in Hogwarts (we have enough trouble as it is with Leprechaun gold), I don't know how Alchemy compares to Potions and Chemistry.

Anthony Goldstein does have an older sister who goes to a Muggle college, and it seems Chemistry labs don't blow up anywhere as often as our Potions classes. Correction: Ravenclaw-Hufflepuff Double Potions blow up once a month at most. Slytherin-Gryffindor Double Potions blow up at least once a week, without fail.

#2 and #3 should be addressed to Professor Snape...

Curious, how did you draw the conclusion that non-wizards experience the effects of Felix Felicis?
I shall not presume to answer #4 lest Professor Snape kills me lest I give you inaccurate information.

Re: alchemy, Prince is the name of a Wizarding family, yes, but I don't know anyone at Hogwarts with that name, so I can't help you there.

Felix Felicis

[rea_saint]

I may be mistaken, but were there not cases of non-wizards buying or administered ludicrous and sometimes even potentially dangerous potions and experiencing its effects?

There appears to be a report somewhere about a Dudley Dursley who ate a special toffee that made his tongue grew, courtesy of the Weasley twins, I believe.

Although toffee isn't a potion, I would presume that it was in liquid form before it solidifies. Either way, it's at least a proof that non-wizards are affected just the same at least when ingesting magical substances.

Re: Felix Felicis

[stoppered_death]

Of course Muggles are affected by potions, just as they are affected by spells, and a very good thing it is too: if the Obliviation Squads were unsuccessful in their work, our world would be exposed to the Muggle world at large.

The genocide that followed would make their vaingloriously-named World Wars look like a street-corner squabble.

Re: Felix Felicis

[rea_saint]

genocide...

That makes me think. What do wizards think of the weapons and technology of non-wizards?

Re: Felix Felicis

[stoppered_death]

With Imperius and various invisibility/glamour charms, we would still hold the upper hand in a guerrilla war. But in terms of open warfare... no. All three Unforgiveables together don't come close to one of their atomic bombs.

Re: Felix Felicis

[rea_saint]

Dear Professor Snape,

How about robotics, body armors, and say, tanks?

Can the unforgiveables pierce through body armors, vehicles, or trace robotics to where it is being controlled?

Re: Felix Felicis

[stoppered_death]

As it happens, yes, really powerful spells tend not to be affected by merely physical barriers. As for robotics? *snort* Still science fiction. They've yet to make a real impact on any battlefield.

And imagine the damage one could do if one merely put the Muggles' heads of state under Imperius.

...Mind you, I somewhat suspect that someone's had them controlled that way for years now.

Re: Introduction

[stoppered_death]

1: As Miss Su has already noted, Alchemy is not taught at Hogwarts. It is a highly advanced field of magical study, for which the aptitude is extremely rare. Headmaster Dumbledore and his colleague Nicholas Flamel are the most widely-known practitioners of the Art, as co-creators of the Philosopher's Stone. He would be the obvious person to give details on Alchemy

Book

[rea_saint]

*presents book*

Please feel free to look through this. I trust you will take good care in looking over it and return it unharmed, being the excellent person and teacher you are. My family treasures this as an heirloom after all.

Re: Book

[stoppered_death]

*arches an eyebrow*

I'm hardly about to add marginalia, if that's what you're concerned about.

*whispers a preservation charm overheard from Pince, starts to turn pages carefully*

Hm. Without subjecting it to a battery of tests involving both Potions and Charms, the most I can say is that this script resembles Great-Grandfather Caligula's handwriting.

Re: Book

[rea_saint]

How interesting! I wonder if that implies my ancestors have contact with yours somehow?

In any case, would you be so kind as to tell me what it's about? Apparently non-magical people aren't able to read it.

On that subject, is it possible for wizards to write books such that non-wizards can read it?

Re: Book

[stoppered_death]

I suppose anything's possible if one looks back far enough: they say our distant ancestors lived in trees.

I am an extremely busy man; how were you planning to recompense me for the time and effort involved in interpretation?

And of course it's possible, in fact it's usual! The only times difficulty with reading (as opposed to comprehension) would occur are when owners ward their grimoires, or when the spells themselves would rather not be read by Muggles.

Re: Introduction

[_blondambition]

*pinches bottom, unsuitably*

Miss me?

Re: Introduction

[stoppered_death]

*wand-hand twitches in a duellist's reflex that only just stops short of a draw, before he turns around*

Of course I missed you: I always did have lamentably poor aim when attempting to curse you.

You have distressing effects upon my judgement all round.

*lips twitch in something that might even possibly could be a smile*

Re: Introduction

[lilian_cho]

*stares*

Oh wow. Has anyone ever told you that you look remarkably similar to this fashion model?