The ancient study of alchemy is concerned with making the Philosopher's Stone, a legendary substance with astonishing powers. The Stone will transform any metal into pure gold. It also produces the Elixir of Life, which will make the drinker immortal.
HARRY POTTER AND THE PHILOSOPHER'S STONE
STUDENTS OF ALCHEMY are usually interested in three things: finding the Philosopher's Stone; discovering the key to everlasting youth; and unearthing the secret behind changing the properties of metal into gold or silver. But to truly understand the science of alchemy, first you must understand the art of potions ...
A PUZZLING PROFESSOR
Although Professor Snape is described as being ‘disliked by everybody’ in the early stages of Harry's time at Hogwarts, we later discover that appearances can often be deceptive. As Snape's own personal story unravels he is cast in a different light, which allows us to re-examine his previous actions and perhaps perceive them in a different way.
People have been making potions for thousands upon thousands of years. The word potion is taken from the Latin word potio, which means ‘drink’. Potions can be used for a multitude of reasons but they are often used as a medicine, poison or drug. Although not all potions are successful, this has not stopped people attempting to create them. Potions to heal a broken bone, potions to make you reveal the truth, potions to make someone fall deeply in love – people will try a magical mixture for just about everything and anything.
PROFESSOR SEVERUS SNAPE
PROFESSOR OF: POTIONS
(AND LATER DEFENCE AGAINST THE DARK ARTS)
APPEARANCE: Professor Snape is described as having greasy black hair, a hooked nose and sallow skin. His eyes are said to be black, cold and empty.
DID YOU KNOW: Marauders Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs had a nickname for Professor Snape when they were students together at Hogwarts – Snivellus.
Cruel, sarcastic and disliked by everybody except the students from his own house (Slytherin), Snape taught Potions.
HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS
Portrait of Professor Snape by Jim Kay
BLOOMSBURY