COOKING AND CHEMISTRY
Disclaimer: This is a non-profit tribute to the works of JK Rowling who created and, together with her publishers and licensees, owns the characters and settings elaborated herein.
A/N: Spoilers to OotP, not HBP-compatible. Thanks to all my reviewers and my previewers, Bellegeste and Cecelle.
"I've always rather thought of Potions as somewhere between cooking and Chemistry," Mrs Granger said, putting down her fork and turning to Professor Snape, who was seated to her left, "ever since Hermione's first letter about the 'subtle science and exact art of potion-making'."
"She quoted me, did she?" he said, one long-fingered hand toying with his cutlery. Not trusting the students to refrain from discussing non-Muggle topics, he had surreptitiously cast a non-verbal Muffliato on their table as soon as they all sat down.
"At length," Mr Granger said with a half-smile, from his wife's other side.
Snape nodded and let his lips twitch upwards.
"You have an excellent memory, Mrs Granger, but that is no more than I would expect from your daughter's parents."
He took a swift glance around the table out of the corner of his eye as he spoke. Miss Weasley was watching him with narrowed eyes while ostensibly admiring Mr Creevey's camera. Miss Lovegood was blithely asking Draco if he was able to scan his brain for the presence of Wrackspurts when he turned his magical eye backwards. Herm – Miss Granger's cheeks were a little pink and she seemed to be scowling at both girls impartially. He turned back to Mrs Granger as she cocked her head, letting her short, dark curls fall over her forehead.
"I believe it only stuck in my mind because I always rather wondered if the adjectives should have been reversed. I gather this is not the case?" she asked.
"Indeed," he agreed. "The science, or theoretical study, of Potions requires the grasp of fine distinctions, while the art, the practical process of brewing, demands precision and accuracy. Far from being a cross between cooking and Chemistry, it is outside both; the magical science of transmutation through brewing rather than wandwork, more closely related to Alchemy than Chemistry, but encompassing a broader range of component substances."
Mr Granger touched his lips with his napkin and leaned forward, the better to hear.
"I see. Was Alchemy a purely magical science then? Is that why Muggle practitioners were doomed to failure?" his wife asked.
"Failure or Obliviation, I'm afraid. Their memories were wiped and their work destroyed. I understand the Head of the Swiss Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes recognised an opportunity to reduce his staff of Obliviators by twenty percent when Paracelsus went off on his tangent and Chemistry was born. "
From his other side, Hermione entered the conversation.
"I never knew that."
"It is well known in the Potions community, but I imagine it would not have occurred to you to look for it. Binns rarely looks beyond the Goblin Wars in any period of history he teaches."
Colin looked up from fiddling with his camera.
"Could I take some photos now, Professor?" he asked. "You did say when we were all finished eating …You won't even have to move from your seats. If I can just get Ginny and Luna and Malfoy to stand behind you?"
A/N According to Luna, Wrackspurts enter through your ears and make your brain go fuzzy.