Would they breath fire? Grace's eyes widened a little. That would be pretty cool. Though she was sure it would hurt. If they were made for breathing fire she was sure that it would hurt. "Erm... I don't know? But... wouldn't it like hurt?" Because she was sure they weren't supposed to breath fire. Dragons had really tough skin and such, which would explain why it didn't hurt them. But they had flimsy skin that easily burnt, and got torn, and hurt. So she was sure that it would be ever so easy for them to burn. "Unless like....we could get fireproof skin or something."

Text Cut: Some seperate answers to questions

Haha, the enthusiastic Gryffindor boy (Bart). Maybe he could demonstrate the class what happened if they DRANK it? After all, he wasn't afraid of burning.

The Gryffindor girl (Katarina) asked him whether dragons breathed different fire... hmm... "I think not, young lady, but you should ask it to the C-o-M-C professor. He knows better than me." Understandibly.

Quote:

Originally Posted by carpediem

"Is there anything that can react to the body to cause the fire breath?" Wasn't that what they were supposed to be figuring out? "Like an ingredient or several that combine and then mix with something inside your body to make the fire?"

Cosgrach thought it over. "I've never heard of it," he said, "I mean, there's Dogbreath potion, but the fire effect is for a short time. I... don't think so."

Quote:

Originally Posted by hermionesclone

His eyes flew over to the Potions Master and his hand went up in the air again. "What about all the saliva we produce? Or... or the glands in our throats that secret mucus? I mean... that would affect the amount of fire we breathe out, right?" Did mucus affect fire? ... He... didn't know.

"In this case, mucus is important. The more mucus you secrete, the more diluted it is, and that reduces the integrity of fire."

Good thinking, again. Cosgrach nodded.

As the students answered, Cosgrach nodded to everyone. They all had brilliant ideas, and it was getting harder for him to contain his excitement. It was a few minutes more of discussing, then they would start brewing.

Now, about the concerns...

"It isn't the exact fire, yes," he announced to the class, "but it is fire. If we didn't make sure it was at a warm temperature for us and add a certain ingredient," he smirked nastily, because they weren't going to like it, "it would burn like every normal fire does. Worry not, though. The salamander blood in it takes care of our mouth, and that one makes sure nothing catches on fire. We won't feel pain, because there won't be any scars to begin with. When breathed on skin, it will tickle and be hot enough to warm you up in a cold winter day. Because only then it makes sense: to harm someone with it, say, in a duel, you would be have to be harmed too, because it is coming off you. The blood doesn't let scars to happen, but it doesn't lower the heat in your mouth either." He nearly bounced on his feet. He was curious how many would make 'eeeeew I'm not drinking that,' faces.

"Those who said we don't have the same body parts were correct too, obviously. That's why, this potion is not to be drunk." Did everyone note that? Because he wasn't repeating anything. "You won't die, though, if you drink it unless you're a sissy who can't handle a bit of pain." Were they? He eyed them. He forgot to say what it would do, though.

Hmm.

"So, this is like those things muggles use, as some of you have mentioned. Because we keep it in our mouth, we actually ignite that. So, we won't transform our body into a dragon's. We can breathe fire until we run out of the potion.

"If this isn't an offensive potion, why do you think it was invented? Where can we use it?"

OOC: The lesson will continue 9 hours later.

OhmyWORD!! That was the Potion Amanda used then! Ooooooohhhhhhhhhhhh, it all made sense now! Kinda.

But... Sophie had a question so she raised her hand again. Ohwait, maybe she should answer his question first. What was it again? ".......Oh. Um... well, people can use this Potion while in some sort of performance!" That was what her cousin did anyway. "Especially in street performances, I think. People seem to love it!" But yeah, onto her own question now. "Professor, how come they had to come up with a special Potion for it? What's wrong with simply using kerosene?" Oh, hold on... she remembered her cousin mentioning something about it being bad after a while.... or something? She didn't really remember details.

Hopefully professor Cosgrach knew, though! And hopefully there was a good explanation for people to have created this Potion, because Sophie still didn't get why bother brewing a Potion when you could always use spells instead.

Sophie liked this guy a lot. She got to sit comfortably in a squishy chair, the room had a distinct Ravenclaw ambiance to it with the walls being blue, and he had smiled at her and been really friendly in response to her greeting. Total opposite of Lafay. She could relax.

During his explanation, though, Sophie... grew skeptical. Salamander blood? Blood? In their mouths? Her expression softened a little when he said they didn't have to drink it, but there was still a residual 'ew' expression remaining.

In jest to lighten her own mood, the second year raised a hand and offered, "Maybe it was invented to be able to convey a realistic dragon when dressed in a dragon costume for a stage performance, like one at W.A.D.A. For entertainment purposes and stuff." That'd be fun.

Was he suggesting that they actually drink this stuff? Because the more he talked about it, the less Gwen wanted to ingest it. Salamander blood? There was no way this vegetarian girl was going to drink the blood of an animal. Plus, why would anybody want to burn another person?

On the other hand, he had just insinuated that anyone who had qualms about drinking it was a sissy. Vegetarian or not, Gwen was no sissy. She steeled her nerves. If he asked them to drink it, she would do it. She would just have to forget about the fact that there was animal blood in it. She shuddered slightly at the thought.

She raised her hand. "Maybe it was invented to scare people off? Like they wouldn't want to get near a fire-breathing person if they didn't know the fire couldn't hurt them?" She certainly wouldn't want to get in the way of flame coming from a person's mouth. "Sort of like how the Celts rode into battle naked. To intimidate the opponent before even having to fight them." Her mother used to tell her stories about the Celts when she was little, and that image had always terrified her, though perhaps it wasn't appropriate to share in school.

Lots of stuff. Lots and lots of stuff to be written down, which was exactly what he did. He was so busy writing it down, that he didn't even balk at the salamander blood part. Because NOTES.

As Toby was a boy who didn't automatically think of things as having a use to hurt other people or whatever, he wasn't immediately curious as to what the potion was for. Just considered it to be something to make a cool show, you know? When the professor asked the question, he stayed quiet for a few moments before throwing his hand up into the air, sudden inspiration having struck.

"Maybe for like intimidation or something if you're under attack, for when you can see them and they can't see you," the Hufflepuff suggested, tilting his head and looking straight at the man's face again. "I mean it's not exactly a good idea to go bounding into a situation where you thing there's a dragon or a person that can really breathe fire, so it gives you time to make a defence or escape if you can."

Toby wasn't sure. He was just wildly speculating and trying to be creative. Was it working?

Robin balked a little when lizard blood and drinking were in the same sentence. Sure holding it in your mouth wasn't technically drinking it.. but which was worse~ the side effects or the taste? Obviously she wouldn't know she had never known that lizards were magical in any way shape or form, but if she had to drink it, er, hold it in her mouth, whatever it was-- she liked to think that she would try it, anything in the name of learning, or more accurately, to show she wasn't a pansy.

If it isn't dangerous to anyone...why use it? she got an idea- something in one of her halmeoni's stories had sparked a memory. She timidly raised her hand but spoke up- in a firm voice this time.

"Well if a lot of superstitious people, I mean muggles, were afraid of these dragons and the strength they had, then maybe the drink was more for show? Like in the Salem witch trials and things I heard about The witches using tickling spells to fake themselves dying... but in this case maybe wizards were trying to scare off muggles or protect themselves by pretending to breath fire like a dragon? Then everyone, um, muggles, would steer clear!"

It made sense to Robinat least
"Non-magical people would never come near a dragon and even if they found out it was a person- they'd be terrified if they saw the wizard breathing fire!"

"It could still be used for offense though, yeah, professor?" Just making sure, because that was what it sounded like. "I mean, I'm sure there are people who'd be alright with harming themselves with the goal of hurting others in mind."

Really dumb Gryffindors or something. Yeah. Alice knew her house had idiots in it.

"What happens if we drink it?"

Sander listened as the Professor explained the properties of the potion and what it didn't do. Too bad they wouldn't get a chance to drink it...which made Sander wonder were they just supposed to hold it in their mouth. That would mean there would be no talking throughout that duration.

Now that was a profound question. Why make a potion where you can breathe fire but it wasn't supposed to be used as an offensive potion. Sander took his time thinking about the answers to the questions, the Potions Professor had asked them.

When he figured that he had a possible answer, one that made sense, Sander raised his hand.

"Professor I think it was invented to create fire when we can't use our wands to make one. Unless you're stealthy, it would be pretty obvious when you're pointing your wand at something to make it burn, and you can't do it in front of muggles."

Sander paused. He really didn't think he was making any sense at all, but now that he had started on that trail of thought, he couldn't stop now.

However, we can start a fire, if we discreetly pour the potion in our mouth and while no one is watching, just breathe out enough to start the fire going."

"It would be great when you're out camping with muggles."

Okay Sander stop talking now.

Blood. Ella wasn't keen on drinking it and was relieved that wouldn't be required, honestly. Her eyebrows raised slightly at the use of the word sissy, though. That was an interesting tactic. Was the professor trying to get the Gryffindors to want to drink the stuff or? Hm.

The blonde's face fell considerably when the best friend and then, the pseudo!brother's cousin mentioned performances. Her mind immediately went to Gran and she looked down, focusing on her notes and trying not to frown. Now was no time to get emotional.

Focus, Ella.

"Perhaps people were just curious about what it might be like to breathe fire like a dragon would. I could see dragonologists being curious enough to try it for themselves."

They were going to breath FIRE! Bev mentally high-five'd herself. This was going to be GREAT. Catching Train Boy's glance she grinned at him a little. Did he understand the GREATNESS of this all? FIRE. BREATHING FIRE.

LIKE A DRAGON.

Eventually, she ended up writing down some of the things the professor and students around her were saying. She had absolutely no idea what they meant about "Muggle performers" as the Muggle world was that of another world to her family. So she drew a little star next to it to remember to look it up at the library later.

As for Professor Culloden's next question, Bev thought about it. It could be used as a form of intimidation, or stun someone into thinking they were on fire when they really weren't and then attack, or -- like he had mentioned -- a form to warm someone themselves up. Or maybe just for show. She jotted down her thoughts, and kept to herself this time.

Katarina smiled when the professor answered her question to show that she had heard. That made sense, and next time she was in C.o.M.C. she would ask the teacher about that. After she heard his next question, Katarina thought of an idea straight away, but waited for other people to say their own thoughts before raising her hand once more. "Maybe people who work with dragons use it to make the creatures feel safer." She offered the idea, hoping that it was at least a possibility. "Or, maybe, if a mother dragon abandons her eggs, or dies before she can hatch them, people can use this potion as a way of replicating the warmth of her fire on the eggs, so that the babies don't die." Katarina stopped there, looking up at the professor curiously.

Bart couldn't help but feel a little disappointment because he wanted the entire dragon for the day set up, but but THEY WERE GOING TO BREATH FIRE!! He'd get over the rest. Breathing fire would be so cool it was going to be great. The boy started visualizing himself breathing fire even in this vary room.

IT WOULD BE EPIC!!!

Now why weren't they starting yet? He listened why was it used, really more talking. Brewing needed to happen like now! Come on cool professor dude let's get this fire started! Bart put his hand up quickly though, "It was probably invented to fake out muggles at those circus things. That's probably how the whole breathing fire started for them." He had went to a circus once with his cousin and yeah he had seen it, but if he could actually do it now that would be even better.

So could they get started... now

Alice asks the important questions. What does happen if you drink it? All Nigel heard was something about pain and that's it. Still this was pretty awesome stuff that had offensive use. Just you had to think outside the cauldron.

"To look awesome breathing fire"

Nobody would mess with you if you breath fire.

Kace made the eyebrows when the professor mentioned them being sissy's if they didn't wanna drink the potion. That sounded like a challenge. Challenge accepted professor. Especially if the professor was new, he didn't know who he was dealing with. Then he heard the professor's question and Kace smirked. He raised his hand and said,

"Hmm...maybe they wanted to get in touch with their inner dragon?" he suggested to the professor. "But i think the people who would use it would be the fire breathers you would see in like...circuses and such."

This lesson was getting interested by the second. Kace couldn't wait to start it. He wanted to breathe fire.

So mucus did effect it. That was... surprising.

The explanation was great but... Alec didn't know what to think of the smirk. Maybe the man was just... happy about this discussion? Maybe. Shrug. To each their own. Uses of the potion... This was difficult. The seventh year looked down at his desk, his eyebrows furrowing slightly. Apart from being able to burn something without using a wand, Alec... didn't see what else this ability could be used for. Or why it was invented in the first place.

Make a guess? Awesome idea. The hand went up again and his grey-blue eyes were now fixed on the man at the front. "Professor? Erm... dragon breeding was outlawed in the early 1700s, right?" Yeah? "Well... people might have wanted to breed dragons before it was outlawed, right? So what if... what if the reason this potion was invented was so people could breed their own dragons and keep the eggs warm? I mean... erm... that's what some dragon mothers do so... it'd be like imitating the mother to make sure that the dragon hatches properly." Another shrug. The boy really didn't know.

He also really liked Funny Dude Nigel's answer. Just saying.

Hawthorne perked up, things were getting interesting! this professor seemed to like mixing fun with learning... which was nice. She wanted something with practical use, though... besides just fun. but, of course, now was her time to think. What WERE some of the practical reasons this potion could have been invented?

She raised her hand after thinking for a moment, "How about self defense? i mean more on the pre-EMPTIVE side." again cracking out her million dollar words. She wanted top impress the professor... and her fellow students. She heard a lot of these when her father talked to his clients. "Like, to scare someone? I mean if i someone breathing fire, I'd probably think twice before approaching them! But then again... muggles have fire breathers for entertainment." Were there wizard circus'? if so she had never seen or heard of one... thus far that is.

Adi was in awe of this potion rather than revolted at the part with the salamander. He listened to the Professor, hanging on tho his words while he scribbled notes. He wasn't surprised though, when the man said the potion was not supposed to be drunk. He didn't know how but he had suspected that. And that sissy bit was a bit harsh, yes? But Adi couldn't help but grin a little. This Professor was cool.

Why was it invented? Adi thought. He raised his hand after a few moments. "It was probably invented for those too young to do magic? Or can't do magic even though they have magical blood? We can use it to light campfires.'' Heh. He wasn't too proud of this response.

Bay was excited for this class "no way we get to breathe fire?" now this was awesome. Bay raised his hand again to answer the professors question "it could be used if you have some of the potion on you to start a fire or it can keep yourself and others warm if you were stranded" he said for that would be a very good reason to use it.

Sophie wasn't really concerned about the potion. She'd had enough experience watching people with potions to know that yes, there was danger, but you might have to put up with a little bit of danger in order to achieve the end result. She eyed the people with concerns.

Wimps.

Sophie smirked when the professor used the word 'sissy'. RIGHT ON, PROFESSOR! You tell 'em! Now, why was the potion invented? She raised her hand. "We can use it in a duel to keep our opponents from coming any closer than we want them to," she suggested.

Or we could burn their hair to a crisp when they weren't looking. That'd be funny!

Sissies! Hannah was pretty cure that she was going to like this professor. He already got major brownie points for the comfortable seats. Other professors could sure take some notes. They were people too you know! She head people talking about a circus, and Hannah had no idea what that even was so she just assumed it was muggle related and went on about her business.

"Professor, I too think it would have been used for intimidation." So maybe wizards would know what was going on, but she could guarantee that those pesky muggles wouldn't, and Hannah could always go for a good laugh. That's what she would do anyways!

Adelaide scribbled along some notes as Culloden continued to talk. This was definitely a very interesting lesson. Breathing fire! She was going to have to remember not to miss potions classes at all.

...and okay. No drinking it. Addi did not want to know what happened if you drank it, even if it wasn't going to kill her. She was most definitely not a sissy, quidditch last term proved that, but she still had no intentions of drinking it on purpose. So like muggle firebreathing. That was always fun to watch.

Addi bit her lip, thinking over her answer. She raised her hand. "Possibly as a way to keep yourself warm if you're trapped in the cold. Make sure you don't lose any digits." He had mentioned it would keep you warm if you blew it on your skin.

Caelen started hurridly jotting down notes. She figured it would come in handy later when she was doing homework and stuff. And it felt like the thing to do. She was pressing hard into the paper of her journal, leaving indents into the page. That probably wasn't a good thing. Oops.

Still, potions = COOL! They were going to breathe fire! What wasn't cool about that? She litterally couldn't see a reason this would suck. Mel had to like potions now. How many times in homeschool did you get to breathe fire? Umm, NEH-VER.

Ummm..... Salamanders blood. Rockwell worked with worse before. Okay, no he didn't, but it hadn't exactly hit her what was expected. She was just kind of cruising right now. It would hit later, trust her. And at least it would keep them from burning alive? She liked not burning alive, thank you.

"Sir? How does the dueling thing work again? Why does it hurt you then and not other times? Is there something to that?" She continued writing as soon as she stopped talking. "So we're going to feel the heat, but no pain?" The redhead wasn't exactly sure how this worked. She figured she would figure this out with time. And with some teacher help.

So this was like the thing the circus performers used? Could she be a certified circus performer? Wait, did circus performers have to be trained?

"Well, wouldn't they make the potion for the benifits? Like that saying, sometimes the benefits outweigh the risks." She had no idea why it would be used besides circus performing. Maybe cooking, depending on what the fire could do. She wasn't entirely sure yet how this worked.

Okay....okay, Lex still had very little idea what anyone was going on about but then there was talk of...fire breathing? OHHHHHH!! This class was starting to make sense again and this was just the way she liked it. The girl looked around the room. She didn't have any salamanders on her desk...no blood..empty desk.

Alexa raised her hands, now able to proper answer to the question being asked.

"I think it's simple Professor. It was invented to scare the living daylight out of children who won't otherwise listen when you talk. Either that or invented to entertain people while you sent in secret service peeps to storm whatever reserves they have and raid it for everything's it's worth before torching their cities with actual fire and returning home with the spoils of a war they unfairly won."

But that was just the simple basics of it right there. She could say more if that was needed.

It was with great self-control that Fern turned away from Bart and gave her full attention to the professor. She flinched at the mention of salamander blood, but quickly composed herself. And when Professor Culloden eyed them, she straightened in her seat, jutted out her chin, and eyed him right back. She was no sissy! She was FERN QUIMBLEY! BRING IT ON!

Shooting her hand in the air, the Hufflepuff answered confidently, "Professor, you could use it after you paint your nails, to help you dry them." Though Fern thought Siccus Aerous was a lot faster, and if the potion tickled, she might start giggling, and if it really, really tickled, then she'd end up rolling around on the ground and get sparkly dark orchid nail polish all over the common room floor.

Not that that would be bad thing. Sparkles were never a bad thing.