======Draughts======
=====General Information=====
  * **Type:** Category of [[Potions]]
  * **Primary Effect:** Varies widely depending on the specific draught, with effects ranging from inducing sleep to calming anxiety or causing confusion.
  * **Associated Field:** [[Potion-making]]
=====Description and Terminology=====
A **draught** is a type of magical liquid, generally intended to be drunk, that produces a specific magical effect on the drinker. In the wizarding world, the term is often used interchangeably with [[Potions]]. The fact that draughts like the [[Draught of Living Death]] and [[Draught of Peace]] are taught in [[Potions]] class and appear in textbooks such as //[[Advanced Potion-Making]]// confirms that they are a classification within the broader art of [[Potion-making]].
The word "draught" itself implies a quantity of liquid to be drunk in one go. While many concoctions are simply called "potions," specific, often complex, recipes are frequently referred to as draughts.
=====Known Draughts and Their Effects=====
  * **[[Draught of Living Death]]**
    * **Effect:** A highly powerful sleeping [[Potion]] that sends the drinker into a deep, death-like slumber. An overdose can be fatal.
    * **Description:** It is a notoriously difficult [[Potion]] to brew correctly. When brewed perfectly, according to the instructions of the [[Half-Blood Prince]], it turns a pale lilac color. Ingredients include powdered root of [[asphodel]], infusion of [[wormwood]], [[sloth brain]], and [[Sopophorous bean]].
    * **Known Uses:** It is taught to sixth-year N.E.W.T. students at [[Hogwarts]]. [[Harry Potter]] brewed a perfect version in [[Horace Slughorn]]'s class, winning a bottle of [[Felix Felicis]].
  * **[[Draught of Peace]]**
    * **Effect:** A [[Potion]] designed to calm anxiety and soothe agitation.
    * **Description:** It is also very difficult to brew, as incorrect ingredients or brewing times can have severe side effects; an overdose can plunge the drinker into a heavy, sometimes irreversible sleep. When complete, it should emit a light, silver vapor. Ingredients include powdered [[moonstone]] and syrup of [[hellebore]].
    * **Known Uses:** Taught by [[Severus Snape]] in fifth-year [[Potions]] class. Both [[Harry Potter]] and [[Hermione Granger]] successfully brewed the draught.
  * **Confusing Draught**
    * **Effect:** Causes the drinker to become confused, befuddled, and reckless. It is also referred to as a Confusing Concoction.
    * **Description:** Ingredients include [[Scurvy-grass]], [[lovage]], and [[sneezewort]].
    * **Known Uses:** This is part of the third-year [[Potions]] curriculum and is also a component of the O.W.L. practical exam.
  * **Hiccoughing Draught**
    * **Effect:** Presumably causes or cures a case of hiccups.
    * **Description:** Considered a very simple [[Potion]].
    * **Known Uses:** [[Horace Slughorn]] mentions it dismissively when comparing it to the far more complex [[Wolfsbane Potion]].
  * **[[Polyjuice Potion]]**
    * **Effect:** Allows the drinker to assume the physical form of another person for one hour.
    * **Known Uses:** While not named a draught, the [[Polyjuice Potion]] that [[Barty Crouch Jr.]] drinks throughout his year impersonating [[Alastor Moody]] is referred to as a "draught" from his hip flask.
  * **Draught of Dreamless Sleep**
    * **Effect:** A purple-coloured [[Potion]] that gives the drinker a peaceful, dreamless sleep.
    * **Known Uses:** It is used medicinally at [[Hogwarts]], often administered by [[Madam Pomfrey]]. (Pottermore)
=====Role in the Story=====
Draughts play a significant role in demonstrating the complexity, subtlety, and danger of [[Potion-making]]. They often serve as key challenges in [[Potions]] classes, allowing students like [[Harry Potter]] and [[Hermione Granger]] to showcase their magical talent. The [[Draught of Living Death]] is particularly pivotal, as Harry's success in brewing it is what earns him the [[Felix Felicis]] that proves crucial in obtaining a memory from [[Horace Slughorn]]. The existence of different draughts illustrates the vast range of effects that [[Potions]] can have, from simple remedies to powerful and dangerous concoctions that can mimic death itself.
=====Behind the Scenes=====
The terms "draught" and "potion" are used almost synonymously in the books. "Draught" is an older English word for "a drink" or "a dose," and its use in the series lends a historical and slightly more formal tone to the world of [[Potion-making]], particularly for specific, named concoctions taught at higher levels.