Confusing Concoction

• Type: Potion
• Owners: Primarily brewed by Hogwarts students as part of their curriculum. Notably brewed by Harry Potter's third-year class.
• Maker: The original inventor of the potion is unknown.

The exact color and consistency of the finished Confusing Concoction are not described in the novels. The brewing process, as undertaken by third-year Potions students, involves several specific steps and ingredients. Key known ingredients include Shrunken Figs, Powdered Billywig Stings, and Cowbane. The preparation requires students to carefully slice the figs and add the other components in a precise manner.

As its name suggests, the primary effect of the Confusing Concoction is to induce a state of confusion and bewilderment in the drinker. A person under its influence is likely to exhibit reckless or nonsensical behavior. The potion is considered a standard part of the Hogwarts curriculum, suggesting it is a foundational mind-affecting draught.

The Confusing Concoction does not have a detailed history within the series but is established as a standard potion taught to third-year students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Its inclusion in the syllabus indicates it is a well-known and established potion in the wizarding world, suitable for teaching intermediate potion-making principles.

The Confusing Concoction is featured in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban during a particularly tense Potions lesson with Professor Severus Snape. The scene primarily serves to escalate the conflict between Snape and the Gryffindor trio.

• Classroom Conflict: While the class brews the potion, Draco Malfoy mocks Hermione Granger about Buckbeak's scheduled execution. Ron Weasley defends her, which provokes Malfoy into throwing a preserved horned slug, hitting Hermione. In retaliation, Ron throws a crocodile heart at Malfoy, leading to Snape's intervention.
• Snape's Injustice: Professor Snape completely ignores Malfoy's clear provocation and assault on Hermione, instead giving Ron detention and docking fifty points from Gryffindor. His blatant bias and unfair punishment further fuel the students' animosity towards him.
• Plot Advancement: The incident contributes significantly to the trio's stress and frustration. This mounting pressure is a key factor in Hermione's subsequent actions, including slapping Malfoy and abandoning her Divination class, which marks a turning point in her character arc.

• In the video game Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, the Confusing Concoction is a potion the player can learn to brew. Additional ingredients mentioned in the game include Sneezewort and Leaping Toadstools. (Hogwarts Mystery video game)