The Practical Potioneer

• Type: Publication (Periodical)
• Owners: A professional journal read by members of the wizarding world, most notably Horace Slughorn. It is not owned by a single individual.
• Maker: The publisher is unknown, but it is presented as a respected professional publication for the field of Potions.

The physical appearance of The Practical Potioneer is not described in the original novels. It is established as a professional journal or magazine dedicated to the art and science of potion-making, likely containing articles on advanced theory and new discoveries.

As a publication, The Practical Potioneer does not possess magical properties itself. Its function is to serve as a source of advanced and contemporary information within the Potions community. It is used by expert Potioneers and enthusiasts, such as Horace Slughorn, to stay informed about innovations, notable achievements, and new theories developing in their field.

The history of the publication is not detailed in the books. However, its mention by Horace Slughorn as a prestigious outlet for a talented Potioneer suggests it is an established and respected journal within the wizarding world during the 1990s.

The Practical Potioneer is mentioned exclusively in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

• During his first Potions lesson with Professor Slughorn, Harry Potter uses the handwritten notes in his borrowed copy of Advanced Potion-Making to brew a perfect Draught of Living Death.
• Immensely impressed by what he believes is Harry's innate talent, Slughorn praises him enthusiastically, exclaiming, “You’ll be getting your picture in The Practical Potioneer in no time!”
• This moment serves two primary purposes in the narrative. First, it characterizes Slughorn's personality, revealing his penchant for collecting and promoting students who show potential for fame and public achievement. Second, it creates dramatic irony, as the reader knows Harry's success is not his own but is owed to the secret brilliance of the book's previous owner, the Half-Blood Prince (Severus Snape).