Wit-Sharpening Potion

• Type: Potion
• Effect: Allows the drinker to think with greater clarity; acts as an antidote to the Confundus Charm.
• Known Ingredients:
  • Scarab beetles
  • Cut ginger root
  • Armadillo bile
• Characteristics: The physical properties of the finished potion, such as its colour, consistency, or the nature of its steam, are not described in the novels.

The Wit-Sharpening Potion is a magical brew designed to enhance the mental acuity of the person who consumes it. Its principal function is to clear the mind, enabling the drinker to process thoughts with superior sharpness and logic. A crucial and officially examinable property of this potion is its function as an antidote. It is known to effectively counteract the effects of a Confundus Charm, a spell which causes confusion in its victim. A correctly brewed dose of the Wit-Sharpening Potion can completely nullify the magical bewilderment induced by the charm.

The Wit-Sharpening Potion is featured as part of the standard curriculum at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, appearing in both Potions lessons and examinations.

• Fourth Year (1994-1995): Students in Harry Potter's year were required to brew this potion in Professor Severus Snape's class. Hermione Granger brewed a perfect batch, while Harry and Ron Weasley made a mistake by adding too many scarab beetles. Hermione later surreptitiously corrected their potion, which Snape subsequently tested. He grudgingly admitted that Harry's potion would have earned an 'Outstanding' if he had not received help.
• Fifth Year (1995-1996): The potion's properties were included in the Ordinary Wizarding Level (O.W.L.) examinations. During his practical Potions O.W.L., the examiner, Professor Tofty, questioned Harry on the effects of a Wit-Sharpening Potion. Harry correctly answered that it makes one think more clearly and that it serves as an antidote to the Confundus Charm.

• In the Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix video game, the player must brew a Wit-Sharpening Potion. The ingredients required in the game are armadillo bile, crushed scarab beetles, ginger root, and newt spleens. (video game)