Runespoor Venom

The Runespoor is a magical creature mentioned in the Harry Potter books. For canon information about this creature, please see the Harry Potter Lexicon.

Uses

The venom of a mature runespoor is a magically volatile substance. Because of its high reactivity to magic, it is very useful as a quickener for even the sludgiest of potions. It can quicken the acting power of a potion by astonishing multiples. When it's not acting as an accellerant in other potions, it is the main ingredient in a disastrously effective poison that can be delivered just by skin contact.

It is also a very handy booby trap.

Cured Runespoor Venom is also an ingredient in a highly experimental new form of Wolfsbane Potion, which was being created in secret by the Department of Mysteries in 2009.

Preparation

After the venom leaves the runespoor's living fang, it will quickly become active. Runespoor venom is difficult to treat in wounds because it does not respond well to magical healing. When milking runespoor venom from the fang, you should do it in a magically clean environment and put it directly into a safe container. Mundane glass works well. Then it should be stowed away from magical influence.

Beware when storing or hiding it. Many a potioneer's hovels have been a smear at the end of the front walk after an Auror had poked about with a lit wand.

Regulation and Skill Level

Extraordinarily illegal. And so grievously dangerous that only the most reckless wizards who have grown tired of breathing should attempt to handle it. If the venom comes into contact with any magic, it will explode into a very very nasty, corrosive mess. So it can not be shrunk, vanished, kept in a runic coffer, heated by magical fire, left out in the moonlight, stirred with an enchanted wand or cooked in a magic kettle. It cannot be scourgified, transfigured or even shed with the light of a lumos, lest it ignite into a chaotically destructive explosion.

Risks

Other than the legal risks, Runespoor Venom Burns are extremely dangerous.

References

• On the very early morning of October 15, 2008, there was an explosion in Knockturn Ally caused by magic coming in contact with approximately 182oz of cured Runespoor Venom in glass ketchup bottles.
• Sellaphix Apothecary is known to have supplied this substance illegally until 2008 when they were investigated as part of an investigation into the smuggling ring.