What was the answer to the logic puzzle in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone?

Answer 1

In "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone," the logic puzzle that Harry, Hermione, and Ron had to solve to move forward in the story involved identifying which potion would allow them to proceed. The riddle presented was:

"Danger lies before you, while safety lies behind,

Two of us will help you, whichever you would find,

One among us seven will let you move ahead,

Another will transport the drinker back instead,

Two among our number hold only nettle wine,

Three of us are killers, waiting hidden in line.

Choose, unless you wish to stay here forevermore,

To help you in your choice, we give you these clues four:

First, however slyly the poison tries to hide

You will always find some on nettle wine's left side;

Second, different are those who stand at either end,

But if you would move onward, neither is your friend;

Third, as you see clearly, all are different size,

Neither dwarf nor giant holds death in their insides;

Fourth, the second left and the second on the right

Are twins once you taste them, though different at first sight."

The correct answer to the logic puzzle was to choose the smallest bottle, as it contained the potion that would allow them to proceed safely through the obstacles.

Answer 2

Severus Snape's security spell was a logic problem involving seven different shaped bottles of potions.

The entrance to either side of the room was blocked by fire. One of the potions allowed you to go forward, one allowed you to go back, two were nettle wine and three were poison. To beat the challenge, you had to read the clue and figure out the location of the correct bottle.

Answer 3

The smallest bottle would allow you to continue. Harry drinks what is left and heads through the fire while Hermione goes back to find help for Ron and Harry.