The most powerful known love potion. It causes intense infatuation or obsession, but cannot create actual love. It is recognized by a mother-of-pearl sheen, steam rising in spirals, and an aroma tailored to what each person finds most attractive.
Slughorn calls it the most dangerous potion in his classroom. The Department of Mysteries keeps a fountain of Amortentia at the centre of the locked Love Room for study.
Found in
Primary Cannon
Mrs. J. K. Rowling. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Chapter 37, “The Lost Prophecy.” Dumbledore describes the locked room in the Department of Mysteries as containing a force “more wonderful and more terrible than death.”
Mrs. J. K. Rowling. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Chapter 9, “The Half-Blood Prince.” Slughorn introduces Amortentia in class. It has a mother-of-pearl sheen, steam rising in characteristic spirals, and smells differently to each person according to what attracts them. Harry smells treacle tart, a broomstick handle, and a flowery scent (later associated with Ginny). Hermione identifies parchment and freshly-mown grass.
Mrs. J. K. Rowling. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Chapter 10, “The House of Gaunt.” Dumbledore believes Merope Gaunt used a love potion, possibly Amortentia, on Tom Riddle Sr. to trick him into marriage.
Mrs. J. K. Rowling. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Chapter 15, “The Unbreakable Vow.” Romilda Vane attempts to give Harry a love potion.
Mrs. J. K. Rowling. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Chapter 18, “Birthday Surprises.” Ron consumes Romilda’s love potion-laced chocolate cauldrons months after they were made; the potion has grown stronger with age.
Tertiary Cannon
Mrs. J. K. Rowling. “The Leaky Cauldron and MuggleNet interview Joanne Kathleen Rowling: Part Two” 2005-07-16. Rowling confirms the Love Room at the Department of Mysteries has a fountain of Amortentia at its centre.
Mrs. J. K. Rowling. “Bloomsbury Live Chat” 2007-07-30. Rowling confirms Hermione’s third smell from the Amortentia was Ron’s hair. Discusses Merope’s use of a love potion on Tom Riddle as symbolic of a loveless union.