Now we come to the number 3. It is argued by some to be the most powerful number, and to carry the highest magical potency. However, many arithmancers believe instead that it is the number 7 that holds this honor. Others, I will not name names, but Prof. Snorwack and I have argued for hours about this because he can be such a thickheaded git. Anyway, others yet believe it to be thirteen (but you will find that they are a dreadful sort of people. So pessimistic.) Unfortunately, all three of these numbers appear to average at 317nw when measured, so it leads to some confusion especially since all three of these numbers can be found in the measure of greatest power (of course the 13 is backwards because it drains power, but more on that later). Thus, there are three schools of thought, and three most powerful numbers dubbed "the big three." I find it hard to believe that there are some Witches and Wizards that call themselves Arithmancers who fail to see the significance of this. They will honestly argue that 3 is not the most powerful number, while the most powerful numbers come in a group of three! 

Thankfully, the dissensions over the number three have begun to subside, as only more evidence is found in support of this theory. It has recently been proposed that the maximum NMP attainable by any number is 333nw, which follows, since this is written as three threes. It is exactly this point that distinguishes the number 3 from all other numbers. It is a number of power, raw power. It is a number of strength and fortitude. Even muggles have harnessed this quality by building all of their strongest structures out of triangles (the most durable and strongest shape). In later courses you will even be expected to provide a proof for the unmatches durability and strength of triangles.

We see further extensions of this too, arguments are always strongest when presented as three bullet points, the Deathly Hallows are the most powerful magical artifacts in existence and there are three of them (symbolised by a triangle to top it all off in Prof. Snorwack's face). The Holy Trinity and the big three Greek gods (Zeus, Posiedon, and Hades) are even more examples of the highest power and greatest strength manifesting through the number 3. The downfall of Lord Voldemort came at the hands of three friends who were able to stop him together. Whereas the famous Harry Potter's parents were ultimately killed because of the fourth member in the mauraders. Where if they had only been a group of three, Lily and James Potter would most likely still be safe today. 

Many novices will confuse the effects of the number 3 for luck, while this is not the case. The numbers 7 and 13 effect the flow of luck while the number 3 does no such thing. It is a number of power, so the success and stength that stems from it can often give the appearence of luck to the untrained observer. But it would be a mistake to use many measurements of the number three when creating a potion like Felix Felices. 

The number 3 is a lot simpler than most of the other powerful numbers, but do not let that indicate to you that it has less potency because it has only one application. In fact, it is exactly the opposite. 

Chapter Recap:

• 3, 7, and 13 are the three most powerful numbers, dubbed "The Big Three."


• Of them, 3 is the most powerful number (evidenced by the fact that there are THREE powerful numbers indicating a magical potency for power manifesting as 3 Snorwack you ignorant buffoon).


• Triangles are the strongest shape, and units of three are used for the most powerful spells.


• The power of the number three is not an effect of luck, while 7 and 13 do create a nearby flux in luck energy.