Places in the Harry Potter World09:15 Jun 26 2007
Times Read: 590
The Hut on the Rock
In a freezing cold sea, there lies a rather small rock (in comparison to the sea). On the rock, there is a dilapidated hut. Inside the hut, there are two rooms, and always, the incredibly wet smell of seaweed. The hut isn't very warm, although there is a fireplace, albeit of not much use since there is no wood and it's already wet. Just like the sea.
The Dursley House
Outside of Number four Privet Drive, the lawn is green and tidy. Inside, it's even tidier. The once extravagant fireplace is now boarded up, and the once numerous fine china have been reduced in numbers. There is a cupboard under the stairs, where you might find a lonely, ugly, small sock. The kitchen is clean and spotless, and everything is put away neatly. Upstairs you will find four rooms, the smallest being bizarrely messy and inhabited by a snowy owl, a growing wizard, and the bodies of a few deceased mice. In one room, are many broken toys, and what looks like the bed of a severely obese teenager. In another room, are unknown items, though it would probably contain a bed and a bedside table. In the master bedroom sleep the master and mistress of the house, Mr. and Mrs. Dursley. Undoubtedly, the room is unbearably clean.
The Burrow
Home to the wonderful red-headed Weasleys, the burrow apparently 'isn't very much' to wizard standards. But to Muggles it's fascinating and filled with magical creatures and accessories. It is several stories high, and rather cramped, but that makes it all the more cozy. Outside are chickens and gnomes, and various remnants of magical equipment and clothing. The kitchen is where you will most often find Mrs. Weasley, cooking for the many members of her family. There is a ghoul in the attic, and creaking stairs, and loud noises come from Fred and George's room. Here, Harry feels at home, and so do Ron, Fred, George, Percy, Ginny, Bill, Charlie, Arthur and Molly Weasley.
Number 12, Grimmauld Place
Protected by heavy magic, and invisible to eye and unthinking mind, Number 12, Grimmauld Place, the old, old house of the pure-blooded and beautiful Blacks, is now headquarters to the Order of the Phoenix. The house is rather worn and shabby, and somewhat inhabitable. However, much patience and cleaning is required when dealing with this home. The chandelier and candelabra are shaped like serpents, and are very dusty. Some odd and grotesque ornamentations to the house are: an umbrella stand made from a troll's leg, the severed heads of an entire line of house-elves, and screaming portraits of the Black family. Even though the house is dark and foreboding, it is clear that the Black family was not at all poor, in fact they were rather rich.
St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries
Many wizards and witches get themselves into a spot of trouble. If the case is very severe, or the witch or wizard in question is unable to heal themselves, a healer at St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries would be happy to assist them (you). St. Mungo's, or to the muggle-eye called 'Purge and Dowse Ltd.' There are six floors to St. Mungo's. The Ground Floor is where you enter, and where you stay if you have had an Artifact Accident. The First Floor is where you go if you have a Creature-Induced Injury. The Second Floor for Magical Bugs, the third for Potion and Plant Poisoning, the fourth for Spell Damage, and of course, every hospital must have a 'Visitor's Tea Room and Hospital Shop,' which here is located on the fifth floor. Apparently, the welcome witch will be splendiferously happy to assist you if you need assistance. Be careful!
Hogwarts
The Gryffindor Common Room
Outside the haven of Gryffindor students is the portrait of the beloved Fat Lady. Give her the password and she will allow you entrance. Inside the Gryffindor Common Room are many comfy, cozy, squishy and squashy armchairs. Scattered are some tables that hold the spell books of tired and stressed students. Two staircases go separate ways, one to the girls' dormitory, and one to the boys'. But they all unite every once in a while for a good party hosted with snacks from Fred and George Weasley.
The Slytherin Common Room
The Slytherin Common Room is underground, quite different from Gryffindor Tower. Lamps hang by chains from the rough ceiling, and add a greenish tinge to the room. Though the place is undoubtedly dark and rather gloomy, an elaborately carved mantelpiece hangs above a noisy but splendidly warm fire. And don't forget the stylish chairs that have oversized backs, to hide the Slytherin's cunning head.
Professor McGonagoll's office/classroom
Known to be one of Hogwarts' strictest teachers, Professor McGonagoll is not someone to cross. She can change her furniture into farm animals. And if that doesn't shock you, you should see what she gives to students when they are in trouble. You shouldn't be late to her class, or else she might turn you into a pocket watch. So I suggest you take a seat in one of the many tables and pay rapt attention to her teachings of Transfiguration, sometimes shown on the drawing board.
The Dungeon (Snape's Classroom)
Almost every Hogwarts student dreads the dank, smelly classroom of Professor Severus Snape, but potions are required of every Hogwarts student below sixth year. So it is obviously very important to try and ignore the pickled animals floating in glass jars around you. It is very cold, and all around the classroom, in the various cabinets and jars are stored precious ingredients to make the most difficult potions, and various magical substances are also found here. The floor, which is made of stone, often falls victim to a cauldron spilling, and occasionally, a student can even escape the watchful eyes of the professor when this happens. Perhaps even long enough to make a quick dash to the cabinet to grab some shredded skin of boomslang.
Dumbedore's Office
The Headmaster's office is truly a safe and marvelous place to be. There you can find portraits of the former headmasters and headmistresses of Hogwarts, all probably snoozing away as soon as your muggle feet step inside the large, circular room. A number of amazing silver wizard instruments stand on long, narrow tables, and all work to perfection. Fawkes, the headmaster's pet Phoenix should be there staring at you curiously, and the Sorting Hat might even say, 'Hello!' If you really want to be daring, you might want to find the Pensieve in a drawer, but it would suit you well to stay put, and wait for the headmaster to return from his duties, and to sit in his high chair as the supreme learned one of Hogwarts.
Moaning Myrtle's Bathroom
Moaning Myrtle's bathroom is deserted, and gloomy. There is one large, cracked mirror above a row of chipped sinks. The floor is usually wet, due to the fact that Myrtle likes to flood her toilet, of which she rarely comes out of. There are stubby candles which burn faintly; probably the only source of light. The doors to the stalls are torn and flaky, and Myrtle's constant moping keeps almost everybody away from this haunted, depressing bathroom.
Hagrid's Hut
The jolly half-giant, gamekeeper and Care of Magical Creatures Teacher, lives in a small hut at the edge of the Forbidden Forest. Inside is only one room, with a large bed in the corner. Game and fowl hang from the ceiling, and there is no stove, just an open fire. Undoubtedly, there are many cabinets that contain kettles, cooking pots and large tea mugs, some of which have held a rat in the past.
The Great Hall
The Great Hall of Hogwarts is where Hogwart's hungry students come to enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner. Many great feasts are also held here, like the Halloween feast, the Christmas feast, and the end of the year feast. For each feast, the decorations are changed, but remain extravagant. Still, the five long tables remain, for placed vertically, one placed horizontally. And don't forget, the ceiling depicts the weather outside.
The Hogwarts Quidditch Field
This is where every student at Hogwarts wants to be. Some are just happy to be sitting in the raised seats, but some dream of flying around on the field, playing the glorious game of Quidditch. On either edge of the field are three fifty feet high hoops.
The Defense Against the Dark Arts Room
Here, is Hogwarts most renowned class. The job, rumored to be jinxed, has head a new teacher every school year. The first year, when Professor Quirrel taught this class, you might have come out smelling strongly of garlic. When Gilderoy Lockhart took up the job, you would have learned about how he banished a banshee, or some equally heroic feat. The walls were covered with his pictures. When Professor Lupin taught, the classroom was filled with excitement, possibly about the fact that they were actually going to learn something, or because there was a terrifying monster at the front of the room. And 'Alastor Moody' also taught, and then, the room was filled with dark arts detectors. But, the room got the biggest makeover when Dolores Jane Umbdrige came to Hogwarts. The room was astonishingly pretty in pink.
The Forbidden Forest
All Hogwarts students are never allowed access to the Forbidden Forest, though some rule-breaking ones always find their way in. The Forbidden Forest takes up a good part of the Hogwarts' grounds, and it's filled with all sorts of horribly shaped trees that are large in size. Among the numerous magical creatures in the forest are centaurs, giant spiders, and even werewolves! Occasionally, you might come across something that resembles an oversized troll, but it's only a runty giant. However, there are also gentle and pure creatures such as the unicorn. As tempted as you might be to go and see the wonderfully white unicorns, it's best to stay out of the Forbidden Forest.
The Prefect's Bathroom
You might think it terribly boring to be a prefect of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, but you might change your mind if you could only see the bathroom of the prestigious prefects. There is a swimming pool in the middle of the bathroom, which is made of white marble as is the rest of the bathroom. It is lit by a wonderfully beautiful candle-lit chandelier. Around the pool's edges are many golden-colored taps with a brilliantly colored jewel inset into the tap. The taps supply different kinds of bubble-bath. There's even a diving board beside the swimming pool. You'll find towels to be in stock, but privacy might be a little harder to fetch, although no one will watch from the windows. If you're a rather good-looking young man, you might find Moaning Myrtle watching you, or the beautiful blonde mermaid flirting with you.
King's Cross Station- Platform 9 and 3/4
Many young wizards, such as the famous Harry Potter, eagerly await the trip to Hogwarts from Platform 9 3/4. In order to do that though, they must go to King's Cross Station in London, by way of muggle transportation since it is a muggle train station. Between Platforms 9 and 10, there is a barrier. To any muggle this wall seems perfectly solid. But to Hogwarts students; however, it is the gateway to getting away from home and getting to Hogwarts. Through the barrier one goes, and then they find themselves among a horde of students, all saying goodbye to parents. Such is the bitter sweetness of platform 9 '.
The Hogwarts Express
The brilliant red train is one of the many treasured ways of transportation for Harry Potter. He can fly on his broomstick, travel by Floo Powder, get hurled by a portkey or nearly fall out of a flying Ford Anglia. In any which way, young Harry enjoys traveling on the steam engine the most. Mainly Hogwarts students ride it, as the only three adults ever to be reported on board are the food lady, the Hogwarts Express conductor and former Professor Remus J. Lupin. There have also been reports of missing toads, biting rats, and scary dementors on the wonderfully huge train.
Diagon Alley
Flourish and Blott's Wizard Bookshop
In Diagon Alley lies Flourish and Blott's, the wizard bookshop. They carry every kind of wizard book, autobiographies, and history books, spell books, etc. Hogwarts students come here to buy their books before the start of term. Often, famous authors can be found here amidst the endless number of fans vying for their autograph.
Madam Malkin's Robes For All Occasions
Another shop in Diagon Alley, Madam Malkin's Robes For All Occasions makes good business come start of Hogwarts term. Sometime Madam Malkin herself will assist you. In any case, she and her employees make beautiful robes for all occasions, and for nice prices too.
Ollivander's Wand Shop
Every wizard or witch needs a wand. And no one sells finer wands in Diagon Alley then Ollivanders, in business since 382 B.C. The place is dusty and quiet, but that shouldn't ruin its reputation. Ollivander's has sold wands to famous and powerful wizards, such as Lily and James Potter, Harry Potter and even He-who-must-not-be-named. The wands comes in a narrow box, and there are seemingly thousands of wands, piled high to the ceiling. A very lovely selection of wands indeed, but you must remember: The wand chooses the wizard.
Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor
In Diagon Alley, you can find this ice cream parlor. Any kind of ice cream is sold here, ranging from sundaes to double-scoops. All are sold by the magical and knowledgeable Florean Fortescue.
The Leaky Cauldron
The Leaky Cauldron is a dark but cheery wizard pub and inn. Wizards can find refuge from curious muggle eyes in this comfy place. The Leaky Cauldron's owner and innkeeper, known as 'Tom,' will be happy to assist you. In the back area, if a wizard takes out his or her wand, and taps the third brick from the left above the trash bin the wall turns into an archway that leads into Diagon Alley. So, the Leaky Cauldron is the haven for wizards and witches. Muggles can walk right by without even noticing.
Knockturn Alley
Knockturn Alley is a side street running off the more respectable Diagon Alley. The street, which is devoted to the Dark Arts, is somewhat of a hang out for witches and wizards with more nefarious dispositions. The name Knockturn Alley is actually a play on words of nocturnally, and, like Diagon Alley, it is accessible only by magical means.
There are a number of dodgy shops located along the street, but the only one specifically mentioned in the books is Borgin and Burkes- a store which specializes in dark collectables, poisons, and other paraphernalia. Other shops along the alley are known to sell items such as shrunken heads, gigantic black spiders, poisonous candles, human fingernails, and flesh-eating slug repellent.
Hogsmeade
The Hog's Head
Located in Hogsmeade, this smelly, and rather dirty pub, gives off the impression of having never been cleaned. Hermione Granger would describe it as "dodgy" and "a place where I don't think we'll be heard." Since the windows are incapable of supplying light, the tables (which are rough and wooden) are lit by the stubs of candles. Everything is unpleasantly dusty, from the floors to the windows and even the butterbeer bottles.
Honeydukes
Under the magnificent sweet shop of the all wizarding city of Hogsmeade runs a secret passageway. When you go through it, you will be extremely relieved to find yourself at the trapdoor that leads into the cellar of Honeydukes. Eager as your stomach may be to consume all the delicious sweets inside Honeydukes, you need to be careful because a rather rotund man often comes up to get more crates of various candies. Or, you can be like a normal witch or wizard and come through the front door.
The Three Broomsticks
The Three Broomsticks is a magical saloon where almost any kind of drink is served. Students and Professors of Howgarts love to come in on chilly days for a wonderfully warm drink. It's usually quite crowded, and is generally not a good place to hold secret meetings (for students, that is). But the professors can get a nice private chat what with all the hubbub between students over chocolate frog cards.
Zonko's Joke Shop
Here is where students go to fill their pockets with little toys to cause havoc. Dungbombs, Hiccup Sweets, Frog-spawn Soap, Nose biting teacups, and other hoodlum accessories are sold here. Fred and George Weasley, along with Lee Jordan, practically pick the store clean. Though I'm sure they aren't the first. The Marauders were the first of their kind.
The Shrieking Shack
The Shrieking Shack scares the creeps out of little children who hear about it. It is the most haunted location in Britain, and adolescents enjoy teasing each other about the violent spirits who allegedly reside there. But, the Shrieking Shack no longer shrieks or shakes with horrifying noises. In fact, it has remained silent for years. Under the Whomping Willow, there is a secret passage that leads to the inside of the Shrieking Shack. The interior of this foreboding little shack is perhaps like any other house inhabited by a werewolf. The curtains are torn, it's awfully dust, and the bed is a mother's worst nightmare. Back in the day, a werewolf (young Remus Lupin) used to come in there and destruct the place after he transformed from a person to a werewolf. After that, three other rowdy boys would come in after him and they would have the time of their life. They were known as the Marauders: Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs.
Azkaban Prison
The infamous Azkaban Fortress is one of the most well-known and most feared places in the wizarding world. Dwelling in the uninvitingly cold and distant waters above the North Sea, the dreary island fortress exists as a prison for those accused of the most heinous of magical crimes. Those unfortunate enough to call its stony walls home suffer a bleak and comfortless existence as every ounce of peace, every measure of joy and happiness is slowly and completely drained from their being by the notorious Azkaban guards, the dementors. Feeding on happiness and relishing in despair, the dementors gradually subdue their prisoners into such a state of hopelessness that most prisoners, captive to their own misery, no longer have any desire or motivation to do anything but die. The popular alternative is to be driven to insanity. The stony walls of the immense pillar tower into the sky, its black cliffs dwarf the crashing waters below; the Azkaban fortress affords no thoughts of escape to a wizard hundreds of miles from land without magic, without means, and without hope.
The responsibility of maintaining and managing the prison falls to the Department of Magical Law Enforcement who until the escape of Sirius Black in 1993 had no known break outs. Many subsequent ‘escapes’ occurred in the following years as the return of Voldemort marked a change in the dementor’s loyalties. After the dementors abandon their posts at the prison, the job of maintaining order within the walls of the prison falls to Aurors.
There are a variety of crimes one can commit to be sent to Azkaban, all with concordant punishments ranging from a few weeks or months within the fortress up to a lifetime sentence, or in the most extreme cases, the dementor’s kiss. It would appear that there are no other wizard prisons within the United Kingdom so any crime will allot at least some time within the walls of the dreaded prison; a definite deterrent.
Beauxbatons Academy of Magic
Le Académie de Magie Beauxbâtons, better known to English-speaking readers as Beauxbatons Academy of Magic, is a palatial school of wizardry thought to be located somewhere along the Mediterranean coast in the South of France. Beauxbatons, along with Hogwarts and Durmstrang, is one of the three largest schools of wizardry in Europe, and in the spirit of competition conceals its exact location as not to divulge its secrets. The school was established at least 700 years ago and places a great deal of emphasis on students’ studies and etiquette; a convention typical of most formal French schooling. Students at Beauxbatons are expected to rise when their headmistress enters the room, they wait until after the sixth year of schooling before taking their major exams, and they seem to have a natural bond with Ravenclaw.
The Palace of Beauxbatons and its amenities are, in its students’ opinion, far superior than those of the drafty Hogwarts Castle. The Academy is described as a stunning palace marked by its exquisite cuisine which the students dine on while being serenaded by choirs of wood nymphs, great halls lavishly decorated with beautiful ice-sculptures that glitter like diamonds during the Christmas season, and a warm Mediterranean climate which favors the students’ silky light-blue robes.
Consistent with the school’s elegant and cultured demeanor, the name Beauxbatons actually translates to “Beautiful Sticks” or “Beautiful Wands”. The school’s coat of arms, a pair of golden wands crossed over one another, each emitting three stars, is present on the door of the powder-blue palomino-drawn carriage in which the Beauxbatons arrive at Hogwarts. The headmistress during the 1994-1995 school, during which the delegation from Beauxbatons stays at Hogwarts, is Madam Olympe Maxime- a half human half giantess.
Durmstrang Institute
The Durmstrang Institute is a school wizardry thought to be located northern Europe. Like Beauxbatons the school’s location is kept secret as not to reveal its secrets, and like Hogwarts the school is housed in a castle. Durmstrang castle is, however, smaller and less impressive than Hogwarts. Unlike the Beauxbatons students, the delegates from Durmstrang are very impressed with the amenities at Hogwarts including its golden tableware, enchanted ceilings, and fire places which stay lit year-round. The Durmstrang school grounds do occupy far more land than Hogwarts, however. The school, which is at least 700 years old, is set amidst many mountains and lakes, all of which apparently belong to the school.
Durmstrang and its students have the distinct (and sometimes unfair) reputation of being bigoted and untrustworthy. The school, which is said to only admit pure-bloods, puts a heavy emphasis on the Dark-Arts- not only teaching defense against them, but also how to perform them. Harry is warned more then once to watch his back when Durmstrang students are around. This warning seems, however, to be a bit excessive, as the Durmstrang students exhibit none of the devious qualities they are said to posses. Nevertheless, the Durmstrang students do appear to have a natural affinity with the Slytherin House.
During the 1994-1995 school year Durmstrang sends a delegation of potential contestants (via a ship that travels underwater) to compete in the Tri-Wizard Tournament at Hogwarts. The student’s uniforms consist of deep blood-red robes concealed under heavy fur cloaks; a fitting uniform as during the winter the school enjoys little daylight, and fireplaces are lit only for magical purposes. Their headmaster, the former Death Eater Igor Karkaroff, clothes himself in a sleek silver-colored robe. The Durmstrang students have a real “no nonsense” attitude towards the competition. They are the first to put their names into the Goblet of Fire, and when Harry’s name comes up, suspecting fowl play, they immediately threaten to leave.
Gaunt Gottage
Through a series of lessons with the Pensieve Harry and Dumbledore travel to the Gaunt Cottage multiple times learning of Voldemort’s lineage and how he came to possess the black-stone ring which would later become a Horcrux hidden within the cottage.
In the first of their special lessons, Harry and Dumbledore use a Pensieve to exam the memory of a man named Bob Ogden that took place quite a few years earlier. Their delve into the Pensieve leaves them about a mile outside of Little Hangleton, a small town in England. They follow the main road towards Little Hangleton until they turn off unto a narrow dirt road just outside the town. The rocky path leads them down a small hill until they reach a small derelict cottage uncomfortably fit between a patch of large dark tress; it belongs to Marvolo Gaunt.
Marvolo Gaunt lives in the cottage with his son, Ogden, and daughter, Merope. The cottage has clearly seen better days. The walls are covered with moss, the shingles are missing in so many places that the rafters are exposed, the landscape is covered with nettles, the windows are covered with grime, and a life-less snake is nailed to the door.
Godric's Hollow
Godric’s Hollow is a muggle village thought to be located in Wales. Lily and James Potter lived in hiding in the small village until their untimely death at the hand of Lord Voldemort. On October 31, 1981, at the height of his power, Lord Voldemort travels to the village seeking to kill the young Harry Potter. Lily and James are both killed while trying to protect their son, Harry; however, when Lily dies she leaves a protection of ancient magic on Harry. When Voldemort attempts to kill Harry the protection left by Lily causes the curse to backfire and Voldemort is killed instead; the house is completely destroyed.
There is a lot of mystery that surrounds the small town and the events that unfolded that night. It is unclear whether Voldemort went to the Potters’ alone, it is unclear whether the village’s name sake has anything to do with the famous wizard Godric Gryffindor, and it is unclear if the Potters actually lived in the village before they went into hiding; the fact that their graves reside in the village would suggest they had some strong connection to the town.
Malfoy Manor
Located in Wiltshire, England, the Malfoy Mansion belongs to one of the oldest and most affluent of wizarding families in Britain: the Malfoys. With their imposing posh life-style and their obvious sense of supremacy, the manor is no doubt a lavishly decorated testament to the superiority of the family. The Malfoys also possess a certain attraction to the dark arts. For a long time a secret collection of dark artifacts was hidden within the house under the drawing room floor; however, after a series of searches by the ministry the items were eventually discovered and confiscated.
Spinner's End
In the grim industrial area of an outmoded muggle town rows and rows of dilapidated brick houses line a series of cobbled streets. The foul smell of a nearby soiled river fills the air through the dimly-lit streets as the dark silhouette of an old abandoned mill towers over the bleak neighborhood serving as a reminder of its prior prosperity. Within this labyrinth of streets lies Spinner’s End, at the end of which the home of Severus Snape is located
Snape’s home opens directly into a tiny sitting-room which has the off-putting feeling of a dark, padded cell. The walls are “completely covered in books, most of them bound in old black or brown leather; a threadbare sofa, an old armchair, and a rickety table [stand] grouped together in a pool of dim light cast by a candle-filled lamp [hanging] from the ceiling.” There are at least two hidden rooms within the house, one of which Wormtail seems to live in, and the whole place has an eerie feeling of neglect to it.
Narcissa and Bellatrix travel to the house as Narcissa wishes to seek Snape’s help in making sure no harm comes to her son Draco while he’s performing the task given to him by Voldemort. The meeting ends with Snape making an unbreakable vow to Narcissa that he will do all he can to ensure Draco’s success.
The Cave
Most-likely located in Britain, the cave refers to the seaside cavern Voldemort “explored” as a child at the orphanage and took fellow orphans Amy Benson and Dennis Bishop to to torment them; it would later become the resting place of the locket Horcrux. The cave’s location makes it near impossible to reach without magical means. Located on a towering cliff, the crashing waters below make it too dangerous to access by boat and the steep rocky drops make belaying an option for only the most skilled of rock-climbers. Once Voldemort places his Horcrux inside he also places a series of impediments and magical barriers in the way to prevent intruders from gaining access to the Horcrux.
Upon approaching the cave Dumbledore immediately senses that the cave has “known magic”. The entrance to the cave is marked by blood-offering required for the door to open. The inside of the cave consists of a giant inferi-infested lake in the middle of which lies an island with an emerald-green glowing basin. A small boat is hidden just beneath the surface of the unnaturally placid waters and it must be summoned by magical means. The boat, which is enchanted to only let one wizard ride at a time, acts as a ferry to the small island located in the center of the lake. The basin on the island is filled with a mind-altering potion that can not be touched, transfigured, or charmed, only drank. After drinker has drunk the potion the drinker becomes extremely weak and thirsty; however, water can not be conjured on the island so water must be taken from the surrounding lake which causes the inferi to animate and attack
Harry Potter Spells and Charms Dictionary
09:10 Jun 26 2007
Times Read: 591
Accio! (Goblet of Fire, page 68)
Etymology: L. accedo (to approach, come near / (things) to be added).
The Summoning Charm (incantation: "Accio!") is used to bring an object to you, wherever it may be. Concentrating is essential to succeeding in the spell; the further away an object is and the larger it is, the harder it is to summon. The two most difficult Summoning Charms are in Goblet of Fire and Order of the Phoenix. In Goblet of Fire, Harry summons his Firebolt from inside the castle to the grounds to use it for the first task of the Triwizard Tournament. In Order of the Phoenix, the potency of the charm is demonstrated when Fred and George Weasley summon their brooms (which were chained to a wall) from another part of the castle.
Age Line Charm (Goblet of Fire, page 256)
The incantation for the age line charm is unknown, but the effect is a thin golden line drawn on the surface of the floor that prevents anyone who is too young (or possibly the reverse, too old) from crossing. The effect, in Fred and George’s case, was being transformed into much older versions of themselves.
Aguamenti! (Half-Blood Prince, page 574)
Etymology: L. Agua (water) + Mentis (Mind).
"Aguamenti!", which is taught in the sixth year, is a spell whose affect is a clear jet or fountain of water being emitted from the castor’s wand.
Air-dry Charm (Half-Blood Prince, page 558)
The charm blows a rush of warm air from the castor’s wand. Dumbledore uses the charm to dry off himself and Harry when they travel to the cave.
Alohomora! (Sorcerer's Stone, page 160)
Etymology: Hawaiian. Aloha (goodbye) L. + mora (delay)
The Alohomora Charm (incantation: "Alohomora!") is used to unlock doors or other objects that are locked. The charm also unlocks magically locked doors or objects (see "Colloportus!"). Though the charm comes in handy for Harry, Hermione, and Ron throughout the books, it is not powerful. As shown in Chapter 34, "The Department of Mysteries," in Order of the Phoenix, The Alohomora Charm does not unlock all magically locked doors or objects.
Anapneo! (Half-Blood Prince, page 144)
Etymology: Greek. Anapneo (Breathe).
A useful spell that clears the blocked airway of the castor’s target. Slughorn uses the spell to save a student's life.
Anti-Apparition Spell:
The anti-apparition spell prevents a witch or wizard from apparating. The spell is cast over the grounds of Hogwarts though it was lifted in the great hall during Harry’s sixth year to allow the students to practice for apparition tests.
Anti-Cheating Spell (Sorcerer's Stone, page 262)
The spell is cast on student’s quills before taking tests which presumably stops a student from cheating.
Anti-Disapparition Spell: (Order of the Phoenix page 817)
The anti-disapparition spell prevents a witch or wizard from disapparating; Dumbledore uses it on the recently captured Death Eaters in the Ministry.
Antler jinx (Order of the Phoenix page 677)
The jinx causes antlers to sprout from the victim’s head. In Order of the Phoenix, Pansy Parkinson is hit with this jinx which forces her to miss class for a day.
Aparecium! (Chamber of Secrets, page 233)
Etymology: L. appareo (to become visible, appear, manifest).
"Aparecium!" is used only once by Hermione in an attempt to reveal the hidden contents of Tom Riddle's diary. Though the spell is unsuccessful, Hermione says that it is used to reveal invisible ink.
Apparition/ Disapparition:
An advanced non-verbal spell that allows a witch or wizard to disappear from one place and instantaneously appear at another. Apparating is marked by a loud cracking noise and a sensation similar to being forced through a very tight rubber tube. Apparition can also be performed with multiple passengers via the apparator touching the person they wish to bring with them.
Arrow-wand Charm (Quidditch through the Ages, Ch. 7)
The charm causes arrows to shoot from the castor’s wand. The charm was popular with Appleby Arrows supporters who would use it to celebrate goals; it was outlawed in 1894.
Avada Kedavra! (Goblet of Fire, page 215)
Etymology: Aramaic. abracadabra (ancient spell meaning "let the thing be destroyed")
The Killing Curse (incantation: "Avada Kedavra!") is considered by most wizards the worst curse, as it kills whoever or whatever it is cast upon. The curse is one of three Unforgivable Curses - curses that are illegal and can land a wizard in Azkaban Prison for using them (see "Imperio!" and "Crucio!").
Avis! (Goblet of Fire, page 309)
Etymology: L. Avis (bird)
"Avis!" is used when examining a wand; it will cause small, twittering birds to fly out of the end of a wand in working condition.
Babbling Curse (Chamber of Secret, page 161)
The exact effect is never mentioned in canon but we can assume it causes the castor’s victim to babble for an extended period of time. Lockhart claims to have cured a “simple Transylvanian villager” of the curse.
Banishing Charm (Goblet of Fire, page 479)
The opposite of the Summoning charm, the incantation causes an object to fly away from the castor; it is then ‘banished’.
Bat-Boogey Hex (Half Blood Prince, Ch. 7)
This nasty hex causes the victim’s boogies to grow to the size of bats and then sprout wings and attack the victim’s face. Ginny is said to be especially gifted at this particular hex.
Bewitched Sleep (Goblet of Fire, page 509)
The charm causes the target to be placed in a deep artificial sleep in which (s)he doesn't need to breathe. Dumbledore places Ron, Hermione, Gabrielle Delacour and Cho in this sleep-like state when they are placed in the care of the mere people during the second triwizard task.
Boil-Covering spell (Chamber of Secrets, page 185)
The boil-covering spell causes the target to become covered with boils. Fred and George, for some reason, use it to try to cheer up Ginny.
Bubble-Head Charm (Goblet of Fire, page 506)
The bubble-head charm surrounds a person’s head in a large air-bubble. Both Cedric and Fleur use this charm in the second task of the Triwizard Tournament. It was also very popular towards the end of Harry’s fifth year as students used the charm in effort to combat the growing number of dungbombs and stinkpellets being set off.
Cheering Charm (Prisoner of Azkaban, page 294)
The cheering charm is a third-year charm which cheers a person up.
Colloportus! (Order of the Phoenix, page 788)
Etymology: L. colligo (to bind, tie, fasten together)
"Colloportus!" is used to lock doors or objects that can be locked. However, the spell is not of much use unless dealing with Muggles or a wandless wizard or witch, because the Alohomora Charm will unlock anything locked by "Colloportus!"
Confundus Charm (Prisoner of Azkaban, page 386)
Etymology: L. Confundo (to perplex).
The confundus charm causes the person or object it is cast upon to become confused or misguided.
Conjunctivitis Curse (Goblet of Fire, page 406)
Etymology: L. Conjunctiva (relating to the eye) + itis (inflammation)
The curse affects the visibility of the victim making it very difficult to see and possibly causing pain or irritation in the eyes. Sirius tries to suggest Harry use this spell on the dragon in the first task; Krum does use it.
Conjuring Charm:
Conjures items out of thin air for the castor. Used multiple times through the books for everything from chairs, to liquid, to even sleeping bags.
Corn-Flaked skin Jinx (Order of the Phoenix p. 677)
Warrington, of the Slytherin Quidditch team, is hit with this jinx which makes his skin look as though he had been coated in cornflakes.
Crucio! (Goblet of Fire, page 214)
Etymology: L. crucio (to torture, torment)
The Cruciatus Curse (incantation: "Crucio!") inflicts severe pain on whoever it is cast on. It is used mainly by Voldemort and his Death Eaters when torturing someone. Rowling describes the pain as this: "White-hot knives were piercing every inch of his skin, his head was surely going to burst with pain, he was screaming more loudly than he'd ever screamed in his life..." The length of time the curse is in effect is unknown, but it is presumed to stop after 15 seconds - 1 minute. Wizards and witches (i.e. Frank and Alice Longbottom) can be tortured to the point of insanity by the curse. This explains why the Cruciatus Curse is one of three Unforgivable Curses - curses that are illegal and can land a wizard in Azkaban Prison for using them (see "Avada Kedavra"! and "Imperio!").
Cushioning Charm (Quidditch Through the Ages, Ch. 9)
The cushioning charm creates an invisible cushion on the handle of a broom making it much more comfortable to fly for extended periods of time.
Deletrius! (Goblet of Fire, page 136)
Etymology: L. deleo (to destroy, wipe out, erase)
"Deletrius!" is used only once throughout the Harry Potter series in order to vanish the "echo" of a spell conjured by Prior Incantato! The incantation comes from the Latin word deleo, which means "to destroy, wipe out, erase." This leads to the assumption that the spell would also delete objects, although this has not been proven by the books.
Densaugeo! (Goblet of Fire, page 309)
Etymology: L. dens (tooth), + auctus (growth, enlargement, increase)
"Densaugeo!" causes a person's teeth to grow rapidly. At what point the spell stops is unknown; when Draco hit Hermione with the spell in Goblet of Fire, Hermione's teeth grew down past her collar. The spell can be undone by shrinking the affected teeth.
Diffindo! (Goblet of Fire, page 340)
Etymology: L. diffundo (to spread, pour forth, scatter)
"Diffindo!" causes an object to split or break. Wand aim is essential to the success of this spell. It has only been used once in the Harry Potter books (see above reference).
Disapparition/ Aapparition:
Etymology: L. Appareo (To appear)
An advanced non-verbal spell that allows a witch or wizard to disappear from one place and instantaneously appear at another. Apparating is marked by a loud cracking noise and a sensation similar to being forced through a very tight rubber tube. Apparition can also be performed with multiple passengers via the apparator touching the person they wish to bring with them.
Disillusionment Charm (Order of the Phoenix, page 54)
The disillusionment charm is a concealment charm that feels something like a flood of cold running down one’s body. It hides the magical nature of a person, place, or thing. Hippogriffs and Winged horses are allowed to be kept by wizards so long as they have this charm placed upon them so muggles’ attention isn’t drawn to them.
Dissendium! (Prisoner of Azkaban, page 195)
Etymology: L. dissimulo - antonym (to conceal, disguise, keep secret)
The incantation "Dissendium!" combined with a tap of the wand will open up the hump of a statue of a humpbacked, one-eyed witch (located on the third-floor corridor of Hogwarts). Going through the opened statue leads to a secret path to the wizard village Hogsmeade.
Drought Charm (Goblet of Fire, page 486)
Dries up relatively small amounts of water such as puddles and ponds.
Engorgio! (Goblet of Fire, page 214)
Etymology: Unknown
"Engorgio!" causes something to become several times its normal mass. Moody uses the spell on a spider during the unforgivable curse lesson.
Ennervate! (Goblet of Fire, page 133)
Latin Root: Unknown
"Ennervate!" is used to revive persons who have either been knocked unconscious by normal means or by the Stunning Spell, "Stupefy!" When someone is revived by this spell, their eyes suddenly open and they are dazed. They quickly come to their senses and regain composure.
Entrail-Expelling Curse (Order of the Phoenix, page 487)
A very disturbing spell that presumably causes one’s entrails (intestines) to expel from his or her rear. It was invented by Urquhart Rackharrow
Episkey! (Half-Blood Prince, page 157)
Etymology: Greek. Episkeyazo (To repair)
"Episkey!" Heals minor damage that has been done to a body part.
Evanesco! (Order of the Phoenix, page 234)
Etymology: L. evanescence (to vanish, to disappear, empty)
"Evanesco!" causes what it is cast upon to disappear. In Order of the Phoenix, the spell is used on scrolls and potions. Whether or not the disappearing object vanishes completely is unknown; a spell to bring the object back may exist, but is not verifiable.
Expecto Patronum! (Prisoner of Azkaban, page 238)
Etymology: L. exspecto (to wait for, look for, expect), + patronus (patron, protector)
The Patronus Charm (incantation: "Expecto Patronum!") is highly advanced magic, well beyond the Ordinary Wizarding Level, used to ward off dementors. When used properly, the spell creates a Patronus, which is a guardian that acts as a shield between the caster and the dementor. Each Patronus is unique to the wizard or witch who conjures it, and reflects their personality. In order for the spell to work properly, the incantation must be spoken while the caster concentrates on a extraordinarily happy memory. This causes a Patronus to be conjured; it is successful in warding off dementors because it is "a projection of the very things that the dementor feeds upon - hope, happiness, the desire to survive - but it cannot feel despair, as real humans can, so the dementors can't hurt it." (Prisoner of Azkaban, page 238)
Expelliarmus! (Chamber of Secrets, page 190)
Etymology: L. expello (to drive out, expel, force out, banish)
The Disarming Charm (incantation: "Expelliarmus!") is used to disarm someone, and is most commonly used while dueling. Though a simple spell, it can be used to get wizards and witches out of tight situations and close encounters - it saved Harry Potter's life in Goblet of Fire.
Extinguishing Spell (Goblet of Fire, p. 328
Naturally, the extinguishing spell extinguishes fires.
Fidelius Charm (Prisoner of Azkaban, page 205)
Etymology: L. Fidelis (Faithful)
“An immensely complex spell involving the magical concealment of a secret inside a single, living soul. The information is hidden inside the chosen person, or Secret-Keeper, and is henceforth impossible to find -- unless, of course, the Secret-Keeper chooses to divulge it.” If the secret-keeper dies, the secret dies with him or her.
Ferula! (Prisoner of Azkaban, page 376)
Etymology: Unknown
"Ferula!" creates a splint of bandages, a temporary fix for an injured or broken limb.
Finite Incantatem! (Chamber of Secrets, page 192)
Etymology: L. finis (end, limit)
"Finite Incantatem!" is used by Professor Gilderoy Lockhart in Chamber of Secrets, and it stops the effects of both Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy's spells. The spell also works without the "Incantatem" portion of the incantation, which was proved by Remus Lupin in Order of the Phoenix.
Flagrate! (Order of the Phoenix, page 772)
Etymology: L. flagro (to blaze, glow, flame)
"Flagrate!" was used in Order of the Phoenix to mark doors in the Department of Mysteries with a fiery "X". This allowed Harry, Hermione, Ron, Neville, Ginny, and Luna to know which doors they had already gone through.
Flame-Freezing Charm (Prisoner of Azkaban, page 2)
The charm changes the properties of fire so that the flames produce only a gentle tickling sensation.
Fur-growing Spell (Chamber of Secrets, page 185)
The spell causes the target to grow fur.
Furnunculus! (Goblet of Fire, page 298)
Etymology: L. furunculus (boil)
The Furnunculus Curse (incantation: "Furnunculus!") causes ugly boils to break out all over whoever the curse is cast upon. The Furnunculus Curse should not be mixed with Jelly-Legs; tentacles will sprout all over the victim's face.
Golden Bubble Charm (Sorcerer’s Stone, page 197)
The actual name of the charm is unknown, but this refers to the charm which causes non-popping golden bubbles to blossom out of the castor’s wand. Flitwick uses the charm for the Christmas decorations in the Great Hall.
Homorphus Charm (Chamber of Secrets, page 162)
Etymology: Greek. Homo (Same) or L. Homo (Man) + English. Morph. (Change)
Though its exact effects are unknown, Lockhart claims he used it to defeat a werewolf. Perhaps it is used to turn a werewolf into a man, or to turn oneself into the shape of a werewolf thus fooling it.
Horned Tongue Hex (Goblet of Fire, page 339)
Presumably transforms the victim’s tongue into a horn. Harry considers using it on the Hungarian Horntail but decides against it.
Hurling Hex (Prisoner of Azkaban, Ch. 12
A hex placed on a broom that presumably causes the broom to hurl the rider off. Flitwick checks Harry’s Firebolt for this hex when inspecting it in Prisoner of Azkaban.
Impedimenta! (Goblet of Fire, page 626)
Etymology: L. impedimentum (hindrance, impediment, obstacle, difficulty)
"Impedimenta!" slows down an attacker. If the spell is cast upon armor or other metal objects, it will backfire. If the spell is cast upon someone who is standing still, the person standing still will either freeze and be unable to move until they are "unfrozen" or will be knocked off of their feet.
Imperturbable Charm (Order of the Phoenix, page 69)
Etymology: L. Imperturbatus (Calm).
The imperturbable charm creates a magical seal on an object, such as a door, making it impossible for anyone to eavesdrop on what is going on on the other side.
Inanimatus Conjurus (Order of the Phoenix, page 295)
Etymology: L. Inanimus (not living) + Coniurus (conjure).
Though its affect is never given, it presumably has something to do with conjuring inanimate objects.
Imperio! (Goblet of Fire, page 214)
Etymology: L. imperium (power to command, authority, command, rule, control)
The Imperius Curse (incantation: "Imperio!") is used to control the actions of a person. Although few have the willpower to resist the curse, many wizards and witches cannot. Because wizards can completely control the actions of others when they are under this curse, it is one of the three Unforgivable Curses - curses that are illegal and can land a wizard in Azkaban Prison for using them (see "Avada Kedavra!" and "Crucio!").
Impervius! (Prisoner of Azkaban, page 177)
Etymology: L. in (not) + pervius (letting things through)
"Impervius!" was used by Hermione Granger on Harry Potter's glasses in the above reference, and it caused them to repel water. The spell was also used on the faces of the players on the Gryffindor Quidditch team in Order of the Phoenix, giving the players better visibility during practice.
Incarcerous! (Order of the Phoenix, page 755)
Etymology: L. carcer (prison, cell, jail, dungeon)
"Incarcerous!" has been used only once in the Harry Potter books, by Professor Umbridge (see above reference). When Umbridge cast the spell on Magorian the centaur, "ropes flew out of midair like thick snakes, wrapping themselves tightly around the centaur's torso and trapping his arms."
Incendio! (Goblet of Fire, page 47)
Etymology: L. incendia (fire)
"Incendio!" causes a fire to start, and it most commonly used on a fireplace. We are led to the belief that the spell may not work on human beings, due to the fact that it is not an Unforgiveable Curse.
Jelly Legs Jinx (Goblet of Fire, page 608)
The jelly legs jinx causes the victim's legs to wobble uncontrollably like jelly.
Knitting Charm (Order of the Phoenix, page 350)
The knitting charm causes knitting needles to knit on their own.
Langlock! (Half-Blood Prince, page 238)
"Langlock!" Renders the victim speechless by gluing his/her tongue to the top of his/her mouth.
Legilimens! (Order of the Phoenix, page 534)
Etymology: L. lego (to gather, choose, collect, pass through, read) + mens (mind)
"Legilimens!" is mostly used by accomplished Legilimens, those who can read minds. The spell is used when attempting to break into someone else's mind and access their memories - usually memories that they fear.
Levicorpus! (Half-Blood Prince, page 238)
Etymology: L. Levo (To lift up) + Corpus (Body)
Invented by Severus Snape, this spell dangles the victim upside down in the air by his/her ankle.
Liberacorpus! (Half-Blood Prince, page 239)
Etymology: L. Liber (Free) + Corpus (Body)
The counter to Levicorpus, this curse, also invented by Snape, frees the target from the Levicorpus jinx.
Light as a Feather Charm (Prisoner of Azkaban, page 32)
This charm makes objects as light as a feather. Harry considers using the charm on his trunk when he runs away from the Dursley’s.
Locomotor! (Order of the Phoenix, page 53)
Etymology: L. locus (to place, put, position), + motio (to move)
"Locomotor!" causes the object(s) that it is cast upon to levitate. Both of the times the spell is used throughout the books, it was cast on a trunk. In order for the spell to work most efficiently, the name of the object should be stated after the word "Locomotor." Example: "Locomotor trunk!"
Locomotor Mortis! (Sorcerer’s Stone, page 217)
Etymology: Locus (to place, put, position) + Motio (to move) + Mortis (death/corpse)
Not to be confused with the Locomotor incantation, this spell locks the victim’s legs together rendering him/her immobile.
Lumos! (Chanber of Secrets, page 302)
Etymology: L. luma (light)
"Lumos!" is one of the most commonly used spells, because it is a simple spell and useful. As its Latin root implies, "Lumos!" causes a light to appear at the end of the wand that cast the spell. The incantation "Nox!" is spoken when the bearer of the wand wishes for the light to go out.
Mobili-! (Prisoner of Azkaban, page 201, 377)
Etymology: L. mobili (to move), corpus (body), arbustus (planted with trees)
"Mobili-!" allows the caster to move an object. It has only been used twice throughout the Harry Potter series (see above references), both times with different suffixes. The first usage was by Hermione to move a Christmas tree in the Three Broomsticks. The second was to move the body of Professor Snape, who was unconscious at the time. The spell most likely works on corpses and conscious bodies, but there is no evidence to support this. It is interesting to note that the suffix changes according to the object being moved.
Morsmordre! (Goblet of Fire, page 128)
Etymology: L. mors mortis (death)
"Morsmordre!" is the incantation used when a wizard creates the Dark Mark, the sign of Voldemort. The Dark Mark has long been feared, because it was cast over the houses of wizards and witches who had been slain by Voldemort or his Death Eaters.
Muffliato! (Half-Blood Prince, page 238)
Etymology: English. Muffle (to deaden or dampen)
"Muffliato!" fills the ears of those near the witch or wizard casting the spell with an undetectable light buzzing so that the castor can carry on a conversation without being overheard.
Nox! (Prisoner of Azkaban, page 338)
Etymology: L. nox (darkness)
"Nox!" is used to put out the light created by "Lumos!" The spell presumably does nothing to the caster's wand if "Lumos!" has not previously been cast. The use of the spell on lit objects which are disconnected from the caster's wand is unknown.
Obliteration Charm (Order of the Phoenix, page 440)
Etymology: L. Oblitesco (To conceal oneself)
Hermione uses the obliteration charm in Order of the Phoenix to conceal the tracks she, Harry, and Ron leave while they are sneaking to and from Hagrid’s Cabin.
Obliviate! (Chamber of Secrets, page 303)
Etymology: L. oblivio (forgetfulness, oblivion)
The Memory Charm (incantation: "Obliviate!") causes whoever it is cast upon to lose most of their memory. A variant of this spell may be used for memory modifications, but the spell itself is much more powerful than a mere modification. Though a spell may exist that can bring someone's memory back, it is not commonly known in the wizarding world. In Chamber of Secrets, Professor Lockhart lost most of his memory due to this spell. Though he retained the ability to speak and understand the English language, he could no longer recall many basic things (e.g. names, uses of objects, who he was).
Occlumency
Etymology: L.. Occlusum (to block or close) + Mens (mind)
Occlumency is a branch of magic specializing in the practice of blocking one’s mind from an outside mental attack.
Oppugno! (Half-Blood Prince, page 302)
Etymology: L. Oppugno (To attack)
The "Oppugno!" charm causes conjured creatures to attack a target specified by the castor.
Orchideous! (Goblet of Fire, page 308)
Etymology: L. Orchideae (Orchid family of Plants)
The charm conjures a bouquet of flowers that appear at the end of the castor’s wand. Mr Ollivander uses the spell to test Fleur’s wand during the weighing of the wands.
Permanent Sticking Charm (Order of the phoenix, page 110)
We’ve only really seen this spell's effects twice in the series, and both times it was on portraits: Sirius’ Mother’s portrait in the Black family house and the Portrait in the Muggle Prime Minister’s office. The permanent sticking charm makes if very difficult (if not impossible) to remove two things from each other once the charm has been performed.
Peskipiksi Pesternomi (Chamber of Secrets, page 102)
Etymology: Pesky – Pixie – Pester – No – Me = Pesky Pixie don’t pester me.
This funny spell may very well have been made up by Lockhart on the spot. It didn’t work but was meant to somehow subdue or immobilize the pixies Lockhart had let loose in his classroom.
Petrificus Totalus! (Sorcerer's Stone, page 273)
Etymology: L. petra (rock) + totus (whole)
The Full-Body Bind (incantation: "Petrificus Totalus!") causes whoever it is cast upon to lose mobility. Rowling describes the effects of the spell best: "Neville's arms snapped to his sides. His legs sprang together. His whole body rigid, he swayed where he stood and then fell flat on his face, stiff as a board....Neville's jaws were jammed together so he couldn't speak. Only his eyes were moving, looking at them in horror."
Point Me! (Goblet of Fire, page 622)
The Four-Point spell (incantation: "Point Me!") is used as a directional tool. When the caster places his or her wand in their open palm and utters the incantation, their wand will point north, allowing the caster to know what direction they are going.
Portus! (Order of the Phoenix, page 472)
Etymology: L. porta (gate, entrance)
"Portus!" is used to turn an object into a Portkey. Portkeys, first introduced in Goblet of Fire, are seemingly normal objects that transport those in direct physical contact with it to a certain place, usually at a prearranged time. Due to the dangers Portkeys present, authorization is required prior to using the spell. Some Portkeys can be made to transport those in direct physical contact to a certain place the moment they touch it rather than at a prearranged time. Presumably, any object can be turned into a Portkey.
Protean Charm (Order of the Phoenix, page 398)
Etymology: In Greek Mythology the sea-god Proteus possessed the ability to change form.
The protean charm changes the form of an object. Hermione places the charm on the coins the DA use to communicate which enables them to know when to meet.
Priori Incantatem! (Goblet of Fire, page 136)
Etymology: L. priori prius (former, prior)
The Reverse Spell effect (incantation: "Priori Incantatem!") causes a wand to regurgitate an echo of spells it has performed in reverse. When used in Goblet of Fire on a wand that had conjured the Dark Mark (see "Morsmorde!"), a shadow of the gigantic serpent-tongued skull was emitted from the wand.
Protego! (Order of the Phoenix, page 803)
Etymology: L. protego (to protect)
The Shield Charm (incantation: "Protego!") creates a sheild around the caster, protecting them from most harmful spells. Spells exist that can still cause damage to whoever it is cast upon even if The Shield Charm is in use, but the Charm usually saves someone from the worst of the spell cast upon them.
Quietus! (Goblet of Fire, page 116)
Etymology: L. quies quietis (quiet, rest, peace)
"Quietus!" is used to counter the effect of the spell "Sonorus!", which amplifies the voice of whoever it is cast upon. "Quietus!" merely makes the voice softer; it does not completely silence it. The spell "Silencio!" completely quiets one's voice.
Reducio! (Goblet of Fire, page 215)
Etymology: L. reduco (to lead back, bring back, return)
"Reducio!" causes solid objects it is cast upon to shrink. If "Engorgio!" has previously been cast on an object, "Reducio!" will cause it to reduce to its original size.
Reducto! (Order of the Phoenix, page 623)
Etymology: L. Reductus (to reduce)
The Reducto charm blasts away the target object.
Refilling charm
The refilling charm, obviously, refills a target container with a liquid determined by the castor.
Relashio! (Goblet of Fire, page 496)
Etymology: Unknown
"Relashio!" presumably shoots sparks at someone; however, the only usage of the spell in the books was underwater. The underwater effect varies - it instead pelts a jet of boiling water at someone.
Rennervate! (Goblet of Fire, page 133)
Etymology: L. Re (Again) + novare (new) = to make new again
Rennervate revives those who have been stunned, passed out, or otherwise knocked unconscious.
Reparo! (Goblet of Fire, page 169)
Etymology: L. reparo (to restore, renew)
"Reparo!" does exactly what its Latin root suggests - fixes things that are broken. Examples in the Harry Potter books include fixing broken glass, broken china, broken jars, and broken cups. "Reparo!" only works on solid objects.
Reverse Gravity Mist (Goblet of Fire, page 643)
Possibly created by a spell the “odd golden mist” reverses the effects of gravity so that up is down and down is up; Though you are on the ground you feel as though you are upside-down.
Rictusempra! (Chamber of Secrets, page 192)
Etymology: L. rideo risi risum (to laugh at, laugh) + simper (always)
The Tickling Charm (incantation: "Rictusempra!") causes whoever it is cast upon to start laughing uncontrollably. The effects of the charm can be stopped by the spell "Finite Incanatem!" When the Tickling Charm is cast, a jet of silver light comes out of the caster's wand and hits the victim.
Riddikulus! (Prisoner of Azkaban, page 134)
Etymology: L. ridiculus (facetious, laughable)
The spell "Riddikulus!" is used to get rid of a boggart. In order for the spell to work properly, the caster must envision the boggart as something that it finds amusing prior to casting the spell. The spell only turns the boggart into something humorous - what actually gets rid of a boggart is laughter.
Room-securing Spell (Goblet of Fire, page 469)
The room-securing spell secures a room (no suprise there!) by preventing intruders from entering. Snape uses this spell on his office and we are told that only a powerful wizard would be able to break the spell to enter.
Scourgify! (Order of the Phoenix, page 53)
Etymology: Unknown
"Scourgify!" is used to clean. Examples from the fifth Harry Potter book include cleaning Hedwig the owl's cage and ridding a train compartment of a sticky substance called Stinksap. If cast on someone's mouth, the spell causes pink soap bubbles to stream from their mouth and froth to cover their lips, which chokes the victim.
Sectumsempra! (Half-Blood Prince, page 522)
Etymology: L. Sectus p.p. secare (to cut) + simper (always)
Invented by Snape, the Half-Blood Prince, this dark spell slashes the victim multiple times leaving deep bleeding lacerations. With immediate treatment there is only, at worst, a bit of scarring, at best, no blemishes or disfigurement. It doesn’t do much good on inferi, however.
Serpensortia! (Chamber of Secrets, page 194)
Etymology: L. serpere (to creep [snake]) + English. sort (type or kind)
"Serpensortia!" causes a long black snake, poised to attack, shoot out of the caster's wand. It has only been used once throughout the Harry Potter series (see above reference).
Silencio! (Order of the Phoenix, page 375)
Etymology: L. silens (silent, still)
The Silencing Charm (incantation: "Silencio!") causes whoever it is cast upon to lose the ability to make audible noises. A counter curse most likely exists ("Sonorus!" would probably work), but whoever was affected by the spell, wizard or not, would be unable to utter the incantation for the counter curse. The charm works best with a sharp jab of the wand.
Sonorus! (Goblet of Fire, page 102)
Etymology: L. sono (to make a noise, to sing)
"Sonorus!" amplifies your voice in a way similar to that of the muggle "microphone." The spell "Quietus!" will bring the caster's voice back to normal.
Specialis Revelio! (Half-Blood Prince, page 193)
Etymology: L. specialis, (kind) + revelatum (to unveil).
"Specialis Revelio!" identifies the ingredients or enchantments in a potion or on a target object.
Stupefy! (Goblet of Fire, page 129)
Etymology: L. stupefactus (stunned)
The Stunning Spell (incantation: "Stupefy!") stuns whoever it is cast upon, knocking them temporarily unconscious. The victim can be brought back to consciousness by the spell "Ennervate!" A normal Stunning Spell will not cause any damage to whoever it is cast upon, but many Stunners cast at once can cause long-term damage.
Tarantallegra! (Chamber of Secrets, page 192)
Etymology: Italian. tarantella (a dance)
"Tarantallegra!" causes the legs of whoever it is cast upon to jerk around out of control, in a kind of quickstep. The spell is used in the second and fifth Harry Potter books and can be stopped by the spell "Finite Incantatem!"
Tergeo! (Half-Blood Prince, page 162)
Etymology: L. Tergeo (to wipe off)
"Tergeo!" wipes up a target substance. Hermione uses this spell to clean the blood off Harry’s face after Malfoy breaks his nose.
Toenail-growing Hex (Half-Blood Prince, page 238)
The hex causes the target’s toenails to grow at an increasing rate. It is one of the many spells invented by Snape, the Half-Blood Prince.
Tripping Jinx (Order of the Phoenix, page 609)
The jinx trips the target. Malfoy uses this jinx on Harry when running away from the Room of Requirement.
Unbreakable charm (Goblet of Fire, page 728)
The charm makes an object unbreakable. Hermione uses this charm on the jar in which she traps the bug, Rita Skeeter.
Waddiwasi! (Prisoner of Azkaban, page 131)
Etymology: Unknown
The exact effects of the spell are unclear, but the following happened the only time it was used in the Harry Potter books (see above reference): "With the force of a bullet, the wad of chewing gum shot out of the keyhole and straight down Peeves's left nostril." Professor Lupin cast the spell on the piece of chewing gum, which had been stuck in a keyhole by Peeves.
Wiggle and Twitchy ears Hex (Goblet of Fire, page 547)
Harry was hit by this hex in Defense Against the Dark Arts class; it causes the victim’s ears to wiggle and twitch.
Wingardium Leviosa! (Sorcerer's Stone, page 171)
Etymology: L. levo (to raise, lift up)
"Wingardium Leviosa!" causes an object to levitate. Once the caster has an object in the air, it can be moved around with the caster's wand acting as a navigator.
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