Spells
17
Stupefy
Stupefy is the Stunning Spell. It knocks a person unconscious in a flash of red light. Duelling clubs, Ministry squads, and Death Eaters all use it. Several Stunners at once can…
CharmAccio
Accio is the Summoning Charm. It calls an object to the caster, even from a distance, if the caster concentrates on it. Harry learns it for the first task so he can call his…
CurseImperio
Imperio is the Imperius Curse, an Unforgivable that places the victim under the caster’s control. In the fourth-year class, students watch a curse make a spider perform tricks.…
CharmExpecto Patronum
Expecto Patronum is the incantation of the Patronus Charm. It calls a guardian of positive feeling that drives off Dementors. Remus Lupin teaches it to Harry in private lessons…
CurseAvada Kedavra
Avada Kedavra is the Killing Curse, one of the three Unforgivable Curses. It causes instant death, leaves no mark the books describe as a wound, and cannot be blocked by a shield…
CurseCrucio
Crucio is the Cruciatus Curse, an Unforgivable that causes intense pain. Barty Crouch Jr demonstrates it on a spider in the fourth-year Defence class. It is used on Neville’s…
Expelliarmus
Expelliarmus is the Disarming Charm. It knocks a wand out of an opponent’s hand. Severus Snape uses it on Gilderoy Lockhart at the Duelling Club. It becomes Harry’s signature…
CharmProtego
Protego is the Shield Charm. It blocks or turns aside many jinxes and minor curses. Harry learns it with Dumbledore’s Army and later teaches others to cast it. It does not stop…
CharmLumos
Lumos lights the tip of the caster’s wand. It is the ordinary light used in corridors, forests, tunnels, and the Department of Mysteries. Nox puts the light out. The books treat…
CharmRiddikulus
Riddikulus is the charm used against a Boggart. The caster pictures the feared shape turned into something funny, and laughter finishes the job. Neville imagines Snape in his…
Obliviate
Obliviate is a memory charm. Gilderoy Lockhart built his career on casting it at the witches and wizards who had done the deeds in his books. In the Chamber of Secrets he tries…
Petrificus Totalus
Petrificus Totalus is the Full Body-Bind. The victim’s arms and legs snap together and they fall, rigid and awake. Hermione casts it on Neville when he tries to stop the trio…
CharmMuffliato
Muffliato fills the ears of anyone nearby with an unidentifiable buzzing so they cannot overhear a conversation. It is another note from the Half-Blood Prince’s textbook. Harry,…
CurseSectumsempra
Sectumsempra is a curse written in the Half-Blood Prince’s textbook, labeled for enemies. It slashes the target as if by an invisible blade. Harry casts it at Draco Malfoy in a…
CharmAlohomora
Alohomora is a charm that unlocks doors. Hermione uses it on the third-floor corridor the night of the midnight adventure, which is how they meet Fluffy. It opens ordinary locks…
CharmWingardium Leviosa
Wingardium Leviosa is the Levitation Charm. The swish and flick, and the pronunciation, are the point of Professor Flitwick’s first-year lesson. Hermione’s correction of Ron’s…
Levicorpus
Levicorpus hoists the target into the air by the ankle. It is written in the Half-Blood Prince’s book as a nonverbal spell. Harry tries it in the dormitory and leaves Ron…