The Caterwauling Charm

The Caterwauling Charm (incantation unknown) is a charm that acts in a similar way to a muggle burglar alarm. If a certain area enchanted by the caterwauling charm is entered, a loud, high-pitched shriek is let out. Harry, Ron and Hermione accidently set off a caterwauling charm whilst attempting to enter Hogwarts via Hogsmeade, on which Death Eaters had placed the charm after Lord Voldemort had warned them of Harry's suspected entrance. They attempt to summon Harry's invisibility cloak but (as it was one of the three Deathly Hallows) fail to do so. Then they try to find Harry by summoning several dementors - in their opinion he would be easier to finish off if he had had his soul sucked out first

Seen/Mentioned: First in Deathly Hallows as said above.

Suggested etymology: English 'wailing' meaning 'loud, exagerated shrieks'.