Wandless magic

A wandless spell is a spell which is performed without the use of a wand. This magic can be particularly volatile, and can only be used effectively by powerful and disciplined wizards and witches. Sometimes, specific hand gestures focus the power of the spell and guide it to the target.

It is distinct from underage magic, in which children under the age of eleven, who have no wands, sometimes use magic. On most of these occasions, the children have no control over their abilities, and will unintentionally use magic when upset or in danger. Some children, however, exert some control over their magic, but they are untrained in proper spells. For example, Tom Riddle was able to hurt people and influence animals before he even knew of the existence of the wizarding world, and Lily Evans was able to use magic to stop herself falling as fast as normal and also to manipulate a flower.

Known Practitioners
The following people have been known to perform spells intentionally without use of a wand:
 * Albus Dumbledore
 * Remus Lupin
 * Quirinus Quirrell
 * Tom Marvolo Riddle
 * Severus Snape

Appearances

 * Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
 * Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban