The Protean Charm

The Protean Charm is a particularly complex N.E.W.T. standard charm. The effect allows the caster to create several of one object, then to change the appearance of a particular one of the objects and for the others to imitate it. It it seen several times over the series, first introduced by Hermione Granger in Order of the Phoenix when Dumbledore's Army uses fake Galleons to let other members know when the next meeting is. First seen in Goblet of Fire when Lord Voldemort introduces the Death Eaters tattoos on their forearms: press any one of them and all of the others burn and the Death Eaters Apparate instantly to his/her side. Also used in Half-Blood Prince when Draco Malfoy is inspired by Hermione Granger's idea and uses fake galleons to communicate with the imperiused Madam Rosmerta in his mission to assasinate Albus Dumbledore.