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"Charms differ from Transfiguring Spells in the following manner: a charm adds certain properties to an object or creature, whereas a transfiguring spell will change it into something utterly different."
The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 1[src]

A charm, also known as an enchantment,[8] was a spell that added certain properties to an object or individual. The art of producing charms was known as charmwork,[9] and was taught as a core subject at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and other wizarding schools. Charms which were designed to be malicious or otherwise drew their power from the dark side were called Dark charms.[10]

An object that had a lasting charm placed on it was called bewitched, though charms, in general, appeared to last longer than other spells.

Nature[]

"Lapses in concentration while charming can result in painful side effects — remember Wizard Baruffio, who said 's' instead of 'f' and found himself lying on the floor with a buffalo on his chest."
The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 1[src]

Charms comprised of a very wide range of different spells concerned with giving a target (be it an object or a living creature or person) new and unexpected properties and/or making the target perform certain actions, among other possible effects. For example, the Engorgement Charm made an object grow larger in size,[11] the Levitation Charm caused an object to fly through the air,[1] and the Cheering Charm improved an individual's mood and made them inexplicably happy.[12] Of course, charms were distinguished from transfiguration spells, in that a charm added to or changed the properties of an object while transfiguration changed the object itself; it focused on altering what the object did as opposed to what the object was.[2]

Rictusempra

Harry Potter casting an attack spell against Draco Malfoy

Offencive and protective spells also fell into the charms category, including the Stunning Spell,[13] the Shield Charm,[14] and the Disarming Charm.[15] As well as the Tickling Charm which caused the victim to buckle with laughter,[15] the Dancing Feet Spell which caused the victims legs to spasm around uncontrollably,[15] and the Boggart-Banishing Spell which forced a Boggart to transform into something funny.[16] Spells such as curses, jinxes, and hexes were referred to as "dark charms".[17]

As opposed to Transfiguration, a rather stiff branch of magic that had to be done exactly right, Charms were much more flexible and allowed for a much higher degree of personal creativity, allowing witches and wizards to more easily invent their own spells.

Charms could be described as some of the most powerful and versatile spells in existence. The Fidelius Charm, for example, could completely concealed a person or a place in such a complete way that no one could find them no matter what, unless the person trying to find the hidden person or place was given the location by the designated Secret Keeper, and only if the Secret Keeper gave them the information of their own free will.[18][19] Another example was the Patronus Charm, which channeled the casters own positive emotions into a powerful protection, a spirit beast guarding that was the only known thing capable of warding away Dementors. Charms were even able to manipulate space and time.

Limitations[]

Spells didn't usually last forever; the Silencing Charm had to be recast monthly on the Fwooper, and the Disillusionment Charm had be performed daily on Hippogriffs and Winged horses.[20] Furthermore, they usually disengaged automatically once the caster died. However, some bewitched objects, like Golden Snitches and Sneakoscopes, were imbued with magical properties in such a way where the magic infused in them remained permanently, even after the death of the caster.[21]

While it was notably easy to invent original charms, it was just as easy for other people to invent counter-charms. For example, the thief Eldon Elsrickle used the Unlocking Charm (Alohomora) to rob peoples houses. This prompted the invention of the Anti-Alohomora Charm, which rendered a lock immune to the charm.

While combative charms were an effective weapon in combat, there were certain circumstances where they proved ineffective. One notable example was the case of sacrificial protection, the circumstance of someone having willingly gave up their life out of love for another person or people. The person they sacrificed themself for would be protected from any spells cast by the enemy they sacrificed themself against.[22][23] Another example was that a wizard could have worn enchanted protective clothing that granted resistance Dark Charms.[24] There was also a number of beasts that had spell resistant skin, or were at least more difficult to enchant.

Additionally, there were some things that were totally impossible, even with the most powerful of magic. There was no charm that could reverse death. Necromancy has always been considered a failed branch of magic. The best one could do was reanimate a corpse, creating things like Inferi or Charmed skeletons. It was also impossible for love to be recreated artificially, Entrancing Enchantments only dulled the senses and created feelings of infatuation. Additionally, while duplicating material objects was a simple matter, it was impossible to duplicate a soul.

Dangers[]

The successful casting of charm was achieved through concentration, precise wand movements, and the proper pronunciation of an incantation. When a charm was cast poorly, it would fail and the caster ran the risk of it backfiring badly.[1] Memory Charms for example allowed the caster to make a person forget a designated memory, but it could be so strong that they could completely remove a person's entire identity from their memory, or even damage his or her mind permanently.[25]

Even if a witch or wizard could cast a charm properly, there was still a significant danger if they didn't know what the spell in question actually did. In 1997, when Harry Potter confronted Draco Malfoy in the sixth-floor boys' bathroom over his attempts to assassinate Albus Dumbledore, Harry hit Draco with the Sectumsempra curse he found in the Half-Blood Prince's book, expecting it to be a humorous prank spell, like the other spells he found in the book. It turned out to be a deadly slashing curse that nearly killed Draco.[26]

Voldemort's mutilated soul

The consequences for those who used magic to tamper with their soul

Furthermore, while charms allowed for high degree of personal creativity, the first of the Fundamental Laws of Magic had to be observed, or the consequences could have been unspeakable. The first Fundamental Law of Magic stated that, as a rule, the further somebody went towards meddling in the deepest underlying laws of magic, the more drastic and terrible the subsequent consequences would be. For example, someone who deliberately split their soul in the making of a Horcrux, dividing that which was clearly not meant to be divided, would be doomed to eternal suffering in Limbo after they died, unable to move on to the afterlife or return as a ghost.[27]

Some spells, like the Hour-Reversal Charm, were unstable and dangerous. Although, there were ways to compensate; rather than casting the spell directly, the Hour-Reversal Charm could have been used to enchant an object through which its effects could have been more safely activated.[28]

Even if time travel was safely possible, according to Professor Croaker's law, one could not travel more than five hours into the past without serious risk. Time travel of any kind was rather risky in the first place.

Teaching[]

B1C10M2 Charms class

A first-year Charms lesson

There was a Charms class at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, devoted to the study of Charms, practising the correct way to cast them, and studying their effect's. This class started with simple and easy ones first, such as the Wand-Lighting Charm and Levitation Charm, then moved on to more advanced ones as they progressed in knowledge.

It was a core class and mandatory throughout the first five years of a students education.[29] It was optional to N.E.W.T.-level students in their sixth and seventh-years to those who achieved a high enough grade on their Ordinary Wizarding Level exam. It was considered a soft option among the N.E.W.T.-level classes.

The lessons in Charms class were largely practical. According to Professor Abraham Ronen, fun was essential; a mind was most open to knowledge if it was eager, positive and confident. While some teachers believed that hard work and discipline was the only path to success, they tended to forget what drove those things in the first place. If one could not fathom why someone would expend energy on Gobstones, then they were blind to the enormous power of play. Professor Ronen himself had trouble learning even the simplest spells until he made a game of it, being able to better retain what he was being taught once the process itself became a source of joy.[30]

List of charms[]

Sonorous GOF Dumbledore 1

Albus Dumbledore using Sonorus during the Second Task

The Amplifying Charm (Sonorus) was a charm that could be used to amplify the targeted sound, be it a person's voice or a piece of equipment.

The Anti-Alohomora Charm (incantation unknown) was an anti-unlocking spell, that acted as a counter-charm to the Unlocking Charm.

The Anti-Apparition Charm (incantation unknown) was a spell that prevented people from Apparating into an area. It was cast on Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry long ago and could only be lifted by the Headmaster of the time.

An Anti-Cheating Spell (incantation unknown) was a charm that prevented a person from cheating on a test or exam.

An anti-theft charm (incantation unknown), also known as an anti-theft device, was a charm that prevented Summoning the charmed object by anyone but the object's owner. For security purposes, most magical objects sold in modern times were enchanted with such a spell.

These spells were used to counteract the effects of Alohomora and presumably other opening spells such as Annihilare, Dunamis, Emancipare, Liberare, and another unidentified spell.

Aqua Eructo was the incantation of a charm that could be used to create a spout of water from the tip of the wand. The intensity of the water flow could be anything from a thin fountain to an immense, powerful and destructive jet.[31]

The area spell (incantation unknown) was a charm used to conjure an omnidirectional shockwave that stunned all opponents in a small radius.

Wandless magic

Albus Dumbledore using this charm to slow Harry Potter's fall during a Quidditch match

Arresto Momentum was the incantation of a charm that could be used by a witch or wizard to slow the movement of an object. It was taught in second-year Charms class at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

NewtAscendio

Newton Scamander using Ascendio in the French Ministry of Magic

Ascendio was a charm used to lift the caster high into the air or propel them to the surface if they were underwater at the time.[32]

The Atmospheric Charm (incantation unknown) was a type of Weather-Modifying Charm. This charm could function indoors. It could be removed with meteolojinx recanto.[33]

The Banishing Charm (Depulso) was the counter-charm to the Summoning Charm. As Accio summoned objects to the caster, Depulso sent objects away. It banished whatever the caster's wand was pointed at, and could banish living things.[34]

Baubillious was a charm that released a bright, yellow-white bolt of lightning from the tip of one's wand when cast. It might potentially be harmful to anyone it hit.[35]

A beauty spell was a charm that could, presumably, be used to enhance the physical beauty of the caster.[6]

Bewitched sleep (incantation unknown) was a difficult spell that put the targeted person into a deep sleep; subject was in a state almost like suspended animation and did not breathe for the duration of the spell.

Bewitched Snowballs (incantation unknown) was a charm that could bewitch snowballs so that they honed in on a designated target and continually plagued them by throwing themselves at said target.[36][35]

Halfblood-01900

Hermione Granger conjuring yellow birds

The Bird-Conjuring Charm (Avis) was a spell that conjured a flock of birds. This charm was an advanced form of Transfiguration, taught at N.E.W.T.-level at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.[37]

The birds were shot from the caster's wand tip, accompanied by a loud blast that sounded like a gun being fired and smoke.[38]

This spell (incantation unknown) was a spell used to cause words to appear on a blackboard.[39]

Blocked Barrier was a spell (incantation unknown) that could be used to seal magical barriers and portals of the like used by witches and wizards to limit access to magical locations.[35]

Blue sparks could be shot high into the air by a witch or wizard if he or she so desired. When conjured in large quantities, it was difficult to see or breathe when in the vicinity.[21]

BluebellFlames

Hermione Granger using Bluebell Flames to burn Devil's Snare

Bluebell Flames, also known as Cold Fire or Blue Flames (incantation unknown) was a magical fire that was produced by a charm, flowing from the caster's wand in a stream or jet, which then condensed into a body of fire on a nearby object, similar to Incendio.[40]

Bombarda HM Spell Icon

Bombarda was the incantation of a charm used to provoke small explosions; one use for this explosion was to blast open sealed doors or to blow bars off of windows.[41] The incantation Bombarda Maxima was a stronger, more powerful variation of this spell.

Bombarda Maxima was the incantation of a charm used to provoke large, violent explosions capable of demolishing entire walls. This was a stronger variation of the traditional Bombarda charm.[42]

The bond of blood (incantation unknown) was an extremely powerful and ancient charm, which was formed when a person sacrificed himself or herself for a family member, out of deep and pure love. The sacrifice created a lingering protection in the blood of the person who was saved. It was not activated, however, until the charm was actually cast, and it was not sealed and functioning until another member of the family accepted the saved person as their own.[43]

The Braking Charm was a spell used on broomsticks to help them stop faster. The Firebolt had an "unbreakable Braking Charm" on it.

Cedric Diggory using Bubble-Head Charm for the Tri-wizard Tournament 2nd Task (Concept Artwork)
The Bubble-Head Charm (incantation unknown) was the most effective spell for breathing underwater or in any environment where fresh air was at a premium, allowing one a supply of oxygen.[34]

The Caterwauling Charm (incantation unknown) caused any unauthorised person entering the perimeter of a certain area to set off an "alarm" which made a high-pitched scream.[44]

Cave inimicum was the incantation of a protective spell, that could be assumed kept enemies away.[45]

The Charm to Cure Reluctant Reversers (incantation unknown) was a charm used in broom care, which presumably enhanced a broom's ability to reverse.[46]

This charm was among the spells placed by the four Marauders on their Marauder's Map along with the Homonculous Charm.[47]

The Cheering Charm (incantation unknown) was a spell which made a person happy.[12] When the spell was overdone, it could cause the victim to be overcome with fits of hysterical laughter.[48]

Cistem Aperio was the incantation of a charm that was used to blast open a trunk, chest, box or crate with a burst of white light. Being more specific than other opening spells in that it worked only on trunks, chests, boxes or crates, might increase the spell's potency against a warded target of the appropriate kind.[49]

The Cleaning Charm (incantation unknown) was a charm used to clean the target. The W.O.M.B.A.T test mentioned this spell in the question of which breach of the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy should receive the lightest punishment.[5]

The Colour Change Charm (Colovaria) was a charm that caused an object or animal to change its colour; a witch or wizard could use it to change the colour of walls and banners, for instance.[50]

Concealing charms were spells used to hide secret messages in parchment by magical means (as an alternative to invisible ink). Concealment charms were basic enough a piece of magic to be overridden by a simple Revealing Charm.

Concealment Charms (incantation unknown) were spells used to conceal things from view and to obfuscate inherent magical properties of objects.

Tumblr m012sxcnm01rpm9hyo3 250

Hermione Granger using Confundus on Cormac McLaggen to help Ron Weasley

The Confundus Charm (Confundo) was a charm which caused confusion in a person or bewitched an object. It appears that there were varying degrees of confusion caused by the spell, from simply tricking a person or thing about a specific incident to confusing a person to the point at which they endangered themselves.[51]

A Containment Charm (incantation unknown) was, presumably, a spell used to contain the target in something; it might be related to the Unbreakable Charm.

This spell was a counter-charm for the magical inducement of hiccoughs. It might be related to the Cheering Charm.

Crop-related charms were a series of spells devised to alter some characteristics of crops (most likely growth rate, shape, strength, etc.).[52]

The Cushioning Charm (Molliare) created an unseen softening effect on target surfaces. It was primarily used in broomstick manufacturing to make the brooms more comfortable for riders.

The Dancing Feet Spell (Tarantallegra) was a jinx used to force another person's legs to begin dancing uncontrollably. The spell required a clear, unobstructed view of the target to be successfully cast.[15]

A Defensive Charm was a charm cast in order to defend the caster from attacks.

Deprimo was a charm which blasted holes in things; it was strong enough to shatter the floor of an entire room in a matter of seconds.

Descendo was a charm that likely caused any targeted object to move downwards, or in other words caused something to descend or lower itself.

Diminuendo was the incantation a charm that forced objects to shrink.[42]

Harry disarms Lucius

Harry Potter disarming Lucius Malfoy during the Battle of the Department of Mysteries

The Disarming Charm, also known as the Expelliarmus Spell or Disarming Spell (Expelliarmus) was a defensive charm which forced the victim to release whatever they were holding at the time. It was common to see this spell used in duels, to make an opponent release their wand.[15]

The Disillusionment Charm (incantation unknown) was a spell that was used to conceal the target. The charm made that which had been bewitched to take on the colour and texture of that which was behind and around them.[53]

Dissendium was the incantation of a charm that revealed hidden passageways.

The Drought Charm (incantation unknown) was a charm used to dry up puddles and ponds; it was not powerful enough to affect lakes.[34]

Tumblr n012qfgajR1rzvuwqo6 r1 250

Harry Potter using Engorgio to test a wand that Ron Weasley took from the Snatchers

The Engorgement Charm (Engorgio) was a charm that caused the target to swell immensely. If the caster attempted to engorge the target beyond a certain point it would violently explode. Although this spell was safe to use on animals, it was not recommended until the counter-charm has been perfected.

The Enlargement Charm was a charm that enlarges an object. It had a similar effect to the Engorgement Charm.

Entrancing Enchantments were charms used to entrance people; they were purple in colour.[35]

Epoximise was a transformation spell that bonded two objects together.[35]

The Eradication Spell (Deletrius) was the incantation for a spell used to disintegrate a target. It could also be used to erase the shadow of the last spell performed by a wand.[13]

Erecto

The Weasley family erecting a tent

Erecto was a spell that straightened out the target object and set it up.[45]

Eye of rabbit, harp string hum, turn this water into rum was a transfiguration spell that, purportedly, could turn water into rum. It was unknown if this was a real spell or not, although given that Seamus could turn the water into a weak tea it was likely that it was but he could not perform it correctly.[54]

The false memory charm (incantation unknown) was a spell which could be used by a witch or wizard in order to add a memory to their victim's mind without the victim realising it was not originally theirs. It differs from the Memory Charm in that the latter erased memories whilst this one added them.

The feather-light charm (incantation unknown) was a charm used to make heavy objects lighter in terms of weight.

Fianto Duri was a defensive charm which, based on the etymology, strengthened shield spells, and perhaps objects in general, in a similar way to Duro.

The Fidelius Charm (incantation unknown) was a complex charm used to hide secret information within the soul of the charm's recipient, who was called a Secret-Keeper. The information was irretrievable unless the Secret-Keeper chose to reveal it, and only the aforementioned person could do so.[18]

The Finestra spell (Finestra) was a charm that shattered the target window.[21]

IncendioHM

A ball of fire produced by this charm

The Fire-Making Spell (Incendio) was used to set objects alight.[21]

There existed a spell (incantation unknown) by which one could conjure a long, thin flame from the tip of one's wand with which they could bind, ensnare or presumably harm a foe in an action similar to that of a rope.

The Fixing Charm (incantation unknown) was a spell which fastened an object in place. Its effect was similar to that of the Permanent Sticking Charm, but was most likely reversible. It might simply be another name for the Sticking Charm.

The Flame-Freezing Charm (incantation unknown) was a charm that changed the effects of a fire so that instead of burning, it felt like a warm summer breeze. The subject would usually feel a gentle tickling sensation.

This charm (incantation unknown) caused paint to flash different colours. It was considered "tricky" for a first year.

The Floating Charm (incantation unknown) was one of the many lesser variations of the Levitation Charm, like the Hover Charm or the Rocket Charm, which made a target object float in mid-air.

This charm (incantation unknown) was a spell cast on objects to allow them to fly. It was cast on broomsticks and flying carpets.

Food-related charms were a category of charm related to the magical preparation of food.

The Four-Point Spell (Point Me) caused the casters wand to point north like a compass.

Freeze! was a charm that caused ice to spread over limbs touching a hard surface, affixing them to it.
Immobulus

Hermione Granger casting Immobulus in a DADA lesson

The Freezing Charm (Immobulus) was a charm that would instantly immobilise and stop the movements of the target. It could be useful when dealing with Cornish Pixies.[55]

The Freezing Spell (Glacius) was a freezing charm that conjured ice from the tip of the wand, which in turn could extinguish fires, create ice blocks and cool off fiery creatures.[56]

This spell (incantation unknown) was used to cover the victim in fur.

Glacius Duo was a charm used offensively in duelling to freeze a target enemy in ice. It was a more powerful version of Glacius, but not as powerful as Glacius Tria.

Glacius Tria was a charm used offensively in duelling to freeze a target enemy. It was the most effective version of Glacius, being more powerful than Glacius Uno and Glacius Duo.

Glisseo was the incantation of a charm that could be used to transform a staircase into a smooth slide. It was rather old, having been used in the mediaeval ages.

The Gouging Spell (Defodio) was a charm used to gouge out portions of earth or stone.

The Gripping Charm (incantation unknown) was a charm that allowed the targeted object to be more easily held.

The Growth Charm (incantation unknown) was a charm which increased the physical size of the target; it is unknown whether the spell was used to increase the size of the target's cells themselves, or if more cells were created to give an appearance of a greater size.

Hair-regrowing spells (incantation unknown) were charms used to quickly regrow lost hair.

The Hair-Thickening Charm (incantation unknown) was a charm which caused the target's hair to grow longer and thicker very quickly.[57]

This spell (incantation unknown) was used to conjure flames that could be held in one's hand without burning them.

The Hardening Charm (Duro) was a charm used to change objects into stone.

Harmonia Nectere Passus was the incantation of a spell used to repair a broken Vanishing Cabinet and perfect its performance (as Draco did).

The Herbivicus Charm (Herbivicus) was a charm used to rapidly increase the growth rate of plants and cause flowers to bloom.[31]

Severussnapefootsteps

The Marauder's Map using the Homonculous Charm

The Homonculous Charm (incantation unknown) was a charm that, when cast onto a map, would enable its possessor to track the movements of every person in the mapped area, through labelled dots that moved around the parchment.

The Homorphus Charm (incantation unknown) was described by Professor Gilderoy Lockhart as what he used to cure the Wagga Wagga Werewolf.[58]

The Horton-Keitch Braking Charm (incantation unknown) was patented by Basil Horton and Randolph Keitch. It allowed broom-riders to stop more precisely.

The Hot Air Charm (incantation unknown) was a charm that caused hot air to emit from the caster's wand.

The Hour-Reversal Charm (incantation unknown) was a very dangerous, unstable spell that could be used to reverse time up to five hours.[59]

The Hover Charm (incantation unknown) was one of the many lesser variations of the Levitation Charm which, as such, made the target hover in mid-air for a brief period of time.[60]

Homenum Revelio

Hermione Granger using Homenum Revelio to check if they were alone in Grimmauld Place

The human-presence-revealing spell (Homenum Revelio) was a charm which revealed human presences in the surrounding environment.

Illegibilus was a spell that was used to render a text illegible.

The Imperturbable Charm (incantation unknown) was a spell that created a magical barrier on a target object, such as a door.

The Impervius Charm (Impervius) was a charm that caused an artefact to become waterproof.

Incendio Duo was an elementary charm that conjured flames.

Incendio Tria was a charm that conjured flames.

The Informous Spell (Informous) was a charm that added a page with information regarding the charmed creature to the caster's Folio Bruti.

The Intruder Charm (incantation unknown) was a spell which detected intruders and sounded an alarm, the Muggle-equivalent to a burglar alarm.

The Invisibility Charm (incantation unknown) was a spell used to render a target area invisible.

The Invisibility Spell (incantation unknown) was a spell used to render a target area invisible.

Knitting charm

A pair of needles knitting by themselves

The Knitting charm (incantation unknown) was used to charm knitting needles to perform their task autonomously.

Lacarnum Inflamari was the incantation of a charm used to ignite the cloak of a witch or warlock by shooting a fireball from the tip of the caster's wand.

Legilimency

Harry being subjected to Legilimency by Snape

The Legilimency Spell (Legilimens) allowed the caster to perform Legilimency; in other words, to delve into the mind of the victim, permitting the caster to see memories, emotions and thoughts.

PS Wingardium Leviosa feather

Hermione Granger using Wingardium Leviosa in a Charms (class)

The Levitation Charm (Wingardium Leviosa) was a charm used to make objects fly or levitate.

The Levitation Spell (Levioso) was a charm that levitated objects.

Liberare was a door-unlocking charm.

DH1 Voldemort testing the Elder Wand

Voldemort casting a lightning spell after retrieving the Elder Wand

This spell (incantation unknown) was used to shoot a thick bolt of blinding white lightning into the sky, along with a slight crackling noise as high amounts of electricity tend to produce.

This anticharm was used against Limbo Mist, in order not to be hindered by its effects. To cast this spell, one must remove all potentially hindering articles such as scarves or accessories.

Colloportus

Severus Snape casting Colloportus

The Locking Spell (Colloportus) was a charm that was used to lock or seal doors so that they couldn't be opened manually.

The Locomotion Charm (Locomotor) was a charm that enabled a witch or wizard to lift the target a few inches off of the ground and then move said object in any given direction.

Lumos Duo was a modern variation of the Wand-Lighting Charm. It created an intense beam of wandlight connecting the caster's wand and their target.

Lumos Maxima was the incantation to a charm that could be used to produce a blinding flash of bright white light from the tip of the wand.

Tumblr myzye241mA1s53eg4o8 250

Hermione Granger casting Lumos Solem against Devils Snare

Lumos Solem was the incantation of a charm used to conjure a very bright, narrow beam of light, which might be potentially be warmer than normal light.

Obliviatehermione

Hermione Granger using the Memory Charm to protect her parents from Death Eaters

A Memory Charm, also known as Lockhart Memory Charm or Forgetfulness Charm (Obliviate) was a spell that could be used to erase memories from an individual's mind.

Mending charm1

Albus Dumbledore casting a powerful Mending Charm

The Mending Charm, also known as the Repairing Charm (Reparo) was a charm that could be used to seamlessly repair a broken object.

This spell (incantation unknown) was a charm used to shove whatever the caster used it on to shoot away from them.

Meteolojinx recanto was the incantation to a spell that caused weather effects caused by Weather-Modifying Charms such as the Atmospheric Charm to cease.

Ministry of Magic Fog was a patented charm used by the Ministry for Magic to conceal certain areas from Muggle view.

Mobiliarbus was the incantation to a charm used to levitate and move plants and trees.

Mobilicorpus was the incantation to a spell which was used to move the bodies of those who found themselves unable to walk.

The Mountain-moving spell (incantation unknown) was a charm with a long and complicated incantation that literally ripped a mountain up out of the ground and dropped it on the casters enemy.

The Muffliato Charm (Muffliato) was a charm used to fill the ears of any person in the vicinity of the caster with an unidentifiable buzzing sound.

The Muggle-Repelling Charm (Repello Muggletum) was a charm that repelled Muggles from an area.

The Obliteration Charm (incantation unknown) was a spell that Hermione Granger used to remove footprints from the snow.

Oculus reparo

Hermione Granger using Oculus Reparo to repair Harry's glasses

Oculus Reparo was the incantation of a variant of the Mending Charm, used to repair broken eyeglasses.

Open Sesame was the incantation to a spell used to rip doors from their hinges and tear them to firewood.

The Opening Charm (Aberto) was used to open objects such as doors and windows.

Pack was the incantation of a charm used to make items pack themselves into a trunk.

This spell (incantation unknown) sealed a scrolled-up parchment seamlessly, so others couldn't open it to read.[39]

The Partis Temporus charm temporarily parted the target where the caster pointed their wand, creating a gap in it.[61]

Luna's Patronus

Luna Lovegood using the Patronus Charm in the Room of Requirement

The Patronus Charm (Expecto Patronum) was used to repel Dementors.[62]

Periculum was a charm used to send red sparks into their sky.[32]

The Permanent Sticking Charm (incantation unknown) was a spell that magically fastened one object to another.

Piertotum Locomotor was a charm that animated an object.[63][64]

A Placement Charm (incantation unknown) was a spell that placed an object in or on a specific location without the wizard or witch having to do it physically.[20]

Portaberto was a spell used to splinter a lock from a door.[6]

Portkey used

A Portkey while in use

Portus was the incantation to a charm used to transform an ordinary object into a Portkey.[63]

Prior Incantato was a spell used to reveal the last spell cast from a wand.[13]

The Protean Charm (incantation unknown) was a charm that linked several objects together through a common purpose.[57]

Protective enchatment

Protective enchatment cast on Hogwarts

Protective enchantments were spells used to protect an area that the caster wanted protected.

Protego Duo was the incantation of a charm used to protect the caster from physical and magical attacks alike.[65]

Protego horribilis was the incantation to a stronger version of the Shield Charm which protected a very large area against highly Dark Magic.[64]

Protegomaximahs

Horace Slughorn casting Protego maxima in defence of Hogwarts

Protego Maxima was a stronger version of the Shield Charm.

Protego totalum was the incantation of a protective enchantment used to defend a certain area for an extended period of time.

The Quietening Charm (Quietus) was a charm that could be used to quieten sounds.[66]

Vermillious

The Red Sparks

Red Sparks (Vermillious) was a spell used to shoot a jet of red sparks from the tip of the wand.[67]

Refilling Charm

The Refilling Cham was used to fill the up the glasses with champagne

The Refilling Charm (incantation unknown) was a charm that was used to refill whatever the caster pointed at with the drink originally in the container.[68]

Repairing charms (also known as mending charms) were spells used to repair objects.

The Repelling Spell (incantation unknown) was a charm that repelled small objects from escaping.

Repello Inimicum was a charm that, when cast in combination with Protego Maxima and Fianto Duri, conjured up an almost impregnable magical protection barrier around the place the caster was trying to protect.

The Revealing Charm (Aparecium) was a charm that forced invisible ink or other hidden messages to appear.

The Revelio Charm (Revelio) was a charm used to reveal concealed objects.

Riddikulus

Neville Longbottom using Riddikulus at a Defence Against the Dark Arts class

Riddikulus was a charm that was used in defence against a Boggart.[16]

The Rocket Charm (incantation unknown) was one of the many lesser variations of the Levitation Charm, like the Hover Charm or the Floating Charm.

This spell (incantation unknown) enabled a witch or wizard to seal a room in such a way that only witches or wizards could break it.

Rose Growth (incantation unknown) was a charm that made rosebushes grow at an unusually fast pace.

Scarpin's Revelaspell (incantation unknown) was a charm that was used to correctly identify the ingredients of a given potion.[69]

The Scouring Charm (Scourgify) was a household charm, possibly a cleaning spell, used to clean an object, similar to Tergeo.[53][70]

A Scuba-Spell (incantation unknown) was an Underwater Charm used to breathe underwater in lieu of using underwater breathing apparatus or other less-convenient forms of magic (such as Gillyweed or the Bubble-Head Charm).

A Security Spell (incantation unknown) was a charm used to prevent a break-in on a specified location (a closed shop, for instance).[71]

The Seize and pull charm (Carpe Retractum) was a charm that created a retractable, magical rope made of light.[56][31]

The Severing Charm (Diffindo) was a charm used to precisely and accurately cut something.[72]

Protego

Kingsley Shacklebolt using the Shield Charm to protect Harry, Ron and Hermione

The Shield Charm (Protego) was a charm used to create an invisible shield around an individual or area, to protect it from harm.[14] This charm had many variations.

The Shrinking Charm (Reducio) was a charm that enabled a witch or wizard to decrease the apparent physical size of the target, both internally and externally.[73]

The Silencing Charm (Silencio) was a charm that rendered the victim temporarily mute, working on both beasts and beings.[74][75]

The Skurge Charm (Skurge) was a charm that could be used to clean up the sticky green ectoplasm created by passing ghosts.[3]

The Smokescreen Spell (Fumos) was a spell used to create a defensive cloud of smoke from the tip of the wand.[21]

Tumblr mzwwm6azLi1qdab59o7 250

Ron subconsciously and non-verbally making it snow using the Snowflake-Making Spell

This charm (incantation unknown) was a Weather-Modifying Charm that created snow.[76]

The Softening Charm (Spongify) was a spell that softened a target area or object, making it rubbery and bouncy.[21]

The Somnambulist Charm (incantation unknown) was a charm of unknown incantation, used to move unconscious people by inducing somnambulism.

The Sonorous Charm (incantation unknown) was a spell that emitted a magnified roar from the tip of the wand.

Specialis Revelio was the incantation of a spell that allowed the caster to reveal any charms or hexes.

This spell (incantation unknown) was a charm used to grow legs on an object.[50]

Arania Exumai was a charm that could be used to physically repel spiders by blasting them away, including Acromantulas.[77]

The Sticking Charm (incantation unknown) was a spell which secured an object in place, but was reversible.

Stupefy

Harry, Ron and Hermione using the Stunning Spell against the Death Eaters

The Stunning Spell, also known as a Stunner or Stupefying Charm (Stupefy), was a charm that rendered a victim unconscious and halted moving objects.[13]

Stupefy Duo was a stronger version of the Stunning spell.[65]

The Substantive Charm (incantation unknown) was a spell of unknown effect.

Accio Firebolt

Harry Potter using the Summoning Charm during the Triwizard Tournament

The Summoning Charm (Accio) was a charm that caused an object at a distance from the caster to fly into their arms.

The Supersensory Charm (incantation unknown) was a self-inflicting charm (as in the caster used it upon themselves).[78]

The Talon-Clipping Charm (incantation unknown) was a charm which presumably cut the talons of a clawed animal. It was primarily used in dragon care.

Tergeo was the incantation of a cleaning spell used to syphon any liquid, such as blood, dust or grease, off of the target.

The Thief's Downfall (incantation unknown) was one of the many defensive enchantments employed at Gringotts Wizarding Bank.[79]

The Tickling Charm (Rictusempra), also known as the Rictusempra Charm, was a spell that caused a victim to buckle with laughter.[15]

The Trace (incantation unknown) was a charm put on wizards and witches who were under seventeen years of age.[80]

The Umbrella spell (incantation unknown) was a charm that created a see-through umbrella from the tip of the wand.

An Unbreakable Charm (incantation unknown) was a charm that made an object unbreakable.

Underwater Charms was a term used to refer to Charms whose practical use was restricted to underwater usage.

The Undetectable Extension Charm, or simply Extension Charms (Capacious extremis) was a charm that extended the internal dimensions of the target object without affecting the external dimensions.

Alohomora

Hermione Granger using the Unlocking Charm to escape from Argus Filch

The Unlocking Charm, also known as the Thief's Friend (Alohomora) was a charm that unlocked and opened doors and windows that were not protected by magic.[81]

Unplottability referred to the deliberate concealment of several areas around the world. Unplottable locations were either magically hidden from plain sight or simply removed on maps.

Verdillious was a charm that caused the wand tip to light up like a flare, exuding green light, sparks and smoke to damage a foe.

The Verdimillious Charm (Verdimillious) was a charm that produced green energy from the wand by means of sparks.

The Verdimillious Duo Spell (Verdimillious Duo) was a charm that produced green or red energy from the tip of the wand.

Verdimillious Tria was the incantation of a charm that produced green energy from the wand by means of sparks and electrical discharge.

Vermillious was a charm that precipitated red and orange sparks from the wand tip.

Vermillious Duo was the incantation of a charm that could be used to conjure a jet of red sparks and electrical discharge.

This charm (incantation unknown) was used to turn vinegar into wine.[76]

The Projectile Jinx (Waddiwasi) was a charm that could be used to shoot whatever the caster so desired at the target or victim.[16]

The Wand-Extinguishing Charm (Nox) was a spell that caused the light at the end of the caster's wand to be extinguished.[21]

Wand-lighting charm

Harry Potter using the Wand-Lighting Charm

The Wand-Lighting Charm (Lumos) was a charm, a light-creation spell, used to illuminate the tip of the caster's wand.[21]

This spell (incantation unknown) enchanted dirty dishes to wash themselves.

This spell (incantation unknown) could be used to heat water.[82]

Aguamenti PM
The Water-Making Spell, also known as the Aguamenti Charm (Aguamenti), was a charm that conjured a jet of clear, pure water and shot it from the tip of the caster's wand.[51]

Appearances[]

Notes and references[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chapter 10 (Hallowe'en)
  2. 2.0 2.1 J.K.Rowling Official Site - Extra Stuff
  3. 3.0 3.1 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (video game)
  4. 4.0 4.1 Quidditch Through the Ages
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 J. K. Rowling's official site
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 Wonderbook: Book of Spells
  7. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 28 (Flight of the Prince)
  8. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chapter 5 (Diagon Alley)
  9. Hogwarts Legacy, Main Quest "Charms Class"
  10. Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 5, "SUMMER NIGHTS" Achievement
  11. Pottermore - The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 2
  12. 12.0 12.1 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 15 (The Quidditch Final)
  13. 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 9 (The Dark Mark)
  14. 14.0 14.1 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 31 (The Third Task)
  15. 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 15.4 15.5 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 11 (The Duelling Club)
  16. 16.0 16.1 16.2 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 7 (The Boggart in the Wardrobe)
  17. The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 1 on Pottermore
  18. 18.0 18.1 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 10 (The Marauder's Map)
  19. Writing by J. K. Rowling: "Secret Keeper" at Harry Potter (website)
  20. 20.0 20.1 Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
  21. 21.0 21.1 21.2 21.3 21.4 21.5 21.6 21.7 Pottermore
  22. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 33 (The Prince's Tale)
  23. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 36 (The Flaw in the Plan)
  24. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 6 (Draco's Detour)
  25. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 16 (The Chamber of Secrets)
  26. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
  27. J.K. Rowling and the Live Chat, Bloomsbury.com, 30 July, 20
  28. Writing by J. K. Rowling: "Time-Turner" at Harry Potter (website)
  29. Writing by J. K. Rowling: "Hogwarts School Subjects" at Harry Potter (website)
  30. Hogwarts Legacy
  31. 31.0 31.1 31.2 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (video game)
  32. 32.0 32.1 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (film)
  33. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 12 (Magic is Might)
  34. 34.0 34.1 34.2 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 26 (The Second Task)
  35. 35.0 35.1 35.2 35.3 35.4 Harry Potter Trading Card Game
  36. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chapter 12 (The Mirror of Erised)
  37. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 14 (Felix Felicis)
  38. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 18 (The Weighing of the Wands)
  39. 39.0 39.1 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 12 (Professor Umbridge)
  40. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chapter 16 (Through the Trapdoor)
  41. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (film)
  42. 42.0 42.1 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (film)
  43. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 37 (The Lost Prophecy)
  44. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 28 (The Missing Mirror)
  45. 45.0 45.1 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 14 (The Thief)
  46. Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery
  47. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 14 (Snape's Grudge)
  48. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 16 (Professor Trelawney's Prediction)
  49. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (film)
  50. 50.0 50.1 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 31 (O.W.L.s)
  51. 51.0 51.1 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 11 (Hermione's Helping Hand)
  52. Daily Prophet Newsletters
  53. 53.0 53.1 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 3 (The Advance Guard)
  54. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film)
  55. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 6 (Gilderoy Lockhart)
  56. 56.0 56.1 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (video game)
  57. 57.0 57.1 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 19 (The Lion and the Serpent)
  58. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 10 (The Rogue Bludger)
  59. Writing by J. K. Rowling: "Time-Turner" at Harry Potter (website)
  60. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 2 (Dobby's Warning)
  61. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (film)
  62. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 12 (The Patronus)
  63. 63.0 63.1 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 36 (The Only One He Ever Feared)
  64. 64.0 64.1 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 30 (The Sacking of Severus Snape)
  65. 65.0 65.1 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (video game)
  66. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 8 (The Quidditch World Cup)
  67. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chapter 15 (The Forbidden Forest)
  68. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 22 (After the Burial)
  69. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 18 (Birthday Surprises)
  70. Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 4, Chapter 10 (Seeing Red) - Charms Lesson "Scourgify"
  71. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
  72. 72.0 72.1 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 20 (The First Task)
  73. Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 2, Chapter 2 (Growing and Shrinking) - Charms Lesson "Reducio"
  74. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 18 (Dumbledore's Army)
  75. Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 5, Chapter 6 (The Ghosts of Hogwarts) - Charms Lesson "Silencio"
  76. 76.0 76.1 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 24 (Sectumsempra)
  77. Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 4, Chapter 14 (The Spider's Lair) - Private Transfiguration Lesson "Arania Exumai"
  78. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Epilogue (Nineteen Years Later)
  79. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 26 (Gringotts)
  80. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 4 (The Seven Potters)
  81. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chapter 9 (The Midnight Duel)
  82. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 8 (Flight of the Fat Lady)

See also[]

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