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"I see Charms as a slightly lighter subject than Transfiguration which is very hard work. With Charms there would be a little more leeway for a little more personal creativity— "
J. K. Rowling on the nature of this subject[src]

Charms was a subject and core class taught at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry[8] and Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.[7] As the name suggests, it specialised in the teaching of charms.[8]

Even though mastering charm-work was clearly essential to performing the greater part of magic, charm-work was seen as a "softer option" by some. Augusta Longbottom who, incidentally, failed her Charms O.W.L. considered it such.[9]

Professor Filius Flitwick taught Charms for many years.[8] It was rumoured that his expertise with charm-work made him a duelling champion.[10]

Class information[]

"They then spent over an hour revising Summoning Charms, which according to Professor Flitwick were bound to come up in their OWL, and he rounded off the lesson by setting them their largest ever amount of Charms homework."
— A fifth-year Charms lesson, O.W.L. revision[src]
Charms class in 1991

A first-year Charms lesson on the Levitation Charm

Charms was a required subject for all students in their first five years at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The spells learned in Charms class were taken from textbooks. Students were taught specific wand movements and proper pronunciation. Often students partnered up in class to experiment on one another. Charms was Hermione Granger's favourite subject,[8] until she started Arithmancy as an elective in 1993.

Filius Flitwick profile

Professor Flitwick the Charms Master

In a student's fifth year, they took the Ordinary Wizarding Level examinations. This exam contained a written portion and a practical portion. The written portion was made up of questions concerning the theory of charms and the practical was where students were judged upon the charms they could perform. Their O.W.L. scores decided what courses they would be taking in their final years at Hogwarts. Only students who achieved a high O.W.L. score of either "Outstanding" or "Exceeds Expectations" might advance to N.E.W.T.-level.

Professor Flitwick was one of the kinder teachers at Hogwarts. Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger often enjoyed a "nice chat" in this class. This was the class where they used the Muffliato Charm as well.[11] Harry was on at least fairly good terms with Professor Flitwick, as the professor spoke with Harry about the "perfect" Summoning Charm he used in the Triwizard Tournament. Sometimes, Professor Flitwick, after trying and failing to get the class to concentrate, would allow the class to play games. One of these instances was just before the Yule Ball.[12]

An O.W.L. and a N.E.W.T. in Charms were compulsory for both Auror and Healer training, at either an "Exceeds Expectations" or "Outstanding" level.[13]

Location and time[]

Classrooms[]

Charms classes were held in Class 99 in the South Tower and Classroom 2E along the Charms corridor on the third floor, near the Third-floor corridor. Classroom 2E had three rows of desks, all facing the teacher's table, behind which sat a large upholstered chair with a high back. Two blackboards flanked the teacher's table, and behind them was a small shelf with books and other objects, beneath a pair of windows.[14]

Location times[]

Time table for Gryffindor students first enrolled in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry during the 1991–1992 school year.

Year Day Period
First Tuesday first
Thursday
Second Monday unknown
Thursday second/third
Friday morning
Third second
Fourth Wednesday morning
Friday third
Fifth Thursday second/third
Sixth unknown unknown
Seventh Monday morning

Curriculum[]

First year[]

"Now, don't forget that nice wrist movement we've been practising! Swish and flick, remember, swish and flick. And saying the magic words properly is very important, too - never forget Wizard Baruffio, who said 's' instead of 'f' and found himself on the floor with a buffalo on his chest."
— Professor Flitwick teaching the Levitation Charm to his first years in 1991[src]

Second year[]

"Welcome to Charms class. Today we shall be learning the Skurge Charm."
— Professor Flitwick teaching second year Charms in 1992[src]

Third year[]

"Professor Flitwick did indeed test them on Cheering Charms."
— Third year exam in 1994[src]

Fourth year[]

"They were supposed to be practising the opposite of the Summoning Charm today — the Banishing Charm."
— A fourth year Charms lesson on the Banishing Charm[src]

Fifth year[]

"What you must remember, is that these examinations may influence your futures for many years to come! If you have not already given serious thought to your careers, now is the time to do so. And in the meantime, I’m afraid, we shall be working harder than ever to ensure that you all do yourselves justice!"
— Professor Flitwick on the importance of fifth year Charms[src]

Sixth year[]

"Hermione was the only one who had managed to turn vinegar into wine; her glass flask was full of deep crimson liquid."
— A N.E.W.T.-level charms lesson[src]

Seventh year[]

Known professors[]

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry[]

Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry[]

Required textbooks[]

Grades[]

Passing grades[]

Fail grades[]

O.W.L.[]

OWL exam paper

A Theory of Charms O.W.L. exam paper

The Charms O.W.L. contained both a written paper and practical examination where the students were assessed on the charms they could successfully perform.[5]

Written[]

"a) Give the incantation and
b) describe the wand movement required to make objects fly.
"
— Question on the Charms O.W.L.[src]

Practical[]

Known O.W.L.s[]

Media[]

Behind the scenes[]

Appearances[]

Notes and references[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 3, Side Quest "Nearly Headless Nick"
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 Hogwarts Legacy
  3. 3.0 3.1 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chapter 8 (The Potions Master)
  4. 4.0 4.1 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chapter 5 (Diagon Alley)
  5. 5.00 5.01 5.02 5.03 5.04 5.05 5.06 5.07 5.08 5.09 5.10 5.11 5.12 5.13 5.14 5.15 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 31 (O.W.L.s)
  6. 6.0 6.1 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 15 (The Unbreakable Vow)
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 Writing by J. K. Rowling: "Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry" at Wizarding World
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chapter 10 (Hallowe'en)
  9. 9.0 9.1 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 9 (The Half-Blood Prince)
  10. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 11 (The Duelling Club)
  11. 11.0 11.1 11.2 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 24 (Sectumsempra)
  12. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 22 (The Unexpected Task)
  13. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 29 (Careers Advice)
  14. Pottermore
  15. 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 15.4 15.5 15.6 The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 1
  16. Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 1, Chapter 5 (The Duel) - Charms Lesson "Wingardium Leviosa"
  17. 17.0 17.1 LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4
  18. Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 1, Chapter 2 (Welcome to Hogwarts) - Charms Lesson "Lumos"
  19. Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 1, Chapter 6 (A Curious Corridor) - Charms Lesson "Nox"
  20. 20.0 20.1 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (video game)
  21. Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 1, Chapter 8 (Preparing for the Room) - Charms Lesson "Alohomora"
  22. 22.0 22.1 Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells
  23. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chapter 16 (Through the Trapdoor)
  24. Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 1, Chapter 7 (Class Matters) - Charms Lesson "Flipendo"
  25. 25.0 25.1 25.2 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (video game)
  26. 26.0 26.1 26.2 26.3 26.4 26.5 26.6 The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 2
  27. Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 2, Chapter 1 (Year Two Begins) - Charms Lesson "Engorgio"
  28. Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 2, Chapter 2 (Growing and Shrinking) - Charms Lesson "Reducio"
  29. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 15 (The Quidditch Final)
  30. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 16 (Professor Trelawney's Prediction)
  31. Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 3, Chapter 6 (The Letter from No One) - Charms Lesson "Finite Incantatem"
  32. Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 3, Side Quest "Wizarding World Famous"
  33. 33.0 33.1 33.2 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (video game)
  34. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (film) - Chapter 1 (Under Covers Prologue)
  35. Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 3, Chapter 3 (Three Broomsticks) - Charms Lesson "Petrificus Totalus"
  36. Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 3, Chapter 4 (Filching from Filch) - Charms Lesson "Depulso"
  37. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 18 (The Weighing of the Wands)
  38. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 26 (The Second Task)
  39. Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 4, Chapter 4 (Curse-Breakers) - Charms Lesson "Vermillious"
  40. Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 4, Chapter 2 (The Mysterious Madam Rakepick) - Charms Lesson "Bombarda"
  41. Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 4, Chapter 16 (The Forest Vault) - Charms Lesson "Colloportus"
  42. Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 4, Chapter 7 (Beast, Beings, and Creatures) - Charms Lesson "Cistem Aperio"
  43. Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 4, Chapter 10 (Seeing Red) - Charms Lesson "Scourgify"
  44. Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 4, Chapter 12 (Working with Snape) - Charms Lesson "Diffindo"
  45. Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 4, "Valentine's Day" Achievement - Part 1, Side Quest "Valentine's Day at Hogwarts"
  46. 46.0 46.1 46.2 46.3 46.4 46.5 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (video game)
  47. 47.0 47.1 LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7
  48. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 13 (Detention with Dolores)
  49. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 18 (Dumbledore's Army)
  50. Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 5, Chapter 6 (The Ghosts of Hogwarts) - Charms Lesson "Silencio"
  51. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 30 (Grawp)
  52. Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 5, Chapter 21 (The Search for Peeves) - Charms Lesson "Deletrius"
  53. Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 5, Chapter 23 (Mischief Masterpiece) - Charms Lesson "Pack Charm"
  54. Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 5, Chapter 8 (Trial by Fire) - Charms Lesson "Arresto Momentum"
  55. Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 5, Chapter 1 (Year Five Begins) - Charms Lesson "Cheering Charm"
  56. Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 5, Chapter 12 (The Vault Portrait) - Charms Lesson "Locomotor Mortis"
  57. Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 5, Chapter 16 (A Dance With Diego) - Charms Lesson "Disillusionment Charm"
  58. Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 5, Chapter 18 (Legilimency and Occlumency) - Charms Lesson "Descendo"
  59. Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 5, Chapter 27 (A New Danger) - Charms Lesson "Confundus Charm"
  60. Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 5, Chapter 29 (Final Preparations) - Charms Lesson "Lumos Maxima"
  61. 61.0 61.1 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 11 (Hermione's Helping Hand)
  62. 62.0 62.1 62.2 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 17 (A Sluggish Memory)
  63. Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 6, Chapter 36 (Search for the Mole) - Charms Lesson "Aguamenti"
  64. 64.0 64.1 64.2 64.3 Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 6, Chapter 1 (Year Six Begins) - Charms Lesson "Drought Charm"
  65. Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 6, Chapter 6 (On Jacob's Trail) - Charms Lesson "Knitting Charm"
  66. Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 6, Chapter 12 (Now You See Me) - Charms Lesson "Bubble-Head Charm"
  67. Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 6, Chapter 17 (Getting the Message) - Charms Lesson "Gouging Spell"
  68. Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 6, Chapter 21 (Moving Forward) - Charms Lesson "Blackboard Writing Spell"
  69. Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 6, Chapter 26 (Unfinished Business) - Charms Lesson "Cleaning Charm"
  70. Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 6, Chapter 31 (The Polyjuice Plan) - Charms Lesson "Blue Sparks"
  71. Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 6, Chapter 41 (Assemble the Team) - Charms Lesson "Extinguishing Charm"
  72. Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 7, Chapter 1 (Year Seven Begins) - Charms Lesson "Ascendio"
  73. Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 7, Chapter 17 (An Infestation of Doxies) - Charms Lesson "Anti-Alohomora Charm"
  74. Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 7, Chapter 30 (It All Falls Down) - Charms Lesson "Lumos Solem"
  75. 75.0 75.1 Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 7, Chapter 41 (That's Awkward) - Charms Lesson "Impervius"
  76. Wonderbook: Book of Spells
  77. Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore - The Complete Screenplay, Scene 24
  78. 78.0 78.1 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 4 (At Flourish and Blotts) - It is said that both Percy and Bill Weasley earned twelve Ordinary Wizarding Levels, meaning they must have earned an O.W.L. in this subject.
  79. 79.0 79.1 79.2 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 15 (The Hogwarts High Inquisitor)
  80. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 20 (The First Task)
  81. 81.0 81.1 81.2 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 5 (An Excess of Phlegm)
  82. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (video game)
  83. PottermorePottermore - What are the Harry Potter cast members favourite Hogwarts classes?
Charms (class)
PS Wingardium Leviosa feather
Charm-book writers and developers
Blagdon Blay · Daisy Pennifold · Delfina Crimp · Miranda Goshawk · Jarleth Hobart · Basil Horton · Helixa Hyslop · Syna Hyslop · Randolph Keitch · Levina Monkstanley · Orabella Nuttley · Mnemone Radford · Scarpin · Elliot Smethwyck · Felix Summerbee · Violeta Stitch
Professors Fortinbras · Filius Flitwick · Abraham Ronen · Unidentified male professor · Unidentified medieval professor
Textbooks Achievements in Charming · Extreme Incantations · Quintessence: A Quest · The Standard Book of Spells
Charms studied at Hogwarts
Anti-Alohomora Charm · Ascension Charm (Ascendio) · Banishing Charm (Depulso) · Blackboard Writing Spell · Blue sparks · Bombardment Spell (Bombarda) · Box Blasting Charm (Cistem Aperio) · Bubble-Head Charm · Cheering Charm · Cleaning Charm · Colour Change Charm (Colovaria) · Confundus Charm (Confundo) · Counter-charm for hiccoughs · Dancing Feet Spell (Tarantallegra) · Descendo · Disarming Charm (Expelliarmus) · Disillusionment Charm · Drought Charm · Entrancing Enchantments (theoretically) · Eradication Spell (Deletrius) · Engorgement Charm (Engorgio) · Extinguishing Spell · Fire-Making Spell (Incendio) · Freezing Charm (Immobulus) · Freezing Spell (Glacius) · Full Body-Bind Curse (Petrificus Totalus) · General Counter-Spell (Finite Incantatem) · Gouging Spell (Defodio) · Growth Charm · Ice Jinx · Impervius Charm (Impervius) · Knitting Charm · Knockback Jinx (Flipendo) · Leg-Locker Curse (Locomotor Mortis) · Levitation Charm (Wingardium Leviosa) · Locking Spell (Colloportus) · Locomotion Charm (Locomotor) · Lumos Solem Spell (Lumos Solem) · Mending Charm (Reparo) · Memory Charm (Obliviate) · Muffliato Charm (Muffliato) · Nonverbal spells · Pack Charm (Pack) · Red Sparks (Vermillious) · Reductor Curse (Reducto) · Scouring Charm (Scourgify) · Seize and pull charm (Carpe Retractum) · Severing Charm (Diffindo) · Shrinking Charm (Reducio) · Silencing Charm (Silencio) · Slowing Charm (Arresto Momentum) · Skurge Charm (Skurge) · Softening Charm (Spongify) · Spell for growing legs · Substantive Charm · Summoning Charm (Accio) · Tickling Charm (Rictusempra) · Unlocking Charm (Alohomora) · Vinegar to wine spell · Wand-Extinguishing Charm (Nox) · Wand-Lighting Charm (Lumos) · Lumos Maxima · Water-Making Spell (Aguamenti)
Hogwarts subjects
Core classes Astronomy · Charms · Defence Against the Dark Arts · Herbology · History of Magic · Potions · Transfiguration
Hogwartscrest
Elective classes Alchemy · Arithmancy · Care of Magical Creatures · Divination · Muggle Studies · Study of Ancient Runes
Extracurricular classes Apparition · Advanced Arithmancy Studies · Ancient Studies · Art · Flying · Ghoul Studies · Magical Theory · Muggle Art · Muggle Music · Music · Xylomancy · Field Studies
Former classes Beasts · Dark Arts
Examinations
First year exams · Second year exams · Third year exams · Fourth year exams ·
Ordinary Wizarding Level · Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Test
Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Ilvermorny Houses
Horned Serpent ClearBG 2
Wampus ClearBG 2
Thundebird ClearBG 2
Pukwudgie ClearBG 2
Namesake Founders
Isolt Sayre · Chadwick Boot · Webster Boot · James Steward
Subjects offered
Arithmancy · Charms · Creature Care · Defence Against the Dark Arts · Potions · Study of Ancient Runes · Transfiguration · Xylomancy
Ilvermorny staff
William · Rionach Steward · Eulalie Hicks · Agilbert Fontaine

See also[]

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