A False Memory Charm is a spell used to implant false memories in an individual’s mind. It is not the same as the Memory Charm with the incantation obliviate, which wipes out a particular memory rather than altering it[1]. The actual name and incantation for this charm are unknown. The charm seems to be reversible, as Hermione Granger stated that she would find her parents and lift the enchantment after Voldemort's defeat[2].
History
Hermione Granger used this on her parents in 1997 to keep them safe from Death Eaters during the Second Wizarding War. The charm made Mr. and Mrs. Granger believe that they were Wendell and Monica Wilkins and that their lifelong dream was to move to Australia, which they did. They also did not remember that they have a daughter. After the war, Hermione planned to find them and reverse the spell. [2]
This is probably a spell that Tom Marvolo Riddle used on many occasions, such as in 1943, when he caused his uncle Morfin Gaunt to believe that he had killed the Muggle Riddle family. Morfin confessed to the crime and was imprisoned in Azkaban. Riddle also likely used this charm on the house-elf Hokey to make her believe that she poisoned her owner, Hepzibah Smith, who Riddle murdered in order to steal Helga Hufflepuff's Cup and Salazar Slytherin's Locket from her.[3]
In 1996 Kingsley Shacklebolt used the spell (or a Memory Charm) on Marietta Edgecombe to make her think that she had only ever been to one DA meeting.
It is possible that Horace Slughorn used some form of this charm during the 1996-1997 school year to modify his own memory of his discussion with Tom Riddle about Horcruxes.
Appearances
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Mentioned only)