- "The Finestra spell can be used to shatter glass."
- —Description[src]
The Finestra spell[2] (Finestra)[3] is a charm which shatters glass. This spell is useful in that it makes very little sound, allowing for discreet entry through a window.
History
On 6 December 1926, Newt Scamander shattered the front window of the Voclain & Co. jewellery store in New York using this spell to try and recapture his escaped niffler when he saw it loose inside the store stealing things.[3]
Etymology
The word finestra means "window" in Italian, Catalan and Sicilian.[4] Given Rowling's use of puns in the construction of other incantations (e.g. Orchideous and Aguamenti), it is also possible that finestra is a sort of double entendre - a humorous blend of fine or finis, the Italian and Latin words for "end",[5] and finestra for window. Together, this could allude to the spell's ironic capacity to destroy windows in the creation of an opening or "window".
Behind the scenes
- In the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Albus Dumbledore may have used this spell or a similar spell to protect Harry Potter and himself from Lord Voldemort during the Duel in the Ministry Atrium.
- In the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Bellatrix Lestrange may have nonverbally casted this spell or a similar spell to shatter all the windows of the Great Hall in a fit of joy following Albus Dumbledore's death. However, the notable difference between the two instances is that while Bellatrix's spell caused windows to violently explode, Newt's caused them to disintegrate into harmless dust.
See also
Appearances
- Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (film)
- Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay
