Harry Potter Spells List: Pronounciation, Wand Movement & Description

The Harry Potter spells below are displayed in alphabetical order. Use the letters below to page jump to the spell you are looking for.

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

You can also find the meanings of all the Patronuses here.

Aberto

Category	Charm
Summary	Opens doors
Pronunciation	“Ah-bare-toh”
Origin	In Portuguese, aberto means “open”
Wand Movement	Unknown

Also referred to as “The Opening Charm,” Aberto is a spell used in the wizarding world to open doors. However, some powerful Harry Potter spells are used to lock doors that this spell, unfortunately, cannot penetrate. Although, it might come in handy when your hands are full, and you need to get in your front door.

Accio

Category	Charm
Summary	Summons objects
Pronunciation	“AK-ee-oh”
Origin	In Latin, accio means “I summon”
Wand Movement	Make a rainbow shape in the air

Accio, also known as “The Summoning Charm,” is a spell used to call or summon objects to the witch or wizard who casts the spell. For example, Hermione uses the spell to find something in her charmed purse (that can hold pretty much anything) since it would take hours to dig through her bag.

The caster must think clearly of the object they want to summon in their mind for it to work. Of course, there are limitations to this spell. One cannot summon large objects.

Interestingly, it also cannot call magical Flobberworms to the caster – which is a magic worm that only eats plants. This is the same charm that Harry Potter utilized in the Triwizard Tournament to summon his broomstick.

Age Line

Category	Charm
Summary	Puts an age minimum or limit on something
Pronunciation	Unknown incantation
Origin	N/A
Wand Movement	Unknown

The Age Line Spell puts an age minimum or limit on a specific target or object, and, unfortunately, the incantation is unknown. You might be familiar with this spell because Professor Dumbledore used it on the Goblet of Fire to keep younger students from entering their names. This spell was thwarted by Barty Crouch Jr. (acting as Mad-Eye Moody) through the use of the Confundus Charm.

“To ensure that no underage student yields to temptation, I will be drawing an Age Line around the Goblet of Fire once it has been placed in the entrance hall. Nobody under the age of seventeen will be able to cross this line.”
– Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Aguamenti

Category	Charm, Conjuration
Summary	Creates clean drinking water from the tip of a wand
Pronunciation	“AH-gwah-MEN-tee”
Origin	In Latin, aqua means “water,” and mention means “for the mind”
Wand Movement	Use wand to make a sideways “S” shape in the air

Also referred to as “The Water-Making Spell,” Aguamenti is a spell used to produce clean water from the caster’s wand. It can be useful for a drink of water, or for putting out a fire. For example, Harry Potter used this spell in the cave when he tried to give Professor Albus Dumbledore clean water to drink after Dumbledore had drunk the poisonous water to get the Horcrux.

Alarte Ascendare

Category	Charm
Summary	Launches an object
Pronunciation	“A-LAR-tay a-SEN-der-ay”
Origin	In Latin, ascendere means “to go up” or “to rise”
Wand Movement	Wave wand

Alarte Ascendare is a spell is used to launch an object into the air, like when Professor Lockhart sent a snake flying up when it was threatening the students.

“He brandished his wand at the snake and there was a loud bang; the snake, instead of vanishing, flew ten feet into the air and fell back to the floor with a loud smack.”
– Gilderoy Lockhart, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Albus Dumbledore’s Forceful Spell

Category	Spell
Summary	Used to detect how many times someone had split their soul
Pronunciation	Unknown incantation
Origin	Dumbledore’s own creation
Wand Movement	Wave wand

The spell referred to as “Albus Dumbledore’s Forceful Spell” was created by Albus Dumbledore himself for the purpose of seeing how many times someone had split their soul. The spell can only be blocked if the opponent deflects it with a silver shield. Dumbledore initially tried to use the spell on Lord Voldemort, but it was deflected, and thus began the roundabout way of trying to discover the Horcruxes and just how many there were.

Alohomora

Category	Charm
Summary	Unlocks locked doors (and other locked items)
Pronunciation	“ah-LOH-ho-MOR-ah”
Origin	In a West African dialect, it means “friendly to thieves.” In Hawaiian, aloha means “hello” or “goodbye” and mora means “obstacle” in Latin
Wand Movement	Use wand to make a backward “S” shape that also resembles a snake

While Aberto is a spell used to open doors, Alohomora is specifically used to open locked doors and windows. Understandably, it’s also referred to as “The Unlocking Charm,” and is very useful for thieves or sneaky witches and wizards.

Amato Animo Animato Animagus

Category	Transfiguration
Summary	Must be performed to become an Animagus
Pronunciation	“ah-MAH-toh ah-NEE-moh ah-nee-MAH-toh an-a-MAY-jus”
Origin	Animo means “animal” and in Latin, magus means “wizard”
Wand Movement	Unknown

Also referred to as “The Animagus Spell,” Amato Animo Animato Animagus is a spell used in addition to drinking an Animagus Potion to become an Animagus – a witch or wizard who can change into an animal at will. This is the same spell that James Potter, Sirius Black, and Peter Pettigrew recited to become Animagus’ to help their friend Remus Lupin, who was a werewolf.

“It took them the best part of three years to work out how to do it. Your father and Sirius here were the cleverest students in the school, and lucky they were, because the Animagus transformation can go horribly wrong — one reason the Ministry keeps a close watch on those attempting to do it. Peter needed all the help he could get from James and Sirius. Finally, in our fifth year, they managed it. They could each turn into a different animal at will.”
– Remus Lupin, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Anapneo

Category	Healing/Vanishment Spell
Summary	Alleviates choking by clearing the airway
Pronunciation	“ah-NAP-nee-oh”
Origin	In Greek, anapneo means “I breathe in”
Wand Movement	Point wand at the person

Anapneo is a healing spell that will quite literally save someone’s life since it instantly clears their airway by removing whatever they are choking on. It’s essentially the Heimlich Maneuver of the wizarding world.

Anteoculatia

Category	Dark Charm
Summary	Used to grow antlers on someone’s head
Pronunciation	“an-tee-oh-kyoo-LAY-chee-ah”
Origin	In Spanish, ante can mean “buckskin,” and can also mean “above” or “before.” In Latin, oculas means “eyes” or “to see”
Wand Movement	Wave wand upward to the right and make a tight swirl

Anteoculatia is quite literally a spell that causes antlers to grow on someone’s head. It doesn’t cause pain to the intended target but only makes them look funny.

“Pansy Parkinson, to Hermione’s delight, missed all her lessons the following day, as she had sprouted antlers.”
– Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Anti-Cheating Spell

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Hinders cheating

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Description: As the name implies, the Anti-Cheating Spell was used to prevent students from cheating on their exams at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Professors would use the spell on the quills and parchment paper during the Ordinary Wizarding Level (O.W.L.s) and Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Test (N.E.W.T.s) tests.

Anti-Disapparition Jinx

Spell Category: Jinx

Short Summary: Prevents disapparation from an area

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Unknown

Description: The Anti-Disapparition Jinx is a spell that prevents your opponent from disapparating from an area or trapping them there. At Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, this jinx is implemented to prevent disapparation from the grounds. Albus Dumbledore utilized it to trap Death Eaters during the Battle of the Department of Mysteries.

Anti-Intruder Jinx

Spell Category: Jinx

Short Summary: Keeps intruders out of an area

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Unknown

Description: The Anti-Intruder Jinx prevents unwanted individuals from entering a specified area or location. This was a spell utilized at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to protect it when Death Eaters invaded.

Harry Potter: “I could climb a wall.“
Nymphadora Tonks: “No, you couldn’t. Anti-intruder jinxes on all of them. Security’s been tightened a hundredfold this summer.“
Harry Potter: “Well then, I suppose I’ll just have to sleep out here and wait for morning.“
– Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Antonin Dolohov’s Curse

Spell Category: Curse

Short Summary: Inflicts potentially fatal injuries to a target

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Make a slashing movement in the air

Description: Antonin Dolohov, a Death Eater, nonverbally cast a curse that is used to inflict major injuries and pain on the intended target, sometimes ending in death. He first used it during the Battle of the Department of Mysteries. To cast the spell, a witch or wizard must make “a sudden slashing movement with the wand.”

Interestingly, it’s unknown what exactly this spell does to cause so much pain, other than that a streak of purple flame shoots out of the wand to strike the opponent. It’s assumed that the wounds inflicted are internal, thus the cause for potential fatality. Also, if the curse was spoken verbally, it held more power.

Aparecium

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Makes invisible messages appear

Pronunciation: “AH-par-EE-see-um”

Origin: In Latin, apparere means “to appear”

Wand Movement: Wave wand in three squiggles to the right, then slash a straight line through them to the right

Description: Commonly referred to as “The Revealing Charm,” Aparecium is a spell used to reveal hidden messages written in invisible ink. You may remember Hermione Granger tried (and failed) to use it on Tom Riddle’s Diary, however, it did not work because the diary was enchanted with another spell.

Appare Vestigium

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Shows any traces of magic (including footprints)

Pronunciation: “ah-PAR-ay ves-TEE-jee-um”

Origin: In Latin, appare means “you appear” and vestigium means “footprint or track”

Wand Movement: Unknown

Description: Appare Vestigium is also known as “The Tracking Spell” because it was used to uncover magical footprints or detect if magic was used in an area. It was first used by Newt Scamander, a Magizoologist who worked with magical creatures, to track down a witch.

Apparition

Spell Category: Transportation

Short Summary: Used to transport/teleport from one place to another

Pronunciation: N/A

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: N/A

Description: Apparition is used by witches and wizards, along with house-elves, to teleport from one location to another. This is not technically a spell because it is done through the use of Floo Powder, but it does take intense focus by the caster, and they can only transport to a location they’ve been to before. Apparition is an advanced type of magic, so it takes a skilled witch or wizard to execute it properly.

“Harry felt Dumbledore’s arm twist away from him and re-doubled his grip: the next thing he knew everything went black; he was pressed very hard from all directions; he could not breathe, there were iron bands tightening around his chest; his eyeballs were being forced back into his head; his ear-drums were being pushed deeper into his skull.”
– Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

“He usually picked Harry to help him with these reconstructions; so far, Harry had been forced to play a simple Transylvanian villager whom Lockhart had cured of a Babbling Curse, a yeti with a head cold, and a vampire who had been unable to eat anything except lettuce since Lockhart had dealt with him.”
– Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Badgering

Spell Category: Transfiguration

Short Summary: Transforms something into a badger

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Unknown

Description: The Badgering Spell was used to transfigure something (an object or a person) into a badger. There is a rumor that Helga Hufflepuff invented the spell, which would make sense since the Hufflepuff House mascot is a badger, but it is not confirmed if the rumor is true.

Bat-Bogey Hex

Spell Category: Hex

Short Summary: Changes bogeys into bats

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Make the shape of a single batwing

Description: The Bat-Bogey Hex changes an opponent’s bogeys (boogers) into bats that fly out of their nose. It was invented by Miranda Goshawk, a talented witch and author, to make her siblings listen to her. Miranda wrote Charms spellbooks that were used as textbooks at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

“But Ginny was best, she got Malfoy — Bat-Bogey Hex — it was superb, his whole face was covered in the great flapping things.”
– Ron Weasley, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Baubillious

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Produces bolt of light, effects unknown

Pronunciation: “baw-BILL-ee-us”

Origin: Unknown

Wand Movement: Unknown

Description: While the spell Baubillious produces light/sparks from the tip of a wand, the full effects of this charm are unknown. It is sometimes referred to as “The White Sparks Charm.” Most commonly it was used during duelling matches since it does not inflict too much damage.

Bedazzling Hex

Spell Category: Hex

Short Summary: Conceals something

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Unknown

Description: The Bedazzling Hex is used to conceal an object or person temporarily, for example, an Invisibility Cloak. It’s an extremely useful spell, although some are confused as to why it’s considered a hex since hexes usually inflict some sort of pain or suffering, and this one doesn’t.

Bewitched Snowballs

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Snowballs hit the intended target

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Make the shape of only the top two circles of a snowman

Description: The Bewitched Snowballs spell enchants snowballs to always smack the caster’s intended target. Although this charm could cause damage, it is mostly a fun spell for snowball fights. Ironically, Fred and George Weasley utilized this spell to pelt the back of Professor Quirrell’s head, which was actually Lord Voldemort’s face at the time.

“Oy!” bellowed Ron, finally losing patience and sticking his head out of the window. “I am a prefect and if one more snowball hits this window – OUCH! It’s Fred and George”, he said bitterly, slamming the window behind him. “Gits…”
– Ron Weasley, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Bluebell Flames

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Conjures blue flames

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Wave wand

Description: Also referred to as “Cold Fire,” the Bluebell Flames spell conjures bright blue flames that could be contained in small containers, touched, and held without causing significant damage. This is the same spell that Hermione Granger used to catch fire to Professor Severus Snape’s robes when she thought he was jinxing Harry Potter’s broomstick during the Quidditch match.

Blue Sparks

Spell Category: Charm

Short summary: Produces blue sparks

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Wave wand in a backward “3” shape

Description: Often used for celebration during events, the Blue Sparks spell produces bright blue sparks from the tip of the caster’s wand. Similar to the other spells that produce sparks, the Blue Sparks spell is often used during duelling matches.

Bombarda

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Causes a small explosion

Pronunciation: “bom-BAR-dah”

Origin: From bombard, meaning “to attack or batter with artillery fire”

Wand Movement: Make a straight line upward, then a straight line to the right

Description: Also called “The Exploding Charm,” Bombarda causes a small, yet loud, explosion of an object. It can blast open doors and windows as well.

Bombarda Maxima

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Causes a large explosion

Pronunciation: “BOM-bar-dah MAX-ih-mah”

Origin: From bombard, meaning “to attack or batter with artillery fire,” and in Latin, maxima means “the largest”

Wand Movement: Point wand

Description: Another version of “The Exploding Charm” Bombarda Maxima causes a large, and very loud, explosion of an object. Professor Dolores Umbridge used this spell to create a series of large explosions to break into the Room of Requirement in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

Brackium Emendo

Spell Category: Charm, Healing

Short Summary: Repairs broken bones

Pronunciation: “BRA-key-um ee-MEN-doh”

Origin: In Latin, brachium means “arm” and emendo means “mend”

Wand Movement: Point wand at broken bone

Description: Brackium Emendo is a healing spell used to fix or mend a broken arm (or other bones) instantaneously. The only time we see it cast was by Professor Gilderoy Lockhart when he attempted to heal Harry Potter’s broken arm. However, he performed it incorrectly and instead of healing Harry’s arm, he caused the bone to vanish altogether. Harry had to go to the infirmary to have his bone regrown with a potion called “Skele-Gro,” which was an extremely painful process.

“As Harry got to his feet, he felt strangely lopsided. Taking a deep breath he looked down at his right side. What he saw nearly made him pass out again. Poking out of the end of his robes was what looked like a thick, fleshcoloured rubber glove. He tried to move his fingers. Nothing happened. Lockhart hadn’t mended Harry’s bones. He had removed them.”
– Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Bravery Charm

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Enhances bravery

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Unknown

Description: The Bravery Charm increases and enhances the bravery of the person on the receiving end of it. It will boost their performance when facing an opponent.

Bridge-Conjuring Spell

Spell Category: Charm, Transfiguration

Short Summary: Creates a bridge

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Wave wand

Description: The Bridge-Conjuring spell is quite literally a spell used to conjure a bridge with the wave of a wand. We only hear about it utilized in the story of The Tale of the Three Brothers when they came upon a river with no way to get across (without risking their lives). The Peverell brothers cast the spell to create the bridge to cross the river, and it’s on this bridge that they encounter Death in the tale. Although we haven’t seen it be used otherwise, it seems to be an extremely useful spell.

“However, these brothers were learned in the magical arts, and so they simply waved their wands and made a bridge appear across the treacherous water.”
– The Tales of Beedle the Bard

Broom Jinx

Spell Category: Jinx

Short Summary: Causes a broom to throw off the rider

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Unknown

Description: The Broom Jinx is a powerful form of Dark Magic and causes a broom to try and throw off the witch or wizard riding it. Because the caster must maintain eye contact for this spell to continue working, Hermione Granger mistakenly believed Professor Severus Snape was jinxing Harry Potter’s broom, even though Snape was trying to counter the jinx. It was actually Professor Quirinus Quirrell (and Lord Voldemort who was attached to him) who was reciting this jinx.

“His broom gave a sudden, frightening lurch. For a split second, he thought he was going to fall. He gripped the broom tightly with both hands and knees. He’d never felt anything like that. It happened again. It was as though the broom was trying to buck him off.”
– Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

“The air was rent by a scream… It tore at every nerve in Harry’s body, and he knew immediately that their appearance had caused it.”
– Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Cauldron to Sieve

Spell Category: Transfiguration

Short Summary: Changes a cauldron into a sieve

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Unknown

Description: The Cauldron to Sieve spell transfigures a cauldron – a giant kettle or pot – into a sieve – a smaller version of a strainer with a handle.

Cauldron to Badger

Spell Category: Transfiguration

Short Summary: Changes a cauldron into a badger

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Unknown

Description: Similar to the Cauldron to Sieve spell, the Cauldron to Badger spell changes a cauldron into a badger. It’s assumed that this spell is the same as the Badgering Spell which changes any object into a badger.

Cave Inimicum

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Conceals the caster

Pronunciation: “CAH-vay uh-NIM-i-kuhm”

Origin: In Latin, this phrase means “beware of the enemy”

Wand Movement: Make a backward “C” shape in the air

Description: Cave Inimicum is a charm that conceals a certain area or perimeter that the caster sets. This is the same spell used by Hermione Granger to conceal and protect the tent and forest area where she, Harry Potter, and Ron Weasley were staying while being chased.

Cheering Charm

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Makes someone feel happy

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Make the shape of an open smile

Description: Appropriately named, the Cheering Charm makes the person on the receiving end of the spell feel happier, or more “cheery.” If this charm was performed too often, then it caused uncontrollable laughter. It was invented by Felix Summerbee, a wizard who created a lot of different spells and specialized in charms.

“The Cheering Charms had left them with a feeling of great contentment.”
– Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Circumrota

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Rotates objects

Pronunciation: “SIR-cum-roh-tuh”

Origin: In Latin, circumroto means “turn in a circle”

Wand Movement: Unknown

Description: Circumrota is a spell that rotates any object the caster chooses. It can come in handy when needing to rotate something large that you wouldn’t be able to otherwise.

Cistem Aperio

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Opens items

Pronunciation: “SIS-tem uh-PE-ree-o”

Origin: In Latin, aperio means “open” and cista means “chest”

Wand Movement: Make a large “C” and then a “V” in the air

Description: Known as the “Box Blasting Charm,” the Cistem Aperio spell opens boxes or chests forcefully.

Colloportus

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Locks things

Pronunciation: “cul-loh-POR-tus”

Origin: In Latin, colligere means “gather” and porta means “gate”

Wand Movement: Make a straight line to the right, straight line down, straight line to the left, then a straight line down again

Description: Known as “The Locking Spell,” Colloportus is used to lock anything (that can be locked). It is also the counter-charm for Alohomora, the Unlocking Charm. The Locking Spell is not permanent, but it is useful for slowing down someone who is chasing you, which is exactly when Hermione Granger utilized it.

“‘Colloportus!’ gasped Hermione and the door sealed itself with an odd squelching noise.”
– Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Colloshoo

Spell Category: Hex

Short Summary: Makes someone’s shoes get stuck

Pronunciation: “CAWL-low-shoo”

Origin: Shoo likely means “shoe,” and in Greek, collo means “to glue”

Wand Movement: Wave wand in a downward line, then a line to the right, and then up and a line to the left

Description: Also referred to as “The Stickfast Hex,” Colloshoo causes the intended target’s shoes to be stuck to the ground wherever they are standing.

Colovaria

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Transforms the color of something

Pronunciation: “co-loh-VA-riah”

Origin: Likely stems from “color” and “vary”

Wand Movement: Make a curved squiggle line diagonally upward to the right

Description: Colovaria is also referred to as “The Colour-Changing Charm” because this spell is used to change the color of an object or person.

“Sunshine, daisies,
butter mellow,
turn this stupid,
fat rat yellow.“
– Ron Weasley, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

Confringo

Spell Category: Curse

Short Summary: Makes an object explode

Pronunciation: “kon-FRING-goh”

Origin: In Latin, confringo means “destroy”

Wand Movement: Make a “Z” shape in the air

Description: Known as “The Blasting Curse,” Confringo is a spell that makes an object explode and it is considered a form of Dark Magic because of how strong it is. In the series, the spell was used by both Harry Potter and Hermione Granger. Harry used it to blast a sidecar when being chased by Death Eaters, and Hermione used it during one of her classes.

Confundo

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Makes the target confused

Pronunciation: “con-FUN-doh”

Origin: Confundo means “I confuse”

Wand Movement: Make a hook shape in the air

Description: Also referred to as “The Confundus Charm,” Confundo is a spell used to confuse or disorient the target person or object. The charm can be used to make someone susceptible to influence, forgetful, or simply generally confused. Hermione Granger used this spell on Cormac McLaggen to confuse him so that Ron Weasley could get on the Quidditch team.

“I was better than that McLaggen anyway. Did you see him lumbering off in the wrong direction on his fifth? Looked like he’d been Confunded…“
– Ron Weasley, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Conjunctivitis Curse

Spell Category: Curse

Short Summary: Causes eye inflammation

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: Conjunctivitis means “pink eye”

Wand Movement: Make a line upward, then make the shape of an eye

Description: The Conjunctivitis Curse causes the target of the spell to have eye inflammation that was so bad it makes the eyes swell shut. The only way to counteract this curse is Oculus Potion, which renews eyesight. Sirius Black recommended that Harry Potter use this spell on a dragon because dragon eyes are extremely vulnerable and weak compared to the rest of their body which is more armor-like.

Cornflake Skin Spell

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Makes skin resemble corn flakes

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Unknown

Description: The Cornflake Skin Spell quite literally makes the target’s skin look like cornflakes. This charm is a form of Dark magic and the only time we see it used is when Cassius Warrington ends up in the infirmary with a skin complaint and it turns out he was the target of this spell.

Cracker Jinx

Spell Category: Jinx

Short Summary: Conjures exploding Wizard Crackers

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Unknown

Description: The Cracker Jinx spell is appropriately named because it causes exploding Wizard Crackers, which are magical crackers that have something hidden inside them. This jinx was most often used in duelling.

Cribbing Spell

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Enables cheating on tests

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Unknown

Description: The Cribbing Spell is used to help the witch or wizard who casts it cheat on a test or exam. The definition of cribbing is, “copy another person’s work illicitly or without acknowledgment.”

Crinus Muto

Spell Category: Transfiguration

Short Summary: Transforms hairstyle and hair color

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: In Latin, crinis means “hair” and muto means “to change”

Wand Movement: Unknown

Description: Crinus Muto is a transfiguration spell used to completely transform the target’s hairstyle and hair color.

“They had just embarked upon the immensely difficult topic of human Transfiguration; working in front of mirrors, they were supposed to be changing the colour of their own eyebrows.”
– Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Crucio (Cruciatus Curse)

Spell Category: Curse

Short Summary: Causes excruciating pain

Pronunciation: “KROO-see-oh”

Origin: In Latin, crucio means “I torture”

Wand Movement: Unknown

Description: Also known as “The Cruciatus Curse,” Crucio is used to cause an extreme amount of pain to the target or victim. The curse does not inflict any physical damage that one can see, but it causes unbearable agony, nonetheless. Interestingly, this Dark Magic spell cannot be cast unless the caster genuinely wants to inflict pain on the other person, it cannot be done in the heat of the moment.

This spell is one of the three “Unforgivable Curses” and casting this spell results in a lifetime sentence to Azkaban. The Cruciatus Curse was the same one Bellatrix Lestrange utilized on Neville Longbottom’s parents, Frank, and Alice. They ended up in St. Mungo’s Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries after the spell made them go insane, which is a common side effect of the curse.

“Voldemort raised his wand, and before Harry could do anything to defend himself, before he could even move, he had been hit again by the Cruciatus curse. The pain was so intense, so all-consuming, that he no longer knew where he was… white-hot knives were piercing every inch of his skin, his head was surely going to burst with pain; he was screaming more loudly than he’d ever screamed in his life — ”
– Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Defodio

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Enables caster to dig through an object

Pronunciation: “deh-FOH-dee-oh”

Origin: In Latin, defodio means “I dig”

Wand Movement: Make a straight line upward, a straight line to the right, then another straight line up

Description: Also known as “The Gouging Spell,” Defodio enables the caster to go through objects like rock, stone, and more through digging or “gouging.” It is the same spell that Hermione Granger utilized to get herself, Harry Potter, and Ron Weasley out of the Gringotts’ Bank when they were riding on the back of the dragon.

Deletrius

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Makes objects disintegrate

Pronunciation: “deh-LEE-tree-us”

Origin: In Latin, delere means “to destroy,” and in English, detritus means “rubble”

Wand Movement: Make a square shape in the air without closing the final corner of the square

Description: Also known as “The Eradication Spell,” Deletrius causes objects to crumble or completely disintegrate. It is also the counter-charm to The Reverse Spell, a spell that shows images of the last spell that a wand cast.

Densaugeo

Spell Category: Hex

Short Summary: Makes target’s teeth grow quickly

Pronunciation: “den-SAW-jee-oh”

Origin: In Latin, dens means “tooth,” and augeo means “I enlarge”

Wand Movement: Make a line upward, a slight diagonal light to the right, then a small line upward

Description: Densaugeo is a hex that makes the target’s teeth grow longer and bigger at a fast rate, usually with the intent of embarrassing the target. Sometimes this hex was used during duels.

“It wasn’t a pretty sight. Hermione’s front teeth — already larger than average — were now growing at an alarming rate; she was looking more and more like a beaver as they elongated, past her bottom lip, towards her chin — panic-stricken, she felt them, and let out a terrified cry.”
– Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Deprimo

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Blows holes in the ground

Pronunciation: “deh-PREEM-oh”

Origin: The term deprimo means “to depress”

Wand Movement: Make a line to the left, a rounded line upward, a line to the right, then a rounded line downward

Description: Deprimo is a destructive charm that causes an explosion to blow holes in the ground. Professor Quirinus Quirrell cast this charm to try and kill Harry Potter, who was a floor below him.

Depulso

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Pushes target away from caster

Pronunciation: “deh-PUL-soh”

Origin: In Latin, depulsio means “drive away”

Wand Movement: Make a loose “U” shape in the air

Description: Depulso, also known as “The Banishing Charm,” is used by a witch or wizard to push or send away the target, unlike The Summoning Charm, which brings an object or person closer. However, The Banishing Charm could only “banish” something within the caster’s view and the wand has to be pointed directly at it for the charm to work.

Descendo

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Makes target object descend

Pronunciation: “deh-SEN-doh”

Origin: In Latin, descendo means “I descend”

Wand Movement: Make a straight line to the left and continue it into a “C” shape

Description: Descendo is a charm that makes an object descend or move downwards. Ron used the spell to make a ladder descend from the attic at his parent’s house.

“With a whip-like movement, Crabbe pointed his wand at the fifty-foot mountain of old furniture, of broken trunks, of old books and robes and unidentifiable junk and shouted, “Descendo!” The wall began to totter, then crumbled into the aisle next door where Ron stood.”
– Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Disillusionment Charm

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Caster can camouflage into their surroundings

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Make an open-ended eye shape with another open-ended eye shape within it

Description: The Disillusionment Charm allows the caster to blend or camouflage into their surroundings. If you looked hard enough, you could still see the caster since it does not make them invisible. The charm only makes them blend in with color and texture.

“Harry looked down at his body, or rather, what had been his body, for it didn’t look anything like his anymore. It was not invisible; it had simply taken on the exact colour and texture of the kitchen unit behind him. He seemed to have become a human chameleon.”
– Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Draconifors

Spell Category: Transfiguration

Short Summary: Changes an object into a dragon

Pronunciation: “drah-KOH-nih-fors”

Origin: In Latin, draco means “dragon,” and forma means “shape”

Wand Movement: Slash wand toward the object

Description: Draconifors is a transfiguration spell that changes an object into a dragon. The type of dragon is not one you would typically think of, but instead, it is a very small, and less dangerous dragon.

Drought Charm

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Dries up small amounts of water

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Make a “d” shape in the air

Description: The Drought Charm is a spell that can dry up small amounts of water like pools, puddles, and ponds, however, it does not work on large bodies of water. You may remember Ron thinking of this charm for Harry to use for the lake portion of the Triwizard Tournament, but then realized it wouldn’t work on the lake.

“I don’t reckon it can be done. There’s nothing. Nothing. Closest was that thing to dry up puddles and ponds, that Drought Charm, but that was nowhere near powerful enough to drain the lake.”
– Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Duckilifors

Spell Category: Transfiguration, Jinx

Short Summary: Changes an object into a duck

Pronunciation: “DUCK-lih-fors”

Origin: Derived from the English word duck, and in Latin, forma means “shape”

Wand Movement: Slash wand downward

Description: Duckilifors is a spell that changes an object into a duck. It is most likely an advanced spell since it is presumed it was taught during Fourth Year Transfiguration Class.

Duro

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Changes an object into stone

Pronunciation: “DYOO-roh”

Origin: In Latin, duro means “harden”

Wand Movement: Make a “D” shape in the air

Description: Also known as “The Hardening Charm,” Duro is a spell that transforms the target object into stone.

“The Hardening Charm will turn an object into solid stone. This can be surprisingly handy in a tight spot. Of course, most students only seem to use this spell to sabotage their fellow students’ schoolbags or to turn a pumpkin pasty to stone just before someone bites into it. It is unwise to try this unworthy trick on any of your teachers.“
— Miranda Goshawk, Book of Spells

Ears to Kumquats Spell

Spell Category: Transfiguration

Short Summary: Changes target’s ears into kumquats

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Unknown

Description: The Ears to Kumquats Spell is quite literally a spell that transforms a target’s ears into kumquats.

Ear-Shrivelling Curse

Spell Category: Curse

Short Summary: Makes a target’s ears shrivel

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Make an “e” shape in the air

Description: The Ear-Shrivelling Curse is a spell that causes the target’s ears to shrivel.

“Bill had a pen-friend at a school in Brazil once. He wanted Bill to go on a student exchange trip, but Mum and Dad couldn’t afford it. So the pen-friend got all offended and sent him a cursed hat, it made his ears shrivel up.”
– Ron Weasley, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Ebublio

Spell Category: Jinx

Short Summary: Captures target in a bubble

Pronunciation: “ee-BUB-lee-oh”

Origin: Unknown

Wand Movement: Make an “e” shape, but do not close the inside line of the “e”

Description: Ebublio is a jinx that captures and traps the target in an unpoppable bubble. It was commonly used during duels, but also helpful in containing dangerous creatures or even witches and wizards.

Engorgio

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Makes the target swell

Pronunciation: “en-GOR-jee-oh”

Origin: In English, engorge means “swell”

Wand Movement: Make a small line downward, then a non-closed circle with another small line upward

Description: Also known as “The Engorgement Charm,” Engorgio is a spell used to make a target swell or grow physically, and it is also the counter-charm to The Shrinking Spell. Until he found out that Rubeus Hagrid was actually half-giant, Ron Weasley once mentioned that Hagrid might have been on the receiving end of this charm.

Engorgio Skullus

Spell Category: Dark Charm

Short Summary: Makes target’s head swell

Pronunciation: “in-GORE-jee-oh SKUH-las”

Origin: In English, engorge means “swell,” and in Latin, skullus means “skull”

Wand Movement: Point wand at target

Description: Engorgio Skullus is a spell that makes a target’s head swell, and this charm is similar to the spell Engorgio, which makes the target’s whole body swell.

Entomorphis

Spell Category: Jinx, Transfiguration

Short Summary: Changes target to be insect-like

Pronunciation: “en-TOE-morph-is”

Origin: In Greek, entomo means “insect,” and morfi means “form”

Wand Movement: Make a loose “M” shape, then a straight line to the right

Description: Known as “The Insect Hex,” Entomorphis is a jinx used to temporarily make the intended target insect-like. The victim would be unable to speak and exhibit behaviors like those of an insect, like crawling around.

Entrail-Expelling Curse

Spell Category: Curse, Possible Healing Spell

Short Summary: Expels target’s entrails

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Unknown

Description: The Entrail-Expelling Curse quite literally is a spell that expels a target’s entrails. Although it is categorized as a curse, it can also be used to expel something from the entrails that is making someone sick or preventing normal body function. So, it can also be helpful in addition to causing harm.

Episkey

Spell Category: Healing Spell

Short Summary: Repairs wounds and minor injuries

Pronunciation: “ee-PIS-key”

Origin: In Greek, episkeui means “repair”

Wand Movement: Make a circle shape without fully closing it at the top

Description: Episkey is a healing spell used to repair or heal wounds and minor injuries such as broken bones, noses, and more. It could also help relieve pain in some circumstances. This is a spell frequently utilized in the Hospital Wing.

“Episkey,” said Tonks. Harry’s nose felt very hot, then very cold. He raised a hand and felt it gingerly. It seemed to be mended.“
– Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Epoximise

Spell Category: Transfiguration

Short Summary: Sticks one object to another like glue

Pronunciation: “ee-POX-i-mise”

Origin: In English, epoxy is a type of adhesive or adherent

Wand Movement: Unknown

Description: Also known as “The Sticking Charm,” Epoximise is a transfiguration spell that causes two objects to stick together like glue or adhere them to one another. For example, the father of a witch named Beatrix Bloxam utilized this spell on Beatrix’s bedroom door at night because she was a regular sleepwalker. This spell does have a counter-charm, otherwise, Beatrix might not be able to ever get her door open.

Erecto

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Sets up a tent or other structure

Pronunciation: “eh-RECK-toh”

Origin: In Latin, erectum is a form of erigere, which means “to erect”

Wand Movement: Point wand at target

Description: Erecto is a charm used to set up a tent or other structure with only the flick of a wand – meaning no manual labor is required. We see this helpful spell most frequently used by witches and wizards to set up their tents at events, and we also saw the Weasley family set up the large tent for Bill Weasley’s and Fleur Delacour’s wedding.

Evanesce

Spell Category: Transfiguration

Short Summary: Makes target disappear

Pronunciation: “ev-an-ES-key”

Origin: In English, evanesce means “to disappear into vapour,” and in Latin, evanesce means “I vanish”

Wand Movement: Point wand at object

Description: Evanesce is a transfiguration spell that causes the target object to disappear or vanish. Many think this is the same spell as The Vanishing Spell.

Everte Statum

Spell Category: Spell

Short Summary: Flings target backward

Pronunciation: “ee-VER-tay STAH-tum”

Origin: In Latin, everte means “to throw out,” and statua means “image”

Wand Movement: Point wand at target

Description: Everte Statum is a spell used to fling the intended target backward a few feet, and it was commonly used in duelling. It is the same spell Draco used on Harry.

“Harry swung his wand high, but Malfoy had already started on “two”: His spell hit Harry so hard he felt as though he’d been hit over the head with a saucepan.”
– Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Expecto Patronum

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Conjures spirit guardian to protect against Dementors and Dark Magic

Pronunciation: “ecks-PECK-toh pah-TROH-numb”

Origin: In Latin, expecto means “I await,” and patronum means “protector”

Wand Movement: Make a large circle with wand

Description: Expecto Patronum, also known as “The Patronus Charm,” isa highly complex and advanced defensive spell that conjures a bright light that typically turns into an animal. This “spirit” animal protects the caster from Dark forces like Dementors through positive energy.

“And out of the end of his wand burst, not a shapeless cloud of mist, but a blinding, dazzling, silver animal. He screwed up his eyes, trying to see what it was. It looked like a horse. It was galloping silently away from him, across the black surface of the lake. He saw it lower its head and charge at the swarming dementors… ”
– Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Expelliarmus

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Makes object fly out of target’s hand

Pronunciation: “ex-PELL-ee-ARE-muss”

Origin: In Latin, expello means “expel,” and arma means “weapon”

Wand Movement: Make a “b” shape with a swirl in the middle

Description: Also known as “The Disarming Charm,” Expelliarmus is a charm that causes any object the target is holding to fly out of their hand, and most often it is a wand. This spell is commonly used during duels, and it is Harry Potter’s go-to spell.

False Memory Spell

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Makes target have a false memory

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Unknown

Description: The False Memory Spell is used to quite literally implant false memories into the intended target’s mind, and if done properly, the victim will never know it was a false memory. Lord Voldemort utilized this charm to make other wizards believe they had committed crimes that Voldemort himself had done. This spell is sometimes confused for the Memory Charm, a spell that erases memories altogether.

Feather-Light Charm

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Makes target object extremely light

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Unknown

Description: The Feather-Light Charm is a spell that makes any object extremely light – like a feather. This charm would be very helpful when carrying heavy items or multiple things at once.

Ferret to Human

Spell Category: Transfiguration

Short Summary: Changes a ferret into a human

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Point wand at ferret

Description: The Ferret to Human spell quite literally changes ferrets into humans. This is the same spell that Professor McGonagall used on Draco Malfoy.

“‘No!’ cried Professor McGonagall, running down the stairs and pulling out her wand; a moment later, with a loud snapping noise, Draco Malfoy had reappeared, lying in a heap on the floor with his sleek blond hair all over his now brilliantly pink face.”
– Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Ferula

Spell Category: Conjuration, Healing Spell

Short Summary: Causes bandages to appear and wrap injuries

Pronunciation: “fer-ROOL-lah”

Origin: In Latin, ferula means “splint”

Wand Movement: Make a loose “h” shape in the air

Description: Also known as “The Bandaging Charm,” Ferula is a healing spell that conjures bandages that wrap around an injury or wound. It also helps splint and set broken bones while simultaneously easing the pain associated with the injury.

Fianto Duri

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Strengthens shields

Pronunciation: “fee-AN-toh DOO-ree”

Origin: In Latin, fiant means “become,” and duri means “hard”

Wand Movement: Point wand upward at the sky

Description: Fianto Duri is a defensive spell that when paired with protective spells, can strengthen it, and make magical shields become stronger and harder. This is the same charm used to protect Hogwarts before the Battle of Hogwarts.

Fidelius Charm

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Conceals a secret in another person’s soul

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: In Latin, fidelis means “faithful”

Wand Movement: Unknown

Description: The Fidelius Charm is an advanced and extremely complex spell that conceals a secret in the target’s soul, and this makes them the Secret-Keeper. The Secret-Keeper is the only one who can ever reveal the information if they choose to do so, and no one else can force the information out of them. If the Secret-Keeper divulges the information to someone, those people cannot tell the secret, but if the Secret-Keeper dies, then those people become the Secret-Keepers of the information.

This is the same charm that was used to conceal James and Lily Potter from Lord Voldemort. The Secret-Keeper for where James and Lily were living was going to be Sirius Black, but Sirius thought Voldemort would figure it out and come after him. So, Peter Pettigrew was the chosen Secret-Keeper, but he betrayed them, which resulted in their death.

Fiendfyre

Spell Category: Curse

Short Summary: Conjures very dangerous, cursed fire

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: Unknown

Wand Movement: Hold wand outward

Description: Fiendfyre is a curse that conjures an extremely dangerous, cursed fire that grows in size and can even take on the shape of a beast as it chases its target. The fire will destroy anything in its path as it tracks down the victim. This curse is a very complex form of Dark Magic that is difficult to control, and even harder to extinguish as there is a specific charm that must be used to put it out. Fiendfyre is the same spell that killed Vincent Crabbe.

“It was not normal fire; Crabbe had used a curse of which Harry had no knowledge: As they turned a corner the flames chased them as though they were alive, sentient, intent upon killing them. Now the fire was mutating, forming a gigantic pack of fiery beasts: Flaming serpents, chimaeras, and dragons rose and fell and rose again, and the detritus of centuries on which they were feeding was thrown up in the air into their fanged mouths, tossed high on clawed feet, before being consumed by the inferno.”
– Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Finestra

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Causes glass to break

Pronunciation: “fi-NESS-tra”

Origin: In Italian, Catalan, and Sicilian, finestra means “window”

Wand Movement: Wave wand

Description: Finestra is a spell that causes glass to break or shatter quietly.

Finite Incantatem

Spell Category: Counter-Spell

Short Summary: Eliminates effects of spells

Pronunciation: “fi-NEE-tay in-can-TAH-tem”

Origin: In Latin, finire means “to finish,” and incantationem means “enchantment”

Wand Movement: Make the shape of a shield in the air

Description: Known as “The General Counter-Spell,” Finite Incantatem is used to eliminate the effects of any spell within range of the caster.

Finger-Removing Jinx

Spell Category: Jinx

Short Summary: Removes target’s fingers

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Unknown

Description: The Finger-Removing Jinx is quite literally a spell used to remove a target’s fingers.

Firestorm

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Conjures a circle of fire

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Wave wand over your head in a circular motion

Description: The Firestorm spell conjures a big circle of fire that the caster could control with their wand. This is the same charm that Albus Dumbledore used to save Harry Potter in the cave while they were getting the Horcrux.

“But then, through the darkness, fire erupted: crimson and gold, a ring of fire that surrounded the rock so that the Inferi holding Harry so tightly stumbled and faltered… Dumbledore was on his feet again, pale as any of the surrounding Inferi, but taller than any, too, the fire dancing in his eyes; his wand was raised like a torch and from its tip emanated the flames, like a vast lasso, encircling them all with warmth.”
– Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Flagrante Curse

Spell Category: Curse

Short Summary: Makes an object extremely hot

Pronunciation: “flah-GRAHN-tay”

Origin: In Latin, flagro means “I burn”

Wand Movement: Make a sideways hourglass shape without closing the bottom line of it

Description: The Flagrante Curse is a spell that makes objects extremely hot so that when someone touches it, they get burned. It was often used to enchant things to protect them from burglars or anyone else who might want access to their items.

Flagrate

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Scribbles fiery words in the air

Pronunciation: “flah-GRAH-tay”

Origin: In Latin, flagrate means “a burn”

Wand Movement: Write words in the air

Description: The spell Flagrate allows the caster to write fiery words in the air with their wand. This is the charm that Tom Riddle utilized in The Chamber of Secrets to rearrange the letters of his name, Tom Marvolo Riddle, to “I Am Lord Voldemort.”

Flame-Freezing Charm

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Makes it so that fire doesn’t burn or hurt

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: Unknown

Description: The Flame-Freezing Charm modifies fire so that it does not burn the target, but instead, it makes one feel happy with warm, fuzzy feelings.

Flask-Conjuring Spell

Spell Category: Conjuration

Short Summary: Makes a flask appear

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Wave wand over head

Description: The Flask-Conjuring Spell is quite literally used to conjure a glass flask. It is the same conjuration spell that Hermione Granger used to make a flask appear to collect Severus Snape’s tears as he was dying so that they could see his memories.

Flintifors

Spell Category: Transfiguration

Short Summary: Transforms target into a matchbox

Pronunciation: “FLINT-i-fors”

Origin: Derived from the English word flint

Wand Movement: Point wand toward the left

Description: Flintifors is a transfiguration spell that transforms the target object into a matchbox.

Flipendo

Spell Category: Jinx

Short Summary: Forces target backward

Pronunciation: “fli-PEN-doh”

Origin: Combines the English words “flip,” and “end,” meaning “to flip someone onto their end”

Wand Movement: Make a small “v” shape with a squiggly tail at the end

Description: Referred to as “The Knockback Jinx,” Flipendo is a spell that forces the target person or object backward. It was helpful in moving heavy objects.

“There was a loud bang and he felt himself flying backwards as if punched; as he slammed into the kitchen wall and slid to the floor, he glimpsed the tail of Lupin’s cloak disappearing round the door.”
– Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Furnunculus

Spell Category: Jinx

Short Summary: Makes target break out in boils or pimples

Pronunciation: “fer-NUN-kyoo-luss”

Origin: In Latin, furnunculus means “petty thief,” and in English, furuncle is a synonym for “boil”

Wand Movement: Make a straight line downward, then a backward “c” shape, then another straight line downward

Description: Also referred to as “The Pimple Jinx,” Furnunculus is a jinx that makes the intended target have large boils or pimples.

“Goyle bellowed and put his hands to his nose, where great ugly boils were springing up… Snape examined Goyle, whose face now resembled something that would have been at home in a book on poisonous fungi.”
– Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Fur Spell

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Makes target have fur

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Unknown

Description: The Fur Spell quite literally makes the target sprout fur. The Weasley twins used this charm on themselves as a joke.

Geminio

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: duplicates an object

Pronunciation: “jeh-MIH-nee-oh”

Origin: In Latin, gemini means “twins”

Wand Movement: Wave wand quickly toward target object

Description: Known as “The Doubling Charm,” Geminio is a spell used to duplicate objects. Typically, the replica was thought to not have the same value or effect as the original object. This spell can also be used as a curse, otherwise known as “The Gemino Curse,” to enchant objects so that they would duplicate indefinitely when someone touched them.

“Hermione screamed in pain, and Harry turned his wand on her in time to see a jewelled goblet tumbling from her grip. But as it fell, it split, became a shower of goblets, so that a second later, with a great clatter, the floor was covered in identical cups rolling in every direction, the original impossible to discern amongst them.”
– Hermione Granger in Bellatrix Lestrange’s vault, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Harmonia Nectere Passus

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Fixes a Vanishing Cabinet

Pronunciation: “har-MOH-nee-a NECK-the-ray-PASS-us”

Origin: In Latin, harmonia means “harmony,” nectere means “to bind,” and passus means “step”

Wand Movement: Point wand at target

Description: Harmonia Nectars Passus is a spell used to fix a damaged Vanishing Cabinet. A Vanishing Cabinet is an object that allows transportation between itself and another Vanishing Cabinet in another location and can withstand enchantments and protective spells in those locations. For example, Draco Malfoy was able to use the Vanishing Cabinet at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The cabinet does not get fixed suddenly just by reciting the spell, as we see it took Draco about a year to fix it.

“He stares at the monolith before him, lifts his wand and begins to chant eerily. The surface of the cabinet glimmers, atremble in the ambient light. Almost alive. Then he stops. Looking back, his eyes haunted, he slips away. Light plays within the cabinet. Movement. Shadows flicker within, coalesce.”
– Regarding Draco Malfoy and the Vanishing Cabinet, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Herbifors

Spell Category: Transfiguration

Short Summary: Changes target into flowers

Pronunciation: “her-bih-fors”

Origin: In English, the prefix herb refers to plants

Wand Movement: Point wand at target

Description: Herbifors is a transfiguration spell that changes the intended target into flowers.

Herbivicus

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Causes plants to grow rapidly

Pronunciation: “her-BIV-i-cuss”

Origin: In English, the prefix herb refers to plants

Wand Movement: Make a loose “h” shape in the air

Description: Also known as “The Gardening Charm,” Herbivicus is a spell that causes flowers to grow and bloom at an alarming rate. Professor Pomona Sprout taught this charm in her class.

Hermione Granger’s Jinx

Spell Category: Jinx

Short Summary: Makes the betrayer have “SNEAK” written on their forehead in boils

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Unknown

Description: Hermione Granger’s Jinx was the enchantment she placed on the piece of parchment that Dumbledore’s Army signed. She did this to keep it secret and whoever betrayed them would have “SNEAK” written across their forehead in boils. This happened to Marietta Edgecombe when she told Dolores Umbridge about Dumbledore’s Army and almost a year later, the pimples were still slightly visible.

Ron: “Someone must have blabbed to her!”
Hermione: “They can’t have done…because I put a jinx on that piece of parchment we all signed. Believe me, if anybody’s run off and told Umbridge, we’ll know exactly who they are and they will really regret it.“
Ron: “What’ll happen to them?“
Hermione: “Well, put it this way…it’ll make Eloise Midgen’s acne look like a couple of cute freckles.“
– Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Homing Spell

Spell Category: Spell, possibly Dark Magic

Short Summary: Spell that follows the target

Pronunciation: Incantation unknown

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Unknown

Description: Homing Spells are spells that follow the intended target until they either collide with the target or another object that gets in its way. It is most likely Dark Magic because the intention behind the spell is to harm another individual or even kill them.

Homenum Revelio

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Detects a human presence, even if magically concealed

Pronunciation: “HOM-eh-num reh-VEH-lee-oh”

Origin: In Latin, homo means “human” and “reveal”

Wand Movement: Make a straight line diagonally down to the right, then a half-circle, then a straight line diagonally upward to the right

Description: Also referred to as “The Human-Presence-Revealing Spell,” Homenum Revelio is a charm that revealed any human presence within range even if the person was using an invisibility cloak or other enchantment.

Homonculous Charm

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Tracks human movements

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: Homonculous is a term used to refer to humans

Wand Movement: Unknown

Description: The Homonculous Charm is used to track humans and reveal where they are at any given moment. The spell is not affected by other enchantments that might be used to try and fool it such as Polyjuice Potion or an invisibility cloak. It’s the same charm that was used on the Marauder’s Map.

“But the truly remarkable thing were the tiny ink dots moving around it, each labelled with a name in minuscule writing. Astounded, Harry bent over it. A labelled dot in the top left corner showed that Professor Dumbledore pacing in his study; the caretaker’s cat, Mrs. Norris, was prowling the second floor; and Peeves the Poltergeist was currently bouncing around the Trophy Room.”
– Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Homorphus Charm

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Temporarily changes a werewolf back into a human

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: In Latin, homo means “man” and in Greek, morphe- means ”shape”

Wand Movement: Make a heart shape, then a large swirl shape

Description: The Homorphus Charm could be used to transform a werewolf back into a human for a certain period of time. Gilderoy Lockhart claimed that he used this spell to transform the Wagga Wagga Werewolf back into a man, but of course, we know that Lockhart was a pathological liar. It has never been proven if this spell can reverse Lycanthropy, the condition of turning into a werewolf.

“— and then, if you’ll believe it, I pounced — like this — slammed him to the floor — thus with one hand, I managed to hold him down — with my other, I put my wand to his throat — I then screwed up my remaining strength and performed the immensely complex Homorphus Charm — he let out a piteous moan […]— the fur vanished — the fangs shrank — and he turned back into a man. Simple, yet effective — and another village will remember me forever as the hero who delivered them from the monthly terror of werewolf attacks.”
– Gilderoy Lockhart, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Horn Tongue Hex

Spell Category: Hex

Short Summary: Changes target’s tongue into a horn

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Unknown

Description: The Horn Tongue Hex is a spell that changes someone’s tongue into a horn.

Horton-Keitch Braking Charm

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Helps broomsticks stop quicker

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Unknown

Description: The Horton-Keitch Braking Charm is a spell that makes it easier for broomstick riders to stop more quickly. It was commonly used for Quidditch matches.

Horcrux-Making Spell

Spell Category: Dark Arts

Short Summary: Attaches caster’s soul to something else

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Description: The Horcrux-Making Spell is a form of Dark Magic that allows the caster to essentially “split” their soul and store it in another person, object, or creature. To split one’s soul, they had to commit murder, and Lord Voldemort split his soul seven times, but we know he killed more than seven people. As long as someone has a Horcrux outside of their mortal body, even if they “die,” they can still come back unless all the parts of their soul are destroyed. This is why Lord Voldemort was not completely defeated when he tried and failed to kill Harry Potter.

Hot Air Charm

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Conjures hot air from caster’s wand

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Make a smaller squiggle, then a larger one with a small tail at the end (like how a heartbeat reading might look)

Description: The Hot Air Charm conjures hot air from the caster’s wand and could be used like a blow dryer to dry things off. For example, Hermione Granger used it to dry her robes after she went out in the snow.

“She pulled out her wand and gave it a complicated little wave so that hot air streamed out of the tip; she then pointed this at her robes, which began to steam as they dried out.”
– Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Hour-Reversal Charm

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Reverses time

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Unknown

Description: The Hour-Reversal Charm is a spell that can be used to reverse time, but only by one hour, and up to five hours total. This is the same charm used on Time-Turners, like the one Hermione Granger used to attend multiple classes.

Hover Charm

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Causes object or person to hover in the air

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Make a line downward, then a small loop to the left, then a bigger swirl to the left

Description: The Hover Charm causes the target object or person to temporarily hover in the air. This is the same spell that Dobby used to make Harry Potter’s aunt, Petunia Dursley’s pudding hover in the air.

“Aunt Petunia’s masterpiece of a pudding, the mountain of cream and sugared violets, was floating up near the ceiling. On top of a cupboard in the corner crouched Dobby.“
– Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Hurling Hex

Spell Category: Hex

Short Summary: Makes a broomstick try to throw off its rider

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Point wand at broomstick

Description: The Hurling Hex is used on broomsticks to make them try and throw off their rider through a series of jerky movements. Since broomsticks were primarily utilized in Quidditch, this hex might be used to try and help one of the teams win by hexing the opposing team.

Illegibilus

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Makes writing illegible

Pronunciation: “i-LEDJ-i-bull-is”

Origin: In English, illegible means “unreadable”

Wand Movement: Unknown

Description: Illegibilus is a spell that makes someone’s writing illegible or unreadable.

Immobulus

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Causes target to freeze in place

Pronunciation: “ih-MOH-byoo-luhs”

Origin: In Latin, immobilis means “immovable”

Wand Movement: Make a shape like two mountain peaks, one smaller, then one larger and then a squiggle to the left along the bottom

Description: Known as “The Freezing Charm,” Immobulus is a spell that causes a target to be immobilized or frozen in place. It can be used on objects and people.

Impedimenta

Spell Category: Jinx

Short Summary: Slows down the target object or person

Pronunciation: “im-ped-ih-MEN-tah”

Origin: In Latin, impedimentum means “a hindrance”

Wand Movement: Make a straight line horizontally

Description: Impedimenta, also known as “The Impediment Jinx,” is a spell that temporarily slows down a target object or person. Since it could also be used to immobilize an object or fling it backward, it was a common duelling spell. This is one of the spells that James Potter used to bully Severus Snape.

“I like the look of this one, this Impediment Jinx. Should slow down anything that’s trying to attack you, Harry. We’ll start with that one.”
– Hermione Granger, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Imperio

Spell Category: Curse

Short Summary: Gives caster complete control of the target

Pronunciation: “im-PEER-ee-oh”

Origin: In Latin, impero means “I command”

Wand Movement: Point wand at target

Description: Known as “The Imperius Curse,” Imperio is a curse that allowed the caster to control the target, and this spell is one of the three Unforgivable Curses. Since it can make the victim do anything the caster wants them to and takes away any choice the victim has, it is considered Dark Magic. Anyone who uses it could be sentenced to life in Azkaban. A witch or wizard could potentially resist this curse if they had enough willpower to do so. This is the same spell that Harry Potter used on one of the goblins at Gringotts’ so that the goblin would believe Hermione Granger was Bellatrix Lestrange and let them into her vault.

Imperturbable Charm

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Creates protective boundary around an object

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Make a curved line downward to the right, then a loop up and to the left

Description: The Imperturbable Charm is a spell used to make a defensive boundary around an object that protects it and does not allow objects to pass through it. The barrier muffles sound from outsiders, like how Molly Weasley used it to keep Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Ginny Weasley from overhearing the Order of the Phoenix meetings.

Impervius

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Allows an object to resist or repel water

Pronunciation: “im-PUR-vee-us”

Origin: In Latin, impervius means “impassable”

Wand Movement: Tap the target with wand

Description: Impervius or “The Impervius Charm,” is a spell that allows an object to resist or repel water. For example, Hermione Granger used this charm on Harry Potter’s glasses so that he could see clearly during a Quidditch match when it was raining.

Inanimatus Conjurus

Spell Category: Transfiguration

Short Summary: Likely conjures inanimate objects

Pronunciation: “in-an-ih-MAH-tus CON-jur-us”

Origin: In English, inanimate means “non-living” and “to conjure”

Wand Movement: Unknown

Description: The exact effects of the spell Inanimatus Conjures are not fully known, but it is assumed that this transfiguration spell conjures inanimate objects.

Incarcerous

Spell Category: Conjuration

Short Summary: Conjures ropes and ties up the target

Pronunciation: “in-KAR-ser-us”

Origin: In English, incarcerate means “to imprison”

Wand Movement: Make the shape of a pretzel in the air

Description: Incarcerous is a conjuration spell that conjures ropes that magically tie up the target, whether an object or a person. This might have been a common duelling spell since Draco Malfoy used it during a duel with Harry Potter.

“Thin cords shot from Lupin’s wand this time, and next moment, Pettigrew was wriggling on the floor, bound and gagged.”
– Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Langlock

Spell Category: Jinx

Short Summary: Makes target’s tongue stick to the roof of their mouth

Pronunciation: “LANG-lock”

Origin: Derived from the English word lock, and in French, langue means “tongue”

Wand Movement: Make a diagonal cursive, lower-case “L” shape in the air

Description: Langlock is a jinx that makes the target’s tongue stick to the roof of their mouth so that they could no longer speak. This spell was invented by Severus Snape when he was a student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and the jinx also worked on spirits as well as people.

“Harry aimed his wand at Peeves and said, “Langlock!” Peeves clutched at his throat, gulped, then swooped from the room making obscene gestures but unable to speak, owing to the fact that his tongue had just glued itself to the roof of his mouth.”
– Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Lapifors

Spell Category: Transfiguration

Short Summary: Changes object into a rabbit

Pronunciation: “LAP-ih-forz”

Origin: In Latin, lepus means “hare” and forma means “shape”

Wand Movement: Point wand at target object or creature

Description: Lapifors is a transfiguration spell that changes an object into a rabbit. It could be used on inanimate objects or small creatures.

Leek Jinx

Spell Category: Jinx

Short Summary: Causes leeks to grow out of the target’s ears

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Make the shape of an hourglass, but make the top of it is more rounded

Description: The Leek Jinx is a spell that causes leeks to grow out of the target’s ears.

“A number of small scuffles broke out in the corridors, culminating in a nasty incident in which a Gryffindor fourth-year and a Slytherin sixth-year ended up in the hospital wing with leeks sprouting out of their ears.”
– Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Legilimens

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Allows the caster to see into the mind of the target

Pronunciation: “le-JIL-ih-mens”

Origin: In Latin, legere means “to read,” and mens means “mind”

Wand Movement: Make a loose backwards “S” and extend the end of it upward, then a small, curved line to the left, then a line downward

Description: Also known as “The Legilimency Spell,” Legilimens is a spell that allows the caster to see into the mind of the target including their memories and emotions. This process is called Legilimency. This is the same charm that Professor Severus Snape used on Harry Potter when he was trying to help train him to resist Lord Voldemort’s intrusion into his mind. Both Lord Voldemort and Professor Snape were able to use this charm wandlessly and wordlessly. Plus, Voldemort uses it while he is not in the presence of Harry, proving just how powerful he is.

“I am about to attempt to break into your mind. We are going to see how well you resist. I have been told that you have already shown aptitude at resisting the Imperius Curse… You will find that similar powers are needed for this… Brace yourself, now… Legilimens!”
– Professor Severus Snape, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Levicorpus

Spell Category: Jinx

Short Summary: Causes a target to levitate in the air

Pronunciation: “leh-vee-COR-pus”

Origin: In Latin, levare means “raise,” and corpus means “corpse”

Wand Movement: Make a curved line downward to the left, then a small, curved line to the right, then a straight line to the left

Description: Also referred to as “The Dangling Jinx,” Levicorpus is a spell that causes a target to levitate in the air by their ankle. Severus Snape invented this jinx when he was a student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. James Potter used Snape’s own spell against him by levitating him and embarrassing him in front of a group of students.

“Oh, that one had a great vogue during my time at Hogwarts. There were a few months in my fifth year when you couldn’t move for being hoisted into the air by your ankle.”
– Remus Lupin, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Liberacorpus

Spell Category: Counter-Jinx

Short Summary: The counter-jinx to Levicorpus

Pronunciation: “LIB-er-ah-cor-pus”

Origin: In Latin, liberare means “to free,” and corpus means “corpse”

Movement: Wave wand upwards in a fast motion

Description: Liberacorpus is the counter-jinx to Levicorpus, a jinx that causes a target to levitate in the air.

Locomotor

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Caster can levitate a target and move them around

Pronunciation: “loh-kuh-MOH-tor”

Origin: In Latin, locus means “place,” and moto means “set in motion”

Wand Movement: Lift wand

Description: Known as “The Locomotion Charm,” Locomotor is a spell that allows the caster to levitate an object or person and move them around. This spell was used on trunks so that witches and wizards would not have to carry them.

“Locomotor Trunk.” Harry’s trunk rose a few inches into the air. Holding her wand like a conductor’s baton, Tonks made it hover across the room and out of the door ahead of them, Hedwig’s cage in her left hand.”
– Nymphadora Tonks, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Arthur Weasley: “Yes, a lot of offices have been raining lately. Did you try meteolojinx recanto? It worked for Bletchley.”
Ron Weasley (disguised as Reginald Cattermole): “Meteolojinx recanto? No, I didn’t. Thanks, D-I mean, thanks, Arthur.”
– Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Mimblewimble

Spell Category: Curse

Short Summary: Ties target’s tongue in a knot

Pronunciation: “MIM-bull-wim-bull”

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Create an open-ended horizontal oval, then an enclosed oval vertically overlaying the previous oval

Description: Known as “The Tongue-Tying Curse,” mimblewimble is a spell that quite literally ties the target’s tongue into a knot, so they are unable to speak. This means the target also cannot recite spells.

“‘We’re not Snape!’ croaked Harry, before something whooshed over him like cold air and his tongue curled backwards on itself, making it impossible to speak. Before he had time to feel inside his mouth, however, his tongue had unravelled again.”
– Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Ministry of Magic Fog

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Conjures fog

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Unknown

Description: The Ministry of Magic Fog is a charm that the Ministry of Magic used to create a fog surrounding a location that they did not want Muggles to see.

Mobiliarbus

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Levitates a wooden object

Pronunciation: “mo-bil-lee-AR-bus”

Origin: In Latin, mobilis means “movable,” and arbor means “tree”

Wand Movement: Unknown

Description: Mobiliarbus is a spell that enables the caster to levitate a wooden object and move it around. This charm is not to be confused with The Levitation Charm or The Locomotion Charm, as Mobiliarbus can only levitate wooden items.

“Somewhere above him, Hermione whispered, “Mobiliarbus!”. The Christmas tree beside their table rose a few inches off the ground, drifted sideways and landed with a soft thump right in front of their table, hiding them from view.”
– Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Mobilicorpus

Spell Category: Charm

Short summary: Levitates and moves a person

Pronunciation: “moh-bil-lee-COR-pus

Origin: In Latin, mobilis means “movable,” and corpus means “body”

Wand Movement: Wave wand quickly toward target

Description: Mobilicorpus is a spell that levitates and moves a person or body. It was a helpful charm when someone was unable to walk or move on their own. This is the same spell that Lord Voldemort used on Professor Charity Burbage when she was suspended over the table at a meeting with Death Eaters.

Molliare

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Provides cushioning effect

Pronunciation: “mull-ee-AR-ay”

Origin: In Latin, mollire means “to soften”

Wand Movement: Unknown

Description: Also referred to as “The Cushioning Charm,” Molliare is a charm that provides an invisible cushioning effect for the caster, whether on a physical object or to soften a fall.

“Harry heard the cart smash into pieces against the passage wall, heard Hermione shriek something, and felt himself glide back toward the ground as though weightless, landing painlessly on the rocky passage floor.”
– Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Morsmordre

Spell Category: Dark Charm

Short summary: Conjures the Dark Mark

Pronunciation: “morz-MOR-druh”

Origin: In Latin, mors means “death,” and mordere means “to bite”

Wand Movement: Make the shape of an “8” in the air

Description: Morsmordre is a spell that conjures the Dark Mark, the sign Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters used, and the same symbol some Death Eaters had on their forearm. This mark is assumed to be invented by Lord Voldemort, and the Death Eaters would cast it over the home or site after they had murdered people. They also used it to show their faithful allegiance to Voldemort.

“Then he realised it was a colossal skull, comprised of what looked like emerald stars, with a serpent protruding from its mouth like a tongue. As they watched, it rose higher and higher, blazing in a haze of greenish smoke, etched against the black sky like a new constellation.”
– Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Obliviate

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Erases memories

Pronunciation: “oh-BLI-vee-ate”

Origin: In Latin, oblivisci means “to forget,” and in English, oblivion means “the fact or condition of forgetting or having forgotten”

Wand Movement: Make the shape of a cloud in the air

Description: Also referred to as “The Memory Charm” or “The Forgetfulness Charm,” Obliviate is a charm used to completely erase someone’s memories, but it could not replace them with new ones. This is the charm Hermione Granger used to erase her muggle parent’s memories of her when she, Harry Potter, and Ron Weasley were being chased by Death Eaters.

Gilderoy Lockhart also used it to wipe the memories of people who had accomplished great things so that he could take the credit for himself. He later tried to use the same spell on Harry Potter and Ron Weasley, but Ron’s wand caused the spell to rebound on Professor Lockhart himself and he could no longer remember who he was.

Obscuro

Spell Category: Conjuration

Short Summary: Produces a blindfold over the target’s eyes

Pronunciation: “ob-SKYUR-oh”

Origin: In English, obscure means “unclear,” and in Latin obscure means “conceal” or “dark”

Wand Movement: Make an open-ended oval, then a diagonal slash downward to the left through the center of it

Description: Obscuro is a conjuration spell that produces a blindfold and covers the target’s eyes, so they are unable to see anything.

Oppugno

Spell Category: Jinx

Short Summary: Makes objects attack a target

Pronunciation: “oh-PUG-noh”

Origin: In Latin, oppugno means “I attack”

Wand Movement: Point wand at target

Description: Oppugno or “The Oppugno Jinx,” is a spell that the caster would point at an object or creature, and it would then attack a target. For example, Hermione Granger used this jinx during an argument with Ron Weasley and sent a flock of birds after him.

“Harry spun around to see Hermione pointing her wand at Ron, her expression wild: The little flock of birds was speeding like a hail of fat golden bullets toward Ron, who yelped and covered his face with his hands, but the birds attacked, pecking and clawing at every bit of flesh they could reach.”
– Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Peskipiksi Pesternomi

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Possibly captures pixies

Pronunciation: PES-key-PIX-ee PES-ter-NO-mee

Origin: In English, pesky means “annoying,” and pester means “to annoy”

Wand Movement: Wave wand back and forth four times

Description: It is assumed that Peskipiksi Pesternomi is a charm used to capture pixies. However, this spell did not work when Professor Gilderoy Lockhart cast it during his time as the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, so nobody knows for sure if this is what Peskipiksi Pesternomi does since it did not work.

“He rolled up his sleeves, brandished his wand, and bellowed, ‘Peskipiksi Pesternomi!’ It had absolutely no effect; one of the pixies seized his wand and threw it out of the window, too.”
– Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Petrificus Totalus

Spell Category: Curse

Short Summary: Causes target to be invisibly bound

Pronunciation: “pe-TRI-fi-cus to-TAH-lus”

Origin: In Latin, petra means “stone,” ficus means “making or doing something,” and totus means “whole”

Wand Movement: Make a “c” shape, then a small, straight line upward, then a straight line to the right, then a small, straight line downward

Description: Known as “The Full Body-Bind Curse,” Petrificus Totalus is a curse that causes the target to go completely still and fall over as if tied up with an invisible rope. The target still has control of all their faculties, but they cannot move unless freed with a counter-charm. The target could be released with the Reparifors spell, Episkey spell, Anti-Paralysis Potion, or General Counter-Spell.

Piertotum Locomotor

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Makes inanimate objects animate

Pronunciation: “peer-TOH-tuhm loh-kuh-MOH-tor

Origin: In Latin, pierre means “stone,” pie means “dutifully,” totum means “everything,” loco means “position,” and moto means “moves”

Wand Movement: Point wand at target for a singular object or hold wand and wave for multiple objects at a time

Description: Piertotum Locomotor is a spell that makes inanimate objects animate or brings them to life. For example, Professor Minerva McGonagall used this charm on the Chessboard Chamber that Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger later had to “play” in order to get to the Philosopher’s Stone. Additionally, this charm was used on the Suits of Armor at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to defend it during the Battle of Hogwarts.

“And all along the corridor the statues and suits of armour jumped down from their plinths, and from the echoing crashes from the floors above and below, Harry knew that their fellows throughout the castle had done the same… Cheering and yelling, the horde of moving statues stampeded past Harry; some of them smaller, others larger than life. There were animals too, and the clanking suits of armour brandished swords and spiked balls on chains.”
– Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Piscifors

Spell Category: Transfiguration

Short Summary: Changes an object into a fish

Pronunciation: “PIS-ee-fors”

Origin: Pisci means “fish”

Wand Movement: Point wand at target object

Description: Piscifors is a transfiguration spell that changes an object into a fish.

Placement Charm

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Moves objects

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Unknown

Description: The Placement Charm is a spell the caster can use to move objects without having to pick them up.

Point Me

Spell Category: Spell

Short Summary: Acts as a compass

Pronunciation: “Point Me”

Origin: N/A

Wand movement: Hold wand flat in caster’s hand

Description: Known as “The Four-Point Spell,” Point Me is a spell that enchants the caster’s wand to perform as a compass and points North. This is the same spell Harry Potter utilized during the Triwizard Tournament to navigate through the Triwizard hedge maze.

Portus

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Changes an object into a Portkey

Pronunciation: “POR-tus”

Origin: In Latin, portare means “to carry”

Wand Movement: Unknown

Description: Also referred to as “The Portkey Spell,” Portus is a charm that changes an object into a Portkey, and it will temporarily glow with shimmering blue light. A Portkey is an enchanted object that transports whoever touches it to a predetermined location. For example, Barty Crouch Jr. made the Triwizard Cup a Portkey to transport Harry Potter to the graveyard where Lord Voldemort was waiting.

Prior Incantato

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Makes target wand show last spell it performed

Pronunciation: “pri-OR in-can-TAH-toh”

Origin: In Latin, prior means “previous” and incantare means “to speak a spell”

Wand Movement: Caster’s wand must be held up to the tip of the target’s wand

Description: Known as “The Reverse Spell,” Prior Incantato is a charm that makes a target’s wand show images of the last spell that the wand performed.

“A jet of green light issued from Voldemort’s wand just as a jet of red light blasted from Harry’s — they met in midair — and suddenly Harry’s wand was vibrating as though an electric charge were surging through it; his hand seized up around it; he couldn’t have released it if he’d wanted to — and a narrow beam of light connected the two wands, neither red nor green, but bright, deep gold… he felt his feet lift from the ground. He and Voldemort were both being raised into the air, their wands still connected by that thread of shimmering golden light.”
– Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

“Raising her wand, she began to walk in a wide circle around Harry and Ron, murmuring incantations as she went. Harry saw little disturbances in the surrounding air: it was as if Hermione had cast a heat haze across their clearing.”
– Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Purple Firecrackers

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Conjures purple fireworks/sparks

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Unknown

Description: The Purple Firecrackers spell is a charm that conjures purple fireworks or sparks from the caster’s wand.

Pus-Squirting Spell

Spell Category: Dark Charm

Short Summary: Makes a target’s nose squirt pus

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Make a straight line diagonally downward and to the right, then make a straight line to the left, then a loose “u” shape

Description: The Pus-Squirting Hex causes a target’s nose to squirt pus.

“There was a bang and Ogden was on the ground, clutching his nose, while a nasty yellowish goo squirted from between his fingers”
– Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Quietus

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Makes sounds quieter

Pronunciation: “KWIY-uh-tus”

Origin: In Latin, quietus means “calm”

Wand Movement: Point wand at target

Description: Also referred to as “The Quietening Charm,” Quietus is a spell used to make sounds quieter.

Redactum Skullus

Spell Category: Dark Charm

Short Summary: Shrinks target’s head

Pronunciation: “re-DAK-tum SKULL-us”

Origin: In Latin, redactum means “driven back,” and skullus means “head” or “skull”

Wand Movement: Unknown

Description: Also referred to as “The Head Shrink Spell,” Redactum Skullus is a spell that makes a target’s head smaller.

Reducio

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Shrinks an object

Pronunciation: “re-DOO-see-oh”

Origin: In English, reduce means “to shrink”

Wand Movement: Wave the wand to make a “V” shape in the air

Description: Also known as “The Shrinking Charm,” Reducio is a spell that makes an object smaller in size. It could be used on humans, but it was not very safe to do so. Reducio is the counter-charm to The Engorgement Charm.

Reducto

Spell Category: Curse

Short Summary: Breaks apart objects

Pronunciation: “re-DUK-toh”

Origin: In Latin, reduco means “reduce”

Wand Movement: Wave wand to make a sideways “V” shape in the air

Description: Also referred to as “The Reductor Curse,” Reducto is a spell used to break objects into little pieces or make them completely disintegrate. This is the same spell that Harry Potter taught to Dumbledore’s Army at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

“Five different voices behind him bellowed, “REDUCTO!” Five curses flew in five different directions and the shelves opposite them exploded as they hit; the towering structure swayed as a hundred glass spheres burst apart, pearly-white figures unfurled into the air and floated there, their voices echoing from who knew what long-dead past amid the torrent of crashing glass and splintered wood now raining down upon the floor — ”
– Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Reparo

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Repairs broken objects

Pronunciation: “reh-PAH-roh”

Origin: In Latin, reparo means “repair”

Wand Movement: Make a straight line to the right, then a straight line diagonally downward to the left, then a line diagonally upward to the left, then a smaller, straight line to the right

Description: Also referred to as “The Repairing Charm” and “The Mending Charm,” Reparo is a spell used to completely repair or restore almost any broken object. Unfortunately, certain objects damaged by strong curses could not be restored, but otherwise, it worked on nearly any inanimate object. This charm was invented by a British witch named Orabella Nuttley who enjoyed messing around with all sorts of spells as a hobby. She was a clerk at the Improper Use of Magic Office.

“They stood back to back, the tall thin wizard and the short round one, and waved their wands in one identical sweeping motion. The furniture flew back to its original places; ornaments re-formed in midair, feathers zoomed into their cushions; torn books repaired themselves as they landed upon their shelves; oil lanterns soared onto side tables and reignited; a vast collection of splintered silver picture frames flew glittering across the room and alighted, whole and untarnished, upon a desk; rips, cracks, and holes healed everywhere, and the walls wiped themselves clean.“
– Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Repello Muggletum

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Keeps muggles from seeing something

Pronunciation: “ruh-PEL-oh MUH-guhl-tuhm”

Origin: In Latin, repello means “drive away”

Wand Movement: Lift wand

Description: Also referred to as “The Muggle-Repelling Charm,” Repello Muggletum is a spell used to hide a location or something magical from Muggles.

“Muggle-Repelling Charms on every inch of it. Every time Muggles have got anywhere near here all year, they’ve suddenly remembered urgent appointments and had to dash away again.”
– Arthur Weasley, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Repello Inimicum

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Conjures enchanted barrier

Pronunciation: “re-PEH-lloh ee-nee-MEE-cum”

Origin: In Latin, repello means “drive away,” and inimicus means “enemy”

Wand Movement: Point wand upwards at the sky

Description: Repello Inimicum is a spell that when used in conjunction with Fianto Duri and Protego Maxima, it produces an enchanted, protective barrier around the location chosen by the caster. This is the same charm that Professor Filius Flitwick used to protect Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. If any opponents, like Death Eaters, for example, try to cross the barrier, then they would immediately disintegrate.

Revelio

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Reveals hidden or enchanted things

Pronunciation: “reh-VEL-ee-oh”

Origin: In Latin, revelare means “reveal”

Wand Movement: Wave wand and make an “R” shape in the air

Description: Also known as “The Revelio Charm,” Revelio is a semi-complex spell that reveals hidden or enchanted objects, passageways, and more. This charm could also work on humans. For example, Newt Scamandar, the Magizoologist, utilized this spell and discovered that Percival Graves was actually Gellert Grindelwald who had disguised himself using magic.

Rictusempra

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Causes tickling and uncontrollable laughter

Pronunciation: “ric-tuhs-SEM-pra”

Origin: In Latin, rictus means “the expanse of an open mouth,” and semper means “always”

Wand Movement: Wave wand and create the shape of a leaf in the air

Description: Also known as “The Tickling Charm,” Rictusempra is a spell that causes tickling and uncontrollable laughter because of it. Harry Potter used this charm on Draco Malfoy during a duel.

“Harry pointed his wand straight at Malfoy and shouted, ‘Rictusempra!’ A jet of silver light hit Malfoy in the stomach and he doubled up, wheezing….as Malfoy sank to his knees; Harry had hit him with a Tickling Charm, and he could barely move for laughing.”
– Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Riddikulus

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Changes a Boggart into something humorous

Pronunciation: “rih-dih-KUL-lus”

Origin: In Latin, ridiculus means “laughable”

Wand Movement: Wave wand and make a loose “U” shape in the air

Description: Also known as “The Boggart-Banishing Spell,” Riddikulus is a charm used against a Boggart to change into something that is humorous or ridiculous to the caster. A Boggart is a creature that takes the form of the caster’s worst fear, so for Ron Weasley it was a large spider and for Neville Longbottom it was Professor Severus Snape. This charm was taught in the Defense Against the Dark Arts class at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

“…You will raise your wand — thus — and cry ‘Riddikulus’ — and concentrate hard on your grandmother’s clothes. If all goes well, Professor Boggart Snape will be forced into that vulture-topped hat, and that green dress, with that big red handbag.”
– Professor Remus Lupin talking to Neville Longbottom, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Scourgify

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Enchants an object to clean

Pronunciation: “SKUR-ji-fy”

Origin: In English, scour means “clean” and -ify means “to make”

Wand Movement: Wave wand and make an “S” shape in the air

Description: Also known as “The Scouring Charm,” Scourgify is a spell that enchanted an object to clean something.

“She pointed her wand at Hedwig’s cage. ‘Scourgify.’ A few feathers and droppings vanished.”
– Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Sealant Charm

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Seals envelopes

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Unknown

Description: The Sealant Charm is a spell quite literally used to seal envelopes. The Wand Permit Office required the use of this spell when witches or wizards send applications.

Sea Urchin Jinx

Spell Category: Jinx

Short Summary: Changes target into a sea urchin-like creature

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Make a straight line to the right, then three spikes resembling the spikes of a sea urchin, then another straight line to the right

Description: The Sea Urchin Jinx is a spell that changes the target into a sea urchin-like creature. The target will grow spikes all over their body and it can cause pain to the target as well. Percy Weasley utilized this jinx during the Battle of Hogwarts.

Sectumsempra

Spell Category: Curse

Short Summary: Slashes target and causes excessive bleeding

Pronunciation: “sec-tum-SEMP-rah”

Origin: In Latin, sectum means “cut,” and semper means “always”

Wand Movement: Slash wand in diagonal motion

Description: Sectumsempra is a curse that slashes the target as if by a sword and causes them to bleed excessively. This spell was invented by Severus Snape, also known as the Half-Blood Prince. Harry Potter later had the Half-Blood Prince’s potion textbook and used this curse on Draco Malfoy, although Harry had no idea what the curse would do.

“Blood spurted from Malfoy’s face and chest as though he had been slashed with an invisible sword. He staggered backward and collapsed onto the waterlogged floor with a great splash, his wand falling from his limp right hand. Slipping and staggering, Harry got to his feet and plunged toward Malfoy, whose face was now shining scarlet, his white hands scrabbling at his blood-soaked chest.”
– Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Shield Penetration Spell

Spell Category: Spell

Short Summary: Penetrates enchanted shields

Pronunciation: Unknown

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Point wand at target

Description: The Shield Penetration Spell is a spell used to quite literally penetrate an enchanted shield. Lord Voldemort used this spell to break down the protective barrier/shield around Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Shooting Spell

Spell Category: Spell

Short Summary: Most likely used to catch wild game

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Point wand at target

Description: The Shooting Spell is most likely used to catch wild game and sometimes during duels.

Smashing Spell

Spell Category: Spell

Short Summary: An explosion that smashes everything in its path

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Point wand at target

Description: The Smashing Spell is a spell used to smash everything in its path by an explosion of blue light coming out of the caster’s wand.

Serpensortia

Spell Category: Conjuration

Short Summary: Produces a snake

Pronunciation: “ser-pen-SOR-shah”

Origin: In Latin, serpens means “a snake,” and ortis means “source”

Wand Movement: Wave wand downward in a straight line

Description: Also referred to as “The Snake Summons Spell,” Serpensortia is a conjuration spell that produces a real snake from the caster’s wand. Draco Malfoy utilized this spell during a duel with Harry Potter and it was revealed to the other students that Harry was a Parselmouth because he spoke to the snake in Parseltongue.

“The end of his wand exploded. Harry watched, aghast, as a long black snake shot out of it, fell heavily onto the floor between them and raised itself, ready to strike.”
– Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Silencio

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Makes a target silent temporarily

Pronunciation: “sih-LEN-see-oh”

Origin: In Latin, silentium means “silence”

Wand Movement: Wave wand in a downward straight line, then back up with a “U” shape

Description: Also referred to as “The Silencing Charm,” Silencio is a spell that makes a target silent for a limited time. This charm worked on creatures and humans, but if it was not cast accurately, it will make the target swell in size.

Skurge

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Cleans ectoplasm

Pronunciation: “SKURJ”

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Make the shape of a three-leaf clover in the air

Description: Skurge or “The Skurge Charm” is a spell that cleans up ectoplasm left behind by ghosts or spirits when they pass by.

Slippery Jinx

Spell Category: Jinx

Short Summary: Makes an item slippery

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Unknown

Description: The Slippery Jinx is a spell that quite literally makes an item slippery and hard for the target to hold onto it.

Slugulus Eructo

Spell Category: Curse

Short Summary: Makes the target vomit slugs

Pronunciation: “slug-YOU-lus eh-RUCK-toe”

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Wave wand in a diamond shape

Description: Also known as “The Slug-Vomiting Charm,” Slugulus Eructo is a curse that makes the target vomit slugs temporarily. Ron Weasley tried to use this spell on Draco Malfoy, but his damaged wand caused the curse to rebound and hit himself instead.

“A loud bang echoed around the stadium and a jet of green light shot out of the wrong end of Ron’s wand, hitting him in the stomach and sending him reeling backwards onto the grass… Ron opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. Instead he gave an almighty belch and several slugs dribbled out of his mouth on to his lap.”
– Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Stealth Sensoring Spell

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Identifies someone transformed by magic

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Unknown

Description: The Stealth Sensoring Spell is a charm that identifies when someone has used magic to transform themselves.

“I had Stealth Sensoring Spells placed all around my doorway after the last one got in, you foolish boy.”
– Dolores Umbridge, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Sternius

Spell Category: Dark Charm

Short Summary: Makes a target sneeze

Pronunciation: “STEH-nee-us”

Origin: In Latin, sternuo means “I sneeze”

Wand Movement: Unknown

Description: The Dark Charm Sternius causes a target to sneeze uncontrollably for a short period of time.

Stinging Jinx

Spell Category: Jinx, Hex

Short Summary: Stings a target’s skin

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Point wand at target

Description: The Stinging Jinx is a jinx/hex that quite literally stings the target’s skin and makes it red and welted. If used on someone’s face, it will swell up until it is nearly unrecognizable. This is the same spell Hermione Granger used on Harry Potter’s face when they were captured by Snatchers so they would not immediately recognize him.

Stretching Jinx

Spell Category: Jinx

Short Summary: Stretches the target

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Wave wand in a straight line to the right, then slightly down and in a straight line to the right again

Description: The Stretching Jinx is a spell that quite literally stretches the intended target.

“Both of you look as though you’ve had Stretching jinxes put on you. I swear Ron’s grown four inches since I last bought him school robes.”
– Molly Weasley, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Stupefy

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Stuns a target

Pronunciation: “STOO-puh-fye”

Origin: In English, stupefy means “to put into a stupor”

Wand Movement: Move wand downward in a straight line

Description: Also referred to as “The Stunning Spell,” Stupefy is a charm used to stun someone, and they will immediately collapse, unconscious. This is one of the charms that Harry Potter taught to Dumbledore’s Army to help prepare them for encounters with Dark Magic.

Supersensory Charm

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Heightens a target’s awareness

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Unknown

Description: The Supersensory Charm is a spell that heightens a target’s awareness and senses of their environment.

Surgito

Spell Category: Counter-Charm

Short Summary: Gets rid of magical enchantments

Pronunciation: “SUR-jee-toh”

Origin: In Latin, surgito means “shall arise”

Wand Movement: Unknown

Description: Surgito is a counter-charm that gets rid of magical enchantments on objects or even people.

Switching Spell

Spell Category: Transfiguration

Short Summary: Swaps/switches two objects

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Make a sideways hourglass shape without closing it on one end

Description: The Switching Spell is a transfiguration spell that swaps or switches two objects and where they are located.

Taboo

Spell Category: Jinx

Short Summary: Puts a jinx on a specific word or phrase

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Unknown

Description: The Taboo spell puts a jinx on a particular word or phrase so that when someone says it, the caster will be notified of the location of the person who spoke it. Many assume this jinx was used on Lord Voldemort’s name because so many witches and wizards were afraid to speak his name. However, Harry Potter decided to try and remove the fear surrounding Lord Voldemort’s name by saying it aloud instead of “He Who Shall Not Be Named” or “You Know Who.”

“No! Sorry, but the name’s been jinxed, Harry, that’s how they track people! Using his name breaks protective enchantments, it causes some kind of magical disturbance — it’s how they found us in Tottenham Court Road!… It was only people who were serious about standing up to him, like Dumbledore, who even dared use it. Now they’ve put a Taboo on it, anyone who says it is trackable — quick-and-easy way to find Order members!”
– Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Transmogrifian Torture

Spell Category: Curse

Short Summary: Tortures the target

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: In English, transmogrify means “to change or alter greatly, often to grotesque effect”

Wand Movement: Wave wand downward in a straight line, then form the shape of an hourglass in the air

Description: The Transmogrifian Torture spell is a curse that most likely killed a target by torturing them to death over an extended period of time.

“It was definitely a curse that killed her – probably the Transmogrifian Torture. I’ve seen it used many times, so unlucky I wasn’t there, I know the very counter-curse that would have saved her…”
– Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Trip Jinx

Spell Category: Jinx

Short Summary: Makes a target trip

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Wave wand downward in a line and then to the right in a squiggle motion

Description: The Trip Jinx is a spell that makes a target trip and fall. Draco Malfoy used this jinx on Harry Potter to make him fall over.

Twitchy-Ears Hex

Spell Category: Hex

Short Summary: Makes a target’s ears twitch

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Unknown

Description: The Twitchy-Ears Hex is a spell that quite literally makes a target’s ears twitch. This is the same spell Bartemius Crouch Jr., who was impersonating Alastor “Mad-Eye” Moody at the time, used on Harry Potter.

Unbreakable Charm

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Makes an item unbreakable

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Unknown

Description: The Unbreakable Charm causes an item to become unbreakable.

Unbreakable Vow

Spell Category: Spell

Short Summary: Creates a magical bond or pact

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Put wand in between both hands

Description: The Unbreakable Vow spell is essentially a magical bond or pact between two witches or wizards. If one of them breaks the vow, they would die instantly. This is the spell Severus Snape and Narcissa Malfoy used to make a vow that Snape would do his best to protect Draco Malfoy and that Snape would carry out the task of killing Albus Dumbledore if Draco was unable to do so.

Narcissa Malfoy: “Will you, Severus, watch over my son, Draco, as he attempts to fulfil the Dark Lord’s wishes?“
Severus Snape: “I will.“
Narcissa Malfoy: “And will you, to the best of your ability, protect him from harm?“
Severus Snape: “I will.“
Narcissa Malfoy: “And should it prove necessary… if it seems Draco will fail… will you carry out the deed that the Dark Lord has ordered Draco to perform?“
Severus Snape: “I will.“
– Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Unsupported Flight

Spell Category: Spell

Short Summary: Allows a witch or wizard to fly unaided

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Unknown

Description: Unsupported Flight is a spell that allows the caster to fly without a broomstick or any other object. This is a highly advanced spell and only Lord Voldemort was able to successfully fly until he later taught Severus Snape, and then his daughter Delphini learned how to do it once Voldemort died.

Vacuum Cleaner Spell

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Makes a wand act like a vacuum

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Hover wand over object or area

Description: The Vacuum Cleaner Spell makes the caster’s wand act like a vacuum, and it will clean objects or areas as the witch or wizard hovers their wand over it.

“Well, really!” said Madam Malkin, snatching up the fallen robes and moving the tip of her wand over them like a vacuum cleaner, so that it removed all the dust.”
– Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Vermiculus

Spell Category: Transfiguration/Jinx

Short Summary: Changes something into a worm

Pronunciation: “vur-MICK-yoo-luhs”

Origin: In Latin, vermiculus means “little worm”

Description: Vermiculus is a transfiguration spell/jinx that changes an object or creature into a worm.

Vermillious

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Conjures red sparks

Pronunciation: “vur-MILL-ee-us”

Origin: In English, vermilion is a bright red color

Wand Movement: Use wand to make a sideways checkmark in the air

Description: Vermillious is a spell that conjures a burst of red sparks from the caster’s wand. While it is typically used as a signal for help like “SOS,” it can also be utilized offensively during duelling.

Vipera Evanesca

Spell Category: Vanishment

Short Summary: Makes snakes disappear

Pronunciation: “vee-PAIR-uh eh-vuh-NES-kuh”

Origin: Vipera refers to the viper snake, and in Latin, evanesco means “disappear”

Wand Movement: Make a straight line to the left, then make a loop and a loose “U” shape

Description: Also referred to as “The Snake-Vanishing Spell,” Vipera Evanesca is a vanishment spell that causes snakes to disappear or vanish. This is the same spell that Professor Severus Snape used to make a snake vanish after Harry Potter spoke to it using Parseltongue, making the other students believe he was the possible Heir of Slytherin.

Vulnera Sanentur

Spell Category: Healing Spell

Short Summary: Heals potentially fatal wounds

Pronunciation: “VUL-ner-ah sah-NEN-tour”

Origin: In Latin, vulnus means “wound,” and sanare means “to heal”

Wand Movement: Move wand over the wounds on the victim

Description: Vulnera Sanentur is a healing spell that is the counter-curse for Sectumsempra, a curse invented by Severus Snape, and can be used to heal potentially fatal wounds.

“…he knelt over Malfoy, drew his wand and traced it over the deep wounds Harry’s curse had made, muttering an incantation that sounded almost like song. The flow of blood seemed to ease; Snape wiped the residue from Malfoy’s face and repeated his spell. Now the wounds seemed to be knitting.”
– Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Waddiwasi

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Launches projectiles at high speed

Pronunciation: “wah-deh-WAH-see”

Origin: Stems from the Swedish word vadd which means “wadding,” and the French word vas-y which means “go ahead”

Wand Movement: Make the shape of a leaf without fully closing one side

Description: Also known as “The Projectile Jinx,” Waddiwasi is a spell that is used to launch a projectile at high speed. This charm was often used during duels.

“With the force of a bullet, the wad of chewing gum shot out of the keyhole and straight down Peeves’s left nostril; he whirled right way up and zoomed away, cursing.”
– Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Washing Up Spell

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Makes dishes magically wash themselves

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation, but can be used nonverbally

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Flick wand

Description: The Washing Up Spell is an extremely useful charm that a witch or wizard can use to make their dishes magically wash themselves. Molly Weasley utilized this spell in her home so that she could do other things while the dishes were being done.

Wingardium Leviosa

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Makes something levitate

Pronunciation: “win-GAR-dee-um lev-ee-OH-sa”

Origin: In English, wing means “fly,” and in Latin, arduus means “high,” and levis means “light”

Wand Movement: Make a curved line upward, then a curved line downward

Description: Also known as “The Levitation Charm,” Wingardium Leviosa is a spell that levitates people, objects, or creatures.

White Sparks

Spell Category: Charm

Short Summary: Conjures white sparks

Pronunciation: Unknown incantation

Origin: N/A

Wand Movement: Unknown

Description: White Sparks is a spell that conjures a burst of white sparks from the caster’s wand. It could be used for celebrations or as an offensive spell in duels.