Charms Spells

This is a list of all Charms considered "A.O. Canon". For a full list of all A.O. Canon spells, see List of Spells.

Key

Pronunciation: How the spell is pronounced (roughly) aloud.

Appearance: What the spell looks like, including any accompanying wand motions.

Description: What the spell does and how it works.

Regulations and Skill Level:

Regulation Levels:

Legal: Performing this spell is not specifically prohibited by law.

Controlled: This spell is either legal only in some cases, or legal, but not widely known.

Illegal: Performing this spell is specifically against Wizarding law.

Skill Levels:

Beginner: A first-year student would be capable of performing this spell.

Intermediate: A fourth-year student would be capable of performing this spell.

Advanced: A fully-qualified wizard (17 or older) would be capable of performing this spell.

Master: This spell requires greater experience or specialized knowledge, and is unlikely to be performed successfully by anyone under age 30.

Etymology: The root language and meaning of the word(s) in the spell.

Canon Reference: If the spell is canonical, this section notes at least one reference to it.

Notes: Any other information about the spell.

Charms

Adhaesia (Sticking Charm)

Pronunciation: ad-HEE-zee-uh

Appearance: Invisible, apart from its effects; objects makes a squelching sound when stuck to the surface

Description: Causes an object to stick to a surface (usually a wall) without need for hanging hooks. Can also fix objects in place on a floor. Wears off over time, more quickly with heavier loads.

Regulations and Skill Level: Legal. Intermediate.

Etymology: From Latin adhaereo, “to stick to, adhere”

Canon Reference: Referenced repeatedly through the series.

At Absit Omen: Ignan Storm used the spell to stick his students to nearby trees [1]; Kurby Bagnold secured a cell door shut [2]

Arefax (Drying Charm)

Pronunciation: ARE-eh-fax

Appearance: Invisible

Description: Completely dries whatever is in its path (usually used on clothing or pets), but does not work directly on pools of water. Instantaneous.

Regulations and Skill Level: Legal. Advanced.

Etymology: From Latin arefacio, “to make dry”

Canon Reference: Dumbledore uses this spell to dry Harry’s robes after swimming to the Cave of the Inferi in Half-Blood Prince.

At Absit Omen: Sasha Schlagenweit uses the spell in his O.W.L.s [3]; It is Gracie Slant's favorite spell [4].

Averte Pedeum a Tuum A Malo (Straight Path Charm)

Pronunciation: uh-VARE-tay PED-ee-um ah TOO-um ah MAH-loh

Appearance: Invisible apart from its effects

Description: Parts a crowd or other movable object (will not split a solid object in half) to create a pathway, lasting as long as the caster can maintain sufficient focus.

Regulations and Skill Level: Legal. Advanced to Master.

Etymology: Latin translation of Proverbs 4:27

At Absit Omen: Dreogan Eleor uses the spell to part a crowd [5]

Calefax (Hot Air Charm)

Pronunciation: KAL-uh-fax

Appearance: Invisible, but a spray of hot air from the tip of the wand, like a hairdryer

Description: Causes hot air to shoot from the wand, which dries whatever is in its path, or melts things which would normally be melted by hot air (such as snow). Lasts until the caster stops it.

Regulations and Skill Level: Legal. Beginner.

Etymology: Latin “to make warm, heat”

Canon Reference: Used by Hermione to dry her robes in Order of the Phoenix.

At Absit Omen: Megan Ruiz suggests it for drying robes [6]

Burglar's Glyph

Description: A very powerful lock-picking spell which requires the careful application of three runes. The runes are modified from the Eldar Futhark and must be drawn in limestone scratchings. Once in place, the wizard or witch must incant and cast the spell.

Incantation: Ingredioso. een-GRED-ee-OH-so

Appearance: The runes glow purple-y green when the spell is cast. When the spell is done, the spell leaves a permanent mark.

Regulations and Skill Level: Illegal. Advanced.

Etymology: Latin “to trespass”

AO Reference: Used by Nate Briggs to open the lock of the Magicarium in Diagon Alley. [7]

Cyadenuo (Refilling Charm)

Pronunciation: SI-uh-deh-NOO-oh

Appearance: Invisible

Description: Causes liquid in a container to refill. Instantaneous.

Regulations and Skill Level: Legal. Intermediate.

Etymology: From Latin cyathus, “a ladle for filling wine goblets”, and denuo, “again”

Canon Reference: Taught to the sixth year Charms class, and used by Harry in Hagrid’s cabin to refill Slughorn’s mead bottles.

At Absit Omen: Hannah Bombay accuses Johann Storm of sneakily re-filling her glass [8]; Susan Macmillan drank tea from a magically refilling cup [9]

Declaro Incantatum (Enchantment Revealing Charm)

Pronunciation: deh-CLARE-oh ihn-can-TAH-tum

Appearance: A wide beam of purple/blue light emits from the wand.

Description: Reveals the traces of magic, and which specific spells have been used if used quickly enough after the event.

Regulations and Skill Level: Controlled (Legal, but usually only used by Aurors and Unspeakables in the course of their work). Advanced.

Etymology: From Latin declaro, “to make clear, reveal”, and the word “incantation”

At Absit Omen:' Sissel Jowd uses the spell to detect a recent Apparition [10]

Dracanhelitus (Dragon’s Breath Charm)

Pronunciation: drah-CAN-hell-EE-tuss

Appearance: A burst of flame, like a flamethrower, from the tip of the wand, accomplished with a forward snapping motion of the wand arm. Alternatively, circling flames around the caster, accomplished by swishing the wand circularly around the head.

Description: Causes a flamethrower-like burst of projectile fire from the wand tip. More powerful wizards or fire specialists can bend the flame to their will, making it surround themselves or enemies.

Regulations and Skill Level: Legal. Advanced for first use, Master for second.

Etymology: From Latin draco, “dragon”, and anhelitus, “breath, exhalation”

Canon Reference: Circular form used by Dumbledore in the Cave of the Inferi. The standard use is invented.

At Absit Omen: Belladona Corvida attacks [11]

Exihibeo

Pronunciation: EX-ee-HIB-ee-oh

Appearance: Small blue glow at the tip of the wand.

Description: This is fairly simple enchantment; it simply displays an image the user imagines onto a surface. While the image itself can move (i.e., be animated) it cannot be changed without recasting the spell. It lasts until removed, and can be thought of as a cousin to the Great Hall’s ceiling enchantment.

Regulations and Skill Level: Legal/Intermediate

At Absit Omen: Tapendra Trishna uses it frequently in class [12], [13]

Exihibeo Exibeo

Pronunciation: Ex-ee-HIB-ee-oh ex-IB-ee-oh

Appearance: Blue glow on the end of the wand that maintains as long as the spell does.

Description: Similar to Exihibeo, this is a ‘maintained’ version, that can allow the user channeling it to change to image at will (this include rotation or ‘playing an animation’, as it where). It lasts until the user cancels it and will not maintain after that. You cannot use other spells while this one is in effect.

Regulations and Skill Level: Legal/Advanced

Extraxi Memoria (Memory Extraction Charm)

Pronunciation: ex-TRAX-ee meh-MOR-ee-uh

Appearance: Silvery threads hanging from the end of the wand

Description: Used usually wordlessly, or quietly to remove the memory that has been brought to the surface, and decant into a pensieve or other suitable container.

Regulations and Skill Level: Advanced.

Etymology: From Latin extraho extraxi extractum, “drag out, extract, remove”, and memoria, “memory”

Canon Reference: Used by Dumbledore in the presence of Harry (wordlessly)

Fallax Memoria (False Memory Charm)

Pronunciation: FAL-ax meh-MOR-ee-uh

Appearance: The caster thinks hard on the false thought, then withdraws it from his mind with his wand, similar to extracting a memory for use with a Pensieve. The false thought is then placed in the mind of the victim.

Description: Causes the victim to believe a false memory created by the caster is actually true. The victim will act accordingly. Permanent, unless poorly cast or cured with Legilimency therapy.

Regulations and Skill Level: Controlled (use outside Ministry approval is Illegal). Master.

Etymology: From Latin fallax, “deceitful, false”, and memoria, “memory”

Canon Reference: Used by Voldemort on both Morfin Gaunt and Hokey the house-elf (Voldemort was an extremely powerful wizard, and thus able to use the spell successfully despite his youth).

Felicitas (Cheering Charm)

Pronunciation: feh-LIH-see-tahs

Appearance: A burst of golden sparks

Description: Causes the target to feel happy and content. Overly strong casting can cause bouts of uncontrollable laughter. Can work on mild blues, but not on long-term or deep-seated depression. Is largely ineffective against Dementor attacks. Lasts fifteen minutes, but may last longer if cast too forcefully.

Regulations and Skill Level: Legal. Beginner.

Etymology: Latin “happiness”

Canon Reference: Taught by Flitwick to the Charms class in Prisoner of Azkaban.

Firmus fumus (Smoke Solidifying Charm)

Pronunciation: FIR-mus FUH-mus

Appearance: Smoke appears to be sucked in by the end of the wand of the caster

Description: Will pull smoke from the air of a room, and solidify it into a dirty grey rock. Caution must be used when the smoke is a continuing volume, or in a confined area filled with thick smoke, as it increases the weight of the smoke far more than the airborne mass. Wizards have been crushed in confined spaces before they choked.

Regulations and Skill Level: Legal. Beginner.

Etymology: Latin “fumes or smoke, solid”

Notes: Taught by Ignan Storm to the first years.

Harpago (Hooking Charm)

Pronunciation: har-PAH-goh

Appearance: Invisible, apart from its effects

Description: Causes a human being to be grabbed and pulled in the direction the caster directs with his wand. Instantaneous.

Regulations and Skill Level: Legal. Advanced to Master (Advanced for use at all, on a child or perfectly stable, cooperating adult; Master for use on a full-grown, resisting target).

Etymology: Latin “a large hook, drag, grappling iron”

Canon Reference: Used by Dumbledore to ensnare a Death Eater attempting to escape from him in the Department of Mysteries in Order of the Phoenix.

Notes:

Ignea Aeternum (Gubraithian Fire)

Pronunciation: ig-NAY-uh ay-TAYR-nuhm

Appearance: Appears as normal fire, though with a subtle golden glow

Description: Creates a fire which burns forever, regardless of weather conditions or attempts to smother it. It can pass flame to other substances, but such flames burn out as normal. The object initially lit with the Gubraithian Fire will also last forever, without being consumed by the flames.

Regulations and Skill Level: Legal. Above Master (Curator approval required)

Etymology: From Latin ignis, “fire”, and aeternus, “eternal, everlasting”

Canon Reference: Offered as a gift from Dumbledore to Karkus, Gurg of the Giants, in Order of the Phoenix

Inamadverto (X-Ray Charm)

Pronunciation: ihn-ahm-ad-VARE-toh

Appearance: A “flashlight”-like beam that creates a spot of light on the object before it takes effect. Wand must remain pointed at the target.

Description: The beam will cause layers to fade away (visibly, though not actually) and show the caster what is underneath (i.e. muscle layer, organ layer, bone). Caster needs only to say “Further” or “Pull back” to cycle among layers. Lasts until the wand is moved or the caster loses concentration.

Regulations and Skill Level: Controlled (usually used only by Healers and Magizoologists). Advanced.

Etymology: From Latin ina, “fiber, sinew, tendon”, and adverto, “to direct one’s attention to, to perceive”

Notes: Works only on living targets.

Inaresiccitas (Drought Charm)

Pronunciation: ihn-AR-eh-SIH-kee-tahs

Appearance: Wisps of sand-colored mist descending over the affected water

Description: Causes small bodies of water (from a puddle to a pond) to dry up; proper casting will consume approximately a gallon per second. Does not work on larger bodies of water. Effect is permanent.

Regulations and Skill Level: Legal. Intermediate to cast at all, Advanced to work on more sizable bodies of water.

Etymology: From Latin inaresco, “to become dry”, and siccitas, “drought”

Canon Reference: Referenced in Goblet of Fire as an ineffective approach to the Second Task; Ron specifically states that it would not work on the entire lake.

Incendium Careulagilis (Bluebell Flame Charm)

Pronunciation: in-SEHN-dee-um cuh-ROO-luh-JEE-liss

Appearance: Blue flames

Description: Creates a blue flame that can be moved around without a source, even air. The flames can be sent away from the caster, then transported back to the hand of the caster, or even carried around in a container. The flames create light and heat, but do not actually burn. Lasts indefinitely or until dispelled.

Regulations and Skill Level: Legal. Intermediate.

Etymology: From Latin incendium, “fire”, careuleus, “blue”, and agilis, “easily moved”

Canon Reference: Used repeatedly by Hermione Granger (an exception to the Skill Level because of her atypical talent) in Sorcerer’s Stone, and then again in Deathly Hallows.

Incendium Incipio (Handheld Flame Charm)

Pronunciation: in-SEHN-dee-um in-SIH-pee-oh

Appearance: Fire in the palm of the wizard’s hand

Description: A tricky wandless spell, it conjures a small fire in the hand of the wizard who casts it, with no actual source of fuel other than air. It functions as normal fire (burning objects and providing illumination), though it does not burn the caster when in hand. If used to set fire to another object, the flames will leave the wizard’s hand entirely and latch on to the new object. Once they have thus passed out of the wizard’s direct control, the flames will be harmful to him again. Fire appears instantly and lasts as long as the wizard can keep focus on it, or until he lights something on fire with it.

Regulations and Skill Level: Legal. Advanced to Master.

Etymology: From Latin incendium, “fire”, and incipio, “to take in hand”

Canon Reference: Used by Lupin to illuminate his cabin on the Hogwarts Express just before the arrival of the dementor in Prisoner of Azkaban. Lupin exhibited extreme talent by performing not only a wandless spell, but doing it wordlessly also.

Inflatus (Ballooning Charm)

Pronunciation: IHN-flah-tuss

Appearance: Faint blue sparks, nearly invisible

Description: The target creature swells up, akin to the effects of a Swelling Solution, but it also floats as if filled with helium.

Regulations and Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced.

Etymology: Prefix derived from inflate, to expand with air.

Canon Reference: Harry, in a fit of wild magic, unknowingly cast a nasty one on his aunt Marge in 1993. [14]

Informous (Information Charm)

Pronunciation: IHN-form-us

Appearance: Invisible

Description: This charm is used in the creation of ocular devices such as Omnioculars or special telescopes and usually charmed on the lenses. When correctly cast, the device is able to recognize and correctly label certain information, such as quidditch statistics. Generally, the greater the knowledge and experience of the caster, the more powerful the charmed device will be at labeling things and the complexity of information it can handle. It can also be used when creating other magical devices.

Regulations and Skill Level: Intermediate to Master.

Etymology: From the prefix infor, "to inform"

Canon Reference: Would explain the creation of many information gathering devices; such as Omnioculars, Moody's Eye and even the Marauders' Map. [15]

Insula Silentium (Island of Silence Charm)

Pronunciation: IHN-soo-luh sih-LEHN-tee-uhm

Appearance: Invisible

Description: Blocks out all sound from outside a designated area. Instantaneous, and lasts at least half an hour, or until removed by the caster.

Regulations and Skill Level: Legal. Advanced.

Etymology: From Latin insula, “an island”, and silentium, “silence”

Canon Reference: Used by Dumbledore when speaking to Snape in 1981, as seen in the Pensieve in Deathly Hallows.

Laxus Dissimulum (Undetectable Extension Charm)

Pronunciation: LAK-suss dih-SIHM-yoo-luhm

Appearance: Invisible, apart from its effects

Description: Causes a container with defined boundaries to be able to hold far more than it normally would. The object itself does not bear the added weight of extra items put inside, and looks exactly the same as it normally would when viewed from the outside. Lasts indefinitely.

Regulations and Skill Level: Legal. Advanced.

Etymology: From Latin laxo, “to widen, loosen, extend, enlarge”, and dissimulo, “to dissemble, disguise, keep secret”

Canon Reference: Used by Mundungus Fletcher on a car in Order of the Phoenix, and then by Hermione on her beaded bag in Deathly Hallows.

Linea Aetatis _____ (Age-Line Spell)

Pronunciation: LIH-nee-uh ay-TAH-tiss

Appearance: A thin golden line on the floor. The enchantment spoken is the first two words of the spell, followed by the age (also in Latin) below which no one may cross the line. For example, the Age Line in Goblet of Fire (17) would have been “Linea Aetatis Septemdecim”.

Description: Causes anyone below the specified age who crosses the line to be propelled backwards over it. If the offending wizard has used some means to magically alter his age, the line may also cause him to suffer the extremes of it (such as growing a beard after having taken an Aging Potion, or having one’s skin wrinkle if he tried an Aging Jinx), if the line’s caster is a sufficiently accomplished wizard. The spell’s duration depends on the intent of the caster, but is rarely less than twenty-four hours. It can last up to a month, after which it must be reinforced. Witches and wizards who have some skill with the spell might cast it on rooms in their homes which they do not wish their children to enter.

Regulations and Skill Level: Legal (on private property). Advanced to cast at all, Master to cast for longer periods of time and unfooled by aging enchantments or potions.

Etymology: From Latin linea, “line”, and aetatis, “age”

Canon Reference: Used by Dumbledore to draw a ten-foot radius circle around the Goblet of Fire in the eponymous book.

Manardorum (Fire Whip Spell)

Pronunciation: MAHN-ar-DOR-oom

Appearance: A long whip, apparently of flame (though it does not burn) projects from the tip of the caster’s wand

Description: Causes a non-burning, fiery whip to materialize from the caster’s wand. This can be used like a normal whip (i.e. for striking, tying, etc). Lasts a few moments at most.

Regulations and Skill Level: Legal. Master.

Etymology: From Latin manus, “hand”, and ardor, “flame”

Canon Reference: Used by Dumbledore to ensnare Voldemort briefly during their duel at the Ministry.

Membrum Nexum Argentum (Dark Arts Prosthetic)

Pronunciation: MEHM-bruhm NEX-uhm ar-JEN-tuhm

Appearance: A ball of what looks like molten silver that takes the shape of whatever limb it is replacing, and attaches itself to the wound.

Description: Creates a magical prosthetic to replace a severed limb. The limb also creates a bond between caster and recipient; should the recipient betray or work against the caster, the replacement limb might attack its owner. Permanent.

Regulations and Skill Level: Illegal (though little-known to begin with). Master.

Etymology: From Latin membrum, “a limb”, necto, meaning both “to bind” and “to enslave”, and argentis, meaning “silver”

Canon Reference: Used by Voldemort to create a replacement hand for Peter Pettigrew in Goblet of Fire. It later strangled Pettigrew when he showed mercy to Harry Potter.

Obvolvo

Pronunciation: ob-VOL-vo

Appearance: Items under this spell’s control will have a slight purple glow.

Description: This spell causes an object to attempt to wrap around an object or person you indicate. The will try to get as tight as possible but will usually not reach a lethal pressure.

Regulations and Skill Level: Legal, Intermediate

Persecto (The Carving Charm)

Pronunciation: pur-SECT-toe

Appearance: Items under this spell will give off a red sheen.

Description: The spell causes an object or wand end to cut through a surface.

Regulation and Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced, skill levels varies on what type of materials can be cut from it.

Etymology: From the latin word perseco, meaning 'cut away.'

Proteum Magister / Proteus (The Protean Charm)

Pronunciation: PROH-tay-oom MAH-jee-stare / proh-TAY-oos

Appearance: First incantation is used on the master object, which glows briefly. Subsequent uses on slave objects use the second incantation, while the two objects are touching.

Description: Causes numerous identical objects to mimic changes to a single (also identical) master object. Permanent.

Regulations and Skill Level: Legal. Advanced (and N.E.W.T. standard)

Etymology: From Proteus, a shape-shifting Greek sea god

Canon Reference: Used by Hermione on the communication coins for Dumbledore’s Army, and later copied by Draco Malfoy on his own coins.

Quiesoporifus (Dreamless Sleep Spell)

Pronunciation: KWEE-eh-soh-POR-ih-foos

Appearance: A mist falling over the head of the target

Description: Causes the target to fall into a bewitched, dreamless sleep. Can last a very long time (days or even weeks), depending on the skill of the caster.

Regulations and Skill Level: Controlled. Master.

Etymology: From Latin quies, “sleep”, and soporifer, “causing deep sleep”

Canon Reference: Dumbledore says, though he could cast it, such a spell would not be to Harry’s benefit after the duel in Little Hangleton in Goblet of Fire.

Recurro Formus Principialis (Homorphus Charm)

Pronunciation: ree-KOO-roh FOR-muss prin-sih-pee-AH-lis

Appearance: A flash of blue-white light

Description: Causes a voluntarily Transfigured human being to return to his or her original form. As such, it can force Metamorphmagi or Animagi to return to their standard appearances, as well as those who have Transfigured themselves, but does not work on werewolves or those who have taken Polyjuice Potion.

Regulations and Skill Level: Legal. Advanced.

Etymology: From Latin recurro, “to revert, return”, forma, “form, figure, shape”, and principialis, “original”

Canon Reference: Mentioned by Gilderoy Lockhart, though he references it alongside discussion of a werewolf. Given Lockhart’s intellectual bankruptcy, it is possible he knew only the name of the spell, not what it did. However, very likely the spell Remus Lupin and Sirius Black used to force Peter Pettigrew back to human form in Prisoner of Azkaban.

Relevo (Featherweight Charm)

Pronunciation: reh-LAY-voh

Appearance: Invisible

Description: Makes an object extremely lightweight, so that it can be carried more easily. Lasts a few hours, after which the object in question will grow steadily heavier.

Regulations and Skill Level: Legal. Intermediate.

Etymology: Latin “to lighten, alleviate”

Canon Reference: Harry considers casting this on his trunk in Prisoner of Azkaban to enable him to fly to London with it, but flags down the Knight Bus accidentally first.

Revoficus (Evidence Recovery Charm)

Pronunciation: reh-voh-FEE-kuss

Appearance: Magical traces of other spells gather around the wand of the caster, in different colors (corresponding to the color of the spell itself when cast; invisible spells are misty)

Description: Gathers magical traces from an area, if cast sufficiently soon after the magic itself was used.

Regulations and Skill Level: Controlled (Legal, but usually used only by Unspeakables, Aurors, and Hitwizards). Advanced.

Etymology: Unknown

Sopor Excessum Lethargus Quies (Frozen Life Charm)

Pronunciation: SOH-por ek-SESS-um leh-THAR-guss KWEE-ays

Appearance: Invisible

Description: Causes collapse, reduction in body temperature, slowed breathing and progress of bodily fluids. Limbs remain mobile. Used to slow the spread of poison through the body. The subject must be constantly attended while under the spell, which degrades after twenty-four hours (or sooner, if cast ineffectively). Inadvisable for those with bleeding wounds, as the spell might actually increase the chance of death from blood loss. Instantaneous effect.

Regulations and Skill Level: Legal. Advanced (N.E.W.T. standard)

Etymology: From Latin sopor, “deep sleep”, excessus, “death”, lethargus, “lethargy”, and quies, “sleep”

Notes: Works only on those who are injured or poisoned (a healthy body naturally resists the spell).

Spissvillosus (Hair-Thickening Charm)

Pronunciation: spiss-vih-LOH-suss

Appearance: Invisible, apart from its effects

Description: Causes the hair of the target to thicken. It is a treatment for baldness for those wizards unwilling to accept it, though it must be recast regularly. In addition, over-forceful casting can result in extreme and rapid hair growth far beyond what is desired. Takes a few seconds for full effect.

Regulations and Skill Level: Legal. Intermediate.

Etymology: From Latin spisso, “to make thick, thicken”, and villosus, “shaggy, hairy”

Canon Reference: In Order of the Phoenix, after Katie Bell is hit with a jinx that makes her eyebrows grow past her mouth, Snape refuses to accept that a Slytherin is responsible, suggesting instead that Katie misused a Hair-Thickening Charm.

Stupefex Omnis (All-Stunner)

Pronunciation: STOO-peh-fex AHM-neece

Appearance: A silver streak of light flies in a quick circle around the caster. Once it has completed a full circuit, a second flash of silver light bursts out in all directions.

Description: Stuns multiple people simultaneously. A very powerful or experienced caster can pick and choose targets from a group; a less experienced caster will indiscriminately Stun everyone within range of the spell. The Stun effect lasts briefly (about a minute), substantially less than a normal Stunner.

Regulations and Skill Level: Legal. Master.

Etymology: From Latin stupefacio, “to stun”, and omnis, “all”

Canon Reference: Used by Dumbledore to simultaneously stun Cornelius Fudge, Dolores Umbridge, John Dawlish, and Kingsley Shacklebolt (while avoiding Harry Potter, Minerva McGonagall, and Percy Weasley) in Order of the Phoenix.

Verameatus (Hinkypunk Defense Charm)

Pronunciation: VARE-uh-may-AH-tuss

Appearance: Invisible

Description: Forces a hinkypunk (which normally guides travelers to their doom in bogs and quicksand) to reveal the safe path. Lasts half an hour.

Regulations and Skill Level: Legal. Intermediate.

Etymology: From Latin verus, “true, genuine”, and meatus, “path”

Vexatio (Shock Spell)

Pronunciation: vek-SAH-tee-oh

Appearance: A cascade of tiny electric bolts from the wand tip

Description: Causes electric shocks in the target. Previously used in St. Mungo’s to treat mind-affecting curses and mental illnesses, before the development of Legilimency therapy and modern Mind Charms, it is of almost not use in combat, as the target must be within a foot of the caster. The shocks last for a few seconds from a single casting.

Regulations and Skill Level: Controlled. Advanced to Master.

Etymology: Latin “shaking, jolting, shock”

Canon Reference: Recommended by a witch to Harry Potter after his February 1996 interview with The Quibbler.

Volatus (Flying Charm)

Pronunciation: voh-LAH-tuss

Appearance: Invisible, though the charmed object shudders momentarily

Description: Causes an object to be able to fly. Used on broomsticks and (outside Britain) carpets. Permanent.

Regulations and Skill Level: Controlled (by the Ministry, which specifically licenses broom makers to use the charm). Master.

Etymology: Latin “flight, flying”

Canon Reference: Draco Malfoy mentions this being cast on broomsticks in Chamber of Secrets. Possibly also what Arthur Weasley cast on his flying Ford Anglia.