======Bewitched Snowballs======
=====Spell Information=====
  * **Incantation:** Unknown. The magic may be performed non-verbally, or the incantation is simply not stated.
  * **Pronunciation:** Not applicable.
  * **Wand Movement:** Unknown.
  * **Light:** None described.
  * **Effect:** Enchants ordinary snowballs, causing them to fly through the air, follow a specific target, and repeatedly strike them.
  * **Type:** [[Charm]] or [[Jinx]].
=====History and Known Uses=====
The only recorded use of Bewitched Snowballs occurred during the Christmas holidays of 1991 at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]]. [[Fred Weasley]] and [[George Weasley]], then in their third year, performed the enchantment as a prank.
They bewitched several snowballs to follow the [[Defence Against the Dark Arts]] professor, [[Professor Quirrell]], wherever he went. The snowballs were specifically directed to bounce continuously off the back of his purple [[turban]]. This act serves as a moment of profound dramatic irony within the series; unbeknownst to the twins, the face of [[Lord Voldemort]] was concealed on the back of [[Professor Quirrell]]'s head. Therefore, in their attempt at a simple prank, Fred and George were repeatedly hitting the disembodied Dark Lord directly in the face with enchanted snow.
=====Learning and Counter-Spells=====
The specific method for learning this piece of magic is unknown. As it was successfully cast by [[Fred Weasley|Fred]] and [[George Weasley|George]], it is presumably not exceptionally difficult magic, though they were known to be highly proficient and inventive wizards from a young age.
No specific counter-spell is mentioned. It is plausible that general defensive spells, such as the [[Shield Charm]] ([[Protego]]), would be effective against them. [[Professor Quirrell]] did not seem to counter the spell, possibly to avoid drawing any unnecessary attention to the back of his head and the precious cargo it contained.
=====Etymology=====
As no incantation is known for this spell, no etymological analysis is possible. The name is purely descriptive of the effect.
=====Behind the Scenes=====
  * The incident with the Bewitched Snowballs is a prime example of J.K. Rowling's use of dramatic irony, providing a moment of humor that gains a dark and significant new meaning upon re-reading the book after the final chapter's revelations.
  * In the video game //LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4//, there is a direct homage to this scene. In the [[Hogwarts]] courtyard during winter, the player can use magic to throw snowballs at [[Professor Quirrell]], who reacts with annoyance. (video game)