======The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 6======
=====Object Information=====
  * **Type:** [[Textbook]]
  * **Owners:** Sixth-year [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]] students, including [[Harry Potter]], [[Ron Weasley]], and [[Hermione Granger]].
  * **Maker:** Authored by [[Miranda Goshawk]].
=====Description and Appearance=====
//The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 6// is the sixth volume in a series of required [[Charms]] textbooks for students at [[Hogwarts]]. The book is part of the standard curriculum and would have been purchased by students at [[Flourish and Blotts]] in [[Diagon Alley]] prior to the start of the 1996-1997 school year.
While its specific physical appearance is not described in the novels, it contains advanced theoretical principles and practical instructions for spell-casting appropriate for students preparing for their [[N.E.W.T.]]-level examinations. The content builds upon the magical foundations established in the preceding five volumes.
=====Magical Properties and Usage=====
The primary purpose of this book is to serve as the core instructional text for sixth-year [[Charms]] class, taught by Professor [[Filius Flitwick]]. The curriculum for this year places a significant emphasis on the mastery of **non-verbal spells**, a skill that requires considerable concentration and discipline.
Spells and magical techniques explicitly taught or practiced in the corresponding [[Charms]] class include:
  * **Non-Verbal Summoning Charms:** Students, including [[Harry Potter]] and [[Ron Weasley]], practice summoning objects non-verbally in Professor Flitwick's class, with [[Hermione Granger]] being the first to succeed.
  * **[[Aguamenti]] (The Water-Making Spell):** This charm, which conjures a jet of clean, drinkable water from the caster's [[wand]], is taught during this year. Harry recalls learning it from Professor Flitwick when he later attempts to use it to give water to a weakened [[Albus Dumbledore]] in the [[Horcrux]] cave.
  * **[[Tergeo]] (The Cleaning Charm):** While not explicitly stated to be from this book, [[Hermione Granger]] uses this spell non-verbally to siphon dried blood off Harry's face on the [[Hogwarts Express]]. Its precise nature suggests it is a N.E.W.T.-level cleaning charm that would be covered in sixth-year lessons.
=====History=====
As part of a long-established series by the famous spell-book author [[Miranda Goshawk]], //The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 6// has been a staple of the [[Hogwarts]] curriculum for many years. It appeared on the booklist sent to [[Harry Potter]] and his classmates via [[owl post]] during the summer before their sixth year. Along with their other required texts, it was purchased in [[Diagon Alley]] in preparation for the new school term.
=====Role in the Story=====
In //[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]//, this textbook represents the official, approved method of learning at [[Hogwarts]]. Its role in the narrative is significantly overshadowed by Harry's annotated copy of //[[Advanced Potion-Making]]//, which belonged to the mysterious [[Half-Blood Prince]]. This contrast highlights the difference between standard, structured magical education and the more intuitive, and sometimes dangerous, handwritten notes and invented spells found in the [[Potions]] book.
Despite its secondary role in the plot, the skills learned from //The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 6// are vital. Harry's knowledge of the //[[Aguamenti]]// spell becomes critically important during his mission with [[Albus Dumbledore]] to retrieve [[Salazar Slytherin's Locket]], demonstrating the practical value of his formal education. The focus on non-verbal spell-casting is also crucial for developing the combat skills necessary for a duelist, which becomes essential for Harry and his friends in the [[Second Wizarding War]].
=====Behind the Scenes=====
  * The author, [[Miranda Goshawk]], was born in 1921 and is a renowned expert on [[Charms]]. Her entire //Standard Book of Spells// series is a core part of the [[Hogwarts]] curriculum (Pottermore).
  * In the film adaptation of //Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince//, a physical prop for the book was created, giving it a specific cover design not described in the source novel (film).