Show pageOld revisionsBacklinksBack to top This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong. ======Altering Spell====== =====Spell Information===== * **Incantation:** Unknown (The most well-known example, the [[Protean Charm]], is cast non-verbally in the text) * **Pronunciation:** Not applicable * **Wand Movement:** Unknown * **Light:** Unknown * **Effect:** Magically links a group of objects so that when one is altered, all others in the group change to match it. * **Type:** [[Charm]] =====History and Known Uses===== An Altering Spell is a category of highly advanced magic, with the most famous example being the [[Protean Charm]]. This type of enchantment is used to link multiple objects, making it an effective, albeit difficult, method for secret communication or signaling. Its power and complexity are demonstrated by its use in very different magical contexts, from student resistance groups to the darkest forms of [[magic]]. * **[[Dumbledore's Army]] Communication:** In her fifth year, [[Hermione Granger]] performed a [[Protean Charm]] on a number of fake [[Galleon]]s to serve as secret communicators for the members of [[Dumbledore's Army]]. She gave one coin to each member. When [[Harry Potter]] updated the date and time of the next meeting on his own coin, the serial numbers on every other coin would change to match, and the coin would heat up to alert its owner. This ingenious use of an Altering Spell allowed the D.A. to coordinate its meetings without being detected by [[Dolores Umbridge]] and the [[Inquisitorial Squad]]. * **The [[Dark Mark]]:** A darker and more sinister application of this magic is used by [[Lord Voldemort]] on the [[Dark Mark]]s he brands onto the forearms of his [[Death Eater]]s. When Voldemort presses his [[wand]] to the Mark of any one of his followers, all other [[Dark Mark]]s burn and turn black, summoning the [[Death Eater]]s to his side instantly. This magical connection ensures that his followers are always at his beck and call. * **[[Marauder's Map]]:** While not explicitly named as such, the complex enchantments on the [[Marauder's Map]] function as a continuous Altering Spell. The [[map]] constantly alters its own appearance to show a real-time representation of every person's location within [[Hogwarts Castle]]. The magic is so sophisticated that it can see through [[Invisibility Cloak]]s and identify those using [[Polyjuice Potion]]. =====Learning and Counter-Spells===== This type of [[magic]] is exceptionally difficult to perform. [[Hermione Granger]] noted that the [[Protean Charm]] was N.E.W.T.-standard [[magic]], meaning it is typically taught to sixth or seventh-year students at [[Hogwarts]]. This places it among the most advanced and challenging spells a student would be expected to learn. There are no known counter-spells or simple methods to undo an Altering Spell. Given its complexity, it would likely require equally powerful and specific counter-charms to disable the magical link between the enchanted objects. =====Etymology===== The primary named example of an Altering Spell is the **[[Protean Charm]]**. The word //protean// derives from Proteus, a sea god in Greek mythology who was known for his ability to change his shape at will. This etymology perfectly reflects the spell's effect, which causes linked objects to change their form or appearance in unison. =====Behind the Scenes===== * The charmed [[Galleon]]s for [[Dumbledore's Army]] are visually depicted in the film adaptation of //Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix//, showing the numbers shifting across the coin's edge. (film) * In the video game adaptation of //Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix//, the [[Protean Charm]] is a spell the player can learn and use to solve puzzles, such as duplicating the movements of one object onto another. (video game)
