Bewitched Snowballs

• 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.

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.

The specific method for learning this piece of magic is unknown. As it was successfully cast by Fred and 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.

As no incantation is known for this spell, no etymological analysis is possible. The name is purely descriptive of the effect.

• 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)