Blemish-Blasting Curse

• Incantation: Unknown
• Pronunciation: Not applicable
• Wand Movement: Unknown
• Light: Unknown
• Effect: A curse intended to forcefully remove skin blemishes, such as pustules, boils, or acne.
• Type: Curse, though its use in a healing context suggests it is a minor one, possibly a form of Healing Magic.

The Blemish-Blasting Curse is mentioned a single time in the series, during the 1995-1996 school year at Hogwarts. After Marietta Edgecombe betrayed Dumbledore's Army to High Inquisitor Dolores Umbridge, she was afflicted by a powerful jinx that Hermione Granger had placed on the group's signing parchment. The jinx caused a series of purple pustules to erupt across Marietta's face, spelling the word “SNEAK”. Harry Potter later saw Marietta in the Hospital Wing, where Madam Pomfrey was attempting to treat the condition. Madam Pomfrey admitted that the blemishes were proving exceptionally stubborn, stating, “I've tried everything I know, but nothing will make them fade… I've even tried a Blemish-Blasting Curse, which is a fairly powerful remedy, but it hasn't had the slightest effect.” This instance demonstrates that while the Blemish-Blasting Curse is a standard and potent tool in a Healer's arsenal for dealing with skin afflictions, it was ineffective against the uniquely resilient and well-crafted Dark Magic used by Hermione Granger in her defensive enchantment.

The difficulty of learning this curse is unknown, though its use by Madam Pomfrey indicates that it is a known spell within the field of Healing Magic. There are no known counter-spells, as the Blemish-Blasting Curse is itself a remedy. Its failure to work on Marietta Edgecombe's jinx-induced boils was not due to a counter-spell, but rather the superior magical power of the initial affliction.

The name is straightforward and descriptive, derived from modern English words:

• Blemish: A small mark or flaw which spoils the appearance of something.
• Blasting: A verb suggesting a forceful, explosive removal.
• Curse: A spell intended to cause harm or misfortune, though in this case, the “harm” is directed at the blemish itself, not the person.

The primary narrative function of the Blemish-Blasting Curse is to highlight the exceptional magical talent of Hermione Granger. The fact that her jinx could withstand a “fairly powerful remedy” used by an experienced Healer like Madam Pomfrey serves as a testament to her advanced skills in Charms and defensive magic, even as a student. The spell does not appear in the film adaptations or any other supplementary materials.