Charm

A Charm is a fundamental branch of spellcasting that alters the inherent properties of an object or creature, changing what it does rather than what it is. This type of magic focuses on imbuing its target with a new, often temporary, function or behaviour. For example, a Charm can make an object fly, unlock itself, or repel water, but it does not change the object's fundamental nature. Charms are distinct from other major spell categories:

• Transfiguration: This is the most significant distinction. Where Charms alter an object's function, Transfiguration alters its form and substance, changing it into something else entirely. As Professor McGonagall taught, Transfiguration is more scientific and precise, while Professor Flitwick described Charms as being more concerned with imbuing properties.
• Dark Arts: Charms are generally not considered Dark Magic. While some Charms can be used offensively in a duel, such as the Stunning Spell or the Disarming Charm, their primary nature is not malevolent. They are distinct from explicitly malicious spells like Jinxes, Hexes, and Curses, which are designed to cause harm, inconvenience, or suffering.

The scope of Charms is vast, encompassing simple household spells like the Mending Charm as well as some of the most powerful and complex magic known, such as the Patronus Charm and the Fidelius Charm.

Charms is a core subject taught at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to all students from their first to their fifth year. Students may then continue to study the subject at the N.E.W.T. level in their sixth and seventh years. The long-standing Charms professor during Harry Potter's time at Hogwarts was Filius Flitwick, a diminutive and highly accomplished wizard. The Charms classroom was located on the second floor of Hogwarts Castle. The curriculum involves both theoretical knowledge and extensive practical work, with an emphasis on correct wand movement and proper incantation pronunciation.

• In their first year, students learned basic spells like the Levitation Charm.
• By third year, students were expected to master more emotionally-driven magic like the Cheering Charm.
• In sixth year, the curriculum advanced to include the difficult and powerful art of non-verbal spells.

• Summoning Charm (Accio): Summons an object to the caster.
• Banishing Charm: The counter-charm to the Summoning Charm, it sends objects away from the caster.
• Disarming Charm (Expelliarmus): Forces a target to drop whatever they are holding, most often their wand.
• Fidelius Charm: An immensely complex and powerful charm that conceals a secret within the soul of a designated Secret-Keeper.
• Levitation Charm (Wingardium Leviosa): Causes an object to levitate.
• Memory Charm (Obliviate): Erases or modifies a person's memories.
• Mending Charm (Reparo): Repairs broken objects.
• Patronus Charm (Expecto Patronum): Conjures a guardian of positive energy to repel Dementors.
• Shield Charm (Protego): Creates a magical barrier to deflect minor to moderate spells and jinxes.
• Stunning Spell (Stupefy): Renders a target unconscious.
• Unlocking Charm (Alohomora): Unlocks doors and windows that are not protected by stronger magic.
• Water-Making Spell (Aguamenti): Produces a jet of clean, drinkable water from the caster's wand.

The word “charm” originates from the Old French charme, which in turn comes from the Latin word carmen, meaning “song,” “verse,” or “enchantment.” This etymology reflects the vital importance of the spoken incantation in the casting of many spells.

• The official Pottermore website (now Wizarding World) elaborates on the distinction between Charms and Transfiguration, stating: “Charms are distinguished from Transfigurations in that a charm adds or changes properties of an object; it does not change the object into something else.” (Pottermore)
• While the books establish clear classifications for many spells, the boundaries can sometimes appear flexible. For example, powerful spells used in combat like Stupefy and Expelliarmus are consistently referred to as Charms, demonstrating that this category is not limited to simple, benign magic.