Charms

Charms is a fundamental branch of magic that focuses on altering what an object or creature does, rather than what it is. This type of spell imparts new and unusual properties onto the subject of the incantation. For example, a Charm might make an object fly, light up, or repel water, but the object itself remains fundamentally the same. This is distinct from Transfiguration, which changes the inherent nature and molecular structure of a subject, such as turning a matchstick into a needle. The primary textbook for the subject at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is the The Standard Book of Spells series, authored by Miranda Goshawk.

Charms is a core subject taught to all students from their first year through to the O.W.L. level, with an optional N.E.W.T. class for advanced students.

• Professor: The subject is taught by Professor Filius Flitwick, the Head of Ravenclaw House and a former duelling champion renowned for his expertise in the field.
• Classroom: The Charms Classroom is located on the First Floor of Hogwarts Castle.
• Curriculum: The curriculum progresses in difficulty, beginning with simple enchantments and moving toward more complex and powerful magic.
  1. First Year: Students learn foundational spells such as the Levitation Charm (Wingardium Leviosa), the Wand-Lighting Charm (Lumos), and the Unlocking Charm (Alohomora).
  2. Second Year: The curriculum includes spells like the Scouring Charm (Skurge).
  3. Third Year: Students are taught more emotionally-driven or complex spells like the Cheering Charm and the Freezing Charm (Immobulus).
  4. Fourth Year: The focus shifts to more practical and powerful spells, including the Summoning Charm (Accio) and the Banishing Charm.
  5. Fifth Year (O.W.L. Level): Students prepare for their Ordinary Wizarding Level examinations by mastering more advanced spells, such as the Silencing Charm (Silencio) and the Shield Charm (Protego). The practical O.W.L. exam involves tasks like making a pineapple tap-dance.
  6. Sixth Year (N.E.W.T. Level): Advanced students, including Harry Potter and Ron Weasley, learn complex magic such as the Water-Making Spell (Aguamenti) and are expected to master non-verbal spellcasting.

Charms encompass some of the most widely used and important spells in the wizarding world.

• Summoning Charm (Accio)
• Patronus Charm (Expecto Patronum)
• Shield Charm (Protego)
• Disarming Charm (Expelliarmus)
• Stunning Spell (Stupefy)
• Memory Charm (Obliviate)
• Fidelius Charm
• Confundus Charm (Confundo)
• Muffliato Charm
• Levicorpus

Certain witches and wizards have shown exceptional talent in the field of Charms.

• Filius Flitwick: As the Charms Master at Hogwarts, his expertise is unparalleled in the formal study and teaching of the subject.
• Albus Dumbledore: Possessed a masterful command of all forms of magic, including incredibly powerful and subtle Charms, such as those used to protect Hogwarts.
• Hermione Granger: Considered the brightest witch of her age, she consistently excelled in Charms, often mastering new spells before her classmates and receiving high praise from Professor Flitwick.
• Lily Evans Potter: Was described by Professor Horace Slughorn as being one of his most brilliant students, with a particular talent for Charms.
• Lord Voldemort: Though a master of the Dark Arts, his ability to create Horcruxes and protect them with complex enchantments demonstrates a profound, albeit twisted, understanding of Charms.

The classification of magic can sometimes be complex, but Charms have a distinct theoretical basis.

• Versus Transfiguration: This is the most crucial distinction taught to young students. Charms change what something does, while Transfiguration changes what something is. A charmed teacup might sing, but it remains a teacup. A transfigured teacup could become a rat.
• Versus Jinxes, Hexes, and Curses: While Charms are typically viewed as neutral or beneficial, spells that cause harm or inconvenience fall into the category of Dark Arts. This exists on a spectrum:
  1. Jinxes: Spells whose effects are minorly irritating or obstructive, like the Trip Jinx.
  2. Hexes: These have a stronger negative connotation and a more significant, unpleasant effect, such as the Bat-Bogey Hex.
  3. Curses: The most severe category of Dark magic, intended to cause significant harm, control, or death, such as the Unforgivable Curses.
• Some spells, like the Stunning Spell or the Disarming Charm, are classified as Charms but are primarily used in combat, blurring the line between a simple Charm and a martial spell.

• In an entry on the Pottermore website, J.K. Rowling reiterated the key distinction between Charms and Transfiguration, stating, “The borderline between the two is blurry; one might, for instance, charm a teacup to dance, but transfigure it into a tortoise.” (Pottermore).
• The Levicorpus spell is an interesting case; while it functions like a Charm (hoisting someone by their ankle), its creator, Severus Snape, classified it as a Jinx in his personal notes.