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. ======Charms====== =====Definition and Nature===== **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]]. =====Teaching at Hogwarts===== 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. - **First Year:** Students learn foundational spells such as the [[Levitation Charm]] ([[Wingardium Leviosa]]), the [[Wand-Lighting Charm]] ([[Lumos]]), and the [[Unlocking Charm]] ([[Alohomora]]). - **Second Year:** The curriculum includes spells like the [[Scouring Charm]] ([[Skurge]]). - **Third Year:** Students are taught more emotionally-driven or complex spells like the [[Cheering Charm]] and the [[Freezing Charm]] ([[Immobulus]]). - **Fourth Year:** The focus shifts to more practical and powerful spells, including the [[Summoning Charm]] ([[Accio]]) and the [[Banishing Charm]]. - **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. - **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. =====Notable Charms===== 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]] =====Notable Charm Masters===== 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. =====Distinction from Other Branches of Magic===== 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: - **[[Jinxes]]:** Spells whose effects are minorly irritating or obstructive, like the [[Trip Jinx]]. - **[[Hexes]]:** These have a stronger negative connotation and a more significant, unpleasant effect, such as the [[Bat-Bogey Hex]]. - **[[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. =====Behind the Scenes===== * 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.
