Confoundable [Harry Potter Lexicon]

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======Confoundable======
=====Spell Information=====
  * **Incantation:** [[Confundo]]
  * **Pronunciation:** //kon-FUN-doh//
  * **Wand Movement:** Not described in the novels.
  * **Light:** Not described in the novels.
  * **Effect:** To cause a state of bewilderment and confusion in the target, making them highly susceptible to suggestion. A target in this state is described as "confounded."
  * **Type:** [[Charm]]
=====History and Known Uses=====
The state of being confoundable is achieved by casting the [[Confundus Charm]]. This charm has been used on both individuals and magical objects throughout the series.
  * In 1994, [[Barty Crouch Jr.]], disguised as [[Alastor Moody]], used a powerful [[Confundus Charm]] on the [[Goblet of Fire]]. This act made the magical object "confoundable" enough to bypass its age restrictions and accept a fourth champion, [[Harry Potter]], for the [[Tri-Wizard Tournament]]. This required an exceptionally strong charm, as the [[Goblet of Fire]] was protected by powerful magic.
  * During the 1995-1996 school year, [[Severus Snape]] mentioned the possibility of being confounded when questioned by [[Dolores Umbridge]] about his supply of [[Veritaserum]], suggesting it as a potential reason for a discrepancy.
  * In the autumn of 1996, [[Hermione Granger]] secretly cast a [[Confundus Charm]] on [[Cormac McLaggen]] during the [[Gryffindor]] [[Quidditch]] team's [[Keeper]] tryouts. The charm caused McLaggen to miss his final save, ensuring that [[Ron Weasley]] secured the position.
  * In the summer of 1997, [[Severus Snape]] confounded [[Mundungus Fletcher]] to make him propose the plan of using [[Polyjuice Potion]] to create [[Seven Potters]] as a decoy to protect Harry during his departure from [[Number Four, Privet Drive]]. This was a critical part of Snape's plan to protect Harry on [[Albus Dumbledore|Dumbledore's]] orders.
  * During the infiltration of the [[Ministry of Magic]] in 1997, [[Ron Weasley]] suggested confounding [[Pius Thicknesse]], who was already under the [[Imperius Curse]].
  * In 1998, during the trio's raid on [[Gringotts Wizarding Bank]], [[Harry Potter]] used the [[Confundus Charm]] on two security [[Goblins]] to gain access to the lower levels.
=====Learning and Counter-Spells=====
The difficulty of casting an effective [[Confundus Charm]] varies depending on the target. Confounding a sentient being like [[Cormac McLaggen]] was simple enough for a skilled witch like [[Hermione Granger]]. However, confounding a powerfully enchanted object like the [[Goblet of Fire]] required a [[Dark Arts]] practitioner of [[Barty Crouch Jr.|Barty Crouch Jr.'s]] calibre.
There is no specific counter-spell mentioned in the novels. The effects appear to wear off over time. Resistance to the charm may be possible for individuals with a strong will or skills in [[Occlumency]], though this is not explicitly stated. Magical objects are often enchanted to resist being confounded.
=====Etymology=====
"Confoundable" is an adjective derived from the English verb "to confound," meaning to confuse or bewilder.
The incantation, //Confundo//, is Latin for "I confuse" or "I confound." It is the first-person singular present active indicative of the verb //confundere//, which means "to pour together, to mix, to bring to disorder."
=====Behind the Scenes=====
  * In the film adaptation of //Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince//, [[Hermione Granger|Hermione's]] spell on [[Cormac McLaggen]] is shown as a wisp of light that travels from her [[wand]] to McLaggen, causing him to swerve and miss the [[Quaffle]]. (film)