Four-Point Spell

• Incantation: Point Me
• Pronunciation: POYNT-mee
• Wand Movement: The wand is placed flat on the open palm of the caster.
• Light: None described.
• Effect: Causes the caster's wand to act like a compass, with the tip pointing due north.
• Type: Charm

The Four-Point Spell was a practical navigational charm used to determine direction. Its most notable use occurred during the Third Task of the Triwizard Tournament. Before entering the maze, Hermione Granger taught the spell to Harry Potter, having mastered it in preparation for the task. Inside the maze, Harry Potter used the spell successfully on multiple occasions. When faced with a choice of paths, he would place his wand flat on his palm and utter the incantation `Point Me`. The wand would then spin to indicate the northern direction, allowing him to maintain his bearings within the confusing, magically-altered maze and make informed choices about which way to proceed. This simple but effective piece of magic proved invaluable in helping him navigate toward the center of the maze where the Triwizard Cup was located.

The spell appears to be of moderate difficulty. Hermione Granger, a highly proficient student, was able to learn it and subsequently teach it to Harry Potter in a short amount of time before the Third Task. This suggests it is well within the capabilities of a fourth-year Hogwarts student. There are no known counter-spells or methods to block the Four-Point Spell mentioned in the books. As a utility charm rather than a spell used in duelling, it is unlikely to have a direct counter-incantation. However, its effectiveness could presumably be negated by locations with powerful confounding magic or enchantments specifically designed to interfere with directional spells.

The name “Four-Point Spell” is a direct reference to the four cardinal points of a compass: north, south, east, and west. The incantation, `Point Me`, is in plain English and is a literal command to the wand, instructing it to point the caster in the correct direction. This is somewhat unusual, as many incantations are derived from Latin, but not unprecedented.

• In the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Harry Potter is shown using the spell inside the hedge maze, consistent with the novel. (film)
• In the video game adaptation of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, the spell is used as a primary navigational tool, casting a golden trail on the ground to guide the player to their selected destination on the Marauder's Map. (video game)