Stinging Hex

• Incantation: Unknown. The spell is often cast non-verbally.
• Pronunciation: Not applicable.
• Wand Movement: Not described in the books.
• Light: No specific flash of light is mentioned; the effect is directly visible on the target's skin.
• Effect: Causes the target to experience a painful stinging sensation, which can be accompanied by visible red welts and significant swelling of the afflicted area.
• Type: Hex. It is also referred to as a Stinging Jinx.

The Stinging Hex is a moderately dark charm used for both minor attacks and, in some cases, tactical disguise. Its use is documented several times during Harry Potter's later years at Hogwarts.

• In 1996, during a sixth-year Defence Against the Dark Arts lesson focused on non-verbal spells, Harry Potter accidentally hit Severus Snape with a Stinging Jinx while attempting to cast a different spell. This earned him detention.
• Later that school year, Draco Malfoy attempted to use a Stinging Hex on Harry Potter in the lavatory aboard the Hogwarts Express. Harry was quicker and incapacitated Malfoy with the Levicorpus jinx before the hex could be completed.
• In 1998, Hermione Granger cast a powerful Stinging Hex on Harry Potter's face immediately after they were discovered by a group of Snatchers led by Fenrir Greyback. The hex was meant to disguise Harry, and it worked by swelling his features so appallingly that he was completely unrecognizable. This delayed his identification at Malfoy Manor and bought the trio valuable time. The effects of this hex were severe but faded on their own after several hours.

The Stinging Hex appears to be a spell learned by students in their upper years at Hogwarts, as it is known by sixth-year students. Its effectiveness can vary depending on the caster's intent and power, ranging from a minor irritation to a significant temporary disfigurement. There is no specific counter-spell mentioned in the books. The effects, including severe swelling, appear to wear off naturally over time without the need for a specific healing spell or potion, though the duration depends on the power of the initial casting.

The name of the hex is a straightforward English description of its primary effect.

• Stinging: Refers to the sharp, pricking pain it causes, much like an insect sting.
• Hex: A category of Dark Magic that is more malevolent than a Jinx but less severe than a Curse. It is primarily intended to cause moderate suffering or a troublesome affliction on the victim.

• In the film adaptation of Part 1, Hermione Granger's casting of the Stinging Hex is depicted non-verbally. As she points her wand at Harry's face, it rapidly and grotesquely swells, accompanied by an audible buzzing sound. (film)
• The books use the terms “Stinging Hex” and “Stinging Jinx” somewhat interchangeably. Generally, a Jinx is considered minor Dark Magic with an amusing or irritating effect, while a Hex has a more malicious intent. Given the painful and disfiguring effects Hermione was able to produce, “Hex” is likely the more accurate classification for the spell's full potential.