Untransfiguration Spell

An Untransfiguration spell is a general class of magic used to reverse the effects of a Transfiguration. It forces a transfigured object or creature to revert to its original, untransformed state. The most common incantation taught for this purpose is Reparifarge.

• Incantation: Reparifarge (primary known incantation); can also be cast non-verbally by skilled witches and wizards.
• Pronunciation: re-PAR-i-farj (for Reparifarge)
• Wand Movement: Unknown
• Light: Unknown
• Effect: Reverses a Transfiguration, restoring the target to its proper form. It can be used to correct a partial or failed Transfiguration or to undo a complete one.
• Type: Transfiguration (Counter-spell)

Untransfiguration is a fundamental and essential component of the Transfiguration curriculum at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, introduced to students in their first year. Professor Minerva McGonagall described it as the necessary remedy for when a Transfiguration goes wrong. Known instances of its use include:

• In the 1994-1995 school year, Professor Minerva McGonagall performed a non-verbal Untransfiguration spell to turn Draco Malfoy back into a boy after Barty Crouch Jr., disguised as Alastor Moody, had transfigured him into a ferret.
• Following the second task of the Triwizard Tournament, Hermione Granger successfully used the spell on Viktor Krum. Krum had used a partial Transfiguration to give himself a shark's head, and the spell had not fully worn off, leaving his head slightly misshapen. Hermione's correct application of the spell demonstrated her considerable magical skill.
• In 1996, Madame Pomfrey mentioned having to perform “a bit of Untransfiguration” on student Eloise Midgen, who had attempted to curse her acne off and accidentally removed her own nose. The spell was used as a form of Healing to restore her feature.

The Untransfiguration spell is taught to first-year students in their Transfiguration class by Professor Minerva McGonagall. The primary incantation, Reparifarge, is listed in The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 1 by Miranda Goshawk. While it is a basic spell, its effectiveness can depend on the power and complexity of the Transfiguration it is intended to reverse. As it is a counter-spell by nature, there is no specific counter-spell for it. To overcome its effects, one would simply need to re-apply the original Transfiguration spell.

The term Untransfiguration is a simple English compound word. The prefix “un-” denotes reversal, combined with “transfiguration,” meaning “a change in form or appearance.” The specific incantation, Reparifarge, is likely derived from Latin:

• Reparo: Latin for “to restore, repair, or renew.” It is the same root as the Mending Charm, Reparo.
• Farge: This part does not have a direct Latin counterpart. It is likely a magical corruption or adaptation of either figura, meaning “form” or “shape,” or facies, meaning “appearance” or “face.”

When combined, the incantation loosely translates to “restore the form” or “repair the appearance.”

The spell Reparifarge is featured in the video game * Hogwarts Mystery*, where the player's character can use it to reverse failed Transfigurations and botched Potions. (Hogwarts Mystery video game)