Magic in Harry Potter: Difference between revisions - Wikipedia


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In the fictional universe of ''[[Fictional universe of Harry Potter|Harry Potter]]'' series of novels, [[Magic in fiction|magic]] is depicted as a supernatural force that can be used to overrideoverrides the [[Physical law|laws of nature]]. ManyIn fictionalhumans, [[Magicalmagical creaturesability inis Harryinborn Potter|magicaland creatures]]is existusually ininherited. theMost series,children andof ordinarymagical creaturesparents sometimes exhibitare magical propertiesthemselves. [[MagicalSome objectschildren inof Harry Potter|Magical objects"[[Muggle]]" are(non-magical) parents also describeddisplay magical ability. WitchesChildren andwho wizardsare referborn to thewizard restparents ofbut theare population,unable whoto areperform generallymagic unawareare of magic,known as "[[MuggleBlood purity (Harry Potter)#Squibs|Squibs]]s".<ref>{{cite inweb the|title=FAQ United|url=http://www.jkrowling.com/textonly/en/extrastuff_view.cfm?id=19 Kingdom|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721042840/http://www.jkrowling.com/textonly/en/extrastuff_view.cfm?id=19 and|archive-date=21 "NoJuly 2011 |access-Maj"date=8 inMay the2017 United|website=J. StatesK. Rowling Official Site}}</ref>

[[J. K. Rowling]], the creator of ''Harry Potter'', based many magical elements in her fictional universe on real-world mythology and folklore. She has described this derivation as "a way of giving texture to the world".<ref>{{cite episode |series=Harry Potter: A History of Magic |network=[[BBC]] |date=28 October 2017}}</ref> The magic of ''Harry Potter'' was the subject of a 2017 [[British Library]] exhibition and an accompanying documentary. The exhibition, entitled ''Harry Potter: A History of Magic'', was the first at the British Library to be based on a single series by a living author.<ref>{{cite news |last=Flood |first=Alison |date=8 August 2016 |title=Harry Potter's 20th&nbsp;birthday to be marked with British Library show |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/aug/08/harry-potters-20th-birthday-to-be-marked-with-british-library-show |access-date=30 November 2017}}</ref>

In humans, magic or the lack thereof is an inborn attribute. It is usually inherited and carries "dominant resilient genes".<ref>{{cite web |title = FAQ |website=jkrowling.com |url = http://www.jkrowling.com/textonly/en/extrastuff_view.cfm?id=19 |access-date = 8 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721042840/http://www.jkrowling.com/textonly/en/extrastuff_view.cfm?id=19 |archive-date=21 July 2011}}</ref> Magic is the norm for the children of magical couples and less common in those of Muggles. Exceptions exist: those unable to do magic who are born to magical parents are known as [[Blood purity (Harry Potter)#Squibs|Squibs]], whereas a witch or wizard born to Muggle parents is known as a [[Blood purity (Harry Potter)#Muggle-born|Muggle-born]], or by the [[derogatory term]] "Mudblood". While Muggle-borns are quite common, Squibs are extremely rare.

Rowling based many magical elements of the ''Harry Potter'' universe on real-world mythology and folklore. She has described this as "a way of giving texture to the world".<ref>{{cite episode |series=Harry Potter: A History of Magic |network=[[BBC]] |date=28 October 2017}}</ref> The magic of ''Harry Potter'' was the subject of a 2017 [[British Library]] exhibition and an accompanying documentary. The exhibition, entitled ''Harry Potter: A History of Magic'', is the first at the British Library to be inspired by a single series by a living author.<ref>{{cite news |last=Flood |first=Alison |date=8 August 2016 |title=Harry Potter's 20th&nbsp;birthday to be marked with British Library show |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/aug/08/harry-potters-20th-birthday-to-be-marked-with-british-library-show |access-date=30 November 2017}}</ref>

==Using magic==

Witches and wizardsWizards must learn how to control their magic. In young and untrained children, magical effects will occur spontaneously during moments of strong emotion.<ref>{{Cite web |titlelast=Harry is a metamorphmagusRowling |department=Rumours |websitefirst=J. K. Rowling|title=Harry officialis sitea metamorphmagus |url=http://www.jkrowling.com/textonly/en/rumours_view.cfm?id=41 |access-date=27 February 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110926035344/http://www.jkrowling.com/textonly/en/rumours_view.cfm?id=41 |archive-date=26 September 2011 |df=dmyaccess-alldate=27 February 2008 |website=J.K Rowling Official Site}}</ref> For example, at various times [[Harry Potter (character)|Harry Potter]] made his hair grow back after a bad haircut; liberatedliberates a boa constrictor at the London Zoo; and inflatedinflates his [[Dursley family#Marge Dursley|Aunt Marge]] to an enormous size. WhileAlthough thisyoung reaction ischildren usually uncontrollable,cannot ascontrol antheir untrained childmagic, the young [[Tom Marvolo RiddleVoldemort]] wascould ableintentionally tocause makemagical things move without touching them, make animals do what he wanted without training them, make "bad thingsto happen" to people who annoyed him, or make them hurt if he wanted to.<ref>{{HPref|book=6|chapter=13}}</ref> In additionthe novels, [[Lilyalmost Evans]]all couldintentional guidemagic andis controlperformed with a flower's[[Magical bloomingobjects simplyin by wanting itHarry to happenPotter#Wand|wand]].

Spells are the every-purpose tools of a wizard. They are generally short bursts of magic used to accomplish a specialised task, such as creating fire or unlocking a door. Casting a spell usually requires the movement of a wand and the uttering of an incantation. The language of the incantations in the ''Harry Potter'' novels has been described as [[Dog Latin|modified Latin]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Renfro |first=Kim |date=29 September 2020 |title=The real scientific meaning behind 13 'Harry Potter' spells |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/harry-potter-spells-latin-roots-meaning-2017-4 |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Romano |first=Andrea |date=2016-06-02 |title=The not-so-magical Latin origins of 'Harry Potter' spells |url=https://mashable.com/article/harry-potter-spells-latin |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=Mashable |language=en}}</ref> Although wizards in the novels almost always use a wand for casting spells, Rowling has used the [[Wizarding World Digital|''Wizarding World'']] website to describe certain wizarding cultures that practice magic without a wand.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rowling |first=J. K. |date=29 January 2016 |title=Uagadou |url=https://www.wizardingworld.com/writing-by-jk-rowling/uagadou |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=Wizarding World |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Rowling |first=J. K. |date=8 March 2016 |title=Fourteenth Century – Seventeenth Century |url=https://www.pottermore.com/collection-episodic/history-of-magic-in-north-america-en |access-date=28 August 2024 |website=Wizarding World}}</ref> While most spells depicted in the books require the caster to use their voice, some do not. For example, Albus Dumbledore has been known to do impressive feats of magic without speaking. In ''Order of the Phoenix'', Harry performs ''lumos'' to light his wand when he is not holding it.<ref name="HP5">{{HPref|book=5}}</ref>

Almost all magic is done with the use of a [[Magical objects in Harry Potter#Wand|wand]]. On the subject of wandless magic, Rowling says:{{Citation needed|date=August 2022}}

{{cquote|You can do unfocused and uncontrolled magic without a wand (for instance when Harry blows up Aunt Marge) but to do really good spells, yes, you need a wand.}}

A wizard or witch is only at their best when using their own wand. When using another's wand, one's spells are not as strong as they normally would be.<ref name="HP1">{{HPref|book=1}}</ref>

=== Spellcasting ===

[[Spell (paranormal)|Spells]] are the every-purpose tools of a wizard: short bursts of magic used to accomplish specialised tasks such as opening locks or creating fire. Casting usually requires an [[incantation]], often in a modified form of [[Latin]] (see [[dog Latin]]), and gesturing with a [[Magical objects in Harry Potter#Wand|wand]]. However, Rowling has revealed that particularly talented wizards can cast spells without the aid of wand, although magic produced with one is generally more precise and powerful.<ref>{{cite web |title=History of Magic in North America |website=[[Pottermore]] |url=https://www.pottermore.com/collection-episodic/history-of-magic-in-north-america-en |access-date=5 May 2017}}</ref> Spells can also be cast non-verbally, but with a magical wand. While most magic shown in the books requires the caster to use their voice, some do not (and this may depend on the witch or wizard). Dumbledore has been known to do impressive feats of magic without speaking.

It is possible to use a wand without holding it. In ''Order of the Phoenix'', Harry performs ''lumos'' to light his wand when it is lying on the ground somewhere near him.<ref name="HP5">{{HPref|book=5}}</ref>

Spells are divided into rough categories, such as "charms", "[[curse]]s", "hexes", or "[[jinx]]es". Although offensive and potentially dangerous curses exist in number, three are considered usable only for great evil, which earns them the special classification of "[[#Unforgivable curses|Unforgivable curses]]".

== The limits of magic ==

Before publishing the first ''Harry Potter'' novel, Rowling spent five years establishing the limitations of magic – determining what it couldcan and could notcannot do. "The most important thing to decide when you're creating a fantasy world," she said in 2000, "is what the characters ''can't'' do." ForIn instancethe novels, whilethe itcharacter is[[Hermione possibleGranger]] toexplains conjurethat thingsfood cannot be conjured out of thin air,. itWizards iscan farprepare trickierit tousing createmagic somethingand thateven fitsmultiply anit, exactbut specificationthey rathercannot thancreate ait. generalAccording one;to moreoverRowling, anymoney objectsalso socannot be conjured tend not tofrom lastnothing.<ref name="swns">{{cite interview |title=World exclusive interview with J.K. Rowling |date=8 July 2000 |publisher=[[South West News Service]] |date=8 July 2000}}</ref>

In the novels, Hermione explains that food cannot be conjured out of nothing. Wizards can prepare it using magic and even multiply it, but they cannot create it. According to Rowling, money also cannot be conjured out of thin air.<ref name="swns" />

===Death===

In ''Goblet of Fire'', Albus Dumbledore tells Harry that there is no spell thatmagic cancannot truly and permanently bring thedead deadindividuals back to life. Corpses can be transformed into obedient [[#Inferius|inferi]], but they have no soul or will of their own. However, there are methods of communicating with the dead in a limited way. For example, all Hogwarts headmasters appear in a magical [[Magical portrait (Harry Potter)|portrait]] when they die, which allows future generations to consult with them. However, the portrait is a reflection of who the wizard was, and is not a link to their spirit. The [[Deathly Hallows (objects)#Resurrection Stone|Resurrection Stone]] allows the bearer to speak with the dead, but it cannot bring the dead back into the living world.

Likewise, it is not possible to make oneself immortal unless one uses an object of great power to sustain life, such as the [[Magical objects in Harry Potter#Philosopher's stone|Philosopher's Stone]] or a [[Horcrux]]. If one were to possess the three [[Deathly Hallows (objects)|Deathly Hallows]], it is fabled that they would possess the tools to become the "master of death". Other methods of extending life include drinking unicorn blood, which will keep a person alive even if death is imminent, but at the terrible price of being cursed forever. Being magical can contribute to one's [[longevity]], as there are several characters in the series who are unusually long-lived. It is revealed by [[Nearly Headless Nick]] in the fifth booknovel that all witches and wizards have the choice of becoming [[Ghosts (Harry Potter)|ghosts]] upon dying; however, it is described as "a pale imitation of life". Rowling has stated that death is the most important theme in the novels.<ref>{{cite episode |title=Harry Potter and Me |series=BBC Christmas Specials |network=[[BBC]] |date=28 December 2001}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Anelli |first1=Melissa |title=More About that Veil |url=http://www.harryahistory.com/2008/09/more-about-that-veil.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081120023032/http://www.harryahistory.com/2008/09/more-about-that-veil.html |archive-date=20 November 2008 |access-date=8 May 2017 |website=Harry, A History}}</ref>

===Emotion===

As explained earlier, young untrained wizards can trigger uncontrolled magic when they are in a state of intense emotion. But emotions also affect trained witches and wizards and their magical abilities. For instance, in ''Half-Blood Prince'', a heartbroken [[Nymphadora Tonks]] temporarily loses her power as a [[Metamorphmagus]] when [[Remus Lupin]] starts distancing himself from her; the form of her [[Patronus Charm|Patronus]] changes to reflect her depression. Another example is [[The House of Gaunt|Merope Gaunt]], who only demonstrated any magical ability when removed from her father's oppression, but then lost it again when her husband abandoned her.

Several magical spells require the use of certain emotions when casting them. The Patronus charm, for example, requires the caster to concentrate on a happy memory.{{efn|

Intense motivation, under extenuating circumstances, helps a lot. An example of this is when Harry is able to conjure a corporeal Patronus when Sirius is in danger of being administered the Dementor's Kiss.<ref name="HP3">{{HPref|book=3}}</ref>

}}

Another example is the [[#Unforgivable curses|Cruciatus Curse]], which causes immense pain; as Harry discovers during a duel with [[Bellatrix Lestrange]], effective use of this forbidden dark magic requires sadistic desires.<ref name="HP5"/>

Love is depicted as a particularly powerful form of magic. According to Dumbledore, love is a "force that is at once more wonderful and more terrible than death, than human intelligence, than forces of nature".<ref name="HP5"/> Lily Potter's voluntary sacrifice on Harry's behalf grants him a magical protection that saves him from Voldemort as a baby, and Harry makes a similar sacrifice to save his friends at the end of ''Deathly Hallows''.<ref>{{HPref|book=7}}</ref> A certain key prophecy in the series describes Harry as having "power the Dark Lord knows not", referencing his capacity for love.<ref name="HP5"/>

True love is impossible to create magically; [[#Potions|Amortentia]], aalthough love potion,potions can only create a powerful sense ofintense infatuation and obsession.

==Magical abilities==

=== Animagus ===

The following is a list of special abilities that a wizard or witch in the Harry Potter universe may have.

=== Animagi ===

An animagus is a wizard who can turn into a particular animal at will. This ability is acquired by magical means. By law, all British animagi must register with the Ministry of Magic. During the course of the series, several unregistered animagi are depicted, including James Potter, [[Sirius Black]], [[Death Eater#Peter Pettigrew|Peter Pettigrew]], and [[Rita Skeeter]]. [[Minerva McGonagall]] is a registered animagus who takes the form of a domestic cat. A wizard's animagus form is determined by their personality.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Rowling |first1=J.K. |date=6 September 2016 |title=Short stories from Hogwarts of heroism, hardship, and dangerous hobbies |series=Pottermore Presents |publisher=Pottermore |isbn=978-1-78110-628-0}}</ref>

===Apparition===

Animagi transformation can be performed wandlessly. When animagi transform they take on the appearance, not necessarily all traits, of a normal animal. In ''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]'', it is noted that Ron's pet rat Scabbers (later revealed as Peter Pettigrew's animagus form) has lived over twelve years, when a genuine rat would only live about three. Also, an animagus in animal form retains the ability to think like a human, which is the principal difference between being an animagus and being transfigured into an animal.

Apparition is a magical form of [[teleportation]], by which a wizard can disappear ("Disapparate") from one location and reappear ("Apparate") in another. According to Harry, Apparition feels like being squeezed through a tight rubber tube.<ref>{{HPref|book=6|chapter=4}}</ref> A wizard must be at least 17 years old to Apparate, and students at Hogwarts may take Apparition lessons during their sixth year. Wizards without an Apparition license can use "side-along apparition" to travel with someone who does.

Learning to Apparate is difficult, and students run the risk of ''splinching''—being physically split between the origin and destination. Splinching is quite common during lessons, and can be uncomfortable or very painful, but is ultimately harmless if properly reversed. To remedy a splinch requires the assistance of the Ministry's [[Accidental Magic Reversal Squad]] or essence of [[origanum dictamnus|dittany]].

===Metamorphmagi===

A metamorphmagus is a wizard who can change their appearance at will.<ref>{{cite news |title=Rumour section |url=http://www.jkrowling.com/textonly/en/rumours_view.cfm?id=41 |url-status=dead <!-- presumed --> |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110926035344/http://www.jkrowling.com/textonly/en/rumours_view.cfm?id=41 |archive-date=2011-09-26 |website=J.K. Rowling's official site}}</ref> [[Nymphadora Tonks]] and her son, [[Teddy Lupin]], are the only living metamorphmagi mentioned in the novels. At various points, Tonks changes her hair colour and style according to her mood. She is a relatively young woman, but she occasionally chooses to appear elderly.

Apparition is considered unreliable over long distances, and even experienced practitioners sometimes prefer other means of transport. Rowling has stated that cross-continental Apparition "would almost certainly result in severe injury or death."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rowling |first1=J.K. |date=20 December 2016 |title=Welcome to my new website! |url=https://www.jkrowling.com/welcome-to-my-new-website/ |access-date=5 May 2017 |website=jkrowling.com}}</ref> For reasons of security, Hogwarts is protected by anti-Apparition spells, which prevent most humans from Apparating on the school grounds.

===Parseltongue===

Parseltongue is the language of snakes. Those who can speak parseltongue are called parselmouths. The ability is rare; the only parselmouths mentioned in the novels are Harry, Voldemort, Salazar Slytherin and Slytherin's descendants. Rowling said she derived the term "parselmouth" from "an old word for someone who has a problem with the mouth, like a [[cleft lip and palate|hare lip]]".<ref>{{cite web |date=26 June 2003 |title=Harry Potter and the Magic of the Internet |url=http://www.msn.co.uk/liveevents/harrypotter/transcript/Default.asp?Ath=f |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061112072736/http://www.msn.co.uk/liveevents/harrypotter/transcript/Default.asp?Ath=f |archive-date=12 November 2006 |access-date=12 May 2022 |website=MSN}}</ref>

Magical devices such as the [[Magical objects in Harry Potter#Floo Powder|Floo Network]], [[Magical objects in Harry Potter#Portkeys|Portkeys]] and [[Magical objects in Harry Potter#Vanishing Cabinet|Vanishing Cabinets]] also provide forms of teleportation.

===Seers===

A seer is a wizard with the [[clairvoyant]] ability to foresee future events. The predictions given through this ability can sometimes be [[self-fulfilling prophecies]], and Dumbledore states in ''Order of the Phoenix'' that not all of them come true, depending on the choices made by those involved. In the [[Hall of Prophecy]] at the [[Department of Mysteries]], thousands upon thousands of glass spheres are imbued with records of prophecies made by seers. Only a person mentioned in a prophecy can safely retrieve it; anyone else who tries to do so will be driven insane. According to McGonagall, true seers are extremely rare. [[Sybill Trelawney]] is the only seer portrayed in the novel. She has twice made true prophecies – both significant to Harry Potter – but had no recollection of either prediction afterward.

=== Gubraithian fire ===

===Legilimency and occlumency===

Gubraithian Fire is an everlasting magical fire that can only be created by extremely skilled wizards. Hagrid and [[Madame Maxime]] gave a bundle of Gubraithian fire, conjured by Dumbledore, to the leader of the [[Magical creatures (Harry Potter)#Giants|giants]]. The gift was part of an attempt to sway the giants to Dumbledore's side in the struggle against Voldemort.<ref name="HP53">{{HPref|book=5}}</ref>

Legilimency is the practice of extracting feelings and memories from another person's mind – a form of magical [[telepathy]]. It also allows the practitioner to convey visions or memories to another person. A wizard possessing this skill is called a legilimens, and can, for example, detect deceit in another person, witness their memories, or plant visions in their mind. The counter-skill to legilimency is occlumency, which is practised by an occlumens. It can be used to prevent a legilimens from discovering the practitioner's thoughts or memories. Voldemort, [[Severus Snape]], and Albus Dumbledore are all skilled in legilimency and occlumency.

===Legilimency and Occlumency<span class="anchor" id="Legilimency and occlumency"></span>===

===Apparition===

Legilimency is the practice of extracting feelings and memories from another person's mind – a form of magical [[telepathy]]. It also allows the practitioner to convey visions or memories to another person. A wizard possessing this skill is called a Legilimens, and can, for example, detect deceit in another person, witness their memories, or plant visions in their mind. The counter-skill to Legilimency is Occlumency, which is practised by an Occlumens. It can be used to prevent a Legilimens from discovering the practitioner's thoughts or memories. Voldemort, [[Severus Snape]], and Albus Dumbledore are all skilled in Legilimency and Occlumency.

Apparition is a magical form of [[teleportation]], by which a wizard can disappear ("Disapparate") from one location and reappear ("Apparate") in another. It is usually accompanied by a cracking or popping sound, although highly skilled wizards such as Dumbledore can Apparate silently. A wizard can use ''side-along apparition'' to take others with them. According to Harry, Apparition feels like being squeezed through a tight rubber tube.<ref>{{HPref|book=6|chapter=4}}</ref> A wizard must be at least 17&nbsp;years old to Apparate, and must obtain a license. Students at Hogwarts may take Apparition lessons during their sixth year.

===Metamorphmagus===

Learning to Apparate is difficult, and students run the risk of ''splinching''—being physically split between the origin and destination. To remedy a splinch requires the assistance of the Ministry's [[Accidental Magic Reversal Squad]], although essence of [[origanum dictamnus|dittany]] can also mend certain wounds. Splinching is quite common during lessons, and can be uncomfortable (and at times rather gruesome) depending on the body parts splinched, but is ultimately harmless if promptly and properly reversed.

A metamorphmagus is a wizard who can change their appearance at will.<ref>{{cite news |title=Rumour section |url=http://www.jkrowling.com/textonly/en/rumours_view.cfm?id=41 |url-status=dead <!-- presumed --> |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110926035344/http://www.jkrowling.com/textonly/en/rumours_view.cfm?id=41 |archive-date=2011-09-26 |website=J.K. Rowling's official site}}</ref> [[Nymphadora Tonks]] and her son, [[Teddy Lupin]], are the only living metamorphmagi mentioned in the novels. At various points, Tonks changes her hair colour and style according to her mood. She is a relatively young woman, but she occasionally chooses to appear elderly.

The characters in the novels consider it rude to Apparate directly into a private area, such as a home. Dumbledore states in ''Half-Blood Prince'' that it would be "as rude as kicking down the front door". Apparition is considered unreliable over long distances, and even experienced practitioners sometimes prefer other means of transport. Rowling has stated that cross-continental Apparition "would almost certainly result in severe injury or death."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rowling |first1=J.K. |date=20 December 2016 |title=Welcome to my new website! |url=https://www.jkrowling.com/welcome-to-my-new-website/ |access-date=5 May 2017 |website=jkrowling.com}}</ref> For reasons of security, Hogwarts is protected by anti-Apparition spells, which prevent most humans from Apparating on the school grounds.

===Parselmouth<span class="anchor" id="Parseltongue"></span>===

===Other teleportation===

Parseltongue is the language of snakes. Those who can speak parseltongue are called parselmouths. The ability is rare, and the only parselmouths mentioned in the novels are Harry, Voldemort, Salazar Slytherin and Slytherin's descendants. Rowling said she derived the term "parselmouth" from "an old word for someone who has a problem with the mouth, like a [[cleft lip and palate|hare lip]]".<ref>{{cite web |date=26 June 2003 |title=Harry Potter and the Magic of the Internet |url=http://www.msn.co.uk/liveevents/harrypotter/transcript/Default.asp?Ath=f |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061112072736/http://www.msn.co.uk/liveevents/harrypotter/transcript/Default.asp?Ath=f |archive-date=12 November 2006 |access-date=12 May 2022 |website=MSN}}</ref>

Some magical creatures have their own forms of teleportation. House-elves are not affected by anti-apparition enchantments, and can therefore apparate into and out of Hogwarts. Phoenixes such as [[Fawkes]] can disappear and reappear in a burst of flame.

===Seer===

Some magical devices like the [[Magical objects in Harry Potter#Floo Powder|Floo Network]], [[Magical objects in Harry Potter#Portkeys|Portkeys]] and [[Magical objects in Harry Potter#Vanishing Cabinet|Vanishing Cabinets]] also provide forms of magical teleportation.

A seer is a wizard with the [[clairvoyant]] ability to foresee future events. The predictions given through this ability can sometimes be [[self-fulfilling prophecies]], and Dumbledore states in ''Order of the Phoenix'' that not all of them come true, depending on the choices made by those involved. According to Minerva McGonagall, true seers are extremely rare. [[Sybill Trelawney]] is the only seer portrayed in the novel. She has twice made true prophecies – both significant to Harry Potter – but had no recollection of either prediction afterward.

==Spell-like effects==

Line 89 ⟶ 69:

===Priori incantatem===

Priori incantatem is a spell-like effect used to reveal the spells cast by a wand. The spells emerge from the wand as ghost-like replicas in reverse order, with the latest spell cast emerging first. Forcing two wands that share the source of their cores to battle can unintentionally cause a potent form of priori incantatem. The loser's [[Magical objects in Harry Potter|wand]] will regurgitate shadows of spells that it has cast, in time reverse order. This side-effect occurs during the duel between Harry and Voldemort at the end of ''Goblet of Fire''. Their simultaneous, contrary spells trigger the threads, and as Voldemort loses the battle of wills, his wand regurgitates, in reverse order, echoes of the people his wand had most recently murdered.

'''Priori incantatem''' (from Latin: ''priorem incantatum'' – "previous incantation"), or the '''reverse spell effect''', is used to display the spells cast by a wand. The spells cast by the wand will emerge in smoky or ghost-like replicas in reverse order, with the latest spell emerging first. It is first encountered in ''Goblet of Fire'' when Barty Crouch&nbsp;Sr.'s house elf Winky is caught holding Harry's wand. This spell is used to reveal that it was indeed Harry's wand (that was used by Crouch's son) that cast the Death Eaters' dark mark. In ''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]'', it is revealed that the teenage Voldemort murdered his father and grandparents using his uncle Morfin's wand, knowing that, when examined, the wand would incriminate Morfin as the murderer. In ''Deathly Hallows'', Harry fears that a ''priori incantatem'' spell will be used on Hermione's wand after the [[Death Eaters]] get hold of it. This would reveal that she had accidentally broken his holly-and-phoenix-feather wand when a curse misfired when they both narrowly escaped Voldemort earlier. As a result, the protection of the shared cores was lost and, worse still, this would now become known by Voldemort. During the final duel between Harry and Voldemort, the latter mentions that he knows that the holly and phoenix wand is destroyed, implying that the ''priori incantatem'' has indeed been performed on Hermione's wand, as they had feared.

Forcing two wands that share the source of their cores to battle can unintentionally cause a potent form of ''priori incantatem''. The tips of the two wands will connect, forming a thick golden "thread" of energy, and the two wands' masters fight a battle of wills. The loser's [[Magical objects in Harry Potter|wand]] will regurgitate shadows of spells that it has cast, in time reverse order. This side-effect occurs during the duel between Harry and Voldemort at the end of ''Goblet of Fire''. Their simultaneous, contrary spells (Harry casts ''expelliarmus'' and Voldemort casts ''avada kedavra'') trigger the threads, and as Voldemort loses the battle of wills, his wand regurgitates, in reverse order, echoes of the people his wand had most recently murdered: [[Cedric Diggory]], [[Frank Bryce]], [[Bertha Jorkins]], and later Harry's parents.

==Dark Arts==

The '''Dark Arts''' are magical spells and practices that are usually used for malicious purposes. Practitioners of the Dark Arts are referred to as Dark wizards. The most prominent ofDark thesewizard is Voldemort, known to them as the Dark Lord.who Hishas followers, known ascalled [[Death Eater]]s,. practiceThe thetype of spells characteristic of Dark Arts whileare doingknown hisas bidding''curses'', which usually cause harm to the target.<ref>{{cite web |last=Rowling |first=J. K. |title=Spell Definitions |url=http://www.jkrowling.com/textonly/en/extrastuff_view.cfm?id=24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080124192524/http://www.jkrowling.com/textonly/en/extrastuff_view.cfm?id=24 |archive-date=24 January 2008 |website=J.K. Rowling Official Site}}</ref>

The type of spells characteristic of Dark Arts are known as ''curses'',<ref>{{cite web |last=Rowling |first=J. K. |title=Spell Definitions |url=http://www.jkrowling.com/textonly/en/extrastuff_view.cfm?id=24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080124192524/http://www.jkrowling.com/textonly/en/extrastuff_view.cfm?id=24 |archive-date=24 January 2008 |website=J.K. Rowling Official Site}}</ref> which usually cause harm to the target. The motivation of the caster affects a curse's result. This is most clearly outlined for the ''Cruciatus'' curse: When cast by Harry, angered by the death of his godfather at Bellatrix's hands and desiring to punish her, it causes a short moment of pain. As Bellatrix herself comments, righteous anger does not allow the spell to work for long. When cast by figures such as Voldemort, who desire to inflict pain for its own sake, it causes intense agony that can last as long as the Dark witch or wizard persists.

Use of Dark Magic can corrupt the soul and body; Voldemort has used such magic in his quest to prolong his life and obtain great power. The Dark Arts also cause Voldemort to look deformed and inhuman, a side effect of splitting his soul into Horcruxes.

In the wizarding world, use of the Dark Arts is strongly stigmatised and certain spells are illegal. Hogwarts and other schools instruct students in Defence Against the Dark Arts. Some schools, such as [[Durmstrang]], teach Dark magic. A Dark Arts class is also taught at Hogwarts while it is under Death Eater control.<ref>{{HPref|book=7|chapter=29}}"Amycus, the bloke, he teaches what used to be Defence Against the Dark Arts, except now it’s just the Dark Arts. We're supposed to practice the Cruciatus Curse on people who’ve earned detention..."</ref>

According to Snape, the Dark Arts "are many, varied, ever-changing and eternal ... unfixed, mutating, indestructible".<ref>{{HPref|book=6|chapter=9}}</ref> In magical dueling, there are any number of spells that may be used to attack, immobilise, or disarm an opponent without causing pain or lasting harm; however, spells such as the Cruciatus Curse{{efn|also ''Sectumsempra'', judged to be Dark by reliable authorities{{citation needed|date=July 2022}} }} wound or seriously distress a victim in some way.

In the wizarding world, use of the Dark Arts is strongly stigmatised and extreme forms are illegal; however, these spells are prevalent enough that even before the rise of Voldemort, many schools (including Hogwarts) taught Defence Against the Dark Arts as a standard subject. Techniques include anti-curses and simple spells to disable or disarm attackers, or fight off certain creatures. Some schools, such as [[Durmstrang]], teach Dark Magic. A Dark Arts class is also taught at Hogwarts while it is under Death Eater control.

===Unforgivable curses===

The Unforgivable Curses is a wizarding law category forare the three worst known spells of the Dark Arts. They were first so-classified in 1771. They are so-named because their use is legally forbidden and unpardonable in wizarding law, and is punishable by a life sentence in [[Azkaban]]. The only exception is if a person is proven to have done them under the influence of mind control.

* The '''killing curse''' (incantation: ''avada kedavra'') manifests as a jet of green light that causes immediate death. The killing curse has no cure, and cannot be blocked by most magical means, although it can be deflected with a few other powerful and fast spells, in particular stunning spells.{{efn|

[[Harry Potter (character)|Harry Potter]] is the only person known to have survived (twice), nullified (once), and deflected (once) the killing curse.

}}

* '''Avada Kedavra''', also known as "the killing curse" causes immediate death. It has no cure, and cannot be blocked by most magical means. Harry Potter is the only person known to have survived this curse. The incantation for this curse is ''avada kedavra.''

* The '''''cruciatus'' curse''' (incantation: ''crucio'', Latin for "I torture") causes the victim intense pain and is used for torture. The strength of the curse is determined by the person who cast it. It was used regularly by the Death Eaters. The curse can torture a person to the point that they are exhausted to death or cause permanent amnesia and insanity. Effective casting requires the caster to have sadistic desires.

* The '''''imperius'' curse''' (incantation: ''imperio'', [[Latin]] for "I command"{{efn|

[[cf.]] [[imperative mood|imperative]]

}}) is used for [[Brainwashing|mind control]] or [[hypnosis]], and can force the victim to do things they would normally be unwilling or unable to. The strength and duration of the curse depends on the caster, as well as the level of resistance by the victim. The curse is shown as a bright haze. (It was depicted as either invisible, or a green, mist-like haze in the films.)

* The '''Cruciatus Curse''' causes the victim intense pain and is used for torture. The strength of the curse is determined by the motivations of the caster. For example, a sadistic desire to inflict pain will produce a more effective curse than righteous anger. The curse has been used to torture victims to the point of death or insanity. The incantation for the Cruciatus Curse is ''crucio'', which is Latin for "I torture".

The use of the unforgivable curses was authorised against Voldemort and his followers by [[Ministry of Magic#Barty Crouch Sr.|Bartemius Crouch Sr.]], during the First Wizarding War. (Shortly after his reincorporation, Voldemort names two Death Eaters "killed by [[Ministry of Magic#Auror Office|auror]]s".){{citation needed|date=July 2022}} In addition, in ''Deathly Hallows'', the unforgivable curses are used liberally by protagonists, ranging from [[Professor McGonagall]] with the ''imperius'' curse, to Harry effectively using both the ''imperius'' and ''cruciatus'' curses. He uses the ''imperius'' curse on a goblin and a suspicious Death Eater during a disguised attack on Gringotts Bank, and Dolores Umbridge during an incursion into Ministry of Magic, while it was under control of the Death Eaters.

* The '''Imperius Curse''' is used for mind control or hypnosis, and can force the victim to do things they would normally be unwilling or unable to. The incantation for the Imperius Curse is ''imperio''.

=== Dark Mark ===

The Dark Mark is the symbol of Voldemort and the [[Death Eater|Death Eaters]]. It appears as a skull with a snake for a tongue, and is cast into the sky whenever Death Eaters commit a murder. Every Death Eater has the Dark Mark branded on their forearm. This brand allows the Death Eaters and Voldemort to summon each other.

The '''Dark Mark''' is the symbol of Voldemort and the Death Eaters and takes the form of a skull with a snake coming out of the mouth in place of a tongue. The mark is cast into the sky by [[Death Eater]]s whenever they have murdered someone. ''Morsmordre'' is the spell to conjure the Mark. It first appears in ''Goblet of Fire'' and is described as a "colossal skull, composed of what looked like emerald stars, with a serpent protruding from its mouth like a tongue". Once in the sky it was "blazing in a haze of greenish smoke". Dark Marks are also branded on the left forearm of the closest followers of Voldemort. The mark serves as a connection between Voldemort and each who bears it; he can summon them by touching his mark, causing it and those of his followers to burn and change colour. Death Eaters can summon Voldemort in the same fashion. Following Voldemort's ultimate defeat, the Dark Marks on his Death Eaters fade into a scar "similar" to Harry's.<ref name="J.K. Rowling Web Chat Transcript">{{cite news |title=J.K. Rowling web chat transcript |url=http://www.mugglenet.com/jkr/interviews/dh-webchat.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120708002822/http://www.mugglenet.com/jkr/interviews/dh-webchat.shtml |archive-date=8 July 2012 |website=MuggleNet}}</ref> In the books, the Dark Mark is described as green; however, in the films, it was only green at the Quidditch World Cup. In all other film appearances it has been grey.

===Inferius===

{{Distinguish|Infernus (disambiguation){{!}}Infernus}}

An '''inferius''' (plural: '''inferi'''){{efn|

The Latin word ''inferus'' (plural: ''inferi'') means "those below", often referring in the plural to "the gods below" (see ''[[di inferi]])'' or the spirits of the dead (q.v. ''[[lemures]]'' and ''[[manes]]'').<ref name="lexicon">{{cite book |last1=Lewis |first1=Charlton T. |last2=Short |first2=Charles |title=A Latin Dictionary |publisher=Clarendon Press |year=1879 |place=Oxford, UK |chapter=q.v., ''inferus'', as positive noun I.{{sc|B}}, as comparative adjective II.{{sc|A}} |chapter-url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0059%3Aentry%3Dinferus }}</ref> ''Inferius'' is a neuter singular form of ''inferior'', a [[comparative adjective]] meaning "lower".<ref name="lexicon"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/morph?l=inferius&la=la |title=Morphology of ''inferius'' |website=The Perseus Project |publisher=[[Tufts University]]}}</ref>

}} is a corpse that is animated and manipulated by a dark wizard. An inferius is not alive, but has been bewitched to perform a specific duty. An inferius carries out its assigned task mindlessly and cannot think for itself. In the novels, the Ministry of Magic fears that Voldemort is killing enough people to make an army of ''inferi''.

}}

is a [[dead body|corpse]] controlled by a dark wizard's spells. An ''inferius'' is not alive, but a dead body that has been bewitched into being a puppet for the [[witch]] or wizard; this is depicted in the films as a white mist in the controlled corpse's eyes. The ''inferi'' do not think for themselves: They are created to perform a specific duty assigned by the dark wizard who commands them, and as seen in the ''inferi'' guarding Voldemort's horcrux in a seaside cave, remain idle until their task to be performed is triggered. The task is then thoughtlessly carried out per the prior direction, whether or not it will produce any result. ''Inferi'' are difficult to harm by magic; however, they can be repelled by fire or any other forms of heat or light, as the ''inferi'' in Voldemort's cave are. When defeated but not destroyed, they return to their idle state.

Inferi are considered dangerous and frightening enough by the magical world that impersonating an inferius (as [[Mundungus Fletcher]] is reported to have done in ''Half-Blood Prince'') is an offense worthy of imprisonment in [[Azkaban]].

The Ministry of Magic fears that Voldemort is killing enough people to make an army of ''inferi'': As they are dead, they are very difficult to stop. When Voldemort was hiding one of his [[horcruxes]] in the past, he filled a lake in a cave with many ''inferi'', which were to attack and drown anyone but Voldemort who came into the cavern and took the locket. When Harry and Dumbledore took the locket, the ''inferi'' attacked Harry; Dumbledore repelled them with a rope of [[Magic Fire Music|magical fire]]. It is also revealed that the ''inferi'' almost killed Kreacher after he drank from the basin to help Voldemort hide his horcruxes, but having been ordered to return to his master after his task with Voldemort was complete, he managed to apparate out of the cave. These ''inferi'' later killed Regulus Black when he stole the horcrux and ordered Kreacher to destroy it.

===Horcrux===

{{See also|Magical objects in Harry Potter#Horcruxes}}

A '''horcrux'''Horcrux is an object created using dark magic to attain effectivea type of immortality. The concept is first introduced in the sixth novel, ''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]'', although horcruxesHorcruxes are present in earlier novels without being explained or identified as such.

To create a horcruxHorcrux, a witch or wizard must first prepare the chosen object<ref>{{cite podcast |title=The one with J.K. Rowling |series=PotterCast |date=17 December 2007 |url=https://open.spotify.com/episode/2NYzGwi0Hye4qHwOUwDcgX?si=43_yp50yQD-Ch-5KAEUHsQ}}</ref> in a ritual which Rowling described only as "too horrible to go into detail about". Following the preparation of the object, the witch or wizard must then take a life, an act which splits the soul. Following that, further dark rituals are required in order to remove the soul shard from the maker and place it into the prepared object. Once this is done, the horcruxHorcrux becomes magically protected from almost all forms of destruction, requiring extremely powerful magic or especially destructive substances to do so.

Ordinarily, when one's body is killed, the soul departs for the next world. If, however, the body of a horcruxHorcrux maker is killed, that portion of his soul which was still in his body will not pass on to the next world, but will rather exist in a non-corporeal form capable of being resurrected by another wizard. If all of someone's horcruxesHorcruxes are destroyed, then his soul's only anchor in the material world would be his body, the destruction of which would then cause his final death. To destroy the horcruxHorcrux, the destroyer must destroy it in such a way that it is put beyond magical repair. In the second book, Tom Riddle's diary (later found to be a horcrux) is destroyed by Harry with a basilisk's venomous fang. In the seventh book, Gryffindor's sword, which is impregnated with basilisk venom, an old basilisk fang, and fiendfyre are the substances used to destroy them.

==Magic at Hogwarts==

{{Main|Hogwarts#Subjects}}

At [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]], students must study acertain core group of subjects for the first two years,. afterThese whichcompulsory theysubjects must choose between several electives in addition to the core subjects.are [[Hogwarts#Astronomy|Astronomy]], [[Hogwarts#Charms|Charms]], [[Defence Against the Dark Arts]], [[Herbology (Harry Potter)|Herbology]], [[History of Magic (Harry Potter)|History of Magic]], [[Hogwarts#Potions|Potions]] and [[Hogwarts#Transfiguration|Transfiguration]]. areFlying compulsorylessons subjectsare foralso therequired first five years, as well as flying lessons forduring the first year, which becomes optional for the remaining six years. At the endstart of their secondthird year, students are required to add at least two optionalelective subjects to their syllabus for the start of the third year. The five choices are [[Hogwarts#Ancient Runes|Ancient Runes]], [[Hogwarts#Arithmancy|Arithmancy]], [[Care of Magical Creatures]], [[Divination (Harry Potter)|Divination]] and [[Muggle Studies]].

==Portraits==

In the ''Harry Potter'' series, thecharacters subjectsdepicted ofin '''magicalpainted portraits''' (even those of characters that are dead) can move, interact with living observers, speak and demonstrate apparent emotion and personality. Some can even movetravel to other portraits. toThe visitheadmaster's eachoffice other,at orHogwarts relaycontains messages,portraits orof (ifpast moreheadmasters, thanwhich oneadvise paintingthe ofcurrent theheadmaster.<ref subjectname="portraits">{{cite exists)web move|last=Rowling between|first=J.K. separate|title=Hogwarts locationsPortraits |url=https://www.pottermore.com/writing-by-jk-rowling/hogwarts-portraits way|access-date=9 ofMay their2017 portraits.|website=Wizarding AnWorld}}</ref> exampleIndividuals ofdepicted thisin iswizarding Phineasphotographs Nigelluscannot Blackspeak, whobut hasthey acan portraitmove inaround theand headmaster'sleave officethe toframe offerif advicethey to the current headmasterchoose.

Portraits are enchanted to move by the artist, but the degree to which they can interact with others depends on the power of the subject.<ref name="portraits">{{cite web |last=Rowling |first=J.K. |title=Hogwarts portraits |website=Pottermore |url=https://www.pottermore.com/writing-by-jk-rowling/hogwarts-portraits |access-date=9 May 2017}}</ref> Rowling has commented that a portrait is merely a faint imprint of the deceased subject, imitating their basic personality and thought patterns. They are therefore "not as fully realised as ghosts".<ref>{{cite web |title=J.K. Rowling at the Edinburgh Book Festival |date=15 August 2004 |website=J.K. Rowling official website |url=http://www.jkrowling.com/textonly/en/news_view.cfm?id=80 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721043646/http://www.jkrowling.com/textonly/en/news_view.cfm?id=80 |archive-date=21 July 2011}}</ref>

== See also ==

===Portraits in the Headmaster's office===

The portraits in the Headmaster's office depict all the former Heads of Hogwarts, with the exception of Dolores Umbridge. They advise the Headmaster and are "honour-bound to give service to the present headmaster" (according to Armando Dippet). Rowling has explained that portraits of past headteachers tend to be more realistic than most, as the subject in question usually imparts knowledge and teaches them how to behave before their death. The portrait of Snape was installed in the Headmaster's Office at Harry's request.<ref name="portraits"/>

* [[Magical creatures in Harry Potter|Magical creatures in ''Harry Potter'']]

===Photographs===

* [[Magical objects in Harry Potter|Magical objects in ''Harry Potter'']]

Wizarding photographs of people have similar properties to magical painted portraits: The figures within move about or even sometimes leave the frame. They appear in wizard newspapers and other print media, as well as on Chocolate Frog cards.<ref name="HP1"/> [[Colin Creevey]] mentions in ''Chamber of Secrets'' that a boy in his dormitory said that if he develops the film from his Muggle camera "in the right potion", the pictures will move.<ref>{{HPref|book=2}}</ref>{{rp|at=ch. 6}} However, unlike portraits, figures in wizarding pictures cannot speak and display little sentience. It appears that they do have some knowledge of current events, as in ''Order of the Phoenix'', the family photograph on Arthur's desk shows everyone except Percy "who appeared to have walked out of it".<ref>{{HPref|book=5|chapter=7}}</ref>

==Notes==

Line 163 ⟶ 122:

==Further reading==

* {{Cite journal |author=Black, Sharon |year=2003 |title=The Magic of Harry Potter: Symbols and Heroes of Fantasy |journal=Children's Literature in Education |volume=34 |issue=3 |pages=237–247 |doi=10.1023/A:1025314919836 |s2cid=162551714 |issn=0045-6713}}

* {{Cite book|author=Highfield, Roger|year=2002|title=The Science of Harry Potter: How magic really works|publisher=Viking|location=New York|isbn=978-0-670-03153-5|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/scienceofharrypo00high}}

* {{cite news |last=Rowling |first=J. K. |date=July 2007 |title=J.K. Rowling Interview – The Deathly Hallows Web Chat |url=http://www.mugglenet.com/jkr/interviews/dh-webchat.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120708002822/http://www.mugglenet.com/jkr/interviews/dh-webchat.shtml |archive-date=8 July 2012 |website=MuggleNet}}

* {{Cite book|author=Teare, Elizabeth|year=2002|chapter=Harry Potter and the technology of magic|editor=Whited, Lana A.|title=The Ivory Tower and Harry Potter: Perspectives on a literary phenomenon|url=https://archive.org/details/ivorytowerharryp00whit|url-access=limited|publisher=University of Missouri Press|location=Columbia, Missouri|pages=[https://archive.org/details/ivorytowerharryp00whit/page/n41 29]–342|isbn=978-0-8262-1549-9}}

* {{Cite book |author=Teare |first=Elizabeth |year=2002 |chapter=Harry Potter and the technology of magic |editor=Whited, Lana A. |title=The Ivory Tower and Harry Potter: Perspectives on a literary phenomenon |url= |publisher=University of Missouri Press |location=Columbia, Missouri |pages=342 |isbn=978-0-8262-1549-9}}

* {{Cite journal|author=Black, Sharon|year=2003|title=The Magic of Harry Potter: Symbols and Heroes of Fantasy|journal=Children's Literature in Education|volume=34|issue=3|pages=237–247|doi=10.1023/A:1025314919836|s2cid=162551714 |issn = 0045-6713}}<br />

{{Harry Potter}}