Magic in Harry Potter: Difference between revisions - Wikipedia

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==Using magic==

Wizards 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 |last=Rowling |first=J. K. |title=Harry is a metamorphmagus |url=http://www.jkrowling.com/textonly/en/rumours_view.cfm?id=41 |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 |access-date=27 February 2008 |website=J.K Rowling Official Site}}</ref> For example, [[Harry Potter (character)|Harry Potter]] liberatedliberates a boa constrictor at the London Zoo and inflatedinflates his [[Dursley family#Marge Dursley|Aunt Marge]] to an enormous size. Although young children usually cannot control their magic, the young [[Voldemort]] could intentionally cause magical things to happen.<ref>{{HPref|book=6|chapter=13}}</ref> In the novels, almost all intentional magic is performed with a [[Magical objects in Harry Potter#Wand|wand]].

[[Spell (paranormal)|Spells]] are the every-purpose tools of a wizard. They are generally short bursts of magic used to accomplish a specialised taskstask, such as openingcreating locksfire or creatingunlocking firea 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>{{CitationCite web |last=Renfro |first=Kim needed|date=August29 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 However,web Rowling|last=Romano has|first=Andrea revealed|date=2016-06-02 that|title=The particularlynot-so-magical talentedLatin wizardsorigins canof cast'Harry Potter' spells without|url=https://mashable.com/article/harry-potter-spells-latin |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=Mashable |language=en}}</ref> Although wizards in the aidnovels ofalmost always use a wand for casting spells, althoughRowling has used the [[Wizarding World Digital|''Wizarding World'']] website to describe certain wizarding cultures that practice magic producedwithout witha onewand.<ref>{{Cite isweb generally|last=Rowling more|first=J. preciseK. and|date=29 powerfulJanuary 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> Spells can also be cast non-verbally, but with a magical wand. While most magicspells showndepicted in the books requiresrequire 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 casts a spell without holding his wand. He performs ''lumos'' to light his wand when ithe is lyingnot onholding the ground near himit.<ref name="HP5">{{HPref|book=5}}</ref>

== The limits of magic ==

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===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; Amortentia, aalthough love potion,potions can only create a powerful sense ofintense infatuation and obsession.

==Magical abilities==

The following are magical abilities that a wizard in the ''Harry Potter'' universe may have.

=== Animagus ===

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]]. ▼

===Metamorphmagus===▼

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.▼

===Parselmouth===

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>▼

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. Some magical creatures have their own forms of teleportation. House-elves are not affected by anti-Apparition enchantments, and can therefore Apparate on Hogwarts grounds. Phoenixes can disappear and reappear in a burst of flame.▼

===Seer===

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 legilimensLegilimens, and can, for example, detect deceit in another person, witness their memories, or plant visions in their mind. The counter-skill to legilimencyLegilimency is occlumencyOcclumency, which is practised by an occlumensOcclumens. It can be used to prevent a legilimensLegilimens from discovering the practitioner's thoughts or memories. Voldemort, [[Severus Snape]], and Albus Dumbledore are all skilled in legilimencyLegilimency and occlumencyOcclumency.

▲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.

▲===Metamorphmagus===

▲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]].

▲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.

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

▲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 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>

===Other teleportationSeer===

▲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 triesAccording to do so will be driven insane. According toMinerva 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.

▲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]] provide forms of teleportation. Some magical creatures have their own forms of teleportation. House-elves are not affected by anti-Apparition enchantments, and can therefore Apparate on Hogwarts grounds. Phoenixes can disappear and reappear in a burst of flame.

==Spell-like effects==

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===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 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 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.

==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 Dark wizard is Voldemort, who has followers called [[Death Eater]]s. The type of spells characteristic of Dark Arts are known as ''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 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.

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The Unforgivable Curses are the three worst known spells of the Dark Arts. 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 '''killingAvada curseKedavra''', (incantation:also ''avadaknown kedavra'')as "the killing curse" causes immediate death. It has no cure, and cannot be blocked by most magical means.{{efn|[[Harry Potter (character)|Harry Potter]] is the only person known to have survived (twice),this nullifiedcurse. (once),The andincantation deflectedfor (once)this thecurse killingis curse''avada kedavra.}}''

* The '''''cruciatus''Cruciatus curseCurse''' (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 personmotivations whoof castthe itcaster. ItFor isexample, useda regularlysadistic bydesire theto Deathinflict Eaterspain will produce a more effective curse than righteous anger. The curse canhas torturebeen aused personto torture victims to the point of death, amnesia or insanity. EffectiveThe castingincantation requiresfor the casterCruciatus toCurse haveis sadistic''crucio'', desireswhich is Latin for "I torture".

* The '''''imperius''Imperius curseCurse''' (incantation: ''imperio'') 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 incantation for the Imperius Curse is ''imperio''.

In ''Deathly Hallows'', the unforgivable curses are used 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.

=== 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.

===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''.

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===

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==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>

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

The headmaster's office at Hogwarts contains portraits of past headmasters. 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"/>

===Photographs===

Wizarding photographs of people have similar properties to magical painted portraits: the figures within move about and sometimes leave the frame. They appear in wizard newspapers and other print media, as well as on Chocolate Frog cards.<ref name="HP1">{{HPref|book=1}}</ref> However, unlike portraits, figures in wizarding pictures cannot speak and display little sentience.

== See also ==