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Events, Places, and Mottos

A

• Azkaban - Sounds very similar to and description is very much the same as the American prison known as Alcatraz, located on an island off the coast of California.

B

• Beauxbatons - French for "beautiful wands." While we do realize this actually translates as "beautiful sticks" in French, the actual term for "magic wands" being "baguettes magiques" sounds far less appealing.

D

• Diagon Alley - Play on words. "Diagonally" refers to "a straight line at a slanted angle."
• Durmstrang - "Sturm und drang" is a German phrase meaning "storm" and "stress or urge." "Sturm und Drang" was a genre of German plays that were famous for their sense of foreboding and ill-fate. Their influence even reaches into modern musical theatre, as in the title song of Little Shop of Horrors.

G

• Grimmauld Place - "Grim Old Place" (play on words).
• Gringotts - According to J.K. Rowling the famous bank comes from the word "ingot," as a reference to "an ingot of gold." She added the "Gr" to the beginning to make it sound more powerful.

H

• Hog's Head - Pub in Hogsmeade. In Old English, a "hoggshead" was a medium-sized barrel holding fifty-four gallons of ale. Similar to the Boar's Head Tavern in Shakespeare's Henry IV.

K

• Knockturn Alley - Nocturnally (play on words).

L

• Little Whinging - The house on Privet Drive is in the suburb of Little Whinging. "Whinge" is a British word for "whining and complaining." That seems to be one of the Dursleys' favorite activities whether it is about Harry, the neighbors, or just the news in general.

P

• Privet Drive - In England, a "privet" is "a very common shrub planted as hedges in suburbia." Those with privet hedges are said to conform to the suburban identity, and privets are characterized as boring and unimaginative. Dursleys anyone? "Privet" also means "prohibition." The street name could possibly be derived from the word "private."

S

• Smeltings - The name of Dudley's school. It is the process used in producing iron ore to make it stronger and more suitable for use. Good luck with Dudders!

T

• Toujours Pur - The Black family motto. It is French for "Always Pure." Remember that most of the Black family consider Half-Bloods to be below them.

Y

• Yule Ball - "Yule" refers to the time of the Winter Solstice, thus the reason for the dance taking place around Christmas time. "Jul" (pronounced "yul") is the Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish name for Christmas. In the Danish translation of Goblet of Fire, the Yule Ball is written as "juleballet," which means "Christmas ball or dance."

Creaturs, Jobs, and States of Being

A

• Abraxan (Powerful flying horse, mentioned in Fantastic Beasts) - Abraxus was the name of a flying horse that pulled Helios, the sun god's chariot through the sky in Greco-Roman mythology.
• Animagus - Combination of the Latin words "animal" and "magus," meaning "animal wizard."
• Auror - Perhaps derived from "aurora," meaning "the dawn." The Aurors may be seen as those who bring the light, vanquishing the darkness.

B

• Basilisk - The history and evolution of the myth of the basilisk is detailed in this article. The Greek basiliskos means "little king" or "petty tyrant." Some myths describe the basilisk as a cockatrice, a giant bird with a serpent's tail that could breathe fire and kill with its stare. Others call it the king of all serpents and consider it as powerful as the gods.
• Boggart - From Wikipedia, in Celtic mythology, a boggart (or bogart, bogan, bogle or boggle) is a household spirit, sometimes mischievous, sometimes helpful. In Northern England, at least, there was the belief that the boggart should never be named, for when it was given a name, it would not be reasoned with or persuaded and would become uncontrollable and destructive.
• Buckbeak - To "buck" is the "action of a horse when it leaps upward and arches its back." A "beak" is the "mouth of a bird." Very suiting considering Buckbeak is a Hippogriff. 

H

• Hippogriff - Derived from the Greek word "hippos" meaning "horse" and the magical creature known as the griffin. In this case, it has the body of a horse as opposed to a lion, but keeps the head of an eagle.

I

• Inferi - In Latin, means "those down below; the dead."

K

• Kappa - A water demon that attacks humans. It is described in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. To prevent it from attacking a certain person, one gives it a cucumber engraved with the person's name. This is fitting, considering "kappa" means "water spirit" in Japanese and they feed themselves on blood and cucumbers. Japanese villagers used to write their names on cucumbers and throw them into a river, believing that this would keep the kappas from harming their families.

M

• Metamorphmagus - In Greek, "meta" means "change," "morph" means "shape," and "magus" means "magic or wizard." Hence, a wizard that can change shape.
• Muggle - Comes from English slang. A "mug" is somebody who is easily fooled.
• Mugwump - One who sits on both sides of an issue. Referring to the "Supreme Mugwump." Originally an Algonquian word "mugquomp," meaning "chief," it became the word for a political party who wouldn't make up their mind about something in the early to mid 1800s.

P

• Parselmouth - An old word for an individual who has problems with their mouth.

S

• Squib - Johnson's Dictionary defines as "any petty fellow". The term has fallen out of use. Epithet for somebody who wrote insulting articles and pamphlets. A quote from the Vicar of Wakefield by Oliver Smith (1766): "I am too old now to be frightened with squibs." A "squib" is also "a small firework that fizzes out rather than doing anything exciting." "Damp squib" is "an expression for something that turns out to be a disappointment."

V

• Veela - Perhaps comes from the "Vilia," a wild woodland sprite mentioned in Franz Lehar's A Merry Widow. The Vilia transfixed the huntsman so that he fell in love with her and as a result, he wanted her to love him, or he would die. The Veelas seem to make boys and men mesmerized. In Bulgarian myths, "villa" are mythological female creatures (also called samovilla and samodiva) that are very beautiful. They live near rivers and enchant every man with their dancing and singing. Interesting how it was the Bulgarian Quidditch team that brough the Veelas to the Quidditch World Cup.

W

• Wizengamot - Perhaps from "Witenagemot," which was "a council of wise elders (called witans) during the Anglo-Saxon period."

 

Characters

• Aberforth - In Gaelic, it means "from the river." It is also the name of a small corporation in Edinburgh.
• Ambrosius Flume - As the founder of Honeydukes, his first name most likely comes from the word "ambrosia," which is especially sweet and delicious. A "flume" is a "narrow tunnel" that usually has something flowing through it. Combining the names, he can be seen as a supplier of sweets. Coincidentally, there is also an underground tunnel that connects Hogwarts and Honeydukes.
• Abraxas (Malfoy) - The supreme Gnostic Deity. Had the body of a man, the head of a cock, and serpents for feet. This image depicts him holding a shield and whip. In some stories, he is referred to as a demon. It is believed "Abra-cadabra" originated from his name.
• Alastor - Similar to Alistair or Alisdair. It is the Scottish (Gaelic) form of Alexander. It means "defender of mankind." It is an appropriate name for an Auror and a character responsible for protecting the magical world by apprehending evil wizards.
• Albus - In Latin, it means "white" (maybe for white beard). Wisdom. Albinus was Governor of Britain at the death of the Emperor Pertinax. Decimus Clodius Albinus attempted to seize the throne but ended up in alliance with another imperial contender, Septimius Severus. After Severus defeated two other rivals (Voldemort and... maybe Slytherin?), the now expendable Albinus was forced into another attempt at usurpation, an attempt that came to an end at the bloody battle of Lyon.
• Alecto - One of the Death Eaters who broke into Hogwarts. In Greek mythology, Alecto was one of the Furies. Her name is derived from the Greek "alektos," meaning "unceasing in anger."
• Alphard - Perhaps derived from the dominant star in the constellation Alpha Hydra, the Water Serpent (a Slytherin reference?). Alphard can mean "the heart of the serpent" or in Arabic, "the solitary one." It lies to the southwest of the brighter star Regulus.
• Amos (Diggory) - In the Bible, Amos was a prophet who tried to make the people understand that without morals and prayers, salvation wouldn't come.
• Amycus - Another Death Eater who broke into Hogwarts. In Greek mythology, the son of Poseidon and Melia, a champion boxer and king of mythical people.
• Andromeda (Tonks) - In Greek mythology, Andromeda should be married to her uncle Phineus but marries Perseus, the famous hero, instead. (Andromeda Black marries Ted Tonks, a Muggle, and is erased from the family tree). Phineus sounds like Phineas Nigellus, Sirius' great-great-grandfather. In the Old Testament, Phineas kills an Israelite man for being in love with a woman who belongs to another ethnical group. As our Phineas was a Slytherin teacher, this can't be coincidence!
• Ariana - of Welsh origin meaning "silver." Also a derivation of the Greek “Ariadne” meaning ‘most Holy.’
• Arabella - Name translates as "prayerful." Also means "eagle" or "heroine." "Eagle eye" is slang for someone who is very attentive and watches over something or someone. She was possibly given this name since she watches over Harry.
• Aragog - "Arachnid" means spider and "Gog" was the name of a legendary giant. Combined, the name means "giant spider." Also possibly derived from the Greek word "agog," meaning "leader."
• Arcturus – The fourth brightest star in the sky, located within the handle of ‘The Plough.’ Its name derives from Ancient Greek, meaning "bear guard"; this refers to the story in Greek mythology that Zeus placed Arcturus in the sky to look after Arcas and Callisto, who were turned into bears and then into the constellations Ursa Major and Ursa Minor to protect them from Hera's wrath.
• Argus - In Greek mythology, Argus was a monster that had a hundred eyes and was ever-so-watchful. The name "Argus" means "bright and watchful." Sounds like Filch.
• Arthur - Could represent King Arthur. The legend presents Arthur as a leader in ancient times who defeated the Saxons and other enemies, thereby uniting the people of Britain in peace and harmony. Arthur Weasley sounds like Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington, who won the Battler of Waterloo.

B

• Bagman - A person who collects money, as for racketeers.
• Bagshot – A town in Surrey, England. The name is thought to be derived from a tribe (bacca) and the Anglo-saxon word for “The place of” (sheatte) meaning “the place of Bacca’s tribe” though Bag could also mean badger, “the place of the Badger”, creating a reference to Hufflepuff.
• Bathilda - The name Bathilda is of Old German origin, and its meaning is "woman warrior". Saint Bathild was a young English girl who became queen of the Franks in the seventh century. She was canonized for opposing the then-flourishing slave trade, and also for founding a convent.
• Bane - Means "nemesis," "bringer of ruin," "pernicious to well-being," "the agent or instrument of ruin or woe," or in Old English "slayer" or "murderer."
• Bellatrix - "Bella" is a construct of the word "bellum" meaning "war" and "trix" refers to "a woman in power." Bellatrix is therefore known as the "Female Warrior" and is also the pale yellow star indicating the left shoulder of the constellation Orion, the Great Hunter.
• Blaise - Blaise was the teacher of Merlin. From the Roman name Blasius, which means "lisping." From the Latin "blaesus." A famous bearer was Blaise Pascal, a French mathematician and philosopher.
• Binns, Professor - A "bin" is what the British call "a garbage can." Many students consider Professor Binns' information to be rubbish. In Northern England, "Binns" is a slang term for glasses, possibly referring to the professor's academic nature.
• Bode - To be an omen. When things are said to not "bode" well for somebody, it usually implies dark times ahead. It also means "a stop or delay."
• Brian - From Old Celtic "bre" meaning "hill" or by extension "high, noble." Brian Boru was an Irish king who thwarted Viking attempts to conquer Ireland in the 11th century. He was victorious in the Battle of Clontarf, but he himself was slain. People associate Brian as a last name but believe it's derived from Brian Boru.
• Bullstrode - A "bull" is "an adult male bovine animal" and "strode" means to "be astride of" or "straddle."
• Burke - Most likely named after the famous murderer and body snatcher William Burke. He used to operate in Edinburgh around 1740, and considering J.K. Rowling comes from Edinburgh, this is too much of a coincidence. Burke and his partner suffocated a bunch of people in their rooming house and sold the bodies to the local medical school. Following this, it became illegal to use cadavers in medical education. As a result, the process of killing someone to sell their body is known as "burking."

C

• Cadogan, Sir - Cadogan is a Welsh name meaning "terrible and fierce in battle." This name fits the fiesty knight whose portrait hangs on the seventh floor very close to the South Tower.
• Caratacus - the Latin version of the old Welsh name Caradog, meaning '"beloved."
• Cassandra - A prophetess. The daughter of Priam, king of Troy. She foresaw the fall of Troy. After spurning Apollo's amorous advances, the sun god gave Cassandra the gift of prophecy (with the catch that no one would ever believe her).
• Cedric - Old English for "chief" or "warleader."
• Charlie - A diminutive of Charles, which means "manly" and "strong."
• Cho Chang - Cho is Japanese for "butterfly" and in Chinese means "autumn." Chang is Chinese for "free" or "unhindered." In Chinese, "chou chang" means "melancholy."
• Colin - Means "youth, child, or victor." Also means "young dog," which fits his devotion to Harry.
• Cormac (McLaggan) - Cormac is of Irish (Gaelic) origin meaning "charioteer." Also means "son of defilement." Cormac was the son of a King in Celtic legend. He was on a mission when he was put under a spell by a jealous lover of one of his competitors. Funny how Hermione puts Cormac under a spell during Quidditch tryouts so Ron can get on the team.
• Cornelius - See Lucius.
• Cole, Mrs. - Similar to role she plays as head of Tom Riddle's orphanage in Half-Blood Prince, in Jane Austen's Emma, there is a character named Mrs. Cole who serves much of the same role. We all know this is one of Jo's favorite books.
• Creevey – A common surname. From Irish origin, meaning ‘prolific’ – possibly a reference to the creevey brothers’ persistence or  from "Creeve" ="to burst," suggesting the Creevey brothers' excitability.
• Crookshanks - "Crook" comes from "crooked," meaning "bent or not straight," and "shank" is a "leg or a leg-like part." J.K. Rowling said herself she gave Hermione's cat "bandy-legs" and Crookshanks is often described as being "bow-legged."

D

• Dedalus (Diggle) - Daedalus was a famous Athenian inventor from Greek mythology who built the Labyrinth for King Minos and helped make wings for himself and his son, Icarus, amongst other things. Read more about Daedalus here.
• Demelza (Robbins) - Demelza House is Dan Radcliffe's favorite charity.
• Diggory - Could be an allusion to Digory Kirke, a character from The Chronicles of Narnia, specifically The Magician's Nephew. He grew up to be the Professor in The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. This character had a strong sense of right and wrong, was loyal to his friends, kept his promises, and loved his mother.
• Dobby - A fatuous or foolish person. Also, a weave of cloth that is durable and natural-looking. Finer stores still sell shirts made of "dobby" weave.
• Dolohov - This Death Eater shares the name of a trouble-making character in Leo Tolstoy's War and Peace.
• Dolores - Of Latin origin. Means "lady of sorrows or pain" (psychological or physical). In Greek, "doleros" means "deceitful." In Spanish, "dolor" means "to have pain."
• Draco - Draco is a constellation that looks like a dragon but is a snake. In Latin, Draco means "dragon." There was also a Greek ruler named Draco who developed a system of severe punishments for the smallest of crimes. "Draconian" means "harsh or cruel." In Romanian, "drac" means "devil."
• Dumbledore - Means "Bumblebee" in Old English. J.K. Rowling has said that she chose this name because she imagined Dumbledore walking around the castle, humming to himself.
• Dudley - An aristocratic surname used as a first name since the 19th Century. Also, a town in one of England's largest cities - Birmingham.
• Dursley - A town near J.K. Rowling's birthplace.

E

• Elphias Doge - Doge was the title of the ruler of Venice from the 8th to 18th Century. "Corno," meaning horn in Italian, was the cap worn by the doge as a symbol, which is mentioned when Mad-Eye Moody shows Harry the photo of the Order: "Elphias Doge, you've met him, I'd forgotten he used to wear that stupid hat."(Order of the Phoenix, pg. 158 UK, pg. 174 US). Also, Magus Elphias Levi was a French occultist of the 19th Century.
• Errol - Means "wanderer" in Old English. This accurately describes the Weasley owl who always seems to get off track when delivering the post.
• Evans - A Celtic name that means "young warrior."

F

• Fawkes (Dumbledore's phoenix) - Guy Fawkes was an English Catholic who, in 1605, tried to blow up the House of Parliament as an act of rebellion against the new Protestant government. In England, November 5th is now known as "Guy Fawkes Day" (or "Bonfire Night") where Guy Fawkes is burned in effigy. Every year he is resurrected to burn again. It can also be noted that he is known as one of the most infamous traitors in English history.
• Fenrir - Fenrir or Fenris in Norse mythology is a gigantic and terrible monster in the shape of a wolf. He is the eldest child of Loki and the giantess Angrboda. The gods learned of a prophecy which stated that the wolf and his family would one day be responsible for the destruction of the world. They caught the wolf and locked him in a cage, bound in chains made by dwarves. Fenrir then requested that one of the gods put their hand in his mouth before he was chained as a sign of good faith. Tyr, the god of war and justice, did and his hand was bitten off (Pettigrew?). In the final battle, Fenrir will escape from his bindings and eat Odin (Lucius?), and Odin's son Vidar (Draco?) will kill him by stabbing him in the heart or ripping his jaws apart. Other stories claim Fenrir will be killed with Vidar's iron boot (Pettigrew?). Also, the evil wolf Captain serving the White Witch in C.S. Lewis' The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe was named Fenris Ulf.
• Fifi LaFolle - Author of Enchanting Encounters. Her name translates as Fifi "The Insane One." Must be, if she's claimed to have meetings with "other beings."
• Figg - "Fig" means "not literal" and a "fig leaf" is something that "conceals or camouflages." Arabella Figg keeps her identity a secret from Harry until Order of the Phoenix, and is able to conceal herself in the world of Muggles.
• Filch - Means to "steal."
• Filius - In Latin, "filius" means "son." This could perhaps explain why Flitwick is such a short individual.
• Firenze - Italian name for the city of Florence. Florence was the same city that the famous astronomer Galileo lived in for most of his life. In fact, he died in his estate while serving out his life-long house-arrest sentence issued by the Inquisition, as they found him guilty of heresy.
• Flitwick - A town in England. It could also be interpeted as the movement of a wand - flit (to move quickly from one spot to another) and wick (a stick shaped cord of woven fibres).
• Fleur Delacour - Means "Flower of the Court" in French. It could also be a clever play on the similar French word "coeur" meaning "heart" (Veela's captivate men's hearts).
• Florean Fortescue - "Florean" means "flower" in Latin. Adrian Fortescue was a martyr for the Catholic Church and cousin to Anne Boleyn. He was martyred for disagreeing with Henry VII's changes to church law.
• Fluffy - Cerberus, the three-headed dog was the guardian of the underworld in Greek mythology. Orpheus got past Cerberus by lulling it to sleep with music. You get past Fluffy by lulling it to sleep with music. The name "Fluffy" itself, is just another way of J.K. Rowling showing how Hagrid does not view certain magical creatures and beasts as dangerous.
• Fudge - "Fudge," besides being a delicious chocolate confection, can mean "nonsense." As a verb, it means to "evade" or to "falsify." In technological jargon, it means "to perform in an incomplete but marginally acceptable way." We've seen the former Minister "fudge" a story many times during the series.

G

• Gabrielle (Delacour) - In Hebrew, Gabrielle means "hero of God."
• Gaunt - To be very skinny especially because of hunger or disease or cold; to have a bony body.
• Gilderoy - A highwayman known for being handsome. May also come from the word "gilded," which is defined as having a "pleasing, showy appearance, which covers something of little worth." This is very fitting considering Gilderoy's supposed good looks covered up the truth about his inability to function as a powerful wizard. The name "Roy" is Old French for "regal one" or "king."
• Ginny - "Ginevra," an Italian female and woman of the people, her name means "Juniper" as in evergreen tree. There is an old myth about a bride named Ginevra, who playfully hid in a trunk on her wedding day. The lid fell, burying her alive; and eventually her skeleton was discovered. This could relate to Ginny being taken into the Chamber of Secrets where her "skeleton would lie forever." However, J.K. Rowling has also said that she picked the name because she wanted something different and special for the only Weasley girl!
• Gellert - Gellert is the Hungarian version of Gerard, which comes from the Germanic ger, "spear", and hard, "brave, hardy". Saint Gellert was an Italian-born missionary and martyr who worked in Hungary.
• Godric - Means "power of god." Derived from the Old English "god" combined with "ric," meaning "power" and "rule." Name became conmmonly used after the Norman conquest. - Godric of Finchale is an Anglo-Saxon saint.
• Granger - Possibly from the Granger movement in the 1800s, a movement to improve the lives of farmers. Could be a connection to Hermione's desire to start SPEW, a movement to improve the lives of house-elves. A granger was also a very common person, just like Hermione's parents. Granger is the name of a character from the book Fahrenheit 451. He is the leader of a group of intellectuals known as "The Book People," whose goal is the preservation of liturature in the face of their government's efforts to burn and destroy all books. A possible reference to Hermione's fanatical love of books?
• Greyback - Similar to the term "silverback" used for the dominant male in a band of gorillas. We all know Fenrir Greyback is the dominant werewolf in the wizarding world.
• Grindelwald - Perhaps derived from the Anglo-Saxon epic Beowulf character Grendel, the demon. (Many theories in which the Dark wizard Grindelwald is compared to Hitler have been explored by <i>Harry Potter</i> fans in the past, especially since the date of his demise, 1945, is the same as the end of WWII.) A beautiful village in the mountains of Bernese Oberaland, Switzerland. Also, a well-known hotel chain in Germany.
• Gryffindor - A "griffin" was "a creature in mythology with the body of a lion and the head of an eagle." Also known in Greek Mythology as the "gryphon," it was the protector of a god's gold from mortal men. In Greek, "gryphon" means "protector of wealth." In French "d'or" means "of gold," one of the Gryffindor House colors. The gryffin is fitting, considering lions are characterized as brave and courageous and eagles are desrcibed as being noble birds, all traits of the Gryffindor House.

H

• Hagrid - J.K. Rowling said: "Hagrid is also another old English word meaning if you were Hagrid, it’s a dialect word meaning you’d had a bad night. Hagrid’s a big drinker. He has a lot of bad nights." Grid was a Norse giantess known for having a terrible temper. "Ha" is a variant of the Old West Norse name element "half." So, "Ha-Grid" may just mean "Half-Grid" or more notably "Half-Giant." " Haggard" can also mean "appearing worn and exhausted, gaunt; wild or distraught in appearance; a disheveled individual." From the Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy, the Old English term "hag-rid" means "indigestion" (not surprising considering all the weird things Hagrid eats). Found in the exact same paragraph as "Dumbledore." Coincidence?
• Hannah (Abbott) - "Hannah" means "grace."
• Harry - J.K. Rowling's favorite boy's name. The name Harry is of Anglo-Saxon origin and means "power." There was also a magician named Harry Houdini in the 1900s.
• Hedwig - The Saint of Orphans that lived in Germany in the 13th and 14th Century. Means "refuge in battle." Mentioned in Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.
• Hepzibah - The name comes from the Hebrew "Cheftzibah," which literally translated means "my desire is for it" or "my will is in it." In Hawthorne's The House of the Seven Gables there is an old spouse called Hepzibah Pyncheon. She has has a remarkable lineage she is aware of, and she shows her guest and cousin Phoebe some teaspoons bearing the family coat-of-arms as well as antique china cups that belonged to one of Phoebe's ancestors. Also, at the beginning we see old Hepzibah trying to beautify herself to no avail. This is almost identical to the Hepzibah Smith in Half-Blood Prince and her actions before and during her visit with Tom Riddle.
• Hermes - The Greek Messenger. The god of merchants, shepards, thieves, and guardian of the roads.
• Hestia (Jones) - Member of the Order of the Phoenix. In Greek mythology, Hestia was the goddess of the hearth and domestic activity.
• Hermione - Means "well-born," "earthy," or "stone." Refers to peony-type flowers. The feminine version of Hermes. In Greek mythology, was often known as the patron saint of high magic (no surprise our Hermione is so gifted). She was the daughter of Helen of Troy and King Menelaus of Sparta. In the Aeneid, Hermione was kidnapped by Pyrrhus, but her loving Orestes came and murdered Pyrrhus while he was praying. Hermione is also a character in Shakespeare's A Winter's Tale. The character is accused of adultery and dies before the intermission. At the end of the play she is brought out as a statue, and finally returns to life at the very end of the play. A possible connection to her petrification in Chamber of Secrets?
• Horace - English and French form of Horatius, a Roman family name possibly derived from Latin "hora," meaning "hour, time, and season." A famous bearer was Quintus Horatius Flaccus, a Roman lyric poet in the first Century B.C. Horace's poems often celebrated the pleasure found in good food, drink, and spending time with congenial companions - sounds like Slughorn.
• Hugo (Weasley) – meaning “intelligent” in Latin, German and Spanish.

I

• Inigo Imago (Author of Dream Oracle, a Divination textbook) - "Inigo" is a male name meaning "ardent or fiery" and "Imago" means "image." Imago Therapy is also a psychoanalytic technique used for helping bring out meaing from the subconscious.

J

• James - Means "supplanter." To "supplant" is" to to take the place of, or substitute, especially through intrigue or underhanded tactics." James was also an apostle of Jesus.
• Joseph Wronski - Polish seeker for which the Quidditch move, the Wronski Feint, is named. Josef Wronski was a Polish mathematician born in 1778 and was widely regarded as an eccentric by the greater academic community due to his work on perpetual motion machines, machines intended to predict the future, and attempting to square the circle (making a square and a circle have the same area using only a compass and a straight edge; it was later proven to be impossible.) Wronski's most famous and lasting contribution to mathematics was the Wronskian, a function used in linear algebra and differential equations. It can be found in many textbooks today.

K

• Kreacher - Creature (play on words). Reminiscent of the German "kriecher" derived from "kriechen," meaning "to creep, crawl, cringe, grovel, tuckle, or fawn upon."
• Krum - In Swedish and Norwegian, "krum" means "curved," which is interesting considered how he is described as being uncoordinated on land (as opposed to in the air). A famous Bulgarian czar circa 800 A.D. known for killing the Byzantine emperor and making a goblet out of his skull.

L

• Lestrange - To be "estranged" means to be "removed from society." In French, "etrange" means "strange" or "weird."
• Libatius (Borge) - The author of Advanced Potion Making. A libation is a sacrifice to the gods. In Homer's The Odyssey, amongst other Greek myths, it is used to bring up ghosts from the Underworld. After drinking the potion they are then able to speak.
• Lily - A flower symbolizing purity and innocence. It is the flower commonly used during the Easter holiday and symbolizes immortality. The bulb decays in the ground, and from it new life is released. It is Lily who gives her life so Harry can keep on living.
• Lockhart - As coincidental as the following information may be, J.K. Rowling stated in a radio interview with BBC 4 that she found the name Lockhart on a war memorial. Lockhart is a world renowned cognitive psychologist whose particular interest is in the study of memory and levels of processing. He did a lot of research in this area in the late 1970s. Town in Australia near Wagga Wagga ("Compose a poem about my defeat of the Wagga Wagga Werewolf"?). A possible play on words as he seems to have so many women's "heart locked" on him.
• Longbottom - The name itself is considered quite humorous, but "bottom" is an old word for "staying power." This seems to accurately fit Neville's personality and overall devotion to Harry.
• Lucius - A Latin male first name. A character in Shakespeare's play Julius Casesar, Lucius is the servant of Brutus, the leader of the conspirators who plot against and assassinate Caesar. Possible connection to the similar sounding "Lucifer" (the devil). Lucifer means "light-bearer." In Romanian, "lucios" means "shiny," a possible connection to his desire for the extravagant and valuable. A Roman General named Lucius Cornelius Sulla was usurped by the people of Rome, but defeated them and seized control as a dictator. After doing so, he removed most of the popular say in the government and returned it to the Senate of Rome, which controlled the people, and founded a firm Republic.
• Ludo - Latin meaning "I play." Fitting, as Ludo Bagman likes to "play his luck" by betting on sports and is the former head of the Department of Games and Sports.
• Luna - The Roman goddess of the moon. "Luna" means "moon" in Latin, Romanian and Italian. In Romanian, it also translates to "month." The word "lunatic" is also derived from the word "lunar," as it was believed in old times that strange or odd behavior was caused by the moon. "Luna" is a term for "silver" in alchemy.
• Lupin - "Lupus" is the Latin derivative for "wolf." Canis Lupus is the scientific name for wolf. To be described as "lupine" means to "resemble a wolf."

M

• Malfoy - In Latin, "malus" means "bad" and "mal" means "pale." "Mal foi" means "bad faith, an act with bad intentions, or a malicious act" in French. "Mal de foi" means a "loss of faith." The similar French phrase "Mal fait" can be interpeted as "badly made" or "evil deeds." In Portuguese, (J.K. Rowling taught English in Portugal for a few years) "Mal foi" means "was bad" or "is bad." In Arthurian legends, Lancelot (King Arthur's greatest knight and his betrayor) is sometimes called "Le Chevallier Mal Fait" (the "mal fait" knight). "Foy" means "a farewell feast, drink, or gift, as at a wedding."
• Marietta - Means "Little Bitter."
• Marvolo - Implies "marvelous," but also contains the Latin root "volo" meaning " I wish, want, will, ordain, suppose, maintain that, be willing, to mean, signify, or denote." "Volo" also means "to fly, speed, or move rapidly." Tom Riddle can be seen as a character who wants to achieve greatness very quickly. Perhaps from Shakespeare's Twelfth Night character Malviolo. He was a Puritan who could not have fun and sought to stop the other servants from enjoying themselves. He is "sick with self love" and dreams of getting power. He thinks he is better than the others because he believes he is "pure." He is constantly the subject of practical jokes. It is here where the quote "Some are born great, some acheive greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them" comes from. At the end of the play, he swears revenge on the lot of them.
• Mason, Mr. (Visits the Dursleys in Chamber of Secrets) - A mason is an extremely skilled builder.
• McDonald, Natalie - In Goblet of Fire (American hardcover edition, pg. 180), a girl named Natalie McDonald was sorted into Gryffindor House. She was a real girl who was suffering from a terminal illness. She wrote J.K. Rowling a letter. J.K. Rowling wrote back to Natalie and her letter included an outline of Goblet of Fire so if Natalie died, she would know how the book went. Unfortunately, the letter was too late. In memory of Natalie McDonald, J.K. Rowling included her name in Goblet of Fire.
• McGonagall, Professor - The name is Scottish (also written as McGonigle or McGonegal) and is from the Celtic name "Conegal," which means "the bravest." The "Mc" in McGonagall means "son of." The bravery fits well with her first name, Minerva, the goddess of wisdom and war.
• Merope - Means "bee-eater" and also translates to "eloquent" and "mortal." Meropia is a condition of partial blindess. The name Merope is used numerous times in Greek mythology. Click here for one lengthy explanation. Additionally, Merope was a member of the Pleiades sisters (nymphs) and was shamed eternally for marrying a mortal (Sisyphus). Since her parents were angered they made her star, Merope, weakest in the Pleiades constellation. Compare this to Merope Gaunt, a witch shamed for marrying a Muggle. A third Merope in Greek mythology, is one of the Heliades, or daughters of Helios. The Heliades were turned into poplar trees and their tears turned to amber by Helios himself. A fourth Merope was the daughter of King Oenopion who was wooed by Orion, apparently with little success.
• Millicent - Millicent is derived from the Norman French name Melisende, which was itself derived from the Germanic name Amalaswinth. It is composed of the Germanic elements "amal" meaning "to work or labor" and "swinth," meaning "strength." This was the name of a daughter of Charlemagne. Her name also means ambitious.
• Minerva - The Roman counterpart to the Greek goddess named Athena. Both women in their respective mythologies represent war, handicraft and practical reason or wisdom.
• Moody - In Hawthorne's The Blithedale Romance there is a character called Moodie who wears a patch over one of his eyes. There is of course, the traditional meaning of "moody," which simply means to "not be in a good mood."
• Morfin (Gaunt) - Probably taken from Celtic myth. Morfan was the son of the Celtic Fertility God Ceridwen and was a fearsome warrior. Morfan fought with King Arthur in his last battle with Carlan. At first, none of Sir Mordred's men would fight against Morfan, because he was so ugly that they believed he might be the devil.
• Mundungus - A stinking tobacco. Very similiar to the word "mondongo," which in Spanish is the word for a cow's "stomach," a disgusting part of the animal that is often eaten.
• Myrtle, Moaning - A type of evergreen shrub that is often overlooked because of its plainness.

N

• Nagini - "Naga" is "snake" in Sanskrit and "Nagin" means "female snake" in Urdu. A reference to Rudyard Kipling's cobra character Nagina, referred to as Nagini in some translations?
• Narcissa - "Narcissism" means "the excessive love of oneself." In Greek mythology, Narcissus was a man who believed himself to be the most handsome man on the planet. He died of grief, because he could not get love from his reflection in the water. When he was buried, a flower bloomed on his grave - a narcissus. Narcissa is often described as having a look like a nasty smell has been placed under her nose. Is this due to the nasty smell of the narcissus flower?
• Neville - Old French for "from the new farmland."
• Nicholas Flamel - Was a real alchemist, and supposedly DID create the Philosopher's Stone. The tale was that he had spent decades of his life trying to create the Philosopher's Stone, which could turn any metal into gold and unlock the secrets to immortality - but he could not figure it out.
• Nigellus - Nigellus might be derived from the Latin word "niger" which means "black, dark, and unlucky." "Nigellus" is preclassical and medieval Latin, meaning "somewhat black."
• Nimbus - A rain or storm cloud. Nimbus was a god in Greek mythology. "Nimbus" is also a derivative of "nimble" - "quick, light or agile in movement or action." Perfect qualities for a broomstick.
• Norris, Mrs. - A character in Mansfield Park by Jane Austen, one of J.K. Rowling's favorite authors. The character is a busybody, always into everyone's business and trying to run things the way she wants to, even though she's not really in a position of power. Sounds like Filch's favorite feline!
• Nymphadora (Tonks) - "Nymphadora" translates as "Gift of the Nymphs." A "nymph," in Greek mythology, refers to "a member of group of female 'spirits' found in different types of nature." They are further classified by where they were found. They also had the ability to change shapes, a very clear connection to Tonks' own ability to shapeshift. In Latin, "nympha" translates to "a bride" and "Nymphae" to "the Nymphs."

O

• Olympe Maxime - From French "Olympe" means "Olympus," referring to Mount Olympus, the home of the gods in Ancient Greece. Maxime could come from the French "maxim," meaning a "succint formulation of some fundamental principle or rule of conduct." Very appropriate for a headmistress. Both names give a sense of extreme size, with "Maxime" also sounding like the word "maximum," meaning the largest in size.
• Orion (Black) - Sirius' father. Orion the Hunter is a constellation who rules the heavens from late fall to early spring with his hunting dogs (Canis Major, who's brightest star is Sirius, and Canis Minor) at his feet. His name means "dweller of the mountain" and he is known for his prowess as a hunter and lover. Bellatrix forms one corner of the Orion constellation. In Greek mythology, Orion was in love with Merope. He was killed when he stepped on Scorpio the scorpion.

P

• Padma - Means "lotus" in Sanskrit. In Hindu myth, this was another name of both the hero Rama and the goddess Lakshmi.
• Padfoot - Yorkshire name for a large phantom black dog. It was as big as a calf and haunted lonely roads.
• Pansy - Type of flower. Derived from the Old French "pensee," which means "thought."
• Parvati - Parvati is a Hindu goddess married to the Hindu god, Shiva the Destroyer. She gave birth to a baby boy named Ganesh, whom Shiva beheaded, but replaced the old head with an elephant head after Parvati reamed him out. Sister of the Goddess of the Ganges, Padma. There was a character named "Parvati the Witch" in Salman Rushdie's novel Midnight's Children, in which the names "Padma" and "Patil" were also significant. Parvati means "daughter of the mountain."
• Patil - Is its own surname and is quite common in the state of Maharashtra in India. It is pronounced "PAH-till" and is completely different from "Patel" other than them both being Indian surnames.
• Peeves - "Peeve" means "little devil" or something that "gets on your nerves" (like a pet peeve).
• Percival - One of the legendary Knights of the Round Table. The name itself means "pierces the veil," "pierces the valley," or "destroyer." It also translates as "bringer of peace" and "from the pear tree."
• Perenelle (Flamel) - The wife of the famous inventor of the Sorcerer's Stone, Nicholas Flamel, her name refers to "perennial," meaning "continuing without interruption." An appropriate name for the wife of a man who created a stone of immortality.
• Pettigrew - Pettigrew could be interpreted two ways: "petty-grew" meaning he grew into a petty (narrow-minded) person or "pet-I-grew" foreshadowing the incident where Peter grew out of his rat form and back into a man in the Shrieking Shack. Also, from the French "petit gros" or "little, fat person."
• Petunia - A trumpet-shaped flower, with white or purple blossoms. The petunia symbolizes anger and resentment.
• Phineas - In Hebrew, means "serpent's mouth" or "loudmouth." In the Old Testament, Phineas kills an Israelite man for being in love with a woman who belongs to another ethnical group. For more, see Andromeda.
• Pigwidgeon - A "pigwidgin" is a term for "a small fairy, and later, anything that was small." A "widgeon" is kind of "duck." Pigwidgeon is the name of a mischievous fairy in the poems of Michael Drayton.
• Pince, Madam - "Pincer" is French for "to pinch". They are a pair of glasses with no side ear temples, just lenses and their frames. They clip on the bridge of the nose. These type of eyeglasses are sometimes seen on stern or bookish people in literature, movies, and television.
• Pius - from the Latin word pius, the meaning of which is similar to the English "pious" from piety , meaning a desire and willingness to perform religious duties. The name is most commonly associated with popes, twelve of whom (including three in the twentieth century and seven in the last 250 years), have taken the name Pius.
• Pomfrey, Madam - At the end of Prisoner of Azkaban, Dumbledore refers to Madam Pomfrey as "Poppy." A poppy plant can be used to make opium and other drugs. It makes sense that the healer at Hogwarts would have a name related to a drug so often used for medicinal purposes.
• Pomona (Sprout) - Pomona is the name of a Roman divinity. According to Edith Hamilton's book Mythology, "she cared for fruits and orchards and that was all she cared for. Her delight was in pruning and grafting and everything that belongs to the garderner's art. She shut herself away from men, alone with her beloved trees, and let no wooer come near her."
• Potter - A name J.K. Rowling has always been fond of since childhood. "Potter's Field" is often the name given to a cemetery where a city or town buries those who have gone unclaimed or unwanted (a community's orphans). "Potter's Field" is also considered a cursed land because Judas hung himself in one.
• Prongs - A slender pointed or projecting part; a point of an antler. Clearly referring to the stag that represents Harry Potter's Patronus and James Potter's Animagus form.
• Puddifoot, Madam - The word "Puddifoot" is name for "someone shaped like a barrel." From the word "puddy" meaning "round-bellied" or "fat." Those who are in love are often said to be "weak in the knees," so it is not a far stretch to say they have "puddy feet." Madam Puddifoot's shop is often frequented by young couples.

Q

• Quirinus - The name Quirinus is derived from the words "co-viri," meaning "of two men." Quirinus was applied to Romulus, for whom Rome was named, when he was considered a god. Furthermore, there is a connection between Quirinus and Janus Quirinus, the two-faced god. Janus was the god of both beginnings and endings and was depicted as having one face look forward while the other watched behind, much like our dear professor Quirrell.
• Quirrell - Perhaps derived from the word "quarrel," which means "an angry dispute or argument." Also sounds like squirrel, for a nervous, nut-eating rodent that lives in trees. The professor was a scared, shaky man who behaved a lot like one, later an act to cover up his allegiance to Voldemort. Possibly from "querulous" meaning full of "doubts and questions."

R

• Rabastan (Lestrange) - "Rastaban" means "serpent's head." Not very surprising for a Death Eater. Rabastan is also a star in the constellation Beta Draconis.
• Ravenclaw - Ravens are known to be smart birds. Makes sense that Ravenclaws are known as wise, quick learners.
• Regulus (Sirius' brother) - The name of the brightest star in the Alpha Leo (lion) constellation. Although this might seem odd at first, considering he was not a Gryffindor - lions in mythology are often used to symbolize those fierce or pure of heart (Pureblood?). Means "prince" and "heart of the lion." During the First Punic War (264-242 B.C.) the Roman general Regulus was captured by the Carthaginians. He travelled to Rome with a party of Carthaginian ambassadors to help secure terms of peace, agreeing to return to Carthage to face death if he failed to gain acceptance of the Carthaginian terms. Once in Rome, however, Regulus urged the Senate to reject those terms; he returned to Carthage where he was tortured and executed. Regulus Black quite possibly suffered a similar fate at the hands of Voldemort after trying to back out of being a Death Eater.
• Remus - Twin brother of Romulus (founder of Rome). The King sent the two twin babies out to a river and tried to drown them, but a female wolf, instead of killing them, nursed them after finding the two boys. He was killed by Romulus.
• Riddle - A "riddle" is "a form of word puzzle designed to test someone's ingenuity in arriving at its solution." Riddles were used as a way to both puzzle the audience and teach them to understand poetic language.
• Rodolphus - A variation of the name Ralph. It is of Old English origins and means "wolf counsel."
• Ron - Interesting when taken in conjunction with Arthur. He is the advisor to the King. Comparisons can be made here between Ron being an advisor to Harry on all of his choices and adventures. Both Ron and Hermione listen to Harry's plan and then either agree with or tell them why they think his idea is not a good one.
• Ronan - An Irish saint. A "ronin" was "a name given to a masterless samurai, a wanderer," during the Feudal Period of Japan that lasted from 1185 to 1868. Ronins were often the targets of humiliation and satires.
• Rose (Weasley) - Originally a Norman form of a Germanic name, which was composed of the elements hrod "fame" and heid "kind, sort, type". It was introduced to England by the Normans in the forms Roese or Rohese. From an early date it was associated with the word for the fragrant flower rose (derived from Latin rosa). When the name was revived in the 19th century, it was probably with the flower in mind.
• Rosmerta - In Gaulish Celtic mythology, Rosmerta was the goddess of fire, warmth, and abundance.
• Rowena - "Rowena" is Old English for "red hair," which ties in with Jo's fascination for those with red hair. It means "rugged" in Gaelic. In Welsh poetry, Rowena is named "mother of the nation," which could link in to her being a founder of Hogwarts. She also is another character whose name surfaces in the great epic Ivanhoe.
• Rubeus - "Rubeus" means "red." "Ruber" is also Latin for "red," and can mean "ruddy" - a perfect representation of our favorite gamekeeper.
• Rufus - Latin for "red-haired."

S

• Salazar - António de Oliveira Salazar was the Fascist dictator in Portugal at the same time that Mussolini, Franco and Hitler. He had the same extremist right-wing ideology as the others, exercised great prejudice, and ruled using fear.
• Sanguini - One of the only vampires we have met. "Sanguis" is the Latin word for "blood." "Sang" means "blood" in French. "Sanguinary" means "blood-thirsty."
• Scamander, Newt - Magizoologist who wrote and narrated Fantastic Beasts. Scamander was the son of Andromache and Hector. Sounds like "salamander." A newt is kind of salamander.
• Scrimgeour - A possible connection to this Family Crest? Click on "S" in the left-hand column and look for the "Scrimgeour" Crest. No wonder he resembles a lion. A "scrim" is a curtain that when lit from the front, nothing can be seen behind the curtain. When the curtain is lit from behind, anything behind the curtain can be seen. Is the good Minister hiding something? A possible relation to Brutus Scrimegeour, the author of A Beater's Bible and the writer of the intro in Quidditch Through The Ages?
• Scorpius (Malfoy) – Like Draco, Scorpius is a star constellation in the Southern Hemisphere.
• Severus - Sever means "to cut off." Snape appears to have "cut off" his ties with the Dark Lord through the first five books, and then with Dumbledore and the Order in Half-Blood Prince. "Severe" means "cruel, strict" - two characteristics that accurately describe the Potions Professor. Sounds very similiar to the Latin word "servus," meaning "servant." Is he still a servant of Voldemort's? In ancient history, Lucius Septimius Severus restored stability to the Roman Empire after the tumultuous reign of Emperor Commodus (See Albus) and the civil wars that erupted in the wake of Commodus' murder. To read more on this story, go here. The name Severus is also mentioned in Mansfield Park by Jane Austen, a favorite book of J.K. Rowling. Additionally, a Saint Severus of Alexandria (Egypt) was martyred along with a Saint Peter and a Saint Leucius for publicly proclaiming the faith around 309 C.E. Severus, Peter, and Lucius - quite a coincidence!
• Shacklebolt - As an Auror, Kingsley is respsonible for sending evil wizards to Azkaban. Both "shackle" and "bolt" refer to means of imprisonment.
• Shunpike, Stan - A "shunpike" is a "road people use to avoid paying a toll or fare."
• Sibyll - Sibyll comes from the Sibyls, who were famous prophets in ancient mythology. Their prophecies were often not decipherable until an event had come to pass. In The Aeneid, the Sibyl was responsible for leading Aeneas to the Underworld.
• Sirius - Named after the star, Sirius, also known as the Dog Star or Great Dog (Canis Major). It is the brightest star in the sky, often called "scorching," which quite suits his personality. According to The Magical Worlds of Harry Potter: A Treasury of Myths, Legends, and Fascinating Facts by David Colbert, in Egyptian mythology, the star Sirius is where it was believed the souls of humans traveled after death. The star had such importance that all the temples were built to align with its path across the sky. Archaeologists have discovered that long tunnels or airshafts in the Great Pyramid make the stars visible in daytime, and that the view is the part of the sky where Sirius appears. It is thought that the shafts were meant to guide one's soul to Sirius. This is very interesting considering the manner in which Sirius died.
• Sinistra, Professor - The Latin "sinister" meaning " on the left." In ancient cultures (such as the Babylonians), the left side was often associated with evil, black magic or bad luck. We wonder what this means for our dear Astronomy teacher! The left side is also associated with females, as in the "distaff side." The left side of the brain is responsible for both logic and analysis - important qualities for Astronomy.
• Skeeter, Rita - "Skeeter" is short for "mosquito." As most people can attest, mosquitoes are among the most annoying lifeforms on this planet.
• Slytherin - Sounds like "slither," as in to slither like a snake. No coincidence the Slytherin House is represented by a snake. Salazar Slytherin was also a Parselmouth (name for those who can speak to snakes). Slytherins are known to be "sly" individuals and snakes are known to be very "sly" creatures.
• Smith - The most common surname. Derived from the Anglo-Saxon "Smitan", meaning to "smite" or "strike."
• Snape - A town in England. Also based after a person J.K. Rowling knew.
• Sprout, Professor - A suitable name for a Herbology teacher. "To sprout" means to "spring up and grow."
• Susan (Bones) - Short form of Susannah. Derived from the Hebrew name "Shoshana" meaning "lily or rose."

T

• Thicknesse – an uncommon surname. may mean "thick-tongue" from the Proto-Germanic word nessye (or nessieh), meaning "tongue". Otherwise, it may simply be a derivation of the “ness” place name, meaning a cape or headline.
• Tom Marvolo Riddle - If you rearrange the letters, it spells: "I am Lord Voldemort." The name "Tom" means "twin."
• Tonks - A "tonk" means "a fool or an idiot," "a powerful hit or stroke," and "to strike." This would definitely relate to Tonks' clumsiness.
• Trevor - From a surname originally from a place meaning "big village." From Welsh, "tref" meaning "village" and "mawr" meaning "large."
• Trelawney - Trelawney is a Cornish family tracing back to Saxon days. In 1668, Jonathan Trelawney became Dean of St. Buryan, afterwards Bishop of Rochester, and was one of the seven Bishops imprisoned in the Tower of London. He was one of the subjects of the great Cornish song "And shall Trelawney die." Apparently, the song is/was the Cornish National Anthem. Trelawney is also an area in Cornwall, England.

U

• Umbridge - Sounds like "umbrage," which is "a feeling of anger caused by an offense." In Latin, "umbra" means "shadow, shade, or ghost" and can also be interpreted as "jealous or suspicious of another" or "standing in one's light or way." The phrase "to take umbridge" means to "cause offense and make trouble." She certainly does this for Harry. The plural "umbrae" means "shadows". In this context it can be used as shadowing or following other individuals - just how Umbridge does with the Ministry of Magic.

V

• Vane, Romilda - From the English word "vain" - because that's exactly what she comes across as in Half-Blood Prince.
• Vector, Professor (Arithmancy teacher) - A "vector" is "a mathematical quantity completely specified by a magnitude and a direction."
• Victoire (Weasley) – ‘Victory’ in French. Also female derivation of Victor.
• Viktor - His first name means the "victorious one" - appropriate for the best Seeker in the Quidditch World Cup.
• Voldemort, Lord - There was a dark wizard in medieval times named Voldermortist. In another language, Voldermortist means "Lord of Evil" or "Dark Lord." Legend has it that Voldermortist once tried to destroy Merlin before the time of King Arthur (Mr. Weasley?) by bewitching good people and simply bribing those who already were evil. Legend has it that Merlin destroyed Voldermortist by using a simple Paralyzing Charm (full body bind?), fed him to the many-headed-beast (Fluffy?) of the lake, the Lady of the Lake's pet (Giant Squid?), freed the bewitched people, and destroyed the evil men. That was maybe twelve, thirteen years before Arthur (how long it was from Voldemort's destruction until Harry started Hogwarts). In many European languages, "mort" or "mord" refer to "death or evil." In French, "vol-de-mort" means "flight from death" (meaning escaping death). Also in French, "vol" translates as "the act of stealing," giving Voldemort's name the alternate meaning to "steal from death." In Norwegian and Danish, "vold" means "violence." In Danish, "volde" means "to cause" and could be derived from the Latin "valde," meaning "great, exceedingly, strongly, powerfully." Using these defintions Lord Voldemort's name would then mean "excessive, great, or extreme death."

W

• Walburga (Black) - Sirius' mother. "Walburga" means "rule of the fortress", from the German "wald" meaning "rule" and "burg" meaning "fortress." St. Walburga was the name of an 8th Century Saint who did missionary work in Germany. Walburga is also another form of the word "Walpurgis" (as in the Knights of the Walpurgis) - J.K. Rowling's original name for the Death Eaters. Walpurgis Night (May 1st) was the night witches reveled in.
• Weasley - From J.K. Rowling's site weasels were known to have a bad reputation, especially in Ireland, as an unfortunate animal. And well, the Weasleys are unfortunate because they're poor. J.K. Rowling said: "Ron was the only one of three major characters whose surname never changed; he has been 'Weasley' from start to finish. In Britain and Ireland the weasel has a bad reputation as an unfortunate, even malevolent, animal. However, since childhood I have had a great fondness for the family mustelidae; not so much malignant as maligned, in my opinion." The Weasleys and the weasel both share red hair. The Weasleys live near Ottery St. Catchpole, and it is interesting that a family with weasel in their surname lives near a town that has otter in its name (an otter is a member of the weasel family). Also, in Goblet of Fire, the group all go to Stoatshead Hill to take the Portkey to the Triwizard Tournament. A stoat is another relative of the weasel family.
• Weird Sisters, The (Music band) - The Weird Sisters were three witches in Shakespeare's play Macbeth who could foresee the future, and elicited evil in Macbeth by means of equivocation.
• Wilhelmina (Grubbly-Plank) - In German, this name means "desire to protect." This would explain why she teaches Care of Magical Creatures.
• Witherwings - "Withers" are "the place on a horse where the neck and shoulder muscles join." It is the peak at the top of the shoulders and the base of the neck, and is the tallest point of the horse. It is where measurements are taken from. It is where the wings would attack (or grow from) if a horse had them. The "wings" referring to the wings of an eagle. To "wither," also meaning to "lose freshness, vigor, or vitality." It is suiting his name is changed to this after Sirius dies.
• Wulfric - St. Wulfric was described as a hermit. J.K. Rowling characterizes Dumbledore as a loner. St. Wulfric was a worldly man, as was Dumbledore. St. Wulfric was born in Bristol, the same town Hagrid flew over from Godric's Hollow. St. Wulfric supposedly had the gift of prophecy.

X

• Xenophilius (Lovegood) - "Xenophobia" is the term used for fear of strangers or foreigners and "xenophilia" means love or affection for alien things or people. Explains Xenophilius' love for all things strange.

Y

Z

• Zabini - Derived from the Sabine tribe.
• Zacharias (Smith) - Greek form of Zechariah. From the Hebrew name "Zekaryah," which means "remembers God." Zechariah was a prophet in the Old Testament and the father of John the Baptist in the New Testament, who was temporarily made dumb because of his disbelief.

Things You May Have Missed

Sorcerer's Stone

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• The Mirror of Erised: Erised is Desire spelled backward, or how it would appear in a mirror. Also, the inscription reads "Erised stra ehru oyt ube cafru oyt on wohsi," which read in a mirror reads, "I show not your face but your hearts desire." (Thanks, Kathryn)
• They could hear footsteps, Filch running as fast as he could towards Peeves' shouts.
  "Oh, move over," Hermione snarled. She grabbed Harry's wand, tapped the lock and whispered, "Alohomora!"
  The lock clicked and the door swung open -- they piled through it, shut it quickly and pressed their ears against it, listening.
  "Which way did they go Peeves?" Filch was saying. "Quick, tell me."
  "Say 'please.'"
  "Don't mess with me, Peeves, now where did they go?"
  "Shan't say nothing if you don't say please," said Peeves in his annoying singsong voice.
  Then, as you know, they turn around to face Fluffy who is glaring at them and about to attack. They were inside that room for quite a while listening to Peeves and Filch before they turned around to see Fluffy. Why didn't Fluffy attack as soon as they entered the room? Possibly because of Peeves' singsong voice, which might have started putting Fluffy to sleep. Fluffy didn't start baring his teeth until after Filch and Peeves had left.
• Professor Quirrell, in his absurd turban, was talking to teacher with greasy black hair, a hooked nose, and sallow skin.
  It happened very suddenly. The hook-nosed teacher looked past Quirrell's turban straight into Harry's eyes -- and a sharp, hot pain shot across the scar on Harry's forehead.
  
  That sharp burst of pain did not come from Snape, but from Quirrell's turban, where Voldemort was "hiding." It should have been obvious after finishing the book, but for many of us, it wasn't!
• After the students finish their exams and are lounging around by the lake, Harry gazes at an owl flying toward the school with a letter in its mouth. The letter that owl was carrying was the "urgent letter from the Ministry" that lured Dumbledore away from the school.
• Sunshine daisies
  Butter mellow
  Turn this stupid, fat rat yellow!
  
  Ron uses this spell in an attempt to turn Scabbers yellow. It doesn't work. Hermione wonders if it's even a real spell. But perhaps the reason the spell didn't work was because Scabbers wasn't actually a rat - it was Pettigrew in rat form. (Thanks, Holly!)
  
• In the "enormous, old" reference book where Flamel is mentioned, it says that he was 665 years old as of "last year." That means he was the 666 (the Mark of the Beast) when the book was published.
  
  

Chamber of Secrets

---

• In Borgin and Burkes: "Harry looked quickly around and spotted a large black cabinet to his left..." (pg. 50)
  
  This is the same vanishing cabinet Draco uses to allow Death Eaters into Hogwarts in Half-Blood Prince.
• In Borgin and Burkes: "'Can I have that?' interrupted Draco, pointing at the withered hand on its cushion. 'Ah, the Hand of Glory!' said Mr. Borgin, abandoning Mr. Malfoy's list and scurrying over to Draco. 'Insert a candle and it gives light only to the holder! Best friend of thieves and plunderers! Your son, has fine taste, sir.'" (pgs. 51-52)
  
  Again, Draco uses the Hand of Glory in Half-Blood Prince.
• In Borgin and Burkes: "Draco paused to examine a long coil of hangman's rope and to read, smirking, the card propped on a magnificent necklace of opals, Caution: Do Not Touch. Cursed -- Has Claimed the Lives of Nineteen Muggle Owners to Date." (pg. 52)
  
  Yet again, Draco uses this cursed necklace in Half-Blood Prince. It is intended to be given to Dumbledore, but attacks the messenger, Katie Bell.
• "In that case, perhaps we can return to my list," said Mr. Malfoy shortly. "I am in something of a hurry, Borgin, I have important business elsewhere today."
  JKR has just told us Mr. Malfoy is doing something else today that may affect the story line: he ends up in Flourish and Blotts next and puts the diary into Ginny's cauldron. What was his business? And did it involve the diary somehow?
• When Harry Ron and Hermione are trying to figure out what Tom Riddle did to get a trophy with his name on it:
  
  "Could've been anything" said Ron. "Maybe he got thirty O.W.L.s or saved a teacher from the giant squid. Maybe he murdered Myrtle; that would've done everyone a favor..."
  
  Of course, Tom Riddle (Voldemort) did kill Moaning Myrtle. (Thanks, Sarah!)
• When Harry gets in trouble with Filch for tracking mud into the school, it is Nearly Headless Nick who saves him by encouraging Peeves to drop a cabinet on the floors above. It is very possible this is the same cabinet Draco repairs and uses to allow Death Eaters into Hogwarts in Half-Blood Prince.

Prisoner of Azkaban

---

• When Harry and Hermione are using the Time Turner, JKR writes in extremely subtle things that occurred the first time around, such as Harry and Hermione having to hide in a closet from themselves. The Time Turner stuff is pretty complicated, here is where our Time Travel analysis can be found.
• Chapter 11, The Firebolt: " GET-HIM-OUT-OF-HERE!" Ron bellowed as Crookshanks's claws ripped his pajamas and Scabbers attempted a wild escape over his shoulder. Ron seized Scabbers by the tail and aimed a misjudged kick at Crookshanks that hit the trunk at the end of Harry's bed knocking it over and causing Ron to hop up and down, howling with pain. Crookshank's fur suddenly stood on the end. A shrilll, tinny whistling was filling the room. The Pocket Sneakoscope had become dislodged from Uncle Vernon's old socks and was whirling and gleaming on the floor."
  
  
  At first, we think that it was Crookshanks that made the Sneakoscope whistle. But later on in the story we find out that Peter Pettigrew (aka Scabbers) was causing it as he attempted to escape off of Ron's shoulder. (Thanks, Carmen!)

Goblet of Fire

---

• After Harry sends the food package off to Sirius, he sees an eagle owl with a note in its mouth soar past Hagrid's cabin toward the castle. That eagle was carrying Voldemort's order to Crouch Jr. that he should stop Crouch Sr., who had escaped, at all costs.
• "Should I go and get someone?" said Harry. "Madam Pomfrey?"
  "No," said Dumbledore swiftly. "Stay here."
  He raised his wand into the air and pointed it in the direction of Hagrid's cabin. Harry saw something silvery dart out of it and streak away through the trees like a ghostly bird. Then Dumbledore bent over Krum again, pointed his wand at him, and muttered, "Ennervate."
  And then a couple of paragraphs down:
  The sound of thunderous footfalls reached them, and Hagrid came panting into sight with Fang at his heels. He was carrying his crossbow.
  Could this be the way members of the Order signal each other?
  
  
  Edit: Indeed, it is the way the members of the Order signal each other!

Order of the Phoenix

---

• The number Mr. Weasley punches into the telephone to get into the Ministry of Magic, 62442, spells "MAGIC" on the phone pad.
• In Chapter 2, when Harry is trying to explain what has happened to Dudley he mentions Dementors and we find Aunt Petunia knows what they are:
  
  "How many times do I have to tell you?" said Harry, temper and voice both rising. "It wasn't me! It was a couple of Dementors!"
  "A couple of - what's this codswallop?"
  "De - men - tors," said Harry slowly and clearly. "Two of them."
  "And what the ruddy hell are Dementors?"
  "They guard the wizard prison, Azkaban," said Aunt Petunia.
  Two seconds of ringing silence followed these words before Aunt Petunia clapped her hand over her mouth as though she had let slip a disgusting swear word. Uncle Vernon was goggling at her. Harry's brain reeled. Mrs. Figg was one thing - but Aunt Petunia?
  "How d'you know that?" he asked her, astonished.
  Aunt Petunia looked quite appalled with herself. She glanced at Uncle Vernon in fearful apology, then lowered her hand slightly to reveal her horsy teeth.
  "I heard - that awful boy - telling her about them - years ago," she said jerkily.
  "If you mean my mum and dad, why don't you use their names?" said Harry loudly, but Aunt Petunia ignored him. She seemed horribly flustered."
  
  That "horrible boy" was not James Potter, but as we learn in Deathly Hallows, Severus Snape. (Thanks, Meli!)
• "Step over here," said the wizard in a bored voice. Harry walked closer to him and the wizard held up a long golden rod, thin and flexible as a car aerial, and passed it up and down Harry's front and back.
  The thing that the guard uses to check Harry is a Secrecy Sensor. (Submitted by Kel.)
• "Warrington of the Slytherin Quidditch team reported to the hospital wing with a horrible skin complaint that made him look as though he had been coated in cornflakes." (Chapter 30, Grawp, pg. 677)
  
  
  Back in Chapter 6 ("The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black"), Sirius got "a bad bite from a silver snuffbox; within seconds, his bitten hand had developed an unpleasant crusty covering like a tough brown glove." He (Sirius) then says that it must have been Wartcap powder. Fred and George then snuck the snuffbox of Wartcap powder. They may have later given the powder to Lee and told him to put it on Warrington (or anyone he didn't like, really), as his symptoms seem to be very similar to Sirius'.
• When Harry and company are visiting Mr. Weasley in St. Mungos, one of the portraits of old healers mis-diagnoses Ron's freckles as Spattergroit. This same disease was used by Ron, when he disguises the Ghoul as himself in Deathly Hallows. (Thanks to Vikki!)

Half-Blood Prince

---

• In Chapter 28, "Flight Of The Prince," after Harry and Dumbledore's retrieval of the locket in the cave, it is discovered that the locket contains a piece of paper with a small note.
  
  
  To the Dark Lord
  I know I will be dead long before you read this
  but I want you to know that it was I who discovered your secret.
  I have stolen the real Horcrux and intend to destroy it as soon as I can.
  I face death in the hope that when you meet your match,
  you will be mortal once more.
  R.A.B.
  
  
  Could the real locket be the same locket Harry found in Order of the Phoenix? In Chapter 6, "The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black," Harry finds a "a heavy locket that none of them could open..."
• The initials of the person who wrote the note inside the locket are R.A.B. These initials can be Regulus Black, Sirius Black's brother, where coincidentally, a locket was found in Grimmauld Place.
• In Chapter 2, while explaining to Snape that Voldermort trusts her Bellatrix says, "The Dark Lord has in the past entrusted me with his most precious..." She's talking about the Horcrux (Hufflepuff's Cup) stored in her Gringotts vault. (Thanks, Kenny!)

Deathly Hallows

---

• In Chapter 32, Ron, Harry, and Hermione are trying to get through the Whomping Willow, and Ron asks, "How - how're we going to get in? I can - see the place - if we just had - Crookshanks again -". Hermione retorts with "Crookshanks? Are you a wizard or what!?"
  
  In Harry Potter and The Philosopher's Stone, Chapter 16; Harry, Ron, and Hermione are stuck in the Devil's Snare. Harry shouts at Hermione to light a fire (to make it release them), and Hermione responds with, "Yes - of course - but there's no wood!"" Ron then screams "Have you gone mad? Are you a witch or not?!" (Thanks to Erin!)

Miscellaneous

---

A witch or wizard's wand size is selected in direct proportion to their height. Hagrid is huge, and he has a 16-inch wand. Voldemort is tall, and he has a 13-inch wand. Ron is tall and he has a 14-inch wand. Harry is average height, and he has an 11-inch wand. Umbridge is extremely short, and her wand is described as being very short. (Submitted by Patil.)

General Mistakes

• In Sorcerer's Stone, US paperback edition, page 96, it says that Percy had a silver prefect badge. However, in Order of the Phoenix, US hardcover edition, page 161, it says that the prefects' badges are scarlet and gold. Thanks, Cristina!
  
  **
• In Prisoner of Azkaban, page 262, Harry sends a Patronus at Malfoy and friends (who were dressed as dementors) during the Gryffindor vs. Ravenclaw Quidditch game where Lee Jordan is commenting.
  
  Then in Order of the Phoenix, page 342, Susan Bones asks Harry "So -- is it really true? You make a stag Patronus?" Harry says, "Yes." Lee responds "Blimey, Harry!...I never knew that!"
  
  But he would have seen it at the Quidditch game two years before. Thanks, Laura!
  
  Possible Explanation: Harry's Patronus at the time of the Quidditch match may not yet have been developed enough to take the form of a stag.
  
  **
• In the American version of Prisoner Of Azkaban, page 429, it states that "The exam results came out on the last day of term." On page 430, it continues: "Percy had got his top-grade N.E.W.T.s; Fred and George had scraped a handful of O.W.L.s each."
  
  But in the American version of Half-Blood Prince, pages 79 and 99, Dumbledore says that the O.W.L. results are expected some time later today-- "today" meaning sometime during the summer holidays, and not while the students are still at Hogwarts. Thanks, Genevieve!
  
  
• Dumbledore was Transfiguration teacher before he was Headmaster, and Remus Lupin was born in/around 1960 (in OOTP Snape is 35 or 36, so we can make an estimate on Remus' age in POA from that).
  
  Now: On page 352 of the hardback version of POA, in the chapter entitled "Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs," Lupin says, "I was a very small boy when I received the [werewolf] bite," and on the next page says "It seemed impossible that I would be able to come to Hogwarts... But then Dumbledore became Headmaster...", and of course Dumbledore allowed Remus to attend Hogwarts.
  
  Now skip ahead to OOTP. On page 321, in the chapter entitled "The Hogwarts High Inquisitor," McGonagall says she has been teaching at Hogwarts for "thirty-nine years this December." Assuming that McGonagall has always taught Transfiguration (never any other subject) at Hogwarts, and also assuming that at this point Remus would also be 35 or 36 (based on Snape's age), then Dumbledore would have been Headmaster for at least three years before Remus was born. So why did Remus say he wouldn't have been able to attend Hogwarts if Dumbledore hadn't become Headmaster after Remus was bitten? Thanks, Christine!

Spells

A

Accio (Summoning Charm)

Pronunciation: Various suggestions have been made, including:

/ˈæki.oʊ/ AK-ee-oh – film and video game

/ˈæksi.oʊ/ AK-see-oh – U.K. audio book

/ˈæsi.oʊ/ AS-see-oh – U.S. audio book

Description: This charm summons an object to the caster, potentially over a significant distance.^[2] Its opposite is the Banishing Charm.

Seen/mentioned: First mentioned in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, when it was briefly used by Molly Weasley on the Weasley twins to confiscate their Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes' products from their pockets, before they left for the Quidditch World Cup. Hermione was also mentioned trying to learn this charm during her ride aboard the Hogwarts Express. Later on in the same book, Harry summons his broom to complete the First Task of the Triwizard Tournament.^[GF Ch.20] Near the end of the book, Harry summons a Portkey he cannot reach to escape from the Battle in the Graveyard. In "Order of the Phoenix", Bellatrix Lestrange attempts to summon the prophecy from Harry. Also seen in Half-Blood Prince and Deathly Hallows to try to summon Horcruxes, and Harry tries to summon a falling Rubeus Hagrid. One of the Death Eaters tried to snatch Harry's Invisibility Cloak using this charm, but it did not work.

Suggested etymology: The Latin word accio means "I call" or "I summon".^[3] In the Hungarian translation, the spell is called "Invito", possibly from the word "invite" or "invitation".

Aguamenti (Aguamenti Charm)

Pronunciation: /ˌɑːɡwəˈmɛnti/ AH-gwə-MEN-tee

Description: Produces a jet of water from the caster's wand.

Seen/mentioned: First seen in Goblet of Fire, when Fleur put the fire out on her skirt "with a bit of water from her wand." First named in Half-Blood Prince, when Harry is being taught how to perform this specific charm in Professor Flitwick's class. Later Harry casts this spell in an attempt to create water for Dumbledore to drink after taking Voldemort's potion^[HBP Ch.26] and then to douse Hagrid's hut after it is set on fire later.^[HBP Ch.28] Then in Deathly Hallows, Hermione Granger uses it to put out Mundungus' searing eyebrows after Harry accidentally set them on fire.^[DH Ch.11] Later on, Harry uses it in a failed attempt to douse Vincent Crabbe's Fiendfyre curse in the Room of Requirement.^[DH Ch.31]

Suggested etymology: The Latin word aqua (water) combined with augmentum (compare with English augment), an increase, from augere, to increase; see aug- in Indo-European roots, meaning: “increasing the water (flow)”, this combination explains the QU/GU alteration in aqua- → agua- (see agua e. g. in Portuguese and Spanish). -menti is the genitive form of the suffix -mentum

Alohomora

Pronunciation: /əˌloʊhəˈmɔərə/ ə-LOH-hə-MOHR-ə

Description: Used to open and/or unlock doors,^[4] but doors can be bewitched so that this spell has no effect.^{[citation needed]}

Seen/mentioned: Used throughout the series, with the first use by Hermione in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Used gradually less in the series as the characters discover more and more doors, chests, etc. with counter-charms on them. (For example, the doors into Professor Snape's and Professor Umbridge's offices are mentioned as being Alohomora-proof.^{[citation needed]})

Etymology: J. K. Rowling stated that the word was from the West African Sidiki dialect used in geomancy and has the literal meaning Friendly to thieves.^[5]

Anapneo

Pronunciation: /əˈnæpniː.oʊ/ ə-NAP-nee-oh

Description: Clears the target's airway, if blocked.

Seen/mentioned: Shown in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Horace Slughorn casts this spell on Marcus Belby when the latter begins to choke.^[HBP Ch.7]

Suggested etymology: The Greek word anapneo which means "to draw breath or to revive".^[6]

(Anti-Cheating Spell)

Description: Cast on parchment or quills to prevent the writer from cheating whilst writing answers.

Seen/mentioned: Mentioned in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix as being cast on quills and exam papers for exams at Hogwarts.^[PS Ch.16]

(Anti-Disapparition Jinx)

Description: Used to prevent Disapparition and/or Apparition in an area for a period. Presumably can be used to prevent an enemy from entering a defended area, or used to trap an enemy in an area.

Seen/mentioned: Mentioned in Order of the Phoenix, used by Dumbledore to trap several Death Eaters in the Department of Mysteries.^[OP Ch.36] Also cast long ago on Hogwarts, the reason why, as Hermione quotes often throughout the series, "no one can Apparate or Disapparate inside the Hogwarts grounds." In Deathly Hallows, it prevented the trio from escaping Hogsmeade when Death Eaters placed the same spell around the area.

(Antonin Dolohov's Curse)

Description: This curse causes serious internal injury, but shows no external symptoms. It is described as cast with "a slashing motion", sending out a streak of purple flames. It is not nonverbal, though Harry could not hear it because Hermione had used the silencing charm Silencio on Dolohov before.

Seen/mentioned: Seen only in Order of the Phoenix, this spell is cast three times by Antonin Dolohov during the battle between the Death Eaters and members of Dumbledore's Army at the Ministry of Magic.

Aparecium

Pronunciation: /ˌæpəˈriːsi.əm/ AP-ə-REE-see-əm

Description: This spell makes invisible ink appear.

Seen/mentioned: First seen in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, when Hermione tries to make hidden writing appear in Tom Marvolo Riddle's diary.^[CS Ch.13]

Notes: See also Specialis Revelio.

Suggested etymology: The Latin word appareo which means "to become visible or to appear".^[7]

Avada Kedavra (Killing Curse)

Pronunciation: /əˈvɑːdə kəˈdɑːvrə/ ə-VAH-də kə-DAH-vrə

Description: Causes a jet of green (blue in the 6th film) light, and a rushing noise; the curse causes instant death to the victim (With the exception of Sirius Black, who lives momentarily when struck in the arm in the fifth film). It leaves no mark of death, and is said to be painless by Sirius Black towards the end of Book 7. There is no known counter-curse or blocking spell (with the exception of the curse striking another Avada Kedavra spell mid-flight, negating both; or, for Harry, the Expelliarmus spell, which blocks all Killing Curses Voldemort casts, no matter which wand is used to cast the spell), although the caster can be interrupted, the victim can dodge the curse, hide behind solid objects (which burst into flame when hit by it), or, if the casting wizard is not sufficiently competent, the curse may be completely ineffective as described by Barty Crouch Jr (acting as Alastor Moody) in Goblet of Fire. It is one of the three Unforgivable Curses; the use of this spell on another human being can earn the caster a life sentence in Azkaban.

Survivors: Only two people in the history of the magical world are known to have survived the killing curse – Harry Potter and Voldemort who was only saved by his horcrux. Harry was hit twice directly. Phoenixes can also survive a killing curse. They burst into flame, as they would do in old age and are reborn from the ashes. This occurred in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

Seen/mentioned: First said (not by name) at the beginning of the first book when Harry arrives at the Dursley's home. Nearly cast on Harry by Lucius Malfoy near the end of the second film. First seen in Goblet of Fire against Muggle Frank Bryce, and in every book following.

Suggested etymology: During an audience interview at the Edinburgh Book Festival (15 April 2004) Rowling said: "Does anyone know where avada kedavra came from? It is an ancient spell in Aramaic, and it is the original of abracadabra, which means 'let the thing be destroyed.' Originally, it was used to cure illness and the 'thing' was the illness, but I decided to make it the 'thing' as in the person standing in front of me. I take a lot of liberties with things like that. I twist them round and make them mine."^[8] Rowling's use of this name may have been influenced by Latin cadaver = "corpse".

Avis

Pronunciation: /ˈeɪvɨs/ AY-vis

Description: This charm creates a flock of birds that pour forth from the caster's wand. When coupled with Oppugno, it can be used offensively.

Seen/mentioned: Shown in Goblet of Fire, cast by Mr Ollivander to test Viktor Krum's wand.^[GF Ch.18] In Half-blood Prince, it is cast by Hermione, followed by Oppugno which causes the birds to attack Ron.^[HBP Ch.14]

Suggested etymology: Correct Latin word avis, meaning "bird".^[7]

B

(Babbling Curse)

Description: The Babbling Curse is not fully understood but it is presumed to cause a person to babble whenever they try to speak.

Seen/mentioned: According to Gilderoy Lockhart, he once cured a Transylvanian villager of this affliction, but later on he admitted to destroying the memories of who did cure the villager, and the memories of others, and claiming their deeds as his own.

(Banishing Charm)

Description: Opposite to "Accio". Banishes the object the spell is performed on.

Seen/mentioned: Seen in Goblet of Fire, cast by Hermione who perfectly banishes a cushion into a box which is their target in their Charms class. To Harry's great surprise, he also perfectly banishes a cushion during this lesson.

(Bat-Bogey Hex)

Description: Grotesquely enlarges the target's bogeys, gives them wings, and sets them attacking the target.

Seen/mentioned: Ginny Weasley is depicted as an accomplished caster of this particular spell.^[OP Ch.6] She is shown to use it in Order of the Phoenix on Draco Malfoy,^[OP Ch.33] and in Half-Blood Prince on Zacharias Smith.^{[HBP Ch.7][9]}

(Bedazzling Hex)

Description: Similar to a Disillusionment Charm, it can be used to conceal a person or an object. Is also used to make invisibility cloaks.

Seen/mentioned: Mentioned in Deathly Hallows by Xenophilius Lovegood when speaking of the different methods by which Invisibility Cloaks may be created.

(Bubble-Head Charm)

Description: Puts a large bubble of air around the head of the user. Used as a magical equivalent of a scuba set.

Seen/mentioned: in Goblet of Fire, Cedric Diggory and Fleur Delacour use this charm underwater in the second task of the Triwizard Tournament.^[GF Ch.26] In Order of the Phoenix, it is described as used by many Hogwarts students when walking through the hallways, because of the bad smells caused by the various pranks played on Dolores Umbridge.^[OP Ch.30]

C

(Caterwauling Charm)

Description: Anyone entering the perimeter of a Caterwauling Charm sets off a high-pitched shriek.

Seen/mentioned: Mentioned in Deathly Hallows, cast by Death Eaters over Hogsmeade to protect against intruders.^[DH Ch.28]

Note: Similar to an intruder charm: they both produce an alarm if the vicinity is disturbed.

Cave Inimicum

Pronunciation: /ˈkɑːveɪ ɨˈnɪmɨkəm/ KAH-vay i-NIM-i-kəm

Description: Spell used to strengthen an enclosure from enemies.

Seen/mentioned: Shown only in Deathly Hallows, cast by Hermione and Harry Potter to strengthen their campsites' defences.^[DH Ch.22]

Etymology: Correct Classical Latin for "Beware the enemy", from the verb caveō (to beware) and the accusative form of the noun inimīcus (enemy).^[7] In Latin, the accent of the latter word is on the second-to-last syllable, since the last i is long.

(Cheering Charm)

Description: Causes the person upon whom the spell was cast to become happy and contented, though heavy-handedness with the spell may cause the person to break into an uncontrollable laughing fit. Felix Summerbee created the spell.

Seen/mentioned: First seen in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.^[PA Ch.15]

Colloportus

Pronunciation: /kɒlɵˈpɔrtəs/ KOL-o-POR-təs

Description: Magically locks a door, preventing it from being opened by Muggle means.^[10]

Seen/mentioned: First in Order of the Phoenix, cast by Hermione in the Department of Mysteries.

Notes: This spell functions as the counter spell to Alohomora

Suggested etymology: Deformation of the Greek word kollao, which means "to join closely together, bind closely",^[6] and the Latin word porta meaning "a gate".^[7]

(Colour-Change Charm)

Description: Changes an object's colour.

Seen/mentioned: Attempted by Ron on initial trip to Hogwarts; Mentioned in Harry's Ordinary Wizarding Levels in Order of the Phoenix.^[OP Ch.31], also used by Harry on Ron's Chudley Cannon's poster when the Trace was lifted.

Confringo (Blasting Curse)

Pronunciation: /kɒnˈfrɪŋɡoʊ/ kon-FRING-goh

Description: Causes anything that the spell meets to explode in flames.

Seen/mentioned: Seen only in Deathly Hallows. In the opening chapters, it is cast by Harry to destroy the sidecar of the flying motorbike.^[DH Ch.4] Later, it is used by Hermione in an attempt to kill Nagini and facilitate an escape from Bathilda Bagshot's house in Godric's Hollow.^[DH Ch.17]

Suggested etymology: The Latin confringo, which means "to break in pieces, to bring to naught".^[7]

Confundo (Confundus Charm)

Pronunciation: /kɒnˈfʌndoʊ/ kon-FUN-doh

Description: Causes the victim to become confused, befuddled, overly forgetful and prone to follow simple orders without thinking about them.

Seen/mentioned: First mentioned in Prisoner of Azkaban, when Severus Snape suggests that Harry and Hermione had been Confunded to believe Sirius Black's claim to innocence.^[PA Ch.21] In Goblet of Fire, it is suggested that a powerful Confundus Charm is responsible for the Goblet choosing a fourth Triwizard contestant.^[GF Ch.17] It is first seen in action when Hermione uses it on Cormac McLaggen during Quidditch tryouts in Half-Blood Prince.^[HBP Ch.11] Its vernacular name is first revealed when Harry uses it on security guards during the Gringotts break-in in Deathly Hallows.^[DH Ch.26]

Etymology: The Latin word confundo, which means "to confuse, throw into disorder".^[7]

(Conjunctivitus Curse)

Description: A curse that causes great pain to the victim's eyes.

Seen/mentioned: It is suggested by Sirius in Goblet of Fire as a means for defeating a dragon for the first task of the Triwizard Tournament, and used by Krum for this purpose.^{[GF Ch.19, 20]} Mentioned in Order of the Phoenix as cast by Madame Maxime against giants.^[OP Ch.20]

Suggested etymology: From conjunctivitis, which is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, or outer surface of the eye, commonly caused by bacterial infection.

Crucio (Cruciatus Curse)

Cruciatus redirects here. For the ligaments in the knee, see Cruciate ligament.

Pronunciation: /ˈkruːsi.oʊ/ KREW-see-oh

Description: Inflicts unbearable pain on the recipient of the curse. The effects of the curse depend upon the desires and emotions of the character – to produce the "excruciating" pain implied by the name, one must (according to Bellatrix Lestrange) desire to cause pain purely for its own sake or for fulfilment. The extreme pain inflicted by the curse when cast so – without any apparent evidence of physical harm – makes it uniquely suited as a form of torture. This pain has included the sensations of flaming bones and a head that was split open by crude methods without sedation.^[HP4] One of the three Unforgivable Curses.

Seen/mentioned: first seen in Goblet of Fire introduced by Barty Crouch Jr (acting as Moody) and used on a spider. Used regularly by the Death Eaters as torture, and by Voldemort as punishment, even against his servants. Used twice by Harry on Death Eaters, once on Bellatrix Lestrange as revenge in Order of the Phoenix and on Amycus Carrow, with enough force to make him pass out, in Deathly Hallows.

Suggested etymology: Crucio in classical Latin means "I torture", originating from crux (genitive crucis), which means "torture platform or stake", or more specifically, "cross". The word excruciating is descended from the same root – crucifixion was a form of torturous execution. In the novels, the verbal form of the word is 'cruciate', as when Amycus Carrow says in the final book "I'll Cruciate the lot of 'em." The caster has to believe the spell will work, as Harry realises in Deathly Hallows using it against Amycus, when the latter disrespects Professor McGonagall in the Ravenclaw common room.

D

Defodio (Gouging Spell)

Pronunciation: /dɛˈfoʊdi.oʊ/ de-FOH-dee-oh

Description: Can carve or dig out materials, such as stone and steel.

Seen/mentioned: Cast by Harry, Ron and Hermione in Deathly Hallows to help dig their way out of the Gringotts Tunnels.^[DH Ch.26]

Suggested etymology: Correct classical Latin verb defodio, meaning "to dig, dig out."

Deletrius

Description: Removes evidence of previous spells cast by the wand, revealed by Prior Incantato.

Pronunciation: /dəˈliːtri.əs/ də-LEE-tree-əs

Seen/mentioned: Seen only in Goblet of Fire when Amos Diggory gets rid of the echo of the Dark Mark from Harry's wand.^[GF Ch.9]

Suggested etymology: Latin verb delere meaning to destroy, from which the English word delete comes, meaning to remove.^[11]

Densaugeo

Pronunciation: /dɛnˈsɔːdʒiː.oʊ/ den-SAW-jee-oh

Description: Causes the teeth of the recipient to grow at an alarming rate.

Seen/mentioned: Seen only in Goblet of Fire, cast by Draco on Harry, which is then deflected onto Hermione.^[GF Ch.18]

Suggested etymology: Latin dens, meaning "tooth", and augeo, meaning "to enlarge".^[12]

Deprimo

Pronunciation: /ˈdɛprɨmoʊ/ DEP-rim-oh

Description: A very powerful wind that can loosen and/or soften a variety of things; it can also be used to detach objects.

Seen/mentioned: Introduced in Deathly Hallows when Hermione casts this to blast a hole in the Lovegood's living room floor.^[DH Ch.21]

Suggested etymology: Latin deprimo which means to "dig deep".^[12]

Descendo

Pronunciation: /dɛˈsɛndoʊ/ de-SEN-doh

Description: To make things sink, or go down.

Seen/mentioned: Seen twice in Deathly Hallows, it is cast by Ron to magically cause the stairs in his room to descend,^[DH Ch.6] and later by Crabbe in the Room of Requirement to lower the wall behind which Ron is hiding.^[DH Ch.31]

Suggested etymology: Correct classical Latin descendo, meaning "to come down, to descend".^[12]

Diffindo (Severing Charm)

Pronunciation: /dɪˈfɪndoʊ/ di-FIN-doh

Description: Cuts or rips objects.

Seen/mentioned: In Goblet of Fire when Ron wants to get rid of the lace on his dress robes. In Goblet of Fire when Harry urgently wants to talk to Cedric he casts this spell to rip his bag, delaying him for class, also in Order Of The Phoenix, Harry tries to cut the brain tentacles wrapped around Ron but the spell fails,^[GF Ch.9] and in Half-Blood Prince to switch covers of his potion books. Also shown several times in Deathly Hallows, for cutting ropes,^[DH Ch.9] chains,^[DH Ch.13] etc.

Suggested etymology: Latin diffindo, "I divide."^[3]

(Disillusionment Charm)

Description: Causes the recipient to become invisible, or close to it.

Seen/mentioned: First in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, when Dumbledore tells Harry that he does not need a cloak to become invisible. In Order of the Phoenix, Moody casts this charm on Harry.^{[OP Ch.3, 4]} Mentioned in Half-Blood Prince on a purple leaflet from the Ministry of Magic.^[HBP Ch.3] Xenophilius Lovegood mentions, in Deathly Hallows, that Invisibility Cloaks are sometimes created by casting a Disillusionment Charm on a regular cloak. Also in Deathly Hallows, Draco Malfoy, Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle use the charm to hide outside the Room of Requirement.^[DH Ch.21]

Notes: The described sensation of a Disillusionment Charm is a feeling "something cold and wet trickling down your back." When the charm is lifted, the subject feels something hot trickling down their back.^{[OP Ch.3, 4]}

Dissendium

Pronunciation: /dɪˈsɛndi.əm/ di-SEN-dee-əm

Description: Causes the statue of the humpbacked witch hiding the secret passage to Honeydukes, as well as other hidden passageways, to open.^[PA Ch.10]

Seen/mentioned: Seen only in Prisoner of Azkaban.

Suggested etymology: Latin discedo meaning "I swerve".^[12]

Duro

Pronunciation: /ˈdjʊəroʊ/ DEWR-oh

Description: Makes the object hard.

Seen/mentioned: Seen in Deathly Hallows, cast by Hermione while escaping from Death Eaters in Hogwarts.^[DH Ch.32]

Suggested etymology: Latin duro meaning "I make hard".^[12]

E

Engorgio (Engorgement Charm)

Pronunciation: /ɛŋˈɡɔrdʒi.oʊ/ eng-GOR-jee-oh

Description: Causes objects to swell in size.

Seen/mentioned: A "Growth Charm" with the same effect is briefly mentioned. Hagrid is suspected of having performed the charm on his pumpkins in Chamber of Secrets. Next seen in the Goblet of Fire: Mentioned by Mr Weasley as a probable charm used on Ton-Tongue Toffees which engorged Dudley's tongue when the Weasleys fetched Harry for the Quidditch World Cup; when Barty Crouch Jr, impersonating Moody, casts it on a spider to enhance a demonstration of the effects of the Cruciatus Curse; and Ron suggested it might be the cause of Hagrid's abnormal size before learning that he is half-giant. Harry in Deathly Hallows also cast it on a spider.

Suggested etymology: English word engorge meaning "to fill to excess".^[11]

(Entrail-Expelling Curse)

Description: Presumably causes the entrails (i.e. intestines) to be ejected from the body.

Seen/mentioned: First mentioned in Order of the Phoenix when Harry visits St Mungo's following Arthur Weasley's attack by Nagini while guarding the Department of Mysteries.

Suggested etymology: English word expel meaning "to drive or force out or away".^[13]

Notes: The spell is listed under a portrait of Urquhart Rackharrow, 1612–1697, who is known for being the spell's inventor. ^[OP Ch.22]

Episkey

Pronunciation: /ɛˈpɪskiː/ e-PIS-kee

Description: Used to heal relatively minor injuries. When this spell is cast, the person feels his/her injured body part go very hot and then very cold.

Seen/mentioned: Used in Goblet of Fire after the first task of the Triwizard Tournament. In Half-Blood Prince, Nymphadora Tonks uses this spell to fix Harry's broken nose; also used by Harry in the same book to fix Demelza Robins' mouth.

Suggested etymology: Greek episkeu meaning "repair, restoration".^[14]

Notes: Rowling writes in Half-Blood Prince that Harry's knowledge tells him this spell could belong to a family (or variety) of Healing Spells.

Erecto

Pronunciation: /ɛˈrɛktoʊ/ e-REK-toh

Description: Used to erect something.

Seen/mentioned: Possibly used in Goblet of Fire by wizards at the campsites near the Quidditch World Cup. Used by Hermione and Harry in Deathly Hallows.

Suggested etymology: Latin erectus meaning "upright, erect".^[12]

Evanesco (Vanishing Spell)

Pronunciation: /ɛvəˈnɛskoʊ/ EV-ə-NES-koh

Description: Makes the target vanish.

Seen/mentioned: Used in Order of the Phoenix by Snape to make Harry's potions disappear from his cauldron. In addition, when Fred and George were showing off their puking pastilles, Lee Jordan cleared the bucket of vomit with the Evanesco spell. During their stay at #12, Grimmauld Place, Bill uses this on a stack of documents. This suggests that Vanished objects can be recovered.

Suggested etymology: Latin evanesco meaning "to vanish".^[12]

Notes: According to Minerva McGonagall, in Deathly Hallows, Vanished objects and organisms go "into non-being, which is to say, everything." This was McGonagall's response to the question, "Where do Vanished objects go?" from the doorknocker at Ravenclaw Tower.

Excelsiosempra

Description: Sends victim or object high up in to the air. Only counter spell is Accio.

Seen/mentioned: In The Deathly Hallows, used by Order of the Phoenix on Death Eaters and interrupting objects.

Suggested etymology: Latin excelsior meaning "higher".

Expecto Patronum (Patronus Charm)

Pronunciation: /ɛksˈpɛktoʊ pəˈtroʊnəm/ eks-PEK-toh pə-TROH-nəm

Description: Conjures an incarnation of the caster's innermost positive feelings, such as joy, hope, or the desire to survive, known as a Patronus. A Patronus is conjured as a protector, and is a weapon rather than a predator of souls: Patronuses shield their conjurors from Dementors or Lethifolds, and can even drive them away. A Patronus "cannot feel despair, as real humans can, so Dementors can't hurt it."^[15] The conjured Patronus protects the witch or wizard that summoned it, obeys his or her commands, and fades away shortly after it is no longer required. When conjured, a Patronus appears silvery, ethereal, and semi-transparent. Improperly formed Patronuses range from momentary formless bursts of silvery mist, to poorly-defined forms that are easily defeated or quickly dissipate on their own. A full-fledged (or corporeal) Patronus takes on a fixed animal form that is often significant to the witch or wizard casting the charm. Patronuses summoned by a particular person have been known to change, although this has only been observed in the books in cases of unrequited love, such as Tonks' and Snape's respective Patronuses. In these cases, the new Patronus takes on the form of an animal associated with the love interest. Rowling has said in online interviews that Snape was the only Death Eater to be able to produce a Patronus. According to her this is 'because a Patronus is used against things that the Death Eaters generally generate, or fight alongside. They would not need Patronuses'.^[16] According to Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, the Charm is also the only known defensive spell against Lethifolds.

Seen/mentioned: First seen in Prisoner of Azkaban when a Dementor appears in the Hogwarts Express, and Hermione says that Remus Lupin repelled the Dementor by casting a silvery object from his wand. Harry's corporeal Patronus first appears in a Quidditch game, and other characters throughout the rest of the series use it.

Notes: Dumbledore has devised a method of using Patronuses to deliver messages putting it into the exclusive use of the Order of the Phoenix. Members of the Order are the only wizards who know how to use their spirit guardians to send messages to one another. According to Rowling, the Patronus is "an immensely efficient messenger" as it is not hindered by physical obstructions or dark matters. Each Patronus has a special quality and appearance that is different and easy to recognise, which makes it clear which Order member has sent the message. In addition, since no one can conjure another person's Patronus, this method of communication does not carry the risk of passing fake messages.^[17] It is noteworthy that in Deathly Hallows, McGonagall creates three Patronuses simultaneously to call for Professors Flitwick, Sprout, and Slughorn.

Suggested etymology: Expecto Patronum is correct classical Latin for "I await a protector".^[18] It is related to "pater" (father) and Harry's Patronus indeed takes the same form as that of his father's animagus form (a stag).

Expelliarmus (Disarming Charm)

Pronunciation: /ɛksˌpɛliˈɑrməs/ eks-PEL-ee-AR-məs

Description: Produces a jet of scarlet light. This spell is used to disarm another wizard, typically by causing the victim's wand to fly out of reach.^[19][20] It can also throw the target backwards when enough power is put into it. If it hits or gets close to another spell and if powerful enough it will deflect the spell, causing it to hit its caster. As demonstrated in Prisoner of Azkaban, simultaneous use of this spell by multiple witches or wizards on a single person can throw the wizard back with much greater force.

Seen/mentioned: First seen in Chamber of Secrets, when Snape disarms Gilderoy Lockhart in the Duelling Club; from then on it is commonly used throughout the rest of the series. Draco uses it to disarm Dumbledore and Harry uses the spell to not only disarm Gregory Goyle in the Room of Requirement, but also to reflect Voldemort's killing curse during the final battle. He also used it to battle Death Eaters when they were chasing him on broom across London. It is seen by the Death Eaters as Harry's signature move, as he had used it to duel Voldemort in both Goblet of Fire and Deathly Hallows.

Suggested etymology: Latin expellere meaning "to expel, to thrust away" and Latin arma meaning "weapons of war".^[12]

Expulso

Pronunciation: /ɛkˈspʊlsoʊ/ ek-SPOOL-soh

Description: A spell that causes an object to explode. The force of the explosion may depend on the intent of the caster.

Seen/mentioned: Used by a Death Eater in an attempt to capture Harry in The Deathly Hallows, it struck the table that Harry was standing behind, causing an explosion that slammed him into a wall with great force.

Suggested etymology: Latin expulso meaning to "drive out, expel, force out, banish."^[12]

F

Ferula

Pronunciation: /ˈfɛrʊlə/ FERR-oo-lə

Description: Creates a bandage and a splint.

Seen/mentioned: Used by Lupin in Prisoner of Azkaban to bind Ron's broken leg.

Suggested etymology: Latin ferula meaning "a stick".^[12]

(Fidelius Charm)

Description: A charm involving secret information hidden within the soul of a Secret-Keeper. This information is irretrievable until the Secret-Keeper chooses to reveal it; those who have the secret revealed to them cannot reveal it to others.

Seen/mentioned: In Prisoner of Azkaban, it is explained that when Harry was an infant, he and his parents, James and Lily Potter, were hidden from Voldemort by this charm. Later, in Order of the Phoenix, the charm is used to hide the location of the headquarters for the Order of the Phoenix. Order members in Deathly Hallows also use it to protect their homes.

Suggested etymology: Latin fidelis meaning "loyalty".^[12]

Notes: Rowling previously stated that when a Secret-Keeper dies, the Secret they held can never be revealed to anyone else; the people who were told before the Secret-Keeper's death will still know the secret, but after the death of the Secret-Keeper no one new can be brought into the circle of knowledge.^[21] However, in Deathly Hallows, it is explained that upon the Keeper's death, all those who have been told the secret become Secret-Keepers in turn, and can pass the secret on to others.

(Fiendfyre Curse)

Description: Dangerous, uncontrollable and extremely powerful fire which can take the form of beasts such as serpents, Chimaeras and dragons.

Seen/mentioned: In the Deathly Hallows, Vincent Crabbe uses Fiendfyre in the Room of Requirement against Harry, Ron and Hermione who manage to escape on broomsticks with Draco and Goyle. Crabbe gets left behind and perishes in the Fiendfyre he created along with all the objects in the Room of Requirement including Rowena Ravenclaw's lost diadem; one of Voldemort's Horcruxes. Afterwards, Hermione explains, "Fiendfyre – cursed fire – it's one of the substances that destroy Horcruxes, but I would never, ever dare use it, it's so dangerous." ^[DH Ch.31]

Suggested etymology: A 'fiend' is a diabolically cruel or wicked person, and 'fyre' means fire.^[22]

Notes: It is only used by Vincent Crabbe throughout in Deathly Hallows, who Harry believes "Must've learned from the Carrows." ^[DH Ch.31] (Alecto Carrow and Amycus Carrow; two Death Eater siblings who taught at Hogwarts for a brief period under Snape's reign as Headmaster.) Therefore, Vincent Crabbe inadvertently destroyed one of Lord Voldemort's Horcruxes.

Finite Incantatem

Pronunciation: /fɪˈnaɪtiː ˌɪŋkənˈtætəm/ fi-NYE-tee IN-kən-TAT-əm

Description: Negates many spells or the effects of many spells.

Seen/mentioned: Snape uses it in Chamber of Secrets to restore order in the Duelling Club when Harry and Draco are duelling. Lupin uses the short form "Finite" in Order of the Phoenix. In Deathly Hallows, Hermione suggests to Ron to attempt to use this spell to stop it raining in Yaxley's office. Harry used Finite to counter Crabbe's Descendo attack on Ron in the same book.

Suggested etymology: Latin finio meaning "to put an end to" and Latin cantio meaning "enchantment", from which the English word "incantation" is derived.^[12]

(Flagrante Curse)

Description: Causes any object affected to burn human skin when touched.

Seen/mentioned: Seen in the Lestranges' vault in Deathly Hallows, as a criminal deterrent.

Suggested etymology: Latin flagrantia meaning "burning, blazing".^[12] Also, recall the Latin phrase in flagrante delicto: it is used to refer to a criminal's being caught red-handed, 'while the crime is blazing'. The way that the Flagrante Curse is used in Deathly Hallows makes a playful (and literal) use of the saying.

Flagrate

Pronunciation: /fləˈɡreɪtiː/ flə-GRAY-tee

Description: With this spell, the caster's wand can leave fiery marks.

Seen/mentioned: Cast by Tom Riddle in The Chamber of Secrets to spell out 'Tom Marvolo Riddle' and switch it to 'I am Lord Voldemort' also cast by Hermione in Order of the Phoenix to identify doors of the Department of Mysteries which members of Dumbledore's Army had already opened, by marking them with an 'X'.

Suggested etymology: Latin flagro meaning "glowing".^[12]

(Flame-Freezing Charm)

Description: Causes fire to become harmless to those caught in it, creating only a gentle, tickling sensation instead of burns.

Seen/mentioned: Mentioned in the first chapter of Prisoner of Azkaban in the book History of Magic which Harry is reading to do his homework. Witches and wizards used this spell during medieval burnings. It is also said in A History of Magic that Wendelin the Weird enjoyed being "burned," so she would openly tell people that she was a witch just so she could be caught and burned; no less than forty-seven times in different names. Also seen in " The Chamber of Secrets" when the Weasleys and Harry travel to Diagon Alley using Floo powder.

(Flying Charm)

Description: Cast on broomsticks, and (presumably) magic carpets to make them fly.

Seen/mentioned: Draco mentioned this spell when tauntingly asking Ron why would anyone cast a Flying Charm on Ron's broomstick in Order of the Phoenix during Ron's first Quidditch practice. It is also mentioned in Quidditch Through the Ages.

(Freezing Charm)

Description: Renders target immobile.

Seen/mentioned: According to Horace Slughorn, a Freezing Charm will disable a Muggle burglar alarm (Intruder alarm).

Furnunculus (Furnunculus Curse)

Pronunciation: /fərˈnʌŋkjʉləs/ fər-NUNG-kew-ləs

Description: Causes the target to become covered in boils.

Seen/mentioned: Used by Harry in Goblet of Fire on Draco, but was deflected onto Goyle instead. Also used later in the book when Draco tried to harass Harry on the Hogwarts Express and was hit with a barrage of curses, including the Furnuculus Curse (which was cast by Harry).^[GF Ch.37]

Suggested etymology: Latin furunculus originally meaning "petty thief" but later used to mean "boil" in English.^[12]

G

Geminio

Pronunciation: /dʒɛˈmɪni.oʊ/ je-MIN-ee-oh

Description: Creates a duplicate of any object upon which it is cast. As revealed by the goblin Griphook, any copies created are worthless. The duplicate lasts several hours. Magical properties, at least of a Horcrux, are not copied.

Seen/mentioned: Used by Hermione in Deathly Hallows to copy Salazar Slytherin's locket to hide their tracks from Umbridge.

Suggested etymology: Latin gemino meaning "to double".^[12]

(Gemino Curse)

Description: Whenever an object affected by this curse is touched, it duplicates itself into many useless copies to hide the original. To add confusion and eventually fill the surrounding area with copies, the copies also duplicate.

Seen/mentioned: Seen in Deathly Hallows when Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Griphook break into the Lestrange vault in Gringotts. Used to great effect as the room fills with useless duplicates.

Suggested etymology: Latin gemino meaning "to double".^[12]

Glisseo

Pronunciation: /ˈɡlɪsiː.oʊ/ GLIS-ee-oh or /ɡlɪˈseɪ.oʊ/ gli-SAY-oh

Description: Causes the steps on a stairway to flatten and form a ramp or slide.

Seen/mentioned: Used by Hermione to escape from pursuing Death Eaters in Deathly Hallows. Used on the girls’ dormitory to ensure that boys cannot enter.

Suggested etymology: French glisser meaning "slide".^[23]

(Gripping Charm)

Description: Used to help someone grip something with more effectiveness. This charm is placed upon Quaffles to help Chasers carry the Quaffle whilst simultaneously holding their brooms.

Seen/mentioned: Mentioned in Quidditch Through the Ages.

H

(Hair Loss Curse)

Description: Causes one to lose one's hair.

Seen/mentioned: In Philosopher's Stone, Harry visits the "Curses and Counter-Curses" shop in Diagon Alley, on the sign it mentioned three curses: Hair loss, Jelly-Legs and Tongue-Tying.

(Hair-Thickening Charm)

Description: Thickens one's hair.

Seen/mentioned: In Order of the Phoenix, Snape asserts that Alicia Spinnet used it on her eyebrows even though she was obviously hexed by a member of the Slytherin Quidditch team.

Homenum Revelio

Pronunciation: /ˈhɒmɨnəm rɛˈvɛli.oʊ/ HOM-i-nəm re-VEL-ee-oh

Description: Reveals humans near the caster.

Seen/mentioned: Used by Dumbledore to detect Harry under his Invisibility Cloak, but first named when used multiple times by various characters in Deathly Hallows. Also used by Hermione on her, Ron, and Harry's arrival at Grimmauld Place after being attacked by Death Eaters in Tottenham Court Road, after the wedding.^[24]

Suggested etymology: Latin homo/hominis meaning "person" and Latin revelo meaning "to unveil".^[12]

(Homorphus Charm)

Description: Causes an Animagus or transfigured object to assume its normal shape.

Seen/mentioned: According to Lockhart, he used it to force the Wagga Wagga Werewolf to take its human form. It was, however, used by Lupin and Sirius on the rat named Scabbers to reveal that he was Peter Pettigrew in Prisoner of Azkaban.

Suggested etymology: Latin homo meaning "person"^[12] and Greek morphosis meaning "shaping".^[14]

(Horton-Keitch Braking Charm)

Description: This spell was first used on the Comet 140 to prevent players from overshooting the goal posts and from flying off-sides.

Seen/mentioned: Mentioned in Quidditch Through the Ages as the charm that gave the Comet 140 an advantage over the Cleansweep.

(Hot-Air Charm)

Description: Causes wand to emit hot air.

Seen/mentioned: Used by Hermione Granger in Order of the Phoenix to dry off her robes. Also used shortly after to melt snow. Also was used by Albus Dumbledore in Half-Blood Prince to dry Harry's and his own robes.

(Hover Charm)

Description: An object is levitated off the ground and moved according to the caster.

Seen/mentioned: Used by Dobby silently in Chamber of Secrets to levitate a Cake, of which Harry is accused. Also used by Xenophilius to clear rubble off his stairs in Deathly Hallows.

(Hurling Hex)

Description: Causes brooms to vibrate violently in the air and try to buck their rider off.

Seen/mentioned: In Philosopher's Stone, Quirinus Quirrell may have been casting a wordless and wandless version of this spell on Harry's broom during his Quidditch match. Flitwick suggested that Harry's confiscated Firebolt might be jinxed with this spell.

I

Impedimenta (Impediment Jinx, Impediment Curse)

Pronunciation: /ɪmˌpɛdɨˈmɛntə/ im-PED-i-MEN-tə

Description: This powerful spell is capable of tripping, freezing, binding, knocking back and generally impeding the target's progress towards the caster. The extent to which the spell's specific action can be controlled by the caster is not made clear. If this spell does bind, it does eventually wear off as stated in Deathly Hallows.

Seen/mentioned: Used in Goblet of Fire when Harry is practicing for the third task. Also used by Madam Hooch to shortly stop Harry from fighting with Draco. Also seen toward the end of Order of the Phoenix, when Harry is fighting the Death Eaters. Stronger uses of this spell seem capable of blowing targets away.

Suggested etymology: Latin impedimentum (plural impedimenta) meaning "a hindrance" or "an impediment".^[12]

Imperio (Imperius Curse)

Pronunciation: /ɪmˈpɪəri.oʊ/ im-PEER-ee-oh

Description: Causes the victim of the curse to obey the spoken/unspoken commands of the caster. The experience of being controlled by this curse is described as a complete, wonderful release from any sense of responsibility or worry over one's actions, at the price of one's free will. Resisting the effect of the curse is possible, however, and several individuals have been able to successfully overcome it, including Harry and both of the Crouches, who learn to resist the curse after being subjected to its effects for an extended period. Harry describes the feeling of being the caster as controlling a marionette through a wand (although Harry's particular experience is suspect due to his lack of commitment to casting Unforgivable Curses). One of the three Unforgivable Curses.

Seen/mentioned: First mentioned (not by name) in the first book when Ron told Harry that Lucius Malfoy claimed himself being jinxed during the first war, thus Lucius evaded imprisonment. First seen in Goblet of Fire introduced by Barty Crouch Jr (acting as Moody) and used on a spider. Later seen in the book when Barty Crouch Jr., acting as Professor Moody, used it on all the students to see if they would be able to overcome it. Used by Harry in Deathly Hallows on a Gringotts goblin and Travers, and by the Death Eaters on Pius Thicknesse.

Suggested etymology: Imperare is Latin for "to order, command", and is the root of several modern English words. Imperium means "command" or "domain", and imperio means (among other things) "with authority". (Compare to impero, "I command", and to crucio above.) Imperius is not, however, a Latin word.

(Imperturbable Charm)

Description: Makes objects such as doors impenetrable (by everything, including sounds and objects).

Seen/mentioned: The spell is used by Mrs Weasley in Order of the Phoenix on the door of the room in which an Order meeting was being held, to prevent her sons, Fred and George, from eavesdropping (using their extendable ears). Also mentioned in Half-Blood Prince when Harry, Ron, and Hermione followed Draco to Borgin and Burkes and used extendable ears

Suggested etymology: Latin imperturbatus meaning "calm" or "undisturbed".^[12]

Impervius (Impervius Charm)

Pronunciation: /ɪmˈpɜrvi.əs/ im-PUR-vee-əs

Description: This spell makes something repel (literally, become impervious to) substances and outside forces, including water.

Seen/mentioned: Used by Hermione in Prisoner of Azkaban on Harry's glasses while in a Quidditch match and also by the Gryffindor Quidditch team in Order of the Phoenix, both times to allow team members to see in a driving rain. Also used in Deathly Hallows, first by Ron to protect objects in Yaxley's office from rain, and then by Hermione in an attempt to protect Harry, Ron and Griphook from the burning treasure in the Lestranges' vault.

Suggested etymology: Correct classical Latin impervius meaning "impassable".^[12]

Incarcerous

Pronunciation: /ɪŋˈkɑrsərəs/ ing-KAR-sər-əs

Description: Ties someone or something up with ropes.

Seen/mentioned: An unnamed spell, presumably incarcerous, is used by Lupin to tie up Snape in the Shrieking Shack in Prizoner of Azkaban and likewise in Goblet of Fire when Pettigrew ties Harry to Tom Riddle's grave. Incarcerous itself is first heard in Order of the Phoenix, when Umbridge gets in a battle with the centaurs. Also used by Harry on the Inferi in Voldemort's Horcrux chamber, in Half-Blood Prince.

Suggested etymology: English incarcerate meaning "to imprison" or "to confine",^[25] via Latin carcer meaning "prison."

Incendio

Pronunciation: /ɪnˈsɛndi.oʊ/ in-SEN-dee-oh

Description: Produces fire.^[19] Flames burst out flying.

Seen/mentioned: It is first seen in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone when Hagrid (nonverbally) produces fire out of his umbrella in the little house the Dursleys took refuge in (from the Hogwarts letters). In Half-Blood Prince, this spell is used several times in battle, for instance when Hagrid's hut is set ablaze.

Suggested etymology: Deformation of Latin verb incendo, meaning "to burn, to set fire".^[12]

(Intruder Charm)

Description: Detects intruders and sounds an alarm.

Seen/mentioned: Slughorn had it on a temporary Muggle owned house he was living in, allowing him to detect Dumbledore and Harry as they approached in Half-Blood Prince. It is possible that Alastor Moody had it on his house to set off charmed dustbins (which spewed litter at intruders) if there was an intruder on his property.

J

(Jelly-Brain Jinx)

Description: Presumably affects the target's mental processes.

Seen/mentioned: During the September 1999 riot that took place during the Puddlemere/Holyhead Quidditch game.

(Jelly-Fingers Curse)

Description: Causes the target's fingers to become almost jelly-like to make it impossible for the victim to grasp objects. If the opponent touches a wall, he/she will be stuck to it forever.

Seen/mentioned: After a June 1999 Portree/Arrows Quidditch game, the losing Seeker accused his opposite number of putting this curse on him as they both closed in on the Snitch.

(Jelly-Legs Jinx)

Description: A jinx that renders its victim's legs temporarily useless, leaving him/her to wobble around helplessly until the effect wears off or the counter-jinx is performed.

Seen/mentioned: First mentioned as one of the jinxes in the book Curses and Counter-Curses.^[PS Ch.5] First used on Harry, while practising for the Third Task of the Triwizard Tournament, by Hermione.^[GF Ch.31] At the end of the term, Draco, Crabbe and Goyle tried to harass Harry on the Hogwarts Express and were hit with a few hexes, curses and jinxes, including the Jelly-Legs Jinx (cast by George Weasley).^[GF Ch.37]

K

(Knee-Reversal Hex)

Description: Causes the victim's knees to appear on the opposite side of his/her legs.

Seen/mentioned: In Quidditch Through the Ages, Gertie Keddle uses this hex when a man playing an early form of Quidditch comes to retrieve his ball from her garden.

L

Langlock

Pronunciation: /ˈlæŋlɒk/ LANG-lok

Description: Glues the victim's tongue to the roof of his/her mouth. Created by Severus Snape.

Seen/mentioned: Used by Harry in Half-Blood Prince on Peeves and on Argus Filch, to general applause.

Suggested etymology: Latin lingua meaning "a tongue" or "a language"^[12] and English lock meaning "to fasten".^[25]

Legilimens

Pronunciation: /lɛˈdʒɪlɨmɛnz/ le-JIL-i-menz

Description: Allows the caster to delve into the mind of the victim, allowing the caster to see the memories, thoughts, and emotions of the victim.

Seen/mentioned: Used by Snape on Harry during Occlumency lessons in Order of the Phoenix and by Dumbledore on Kreacher. Also used nonverbally by Snape on Harry in Half-Blood Prince to allow him to see where Harry had learned the Sectumsempra spell. Used by Lord Voldemort multiple times to see Harry's thoughts.

Suggested etymology: Latin legere meaning "to read" and Latin mens meaning "mind".^[12]

Notes: See also Legilimency for more information.

Levicorpus

Pronunciation: /lɛvɨˈkɔrpəs/ LEV-i-KOR-pəs (usually nonverbal)

Description: The victim is dangled upside-down by one of his/her ankles, sometimes accompanied by a flash of white light.^[26] Created by Severus Snape. Its counter curse is Liberacorpus.

Seen/mentioned: It was originally shown to be a nonverbal-only spell, but in the Deathly Hallows, the text shows that Hermione whispers it to lift Harry so he can steal the Cup of Helga Hufflepuff. Harry learns it by reading the notes written by the Half-Blood Prince. He inadvertently uses it on Ron in Half-Blood Prince. In addition, in Order of Phoenix, Harry sees (through the Pensieve) his father, James, use the spell against Snape.

Suggested etymology: Latin verb levo meaning "to raise" and Latin corpus meaning "body".^[12]

Notes: Though Harry initially learns Levicorpus as a nonverbal spell, it is used verbally by James Potter in The Order of the Phoenix and by Hermione Granger in The Deathly Hallows thus proving that it is not only a nonverbal spell.

Liberacorpus

Pronunciation: /ˌlɪbərəˈkɔrpəs/ LIB-ər-ə-KOR-pəs (nonverbal)

Description: The counter spell to Levicorpus. Created by Severus Snape.

Seen/mentioned: Harry uses the spell in Half-Blood Prince to counteract the Levicorpus spell he inadvertently casts on Ron. Harry also casts it on himself in Deathly Hallows after managing to retrieve the Horcrux from the shelf in the Lestrange's vault.

Suggested etymology: Latin liberare meaning "to free", and Latin corpus meaning "body".^[12]

Locomotor

Pronunciation: /ˌloʊkɵˈmoʊtɔr/ LOH-ko-MOH-tor

Description: The spell is always used with the name of a target, at which the wand is pointed (e.g. "Locomotor Trunk!"). The spell causes the named object to rise in the air and move around at the will of the caster.

Seen/mentioned: Used by Tonks in Order of the Phoenix to move Harry's trunk from his room. Flitwick similarly uses it to move Sybill Trelawney's trunk after Umbridge sacks her. Parvati Patil and Lavender Brown use this spell to race their pencil cases around the edges of the table. A variation seen in Deathly Hallows is Piertotum Locomotor, which animated the suits of armour in Hogwarts.

Suggested etymology: Latin loco meaning "to place" and Latin moto meaning "to move about".^[12]

Locomotor Mortis (Leg-Locker Curse)

Pronunciation: /ˌloʊkɵˈmoʊtɔr ˈmɔrtɨs/ LOH-ko-MOH-tor MOR-tis

Description: Locks the legs together, preventing the victim from moving the legs in any fashion. The target can hop when affected by this curse, but walking is impossible without the countercurse

Seen/mentioned: Used by Draco on Neville Longbottom in Philosopher's Stone. Also mentioned further on in the book as Ron and Hermione prepare to use it on Snape during a Quidditch match. Used by Harry on Draco, who deflects it, in Half-Blood Prince.

Suggested etymology: Latin loco meaning "to place", Latin moto meaning "to move about", and Latin mors/mortis meaning "death".^[12]

Lumos

Pronunciation: /ˈljuːmɒs/ LEW-mos

Description: Creates a narrow beam of light that shines from the wand's tip, like a torch.^[19]

Seen/mentioned: First seen in Chamber of Secrets and then constantly throughout the series.

Suggested etymology: Latin lumen meaning "light".^[12]

Notes: The counter spell, Nox, extinguishes the light. The caster of this spell can cast other spells while this spell is in effect.

M

Meteolojinx Recanto

Pronunciation: /ˌmiːtiːˈɒlɵdʒɪŋks rɛˈkæntoʊ/ MEE-tee-OL-o-jinks re-KAN-toh

Description: Causes weather effects caused by incantations to cease.

Seen/mentioned: Suggested in Deathly Hallows by Arthur Weasley to Ron (disguised by the Polyjuice Potion as Reginald 'Reg' Cattermole from Magical Maintenance) as the best way to clear up the incessant rain in Yaxley's office at the Ministry.

Suggested etymology: Greek meteôrologia meaning "meteorology",^[14] English jinx meaning "to bring bad luck to",^[25] and Latin recanto meaning "recall, revoke".^[12]

Mobiliarbus

Pronunciation: /ˌmoʊbɪliˈɑrbəs/ MOH-bil-ee-AR-bəs

Description: Lifts a tree a few inches off the ground and levitates it to where the caster points his or her wand.

Seen/mentioned: In Prisoner of Azkaban, Hermione uses the spell to move a Christmas Tree in The Three Broomsticks beside her table to hide Harry, who was in Hogsmeade illegally.

Suggested etymology: Latin mobilito meaning "to set in motion" and Latin arbor/arbos meaning "a tree".^[12]

Mobilicorpus

Pronunciation: /ˌmoʊbɪliˈkɔrpəs/ MOH-bil-ee-KOR-pəs

Description: Lifts a body a few inches off the ground and levitates it where the caster points his or her wand^[19]

Seen/mentioned: Sirius Black uses it on Severus Snape in Prisoner of Azkaban.

Suggested etymology: Latin mobilito meaning "to set in motion" and Latin corpus meaning "a body".^[12]

Morsmordre (Dark Mark)

Pronunciation: /mɔrzˈmɔrdrə/ morz-MOR-drə

Description: Conjures the Dark Mark, Voldemort's mark. It is often used to mark deaths, or cause terror (as at the Quidditch World Cup in The Goblet of Fire)

Seen/mentioned: Used by Barty Crouch Jr in Goblet of Fire. Also seen in Half-Blood Prince over the castle to lure Dumbledore to his death. Voldemort apparently invented it. According to Mr Weasley, very few wizards know how to cast this spell.

Suggested etymology: Latin mors meaning "death", and French mordre (from Latin mordere) meaning "to bite."^[12]

Muffliato

Pronunciation: /ˌmʌfliˈɑːtoʊ/ MUF-lee-AH-toh

Description: Keeps nearby people, or those to whom the wand is directed, from hearing nearby conversations.^[26]

Seen/mentioned: It is used in Half-Blood Prince by Harry and Ron on various teachers and people such as Madam Pomfrey. Hermione also uses it in Deathly Hallows in protection of the campsite where she and Harry stayed in hiding.

Suggested etymology: English muffle meaning "to make a sound less distinct by covering its source".^[25]

N

Nox

Pronunciation: /ˈnɒks/ NOKS

Description: Counter charm to the Lumos spell.

Seen/mentioned: In Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry and Hermione used this spell to turn off their wand-lights in the Shrieking Shack. Also used in Deathly Hallows when Harry was in the passage beneath the Whomping Willow that leads to the Shrieking Shack.

Suggested etymology: Correct classical Latin nox meaning "night".^[12]

O

(Obliteration Charm)

Description: Removes things not wished to be seen again.

Seen/mentioned: Used by Hermione in Order of the Phoenix to remove the footprints that she, Harry, and Ron left in the snow. Also used in Deathly Hallows by Hermione to remove the footprints she and Harry leave behind them in the snow as they journey through Godric's Hollow.

Notes: The above instances only reveal that the Obliteration Charm can remove footprints. There is no explanation as to what effect it can have on other things.

Obliviate (Memory Charm)

Pronunciation: /oʊˈblɪvi.eɪt/ oh-BLIV-ee-ayt

Description: Used to hide a memory of a particular event.

Seen/mentioned: First mentioned (not by name) in the Philosopher's Stone by Ron that it was used on Muggles who have seen dragons. First used in Chamber of Secrets by Lockhart who wanted to use it on Harry and Ron; the spell backfired because Ron's wand had been damaged, causing Lockhart to lose most of his own memory (which he never recovers). In Goblet of Fire, it is used by an unknown Ministry worker on Mr. Roberts and later the rest of his family. In Deathly Hallows, Hermione uses the spell on two Death Eaters who had followed Harry, Ron, and Hermione after their escape from Bill Weasley and Fleur's wedding. Also used on Xenophilius Lovegood by Hermione after destroying his house in Deathly Hallows.

Suggested etymology: Latin oblivium meaning "forgetfulness".^[12]

Obscuro

Pronunciation: /ɒbˈskjʊəroʊ/ ob-SKEWR-oh

Description: Causes a blindfold to appear over the victim's eyes, obstructing his/her view of his/her surroundings.

Seen/mentioned: Used by Hermione in Deathly Hallows to obstruct Phineas Nigellus Black's portrait's view of their location.

Suggested etymology: Correct classical Latin obscuro meaning "to conceal, to darken, to cover".^[12]

Oppugno

Pronunciation: /əˈpʌɡnoʊ/ ə-PUG-noh

Description: Causes conjured objects to attack.

Seen/mentioned: Used by Hermione in Half-Blood Prince to attack Ron with a conjured flock of canaries (see Avis).

Suggested etymology: Correct classical Latin oppugno meaning "to attack".^[12]

Orchideous

Pronunciation: /ɔrˈkɪdiː.əs/ or-KID-ee-əs

Description: Makes a bouquet of flowers appear out of the caster's wand.

Seen/mentioned: Used in Goblet of Fire by Ollivander to test Fleur's wand.

Suggested etymology: English orchid meaning "a plant of a large family with complex showy flowers".^[25]

P

Pack

Pronunciation: /ˈpæk/ PAK, as in English

Description: Packs a trunk, or perhaps any luggage.

Seen/mentioned: Used in Prisoner of Azkaban by Lupin in his office, and in Order of the Phoenix by Tonks, once verbally and again non-verbally.

(Permanent Sticking Charm)

Description: Makes objects permanently stay in place.

Seen/mentioned: First mentioned in Order of the Phoenix, Sirius suspects that his mother's painting was fixed to the wall with such a Charm. In Deathly Hallows, Harry discovers that it was used by Sirius to permanently affix his pictures to the wall in his room.

Peskipiksi Pesternomi

Pronunciation: /ˌpɛskɨˈpɪksi ˌpɛstərˈnoʊmiː/ PES-ki-PIK-see PES-tər-NO-mee

Description: The one time it was uttered, it had absolutely no effect.

Seen/mentioned: Used by Lockhart to attempt to remove Cornish pixies.

Suggested etymology: English pesky meaning "annoying", English pixie meaning "a supernatural being", English pester meaning "to annoy", English no for negative and English me for the first person pronoun.^[25]

Notes: It is not known if the spell works or not.

Petrificus Totalus (Body-Bind Curse)

Pronunciation: /pɛˈtrɪfɨkəs toʊˈtæləs/ pe-TRIF-i-kəs toh-TAL-əs

Description: Used to temporarily bind the victim's body in a position much like that of a soldier at attention; this spell does not restrict breathing or seeing, and the victim will usually fall to the ground.^[19]

Seen/mentioned: First used in Philosopher's Stone by Hermione, who was trying to prevent Neville from stopping her, Ron, and Harry from leaving the common room to hunt for the Philosopher's Stone.^[PS Ch.16] It is then used throughout the rest of the series, especially during the Battle of the Department of Mysteries in Order of the Phoenix. Seen in Half-Blood Prince twice: in the beginning, Draco uses the spell against Harry on the train, and later when Dumbledore casts the spell to make Harry freeze so he does not give himself away in the Astronomy Tower. The spell was broken when Dumbledore was killed.

Suggested etymology: English petrify meaning "to turn to stone" and English total meaning complete.^[25]

Notes: The eyes of the target remain mobile, as seen in the Philosopher's Stone, and in the Deathly Hallows.

Piertotum Locomotor

Pronunciation: /paɪ.ərˈtoʊtəm loʊkɵˈmoʊtɔr/ PYE-ər-TOH-təm LOH-ko-MOH-tor

Description: Spell used to animate statues and suits of armour to do the caster's bidding.

Seen/mentioned: In Deathly Hallows, McGonagall uses this spell to animate the suits of armour and statues within Hogwarts to defend the castle.^[27]

Suggested etymology: Latin petrus, same etymology of Italian name "Pietro" (English "Peter"), meaning "stone", Latin totus meaning "whole of", Latin loco meaning "to place", and Latin moto meaning "to move about".^[12]

(Placement Charm)

Description: A charm which temporarily places an object upon a desired target.

Seen/mentioned: Mentioned in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

Point Me (Four-Point Spell)

Pronunciation: /ˈpɔɪntmiː/ POYNT-mee, as in English

Description: Causes the caster's wand tip to point to the north cardinal point, acting like a compass.

Seen/mentioned: By Harry during the third task of the Triwizard Tournament in Goblet of Fire.

Portus

Pronunciation: /ˈpɔrtəs/ PORT-əs

Description: Turns an object into a portkey. The object glows an odd blue colour to show it has been transformed into a portkey, then goes solid again.^[OP Ch.22]

Seen/mentioned: Used by Dumbledore in Order of the Phoenix.

Suggested etymology: Correct Latin portus, meaning "port, harbour, refuge, haven".^[12]

Notes: Portkeys were first seen in Goblet of Fire as a means for Harry, Hermione, and the Weasleys to go to the Quidditch World Cup. However, the spell used in its creation was not seen until Order of the Phoenix when Dumbledore creates a Portkey to get Harry Potter and Fred, George, Ron, and Ginny Weasley to Grimmauld Place.^[OP Ch.22] Also requires Ministry approval to use.

Prior Incantato

See also: Magic in Harry Potter#Priori Incantatem

Pronunciation: /ˈpraɪ.ɔr ˌɪŋkænˈtɑːtoʊ/ PRYE-or ING-kan-TAH-toh

Description: Causes the echo (a shadow or image) of the last spell cast by a wand to emanate from it.

Seen/mentioned: Used by Amos Diggory in Goblet of Fire to discover the last spell cast by Harry's wand after it was found in the hands of Winky, a house-elf. Mentioned in Deathly Hallows as a means of discovering that Harry had been casting spells with Hermione's wand (implying that his own was broken).

Suggested etymology: Latin prior meaning "former" and Latin incanto meaning "to enchant".^[12]

(Protean Charm)

Description: Causes copies of an object to be remotely affected by changes made to the original.

Seen/mentioned: First used in Order of the Phoenix. Hermione put the charm on a number of fake Galleons.^[10] Instead of the serial number around the edge of the coin, the time and date of the next meeting of Dumbledore's Army appeared. Said to be a spell at NEWT level.

Suggested etymology: English protean meaning "able to change or adapt".^[25]

Protego (Shield Charm)

Pronunciation: /proʊˈteɪɡoʊ/ proh-TAY-goh

Description: The Shield Charm^[20] causes minor to strong jinxes, curses, and hexes to rebound upon the attacker, or at least prevents them from having their full effect. It can also cause a shield to erupt from the caster's wand.

Seen/mentioned: First seen in Goblet of Fire, in which Harry Potter is taught this spell by Hermione Granger in preparation for the third task in the Triwizard Tournament. Also used throughout the series. Examples are in Order of the Phoenix when Harry blocks Snape's Legilimency after a lengthy Occlumency lessons and when Harry is duelling the Death Eaters. Harry later uses this spell in Half-Blood Prince to block Snape's jinx when he was showing Ron how to cast a spell without saying a word. Hermione later uses it in Deathly Hallows to separate Ron and Harry when they are fighting.

Suggested etymology: Latin protego meaning "to protect".^[12]

Notes: Cannot block Avada Kedavra.

Protego Horribilis

Pronunciation: /proʊˈteɪɡoʊ hɒˈrɪbɨlɪs/ proh-TAY-goh hor-RIB-il-is

Description: Provides some form of protection against Dark Magic.

Seen/mentioned: Cast by Flitwick in an attempt to strengthen the castle's defences in Deathly Hallows

Suggested etymology: Latin protego meaning "to protect", Latin horribilis meaning "horrible".^[12]

Protego Totalum

Pronunciation: /proʊˈteɪɡoʊ toʊˈtæləm/ proh-TAY-goh toh-TAL-əm

Description: Provides protection of some form for an area or dwelling.

Seen/mentioned: In Deathly Hallows, this is one of the spells used by Hermione and Harry to protect their camp site from unwanted visitors.

Suggested etymology: Latin protego meaning "to protect" and Latin totus meaning "as a whole".^[12]

Q

Quietus

Pronunciation: /kwaɪˈeɪtəs/ kwye-AY-təs

Description: Makes a magically magnified voice return to normal.

Seen/mentioned: Used in Goblet of Fire by Ludo Bagman.

Suggested etymology: Correct classical Latin quietus meaning "undisturbed, calm".^[12]

Notes: Functions as the counter spell to Sonorus.

R

Reducio

Pronunciation: /rɛˈdjuːsi.oʊ/ re-DEW-see-oh

Description: Makes an enlarged object smaller. Counter-charm to Engorgio.

Seen/mentioned: Used in Goblet of Fire by Barty Crouch Jr (as Moody) to shrink the spider he used to demonstrate the Cruciatus Curse. Harry attempts the spell in the Deathly Hallows when practising with Draco's blackthorn wand.

Suggested etymology: Latin reducio meaning "to bring back".^[12]

Reducto (Reductor Curse)

Pronunciation: /rɛˈdʌktoʊ/ re-DUK-toh

Description: Enables the caster to explode solid objects.

Seen/mentioned: In Goblet of Fire, Harry uses it on one of the hedges of the Triwizard maze and ends up burning a small hole in it; in Order of the Phoenix, Gryffindors in Harry's year reference Parvati Patil as being able to reduce a table full of dark detectors to ashes and Ginny Weasley uses it in the Room of Requirement during the practice and in the Hall of Prophecy, Department of Mysteries; in Half Blood Prince, a member of the Order of the Phoenix attempts to use this spell to break down a door which Death Eaters have blocked when the Death Eaters have cornered Dumbledore in the Lightning Struck Tower.

Suggested etymology: Latin reductio meaning "restoration".^[12]

(Refilling Charm)

Description: Refills whatever at which the caster points with the drink originally in the container.

Seen/mentioned: Used in Half-Blood Prince, when Harry notices that Hagrid and Slughorn are running out of mead.

Relashio

Pronunciation: /rɛˈlæʃi.oʊ/ re-LASH-ee-oh

Description: A charm used to force someone or something to release that which it holds or grapples by means of shooting fiery sparks out or, underwater, shooting hot bursts of water.

Seen/mentioned: Used by Harry against Grindylows in the second task of the Triwizard Tournament. When used more expertly by Bob Ogden in Half-Blood Prince, it threw Marvolo Gaunt backwards after an attempted attack. Hermione uses it in Deathly Hallows to free Mrs Cattermole from the chained chair.

Suggested etymology: Italian rilasciare meaning "to release".^[28]

Rennervate

Pronunciation: /ˈrɛnərveɪt/ REN-ər-vayt

Description: Brings someone out of unconsciousness.

Seen/mentioned: In Goblet of Fire, Amos Diggory uses it to wake up Winky and Dumbledore uses it to wake up Krum and Barty Crouch Jr. In "Half-Blood Prince", Harry later uses it to try to reawaken a cursed Dumbledore in the seaside cave.

Suggested etymology: Officially renamed from Ennervate by J. K. Rowling^[29] from the prefix "re-" would come from Latin re-, "again" and "en-" Old French from "in-" L. cause to be + "nerves" Eng. c.1603 strength, from "nervus" L. nerve^[29]

Notes: Counter spell to Stupefy; when this spell is cast, red light is emitted.

Reparo

Pronunciation: /rɛˈpɑroʊ/ re-PAR-oh

Description: Used to repair broken or damaged objects.^[19]

Seen/mentioned: Many times throughout the books. First used by Hermione, when she uses it to fix a broken window. Shattered objects are often described as having "flown" back together. However, substances contained within broken objects are not restored.

Notes: There are some things that can not be repaired by this spell, for example, a wand, but in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the "Elder Wand" or "Wand of Destiny", repaired Harry's original wand, due to its extreme power.

Suggested etymology: Latin reparo meaning "to renew" or "repair".^[12]

Repello Muggletum (Muggle-Repelling Charm)

Pronunciation: /rɛˈpɛloʊ ˈmʊɡlətəm/ re-PEL-oh MUG-lə-təm

Description: Keeps Muggles away from wizarding places by causing them to remember important meetings they missed and to cause the Muggles in question to forget what they were doing in the first place.

Seen/mentioned: Mentioned in Quidditch Through the Ages as being used to keep Muggles away from the Quidditch World Cup. Hogwarts was also said to be guarded by the Muggle-Repelling Charm. Harry and Hermione also use it on numerous occasions, among many other spells, to protect and hide their campsite in Deathly Hallows.

Suggested etymology: Latin repello meaning "to drive away".^[12]

Rictusempra (Tickling Charm)

Pronunciation: /ˌrɪktəˈsɛmprə/ RIK-tə-SEM-prə

Description: The subject experiences the sensation of being tickled

Seen/mentioned: First seen used by Harry on Draco in Chamber of Secrets, when they fought in the Duelling Club.

Suggested etymology: Latin rictus meaning "open mouth", and Latin semper meaning "always".^[12]

Notes: This spell takes the form of a jet of silver light (purple in video games).

Riddikulus

Pronunciation: /rɨˈdɪkələs/ ri-DIK-ə-ləs^[30]

Description: A spell used when fighting a Boggart, "Riddikulus" forces the Boggart to take the appearance of an object upon which the caster is concentrating. When used correctly, this will be a humorous form.

Seen/mentioned: First seen in Prisoner of Azkaban, when taught by Lupin. Then seen in Goblet of Fire on a boggart that was in the maze in the Third Task. Finally seen in Order of the Phoenix, when Mrs Weasley tries to cast Riddikulus on a Boggart in Grimmauld Place.

Suggested etymology: Latin ridiculus meaning "absurd".^[12]

Notes: The effect depends on what the caster is thinking. Neville concentrates on his grandmother's dress, causing a Boggart in the form of Snape to appear in it.

S

Salvio Hexia

Pronunciation: /ˈsælvi.oʊ ˈhɛksi.ə/ SAL-vee-oh HEK-see-ə

Description: Provides some form of protection against hexes.

Seen/mentioned: Harry and Hermione cast this spell to strengthen their campsite's defences against intruders in Deathly Hallows.

Suggested etymology: Latin salvus meaning "safe"^[12] and English hex meaning "a magic spell".^[25]

Scourgify (Scouring Charm)

Pronunciation: /ˈskɜrdʒɨfaɪ/ SKUR-ji-fye

Description: Used to clean something.^[10][19]

Seen/mentioned: First used by Tonks to clean Hedwig's cage in Order of the Phoenix. Later, Ginny performs the spell to clean up Stinksap in the Hogwarts Express. While looking at Snape's memories, Harry sees Sirius use the spell on Snape's mouth.

Suggested etymology: English scour meaning "to clean by vigorous rubbing".^[25]

Sectumsempra

Pronunciation: /ˌsɛktəmˈsɛmprə/ SEK-təm-SEM-prə

Description: Violently wounds the target; described as being as though the subject had been "slashed by a sword".^[26] Created by Severus Snape.

Seen/mentioned: First seen in Order of the Phoenix when Snape uses it in his memory against James, but misses and only lightly cuts his cheek. Used successfully by Harry in Half-Blood Prince against Draco, and then later against the Inferi in Voldemort's Horcrux chamber, and Snape during his flight from Hogwarts. In the opening chapters of Deathly Hallows, Snape accidentally casts this curse against George Weasley in the Order's flight from Privet Drive, though George was not his intended target. ^[DH Ch.3] It is known as a specialty of Snape's. ^[DH Ch.5]

Suggested etymology: Correct classical Latin sectum, past participle of verb seco, "to cut", and deformation of Latin adverb semper meaning "always".^[12]

Notes: Though Snape was able to mend the wounds inflicted on Draco by this curse with ease, with "an incantation that sounded almost like song", Mrs Weasley was unable to heal her son George when his ear was severed by the curse. It was discovered in an old copy of Advanced Potion Making by Harry; Sectumsempra was invented by Snape with the words "For enemies" written next to it.

Serpensortia

Pronunciation: /ˌsɜrpənˈsɔrti.ə/ SUR-pən-SOR-tee-ə

Description: Conjures a serpent from the spell caster’s wand.^[19]

Seen/mentioned: Used by Draco whilst duelling Harry in Chamber of Secrets and Voldemort in the duel against Dumbledore in Order of the Phoenix.

Suggested etymology: Latin serpens meaning "a snake" and French Sortir meaning "come out of, to leave".^[12]

Silencio (Silencing Charm)

Pronunciation: /sɪˈlɛnsi.oʊ/ si-LEN-see-oh

Description: Silences something immediately^[10][19]

Seen/mentioned: First used by Hermione in Order of the Phoenix to silence a frog and a raven in Charms class, then later to silence a Death Eater who was trying to use a spell against Harry Potter. It was also used by Voldemort in Deathly Hallows during the Battle of Hogwarts.

Suggested etymology: Italian silenzio or Spanish silencio meaning "silence".^[12]

(Slug-Vomiting Charm)

Description: A jet of green light strikes the victim, who then vomits slugs for an undefined period of time (greater than five hours). The sizes of the vomited slugs decrease with time.

Seen/mentioned: In Chamber of Secrets, Ron attempts to use it on Draco; the spell backfired and hit him instead. Mentioned in Order of the Phoenix before Gryffindor's first Quidditch Match against Slytherin when Draco taunts Ron, "Harry was reminded forcibly of the time that Ron had accidentally put a Slug-Vomiting Charm on himself".^[OP Ch.19]

Sonorus

Pronunciation: /sɒˈnɔərəs/ son-NOHR-əs

Description: Magnifies the spell caster’s voice, functioning as a magical megaphone

Seen/mentioned: By Ludo Bagman and Cornelius Fudge in Goblet of Fire to commentate at the Quidditch World Cup and during the Triwizard Tournament. Also used by Dumbledore to silence everyone in the Great Hall in Goblet of Fire. Used by Voldemort several times during the Battle of Hogwarts in Deathly Hallows.

Suggested etymology: Correct classical Latin sonorus meaning "loud".^[12]

Notes: The counter-spell is Quietus.

Specialis Revelio (Scarpin's Revelaspell)

Pronunciation: /ˌspɛsiˈælɨs rɛˈvɛli.oʊ/ SPES-ee-AL-is re-VEL-ee-oh

Description: Causes an object to show its hidden secrets or magical properties.

Seen/mentioned: Used by Hermione to find out more of Harry's Advanced Potion-Making book in Half-Blood Prince. Used by Ernie Macmillan to find out the ingredients of a potion.

Suggested etymology: Deformation of Latin specialis meaning "special" and revelo meaning "to unveil".^[12]

(Stealth Sensoring Spell)

Description: Detects those under magical disguise.

Seen/mentioned: In Order of the Phoenix, Umbridge casts this around her office. Also used at the entrance to the Ministry of Magic.

(Stinging Hex, Stinging Jinx)

Description: Produces a stinging sensation in the victim, resulting in angry red welts and occasionally the severe inflammation of the affected area.

Seen/mentioned: Harry inadvertently casts one on Snape during Occlumency lessons in Order of the Phoenix. Hermione casts the Stinging Hex on Harry in Deathly Hallows to purposefully distort Harry's appearance.

Stupefy (Stunning Spell, Stupefying Charm, Stunner)

Pronunciation: /ˈstjuːpɨfaɪ/ STEW-pi-fye

Description: Puts the victim in an unconscious state. Manifests as a jet of red light.

Seen/mentioned: First seen in Goblet of Fire use by Ministry officials in at Quidditch World Cup. Also seen used by a number of Ministry officials against McGonagall in Order of the Phoenix. It is also taught by Harry in his Dumbledore's Army meetings and used extensively during the Battle of the Department of Mysteries against the Death Eaters. Is seen by some, including Harry himself, as the basic spell for fighting. Death Eaters, Ministry Officials, Order members and students all seem to refer to this spell as their preferred attack.

Suggested etymology: English stupefy (to make stupid, groggy, insensible), which derives from Latin stupefacio meaning "to make senseless",.^[12]

Notes: Hagrid was able to withstand multiple direct Stunners due to being half-giant, and Goblet of Fire shows six to seven wizards working in unison to Stun a single dragon.

(Supersensory Charm)

Description: Able to possess superior senses than before.

Seen/mentioned: Mentioned by Ron outside of the Hogwarts Express during the epilogue of Deathly Hallows as a potential substitute for using mirrors while driving a car.

(Switching Spell)

Description: Causes two objects to be switched for one another.

Seen/mentioned: Harry contemplates using this spell against his dragon in the first task of the Triwizard Tournament. Neville also uses this in Transfiguration class in Goblet of Fire, and accidentally transplants his ears onto a cactus.

T

(Taboo)

Description: A jinx which may be placed upon a word or a name, so that whenever that word is spoken, a magical disturbance is created that alerts the caster of the Taboo to the location of the speaker. Any protective enchantments in effect around the speaker are broken when the Tabooed word is spoken aloud.

Seen/mentioned: In Deathly Hallows, this spell is placed on the word "Voldemort"; Harry, Ron and Hermione are tracked this way to Tottenham Court Road. Ron tells the other two to stop using the word as he began to fear the name might be a jinx, later discovering it to be a Taboo. The Taboo on Voldemort's name proves useful in identifying supporters of Harry Potter, since the name is so feared that only "rebels" dare speak it. Later in the book, Harry says Voldemort's name again, resulting in the trio being caught by Death Eaters and taken to Malfoy Manor.

Tarantallegra

Pronunciation: /təˌræntəˈlɛɡrə/ tə-RAN-tə-LEG-rə

Description: Makes victim's legs dance uncontrollably, so the victim cannot control his or her movements (recalling the tarantella dance).

Seen/mentioned: First used by Draco on Harry in the Duelling Club in Chamber of Secrets. It can be stopped using Finite, as mentioned in Order of the Phoenix. It is notably used against Neville in the Department of Mysteries, causing the prophecy to be broken.

Suggested etymology: Italian taranta or tarantella (traditional Southern Italian folk dances with rapid, whirling movements) and Italian allegra meaning "joyful".^[12]

Tergeo

Pronunciation: /ˈtɜrdʒi.oʊ/ TUR-jee-oh

Description: Siphons material from a surface, (e.g., blood, ink, dust, etc.)

Seen/mentioned: Hermione uses this spell in Half-Blood Prince to remove blood from Harry's face, as well as to remove ink from an essay that Ron had completed previously. It was used in Deathly Hallows to clean off a handkerchief by Ron, and to dust off a picture of Gellert Grindelwald in Bathilda Bagshot's house.

Suggested etymology: Correct classical Latin tergeo meaning "to wipe, scour, clean".^[12]

(Tongue-Tying Curse)

Description: A curse that prevents certain information from being revealed by the individual upon whom the spell is placed. The curse manifests itself by causing the tongue to temporarily curl backwards upon itself.

Seen/mentioned: First mentioned as one of the spells in Curses and Counter-Curses.^[PS Ch.5] Seen in Deathly Hallows as a deterrent to Snape, or any other unwanted visitor of Number 12 Grimmauld Place, from betraying their location to anyone else.

(Transmogrifian Torture)

Seen/mentioned: Gilderoy Lockhart suggested that it was this curse that "killed" Mrs Norris after she was really found petrified on a torch bracket in Chamber Of Secrets^[HP2]

(Trip Jinx)

Description: Causes the victim of the jinx to trip and fall.^[HP5]

Seen/mentioned: Used by Draco in Order of the Phoenix, to catch Harry when he was fleeing after Dumbledore's Army was discovered.

U

(Unbreakable Vow)

Description: Causes a vow taken by a witch or wizard to be inviolable; if he or she should break it, the consequence is death. It manifests itself as interlinking chains of fire binding the clasped hands of the people taking the Vow; the fire shoots out as a tongue of flame from the wand of the Binder (a witness to the Vow) every time the person who takes the vow makes a promise. The flames then form into the linking chains. According to Ron Weasely, the spell causes death to anyone who breaks the vow.

Seen/mentioned: Snape takes an Unbreakable Vow with Narcissa Malfoy at the beginning of Half-Blood Prince, vowing to help Narcissa's son Draco with a task given to him by Voldemort, and to finish the task should Draco prove incapable.^[HBP Ch.2] Fred and George attempted to force an Unbreakable Vow upon Ron as children.

(Undetectable Extension Charm)

Description: Causes a container's capacity to be increased, without changing the object's external appearance.

Seen/mentioned: This spell is used by Mr Weasley to allow eight people, six large trunks, two owls, and a rat to fit comfortably inside his modified Ford Anglia in Chamber of Secrets. Hermione casts this spell upon her small beaded handbag in Deathly Hallows. Probably used in Goblet of Fire to make the tents internal appearance bigger.

(Unbreakable Charm)

Description: Causes an object to become unbreakable.

Seen/mentioned: Hermione uses this spell in Goblet of Fire on a glass jar containing Rita Skeeter in her unregistered animagus form (a beetle) so as to make sure she could not return to human form.

W

Waddiwasi

Pronunciation: /ˌwɑːdiˈwɑːsi/ WAH-dee-WAH-see

Description: Appears to launch small objects through the air.

Seen/mentioned: Used only once in the series, by Lupin in Prisoner of Azkaban to expel a wad of chewing gum from the key hole Peeves put it in, launching it up Peeves' nose.

Suggested etymology: English wad meaning "a lump of soft material".^[25]

Note: This may have been an improvised charm because the word "wad" is in the spell, with the spell acting on a wad of gum.

Wingardium Leviosa (Levitation Charm)

Pronunciation: /wɪŋˈɡɑrdiəm ˌlɛviˈoʊsə/ wing-GAR-dee-əm LEV-ee-OH-sə

Description: Levitates objects.^[2][19]

Seen/mentioned: First seen in The Philosopher's Stone, when Flitwick's first-year class practice the spell on feathers. Later in that book, Ron performs the spell on the club of a mountain troll.^[PS Ch.10] Harry uses it to hold himself up on Hagrid's motorbike much later on, in The Deathly Hallows. Later in the same book, Ron uses it to prod the knot at the base of the Whomping Willow with a twig to allow him, Harry and Hermione into the Shrieking Shack.^[DH Ch.32]

Suggested etymology: Deformation of English word wing meaning "fly",^[25] Latin arduus meaning "tall"^[31] and Latin levis meaning "light".