Cursed barrier

Death Eater's Barrier Curse
Type	Curse
Effect	Forms a barrier that prevents anyone without a Dark Mark from penetrating.

Nymphadora Tonks: "One of them blocked the stairs behind them with some kind curse... Neville ran at it and got thrown up into the air - "

Remus Lupin: "I saw [Snape] run straight through the cursed barrier as though it wasn't there, I tried to follow him but was thrown back just like Neville..."

Harry Potter: "I'll bet you had to have the Dark Mark to get through that barrier..."

— Discussion after Albus Dumbledore's demise.

This curse was used by an unknown Death Eater during the fight against Order of the Phoenix around Hogwarts' Astronomy Tower. It was used to prevent the members of the Order from interfering with Draco Malfoy's attempt to assassinate Albus Dumbledore.

The curse creates a barrier around a certain area, preventing anyone from passing through it, throwing them backwards on contact. Only Death Eaters with a Dark Mark on their arm could pass through the barrier unhindered. If the area around the barrier collapses, the barrier would be dispelled.

Severus Snape, though a loyal member of the Order of the Phonenix, was able to pass through through because he had been branded with the Dark Mark.

Behind the scenes

• Since the Dark Mark was invented by Lord Voldemort, it is likely that this curse, compatible with the Dark Mark, is also one of his inventions.