Dark charms are spells that add certain properties to an object or creature, but have connotations of dark magic. The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 1 does not carry instructions for such spells.^[1]

Jinxes are usually spells whose effects are irritating but amusing. Hexes are considered slightly worse than jinxes, but are still only dark magic of a minor sort. Curses are usually the worst kinds of dark magic.^[2]

Behind the scenes

• Despite Rowling's descriptions of what classifies curses, hexes, and jinxes,^[2] there seems to be some inconsistency with which spells fall under each category. For example, the effects of the Leg-Locker Curse, Jelly-Legs Curse and Full Body-Bind Curse, which don't cause any lasting injury, seem to fall more under the definition of a jinx or hex, while Voldemort's Jinx on the post of Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher has had serious, lasting consequences for several of those affected, thus categorising it as a curse.

See also

• Charm
• Curse
• Hex
• Jinx

Appearances

• Pottermore

Notes and references

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