Impediment Jinx
From Harry Potter Wiki
(Redirected from Impediment Hex)
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| Impediment Jinx | |
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| Incantation: |
im-ped-ih-MEN-tah |
| Type: |
Jinx |
| Effect: |
Slows down or stops something |
The Impediment Jinx is a spell which slows or stops an object or individual, effectively immobilising them for a short period of time. When cast with power, however, it can easily knock the target off their feet. On many occasions, it has knocked the target over but not prevented subsequent movement at all. Whether these variations are accidental in the casting of the spell, or the choice of the caster, is unclear.
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[edit] Known Uses
- Madam Hooch used this spell to prevent Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy from colliding at the Quidditch pitch at Hogwarts following the Gryffindor vs Slytherin Quidditch match in their 5th year. On this occasion it had the opposite effect: Harry was knocked back but not immobilised.
- Hermione Granger taught Harry Potter this spell to help him in the 1994 Triwizard Tournament. He used it in the Triwizard Maze of the Third Task, against the Acromantula and Blast-Ended Skrewt.[1]
- The following year, Harry later taught this to Dumbledore's Army as a defensive spell.[2]
- James Potter once used this on Severus Snape.[2]
- Harry Potter used the spell against the Inferi in the Horcrux cave.
- The jinx was used by Death Eaters Antonin Dolohov and Jugson against Harry, Hermione, and Neville Longbottom in the Battle of the Department of Mysteries.[2]
- During the Battle of the Astronomy Tower, Harry used this spell to distract Amycus Carrow from attacking Ginny Weasley.[3]
- When Death Eaters were chasing Harry on brooms, he used this spell to stop one of them.[4]
[edit] Etymology
Impedimenta is devised from the Latin word Impedimentum, meaning "a hindrance".
[edit] Behind the scenes
- It is debatable whether the spell is a jinx, or hex. In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Order of the Phoenix and Half-Blood Prince, it is called a jinx. In Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, it is referred to as a hex.
