Lumos Maxima is stronger version of Lumos. It creates a massive ball of light at the end of the wand which is so powerful it can be cast off from the end of the wand and continue on for several minutes afterward, floating in mid-air.
History
1993
In 1993, Harry Potter practised the spell under his sheets at the Dursley's home. Although Harry was using magic outside of school, he did not receive any letter from the Ministry of Magic, possibly because it wasn't directly in the presence of a muggle.
1997
In 1997, both Albus Dumbledore and Harry Potter used the spell at the seaside cave when attempting to retrieve one of Voldemort's Horcruxes.
Etymology
Derived from two words; the Latin lumen, meaning "light," and "maxima", which means "very great" or "greatest"
Behind the scenes
- Despite using this spell outside school while staying with the Dursleys, Harry was not punished by the Ministry of Magic. It is possible that students were authorized to learn it as a summer assignment. It is also possible that Cornelius Fudge tolerated it just as he did when Harry blew up Marjorie Dursley because they all thought that Sirius was after Harry.
- This spell was created for the third Harry Potter film and does not make an appearance in any of the novels.
- Lumos Maxima was the spell used to open The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, illuminating Hogwarts Castle.
Appearances
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (film) (First appearance)
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (film)
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
