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[[File:Knitting charm.gif|250px|thumb|right|Knitting needles creating a scarf with the use of a [[Knitting Charm]]]]
[[File:Hovercharm.jpg|thumb|252px|[[Hermione Granger]] using a [[Levitation Charm]] as a [[first year]] at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]]]]
 
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{{Quote|I can make things move without touching them. I can make animals do what I want them to do, without training them. I can make bad things happen to people who annoy me. I can make them hurt if I want to.|A young [[Tom Riddle]] describing his magical skills to [[Albus Dumbledore]]|Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince}}
{{Quote|There was a lot more to magic, as [[Harry Potter|Harry]] quickly found out, than waving your [[wand]] and saying a few [[Incantation|funny words]].|Harry's thoughts about magic taught at Hogwarts|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone}}
 
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'''Magic''' was a supernatural force that changed aspects of the world at fundamental levels. The ability for [[human]]s to use magic was a [[Magic genes|hereditary trait]] passed down from a person's ancestors, which allowed [[Wizardkind|witches and wizards]] to practise it. Rather than being a mystical or unnatural pursuit that defied the laws of nature, however, magic simply allowed those who could wield it to exploit them in very specific and creative ways that Muggle science were unable to replicate.<ref name="JKRS">{{JKRS}}</ref>
   
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One example of this, for example, was in how [[vanishment]] did not actually make objects cease to exist, but rather, according to [[Minerva McGonagall|Professor McGonagall]], go "''into non-being, which is to say, everything''", which was consistent with the law of conservation of matter and energy.<ref name="DH30">{{DH|B|30}}</ref> Magic also followed its own set of rules with respect to what it could do, such as how [[Conjuration|Conjured]] objects could only exist for a temporary period of time,<ref name="accio 1">[http://www.accio-quote.org/articles/2000/0700-swns-alfie.htm/ Accio Quote!]</ref> and objects couldn't be enlarged beyond a certain point without becoming unstable and/or exploding.
'''Magic''' is a supernatural force that can alter the fabric of reality at fundamental levels, but with its limits. Biologically, magic is a genetic heredity that allows [[Wizardkind|witches and wizards]] to practice sorcery.
 
   
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==Nature==
The basic concepts of magic are fairly simple -- even a two-year-old wizard can do some form of magic -- but the inherent power and potential for misuse are great indeed. It is for this reason that promising young witches and wizards are sent off to [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]] and other schools of magic to refine their craft and learn the art and responsibility of their power. At Hogwarts, students learn a variety of magical specialties as well as general theory and the history of magic in their world.
 
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The basic concepts of magic were fairly simple — even a two-year-old wizard could do some form of magic — but the inherent power and potential for misuse were great indeed. It was for this reason that promising young witches and wizards were sent to schools of magic,<ref name="Wizarding Schools">{{WW|wizarding-schools}}</ref> such as [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]] to refine their craft and learn the art and responsibility of their power. There, they learned a variety of magical specialities, general theory and the history of magic in their world.<ref name="PS4">{{PS|B|4}}</ref><ref name="PS8"/>
   
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[[File:Wand-lighting charm.gif|250px|thumb|left|Harry Potter casting the [[Wand-Lighting Charm]]]]
Magic is unable to be performed by [[Muggle]]s, as they are not born with it, and [[Squib]]s, who do not possess any magical powers despite having parents with magical powers. It is what sets Muggles apart from the [[wizarding world]], as such, as a substitute of magic, Muggles use technology: in the same sense, many wizards are ignorant of the workings of most [[Muggle]] devices, including [[electricity]]. Both the Muggle and the wizard view their choice of tool as completely and utterly logical and ordinary, although each would find the other's tools fascinating and even mysterious.
 
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Magic was unable to be performed by [[non-magic people]] (more commonly known as Muggles), which was what separated the [[Non-magic world|Muggle world]] from the [[wizarding world]]. As a substitute for magic, Muggles used [[technology]], but in the same sense, many wizards were ignorant of the workings of most Muggle devices, including [[electricity]]. Both Muggles and wizards viewed their choice of tool as completely and utterly logical and ordinary, although each would find the other's tools fascinating or even mysterious.<ref name="technology">{{WW|technology}}</ref>
   
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[[Squib]]s were also unable to perform magic, but they were in a unique position, as they were born into wizarding families, which gave them the option to choose between living in the wizarding world like a second-class citizen, or living in the Muggle world while concealing everything they knew about magic.<ref name="COS9">{{COS|B|9}}</ref><ref name="OOTP2">{{OOTP|B|2}}</ref><ref name="OOTP8">{{OOTP|B|8}}</ref>
As per the [[International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy]], wizards and witches must constantly hide their magic abilities from the Muggle world, and thus most Muggles are unaware that magic exists. It is possible that magic could be treated as the fourth branch of [[science]], along with Chemistry, Biology and Physics.
 
   
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As per the [[International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy]], wizards and witches must constantly hide their magic abilities from the Muggle world, and thus most Muggles were unaware that magic existed.<ref name="QTAR">{{QTA|R}}</ref>
==Overview==
 
[[File:Lumos.JPG|thumb|[[Harry Potter]] casting the [[Wand-Lighting Charm]]]]
 
{{Quote|Elf magic isn't like wizard's magic, is it?|Ron Weasley|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}}
 
   
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==Transmission==
In [[human]]s, the ability to perform magic or lack thereof is an inborn, genetic attribute. The former is the norm in the children of magical couples and rare in those of [[Muggle]]s, this is because the wizarding gene (found in [[Wizardkind|Wizards and Witches]]) is dominant, while the non-magical gene (found in [[Muggle]]s and [[Squib]]s) is recessive. Those unable to do magic who are born to magical parents are known as [[Squib]]s, this is when the non-magical gene resurfaces causing the offspring to therefore be non-magical.
 
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{{Quote|Elf magic isn't like wizard's magic, is it?|Ron Weasley contrasts different types of magic|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}}
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[[File:PS Wingardium Leviosa feather.gif|250px|thumb|right|Muggle-born Hermione Granger casting the [[Levitation Charm]]]]
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In [[human]]s, the ability to perform magic, or lack thereof, was an inborn attribute. The former was the norm in the children of magical couples and rare in those of [[Non-magic people|Muggle]]s. The wizarding gene (found in [[Wizardkind|witches and wizards]]) was dominant, while the non-magical gene (found in Muggles and [[Squib]]s) was recessive (see [[Magic genes]] for more details).
   
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===Users===
A witch or wizard born to [[Muggle]] parents are known as [[Muggle-born]]s. This is when a [[Muggle]] family is descended from a [[Squib]], and the wizarding gene resurfaces many generations later. [[Muggle-born]]s are far more common than Squibs, but this may be a feature of the disparate sizes of the Muggle and wizarding populations. There are other magical [[beings]] in the [[Wizarding world]] which can also perform magic, such as [[house-elf|house-elves]] and goblins. [[Fairy|Fairies]] also possess a type of "[[Fairy magic|weak magic]]." The [[house-elf]] [[Kreacher]] demonstrated the ability to [[Apparition|disapparate]] from the kitchens of [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry|Hogwarts]] where humans cannot.
 
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Those unable to do magic who were born to magical parents were known as Squibs; this was when the non-magical gene resurfaced, causing the offspring to therefore be non-magical. A witch or wizard born to Muggle parents was known as a [[Muggle-born]]. This was when a Muggle family was descended from a Squib, and the wizarding gene resurfaced many generations later. Muggle-borns were far more common than Squibs, which might be a feature of the disparate sizes of the Muggle and wizarding populations.
   
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Other intelligent [[Being|magical beings]] in the [[wizarding world]], such as [[veela]]s, [[goblin]]s and [[house-elf|house-elves]], could also perform their own brand of magic, distinctly different from human magic. Other magical creatures might possess their own forms of [[rudimentary magic]], including [[Fairy|fairies]].<ref name="FBR">{{FB|R}}</ref>
==History==
 
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==History of magic==
 
''Not to be confused with [[History of Magic]], a Hogwarts class.''
 
''Not to be confused with [[History of Magic]], a Hogwarts class.''
   
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===Ancient cultures===
The following chronology indicates broad eras in the history of the wizarding world and traces the development of the ever-widening gap between the Muggle and wizarding communities.
 
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Like the human race itself, magic was supposed to have originated in [[Africa]].<ref name="Africa">{{WW|uagadou}}</ref> Wizards and witches were known to society at large and were held in awe and high esteem due to their unique powers. Ancient [[Egypt]]ian wizards placed [[curse]]s to protect their tombs from plunderers.<ref name="POA1">{{POA|B|1}}</ref> Ancient [[India]]n wizards created the [[Snake Summons Spell]].<ref name="cas">[https://web.archive.org/web/20021121122711/http://harrypotter.warnerbros.co.uk/hogwarts/library/castaspell.html Harry Potter Official Site] via ''Internet Archive''</ref> The [[wand]] was invented in [[Europe]] during the [[B.C. era]].<ref name="Africa" /><ref name="PS5">{{PS|B|5}}</ref> [[Dark Arts|Dark Magic]] was practised and evident in ancient [[Greece]], with [[Herpo the Foul]] being infamous for pioneering a multitude of forbidden practices, including creating [[Herpo the Foul's Basilisk|the first known Basilisk]], as well as the first known [[Horcrux]].<ref name="COSG">{{COS|G}}</ref><ref name="FBR" />
   
===Early History===
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===Circa 1000 AD===
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[[File:Founders Hero.jpg|250px|thumb|left|The four founders of Hogwarts]]
====Ancient Egypt, India and Greece====
 
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By about the [[First millennium A.D.|10th century]] in Europe, non-magical people slowly became more wary of witches and wizards due to their unique gift. Sensing the growing distrust, [[Hogwarts founders|four of the greatest British witches and wizards]] of the age founded [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]] in [[Scotland]].
Egyptian wizards put curses on tombs. Nowadays [[Curse-Breaker|curse-breakers]] for [[Gringotts Wizarding Bank]] try to regain the treasure locked in those tombs; one pyramid has mutant skeletons of Muggles who'd broken in and "grown extra heads and stuff." Magic is integrated into society and Wizards are held in high esteem. However, Dark Magic is already being practiced in ancient Greece. [[Herpo the Foul]] created [[Herpo the Foul's basilisk|the first basilisk]] as well as the evil magic of [[Horcrux]]es during that time.
 
   
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One of the founders, [[Salazar Slytherin]], built the [[Chamber of Secrets]] after his belief that only [[pure-blood]] wizards should be allowed into Hogwarts was dismissed. While this idea was considered radical at the time and dismissed, the separation of the two cultures continued and grew over the next 700 years.<ref name="COS9">{{COS|B|9}}</ref>
====Around 1000 AD====
 
[[File:Salazar_Slytherin_WOTM.jpg|thumb|[[Salazar Slytherin]]]]
 
Growing distrust on the part of Muggles for wizards and witches compels the [[Hogwarts founders|four greatest witches and wizards]] of the age to found Hogwarts. [[Salazar Slytherin]] builds the [[Chamber of Secrets]] after his point of view that only [[pure-blood]] wizards should be allowed into Hogwarts was dismissed. This separation of the two cultures continues and grows over the next 700 years.
 
   
====1000 to 1300====
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===11th–13th century===
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[[File:1994 Quidditch World Cup WW.jpg|250px|thumb|right|[[1994 Quidditch World Cup]]]]
The Wizarding world is governed by the [[Wizard's Council|Wizard's Council ]](sometimes referred to as the Warlock's Council). While the relationship with the Muggle world becomes more distrustful, witches and wizards reach out to others of their own kind. The [[Triwizard Tournament]] and [[Quidditch]] become national and international events.
 
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During this time, the magical population was governed by the [[Wizards' Council|Wizard's Council]] (sometimes referred to as the Warlock's Council). As their relationship with Muggles strained, witches and wizards began to fraternise with their own kin and grow closer with each other. The [[Triwizard Tournament]] and [[Quidditch]] became national and international events.<ref name="GOF12">{{GOF|B|12}}</ref> Quidditch became such a huge part of wizarding culture that Quidditch World Cup were frequenlty held and attended by thousands.
   
====1300s====
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===14th century===
Witch burnings; Muggles were particularly afraid of magic but not very good at recognizing it, [[Wendelin the Weird]] allowed herself to be burned at the stake 47 times in various disguises using a [[Flame-Freezing Charm]] as she enjoyed the sensation. There is growing discrimination in the Wizarding world against other magical beings, such as [[House-elf|House-elves]] and [[Goblin]]s.
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Paranoia of wizardkind slowly broke into outright malice, and [[witch-hunt]]s began to emerge throughout Europe. While they were afraid of magic, Muggles were not very good at recognising it, allowing many a wizard to escape witch burnings unharmed with the use of a [[Flame-Freezing Charm]]. Eccentric witch [[Wendelin the Weird]], who enjoyed the sensation of the charm, allowed herself to be burned at the stake at least forty-seven times in various disguises.<ref name="POA1">{{POA|B|1}}</ref><ref name="COSG">{{COS|G}}</ref> Within the wizarding world itself, growing discrimination against other magical beings such as [[House-elf|house-elves]] and [[goblin]]s began to emerge.
   
 
===15th century===
 
===15th century===
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[[File:Tales of Beedle the Bard.png|200px|thumb|left|{{TBB}} was written in this time period]]
====1400s====
 
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With the coming of the Renaissance and the increasing reliance among Muggles on scientific reasoning, the divide between the wizarding and Muggle worlds grew ever wider. Each culture went on to create their own separate civilization, including social structures, [[Wizarding currency|economies]], [[Ministry of Magic|governments]], etc. Each borrowed a little from the other as the years went by, but it became apparent that the Muggles must be disassociated from their magical kin for their own good.
[[File:TalesofBeedleCoverandSpine.jpg|thumb|left|[[The Tales of Beedle the Bard]] was written in this time period]]
 
With the coming of the Renaissance and the increasing reliance among Muggles on scientific reasoning, the break between the Wizarding and Muggle worlds is becoming more and more complete. Each culture goes on to create their own civilisation: social structures, economies, governments, etc. Each borrows a little from the other as the years go by but it becomes apparent that the Muggles must be kept ignorant of the existence of their magical kin for their own good.
 
   
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Of the remaining Muggles that acknowledged their magical neighbours, some continued to persecute them. Others tried to exploit their magical power for their own gain and quick fixes to their problems. One such example is that of the royal court of Britain, which continued to host wizards, such as [[Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington]].<ref name="COS8">{{COS|B|8}}</ref>
Some Muggles persecute their magical neighbours, others try to exploit magical power for their own gain and for quick fixes to their problems. However, Britain still has court wizards ([[Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington|Nearly Headless Nick]], for example, was a court wizard in [[1492]]). [[Beedle the Bard]] writes his [[The Tales of Beedle the Bard|Tales]] to preach a message of tolerance toward Muggles, but his message is subverted or lost over the ensuing centuries as the division between Muggle and Wizard grew. With the intolerance of Muggles came a growing prejudice among some in Wizarding society in favour of the [[Blood purity|purity of blood]]. At the end of the 1400s, [[Daisy Dodderidge]] builds the [[Leaky Cauldron]] along a country path outside London as a portal between the Wizarding and Muggle worlds.
 
   
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[[Beedle the Bard]] wrote his [[The Tales of Beedle the Bard|tales]] to preach a message of tolerance toward Muggles,<ref name="TBBR">{{TBB|R}}</ref> but his message was ignored at the time as the division between Muggles and Wizards grew. With the growing intolerance of Muggles in wizarding society came a growing favour among some in the [[Blood status|purity of blood]], turning Salazar Slytherin's beliefs mainstream. At the end of the 1400s, [[Daisy Dodderidge]] constructed the [[Leaky Cauldron]] pub along a country path outside London as a portal between the wizarding and Muggle worlds.<ref name="leaky cauldron">{{WW|the-leaky-cauldron}}</ref>
===17th-18th Centuries===
 
====1600 - 1700s====
 
[[File:Ministry_of_Magic_busy.jpg|thumb|262px|The [[Atrium]] of the [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]], center of magical government]]
 
During these years, [[Goblin Rebellions]] break out all over Britain, and (perhaps not coincidentally) [[St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries]] is established. Muggle persecution reaches an all-time high, and it is very dark times for the Magical Community. The governments of the Wizarding World meets to consider solutions to the crisis and create the [[International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy]] of 1689 or 1692. This not only completes the separation of the two cultures but also lays the responsibility on the various Wizarding governments in each country for maintaining the secrecy of everything from Quidditch games to dragons.
 
   
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===17th–19th centuries===
Over the years, for Muggles, magic becomes the stuff of fairy tales and legend. By 1750 the Ministries of Magic from each country assume responsibility for the control and secrecy of their local magical flora and fauna (example, the [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic of Great Britain]]. Wizarding families begin to cluster around small towns all over Britain where they find relative safety and anonymity.
 
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[[File:7-19-potter-ministry.jpg|250px|thumb|right|The [[Atrium]] of the Ministry of Magic, centre of British magical government]]
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During these years, [[Goblin Rebellions]] broke out all over Britain, and (perhaps not coincidentally) [[St Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries]] was established. Muggle persecution reached an all-time high, and it was a very dark time for the magical community.
   
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In 1689, the governments of the wizarding world met to consider solutions to the crisis and draft the [[International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy]], which called for all of wizardkind to go into hiding to avoid persecution. The infamous [[Salem Witch Trials]] of [[1692]] only furthered to exacerbate the need for separation, and the law was officially established that same year.
====1800s====
 
[[Giant]]s warred amongst themselves, bringing their species to the brink of extinction. In 1811, [[Grogan Stump]] reforms the [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]]. In 1881, [[Albus Dumbledore]] is born.
 
   
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With the separation of the two worlds now put into effect, all of wizardkind went into hiding for good, forming their own isolated communities. In Britain, wizarding families began to cluster around [[Wizard villages|small towns]] up and down the country, where they found relative safety and anonymity in numbers. The responsibility of the various wizarding governments in each country was laid out for maintaining the secrecy of everything magical, from Quidditch games to dragons.
===Recent Years===
 
====1900s====
 
[[File:Voldemortfilm.jpg|thumb|[[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]], an accomplished [[Dark Wizard]]]]
 
Prejudice against Muggles and the ideas of [[Pure-blood supremacy]] is still very strong. These sentiments are manipulated by [[Tom Riddle]] as he becomes Lord Voldemort and makes two attempts to take over control of the Wizarding World in Britain. [[First Wizarding War|His first attempt]], in the 1970s, is cut short in battle with [[James Potter I|James]] and [[Lily Evans|Lily Potter]] and his defeat by [[Harry Potter]] (31 October 1981). The Giants, most of whom fought for Voldemort, retreat to northern Europe. Thirteen years later, Voldemort rises again ([[1994]]), takes over the Ministry of Magic and Hogwarts ([[1997]]), and is ultimately defeated by Harry Potter (2 May [[1998]]).
 
   
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The magical governments of each country suppressed all exposure of anything magical to Muggles. As decades passed without incident, magic slowly faded into obscurity and became the stuff of fairy tales and legend for non-magical people, with the few clinging to these beliefs being seen as [[Insanity|mad]].
==Using magic==
 
{{Quote|I don't believe in witchcraft, though I've lost count of the number of times I've been told I'm a practicing witch. Ninety - let's say ninety five percent at least, of the magic in the books is entirely invented by me. And I've used things from folklore and I've used bits of what people used to believe worked magically just to add a certain flavour, but I've always twisted them to suit my own ends. I mean, I've taken liberties with folklore to suit my plot.|[[J. K. Rowling]] on the magic in her books}}
 
[[File:Tumblr_lodyp45a2F1qd8c06o1_500.gif|frame|right|[[Minerva McGonagall]] dueling [[Severus Snape]] with a [[fiery offensive spell]]]]
 
   
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By the 19th century, as [[giant]]s were facing an increasingly limited amount of space to live in, a [[Giant wars|war broke out amongst themselves]], bringing their species to the brink of extinction. In 1811, [[Grogan Stump]] reformed the [[British Ministry of Magic]]. In 1881, [[Albus Dumbledore]] was born.
For a person's ability to perform magic to be useful, a good deal of training is required to acquire the correct discipline. When 'wild', typically with young and untrained children, it will still manifest itself subconsciously in moments of strong apprehension, fear or anger. A powerful or intelligent wizard or witch can direct this force in less random ways, e.g. [[Tom Riddle]], [[Lily Evans]], [[Severus Snape]], [[Minerva McGonagall]], and possibly [[Ariana Dumbledore]].
 
   
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===20th century===
It should be noted that, whilst the ability to perform magic almost always reveals itself by age 11, there are some individuals who remain mundane until quite late in life when - in quite desperate circumstances - they suddenly reveal their magical capacity. However, such "late-bloomers" are rare, possibly more so than squibs<ref name="late-bloomer">http://www.accio-quote.org/articles/1999/0399-barnesandnoble.html#magic</ref>.
 
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Prejudice against Muggles and the ideas of [[pure-blood supremacy]] was still very strong. These sentiments were taken advantage of by the notorious [[Dark wizard]] [[Gellert Grindelwald]] as he tried to establish a system that would enslave Muggles in fear of the [[Second World War|next world war]],<ref name="COGS">{{COG|S}}</ref> but he was defeated in [[1945]] by [[Albus Dumbledore]] in a [[Duel between Albus Dumbledore and Gellert Grindelwald|legendary duel]].<ref name="DH8">{{DH|B|8}}</ref>
[[File:Stupefy-harry-potter.gif|frame|left|[[Harry Potter]], [[Hermione Granger]], and [[Ronald Weasley]] casting the [[Stunning Spell]] during the [[Luchino Caffe Duel]]]]
 
   
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[[File:B7C36M2 Voldemort vanquished.png|250px|thumb|left|Harry Potter's final defeat of Lord Voldemort and the end of the Second Wizarding War]]
Almost all human magic is done with the use of a supporting tool or focus, typically a [[wand]]. One can do unfocused and uncontrolled magic without a wand. A few advanced wizards could perform directed magic without a wand. A wizard or witch is only at their best when using their own wand. When using another's [[wand]] , one's spells are not as strong as they normally would be, due to the laws of [[Wandlore]].
 
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[[Tom Riddle]], who would later be known and feared as Lord Voldemort and the last living descent of Salazar Slytherin, made two attempts to take over control of the wizarding world in Britain. [[First Wizarding War|His first attempt]], in the 1970s, was cut short on 31 October, 1981, falling to a [[Killing Curse|curse]] that he cast on [[Harry Potter]] which rebounded upon himself.<ref name="DH33">{{DH|B|33}}</ref>
   
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The giants, most of whom fought for Voldemort, retreated to northern Europe. However, thirteen years later, Voldemort rose again on 24 June, [[1994]], as he survived thanks to his [[Horcrux]]es. He managed to take control of the [[British Ministry of Magic]] and Hogwarts (1 August, [[1997]])<ref name="DH8">{{DH|B|8}}</ref> but on [[2 May]] [[1998]], after his Horcruxes were all destroyed, he was ultimately defeated, once again by having a curse that he cast towards Harry Potter being rebounded upon himself.<ref name="DH36">{{DH|B|36}}</ref>
===Limits===
 
Regardless of how powerful a witch or wizard is, they are by no means without limits. For example, true [[love]] is almost impossible to create magically, though [[Amortentia]], a love potion, can create a powerful sense of infatuation. The following are some of the limits of magical abilities:
 
   
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Some Muggles who were aware of the [[wizarding world]], such as the [[Dursley family|Dursley]]<ref name="PS4">{{PS|B|4}}</ref> and the [[Barebone family]],<ref name="FBS">{{FB|S}}</ref> very much hated and feared magic and [[wizardkind]]. Once it was revealed that [[Harry Potter]] was a wizard, use of the word "magic" was forbidden at [[4 Privet Drive]] and the merest mention of it was enough to send [[Vernon Dursley|Vernon]] and [[Petunia Dursley]] into fits of rage and panic.<ref name="CS1">{{COS|B|1}}</ref>
'''Rule of Conjuration''': While it is possible to conjure things out of thin air, it is far more tricky to create something that fits an exact specification rather than a general one; moreover, any objects so conjured tend not to last.
 
   
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==Spellcasting==
'''Rule Against Resurrection''': It is also impossible to resurrect the dead. Corpses can be transformed into obedient [[Inferius|Inferi]] on a living wizard's command, though they are little more than zombies with no soul or will of their own. It is also possible via the rare [[Priori Incantatem]] effect to converse with ghost-like "shadows" of magically murdered people. The [[Resurrection Stone]] also allows one to talk to the dead, but those brought back by the Stone are not corporeal, nor do they wish to be disturbed from their peaceful rest. The result of such a summoning is usually detrimental to the summoner.
 
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{{Quote|There was a lot more to magic, as Harry quickly found out, than waving your wand and saying a few [[Incantation|funny words]].|Learning the difficulty in spell-casting|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone}}
[[File:'s_Stone.jpg|thumb|left|The [[Philosopher's Stone]], which grants the user eternal life]]
 
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[[File:Levitation Charm PSF.gif|thumb|right|250px|[[Hermione Granger]] casting the [[Levitation Charm]]]]
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[[Spell]]s were the every-purpose tools of a wizard or witch; short bursts of magic used to accomplish single specialised tasks such as [[Unlocking Charm|opening locks]] or [[Fire-Making Spell|creating fire]]. Spells were divided into rough categories, such as "[[charm]]s", "[[curse]]s", "[[hex]]es", or "[[jinx]]es". Typically casting required an [[incantation]], most often in a modified form of Latin and gesturing with a [[wand]] in the case of [[human]]s.<ref name="PS8" /> However, these seemed to be ''aids'' to the will only; wands merely focused a person's magic. It was evidently also possible to use a wand without holding it. Harry himself performed ''[[Wand-Lighting Charm|Lumos]]'' to light his wand when it was lying on the ground somewhere near him.<ref name="OOTP1">{{OOTP|B|1}}</ref> Additionally, [[Animagus|Animagi]] and [[Metamorphmagus|Metamorphagi]] did not need wands to undergo their transformations.
   
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A wand focused magic to such a significant degree, that the vast majority of witches and wizards were often powerless without one. However, one could do [[Wandless magic|magic without a wand]], though it was often unfocused and uncontrolled. Still, few wizards could perform directed magic without a wand if they had enough skill and power, but it was still more difficult and tiring. A wizard or witch was at their best when using their own wand: when using another's, one's spells were not as strong as they normally would be, as dictated by the laws of [[wandlore]].<ref name="PM">{{PM}}</ref>
'''Rule Against Immortality''': Likewise, it is impossible to make oneself immortal unless one makes use of a mystical object of great power to sustain life (such as the [[Philosopher's Stone]] created by [[Nicolas Flamel]] or a [[Horcrux]], the latter having been used by Lord Voldemort and Herpo the Foul). Legend holds that if one were to possess the three [[Deathly Hallows]], these tools would enable the possessor to become the "master of death". However, being a true "master of death" means being willing to accept that death is inevitable. Becoming a ghost is also an option for wizards and witches; however, it is said that it is "a pale imitation of life". Whether or not ghosts are truly sentient beings possessed of an independent existence is unclear; Snape states that a ghost is merely "the imprint of a departed soul left upon the earth".
 
   
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[[File:Wandless magic.gif|250px|thumb|Dumbledore using [[wandless magic]]|alt=|left]]
====Principal Exceptions to Gamp's Law of Elemental Transfiguration====
 
  +
Spells could be cast [[Nonverbal spell|non-verbally]], but again, most still required a wand for this. This technique was taught in the sixth year of study at Hogwarts and required the caster to concentrate on the incantation.<ref name="HBP9">{{HBP|B|9}}</ref> While most magic required the caster to use their voice, some such as ''[[Dangling Jinx|Levicorpus]]'' did not, which were apparently designed to be used non-verbally.<ref name="HBP12">{{HBP|B|12}}</ref> This might depend on the witch or wizard.
{{Main|Gamp's Law of Elemental Transfiguration}}
 
   
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Some very skilled and powerful wizards and witches could use magic both wandlessly and wordlessly. Dumbledore had been known to do impressive feats of magic without speaking, such as conjuring enough squashy purple sleeping bags to accommodate the entire student population,<ref name="POA9">{{POA|B|9}}</ref> or his attacks during [[Duel in the Ministry Atrium|his duel with Voldemort]] in the [[Atrium]].<ref name="OOTP36">{{OOTP|B|36}}</ref>
The Principal Exceptions to [[Gamp's Law of Elemental Transfiguration]] are mentioned by [[Ronald Weasley]] in the final book and by Hermione in [[Transfiguration (class)|Transfiguration class]]. Food is one of these: witches or wizards can cook and prepare food using magic, but not create it from nothing. Out of the five exceptions, only food is mentioned explicitly in the series although speculation amongst fans has proposed many other possibilities. There is a strong possiblity that money is another exception, since if wizards could simply materialise money out of thin air the economic system of the [[Wizarding world]] would be seriously disrupted. While the [[Philosopher's Stone]] does permit [[alchemy]] (including, presumably, turning base metals into gold), the Stone is an extremely rare, even unique, object, whose owner does not exploit its powers.
 
   
  +
==Limitations==
There are numerous examples in the series of food ''appearing'' to have been conjured from nothing, such as the sudden materialisation of ingredients in the pots of [[Molly Weasley]]'s kitchen and when Professor McGonagall creates a self-refilling plate of sandwiches for Harry and Ron in. In all cases, these events can be reasonably explained as food either being multiplied — which is allowable under Gamp's Law, according to Hermione — or transported from elsewhere. One example of this is Banqueting in Hogwarts — the food is prepared by elves in the [[Hogwarts Kitchens|kitchens]] and laid onto four replica tables, directly below the actual house tables in the [[Great Hall]]. The food is then magically transported to the tables.
 
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{{Quote|No spell can reawaken the dead.|The limits of magic and its application|Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire}}
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While it was possible to [[conjuration|conjure]] things out of nothing and [[Doubling Charm|duplicate items]], it was far more tricky to create something that fit an exact specification rather than a general one. Moreover, a magically imitated object would never be as "real" as the genuine one, with duplicated food being less fulfilling than the real thing,<ref name="DH15">{{DH|B|15}}</ref> and conjured creatures only demonstrating surface-level behaviour. Furthermore, magically imitated objects tended not to be as resistant to deterioration as the natural ones, being prone to breaking, cracking, melting, rusting, and other forms of breakdown.
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[[File:Pholosophers-Stone PM.jpg|200px|thumb|[[Philosopher's Stone]]|alt=]]It was almost impossible to make oneself truly immortal, only to extend one's lifespan using powerful magical means, such as with the [[Philosopher's Stone]]<ref name="PS13">{{PS|B|13}}</ref><ref name="PS17">{{PS|B|17}}</ref> Creating at least one [[Horcrux]] was said to grant the person immortality, as a part of their soul was Earth-bound. However, it was considered the vilest of acts.<ref name="HBP23">{{HBP|B|23}}</ref> Becoming a [[ghost]] was another option for wizards and witches; but it was said that this was "''a pale imitation of life''".<ref name="OOTP38" /> Whether or not they were truly sentient beings of independent existence is unclear; as [[Severus Snape]] stated that a ghost was merely "''the imprint of a departed soul left upon the earth''".<ref name="HBP21">{{HBP|B|21}}</ref>
   
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Likewise, it was impossible to resurrect the dead.<ref name="GOF36">{{GOF|B|36}}</ref> While corpses could be transformed into obedient [[Inferius|Inferi]] on a living wizard's command, they were little more than zombies with no [[soul]] or will of their own.<ref name="HBP9" /><ref name="HBP21" /><ref name="HBP26">{{HBP|B|26}}</ref><ref name="Inferi" /> It was also possible via the rare ''[[Reverse Spell|Priori Incantatem]]'' effect to converse with ghost-like "shadows" of magically murdered people.<ref name="GOF34">{{GOF|B|34}}</ref> The [[Resurrection Stone]] allowed one to talk to the dead,<ref name="DH34">{{DH|B|34}}</ref> but those brought back by the Stone were not corporeal, nor did they wish to be disturbed from their peaceful rest. The result of such a summoning was usually detrimental to the summoner.<ref name="DH21">{{DH|B|21}}</ref>
===Magic and emotions===
 
[[File:Tonks-Patronus.jpg|thumb|[[Nymphadora Tonks]]'s werewolf Patronus]]
 
A witch or wizard's emotional state can affect their inherent abilities. For example, [[Nymphadora Tonks]] temporarily lost her power as a [[Metamorphmagus]] after suffering severe emotional turmoil and sadness over her grief for the death of [[Sirius Black]], and when [[Remus Lupin]] would not return her affections. In effect, the form of her [[Patronus]] changed to reflect her love for him. The form of her Patronus changed to reflect her depression. In [[1995]], when Mad-Eye called her by her first name, her hair temporarily turned red. Wizardkind are also weakened when in the presence of Dementors for prolonged periods, as said creatures attack their prey psychlogically by making them recall their worst memories, leaving the victims physically vulnerable.
 
   
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====Principal Exceptions to Gamp's Law of Elemental Transfiguration====
As related to Harry by Dumbledore during [[Harry Potter and Albus Dumbledore's private lessons]], [[Merope Gaunt]] only demonstrated any magical ability when removed from [[Marvolo Gaunt|her father]]'s oppression, but then seemed to lose it again when her husband abandoned her. Many other examples of emotion-influenced magic appear throughout the series, with [[Ariana Dumbledore]] (Dumbledore's sister) being emotionally scarred at a young age and then her magic turned volatile and uncontrolled. In addition, Harry magically inflated his [[Marjorie Dursley|Aunt Marge]] wandlessly and non-verbally, out of sheer anger when she disrespected his parents by calling his father a drunk.
 
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{{Main|Gamp's Law of Elemental Transfiguration}}
 
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{{Quote|Your mother can't produce food out of thin air, no one can. Food is the first of the five Principal Exceptions to Gamp's Law of Elemental Transfiguration... It's impossible to make good food out of nothing! You can Summon it if you know where it is, you can transform it, you can increase the quantity if you've already got some..|The exceptions to Gamp's Law of Elemental Transfiguration|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}}
Several magical spells involve the use of emotion when casting them. The [[Patronus Charm]], for example, requires the caster to concentrate on a happy memory. Force of will under extenuating circumstances also helps in casting spells, and affects the force with which they are cast. An example of this is when Harry is able to conjure a corporeal Patronus when Sirius Black is in danger of being administered the [[Dementor's Kiss]].
 
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The Principal Exceptions to Gamp's Law of Elemental Transfiguration were first mentioned and explained by Hemione in 1997 and again mentioned off-handedly by [[Ronald Weasley]] in 1998. Food was one of these: witches or wizards could cook and prepare food using magic, but not create it from nothing.<ref name="DH15" /> Out of the five exceptions, only food was mentioned explicitly, although speculation had proposed many other possibilities. There is a strong possibility that money was another exception, since if wizards could simply materialise money out of thin air, the economic system of the [[wizarding world]] would be seriously disrupted. While the [[Philosopher's Stone]] did permit [[alchemy]] (including, presumably, turning base metals into gold), the Stone was an extremely rare, even unique object whose owner didn't exploit its powers.<ref name="PS13" />
   
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There were numerous examples of food ''appearing'' to have been conjured from nothing, such as the sudden materialisation of ingredients in the pots of [[Molly Weasley]]'s kitchen, Ollivander creating a fountain of wine from the end of Harry's wand,<ref name="GOF18">{{GOF|B|18}}</ref> and when Professor McGonagall created a self-refilling plate of sandwiches for Harry and Ron.<ref name="COS5">{{COS|B|5}}</ref> In all cases, these events could be reasonably explained as food either being multiplied — which was allowable under Gamp's Law, according to Hermione — or transported from elsewhere.<ref name="DH15" /> One example of this was banqueting in Hogwarts — the food was prepared by house-elves in the [[Hogwarts kitchens|kitchens]] and laid onto four replica tables, directly below the actual house tables in the [[Great Hall]]. The food was then magically transported to the tables.
Another example of magic and emotions is when [[Ronald Weasley|Ron Weasley]] caused it to snow above him with his wand when he felt guilt over breaking up with [[Lavender Brown]] without using any worded spells.
 
   
====Magic and death====
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====Other limits====
[[File:The_Horcrux.jpg|thumb|Lord Voldemort's [[Horcrux]]es.]]
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[[File:Voldemort flying without support.gif|250px|thumb|left|Lord Voldemort flying without the support of a [[broomstick]]]]
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While wizards and witches could [[Flight|fly]] through the air with bewitched objects such as [[broomstick]]s, it was long believed that true, [[unsupported flight]] was an impossibility. Uncontrolled [[levitation]] of a person could be achieved, mostly by charming the clothes they were wearing, but they couldn't move freely in midair.<ref name="WBS">{{WBS}}</ref> Animagi whose forms took on flying creatures might enjoy the sensation of flight, but Animagi by themselves were quite rare, let alone those whose forms were able to take flight. Thus, true flight was long accepted to be beyond the wizarding world's reach. However, [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]] (one of the most powerful [[dark wizard]]s of all time) pushed beyond the boundaries of known magic, and discovered a method of flying through the air unaided with full control.<ref name="DH4">{{DH|B|4}}</ref><ref name="DH30" />
The phenomenon of [[Death]] is studied in detail in a room (called the [[Death Chamber]]) of the [[Department of Mysteries]] containing an [[Veil|enigmatic veil]]. [[Sirius Black]] falls through this veil after he is hit with a curse from [[Bellatrix Lestrange]], and dies; i.e. the veil represents the boundary between the living and dead worlds.
 
   
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While a living [[Wizardkind|wizard]] might protect themselves from [[fire]] with a basic [[Flame-Freezing Charm|Flame Freezing Charm]], no spell had yet been found to render dead [[flesh]] impervious to burning.<ref name="Inferi">{{WW|inferi}}</ref>
There are a few magical techniques that have been used to extend life. The [[Philosopher's Stone]] can be used to prepare a potion that postpones death for the rest of eternity, so long as the potion is drunk on a regular basis. Voldemort has availed himself of other methods, being one of the few wizards ever to use [[Horcrux]]es in his long sought attempt to "conquer death", and is believed to be the only one to use multiple Horcruxes.
 
   
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In addition, in the story ''[[The Warlock's Hairy Heart]]'', the [[Warlock (The Warlock's Hairy Heart)|main character]] removed [[Hairy Heart|his heart]] via dark magic in order to prevent himself from falling in love, while preserving both its and his own life. Such a form of magic was considered impossible outside of the storybook.<ref name="TBBH">{{TBB|H}}</ref>
In addition, the drinking of [[Unicorn Blood]] will keep a person alive even if death is imminent, but at the terrible price of being cursed forever. Being magical can contribute to one's longevity, as there are several characters in the series who are quite long-lived (such as [[Albus Dumbledore]], [[Bathilda Bagshot]], and [[Griselda Marchbanks]], who was an invigilator during Albus Dumbledore's O.W.L examinations). This can mainly be attributed to the speed and effectiveness of magical healing, such as spells that can mend bones instantly, potions that can completely regrow them, further potions that can cure many sicknesses and ailments [[Pepperup Potion|including the Common Cold]], spells for [[Vulnera Sanentur|instantaneous, scarless healing]], and transportation to hospitals being a matter of a few seconds and a side-along apparator or a handful of [[Floo powder]].
 
[[File:Bloody_Baron_-_Hogwarts-Ghost.gif|frame|left|A [[Ghost]] of Hogwarts, the [[Bloody Baron]]]]
 
   
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==Magical relations==
It is revealed by [[Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington|Nearly Headless Nick]] in the fifth book that all witches and wizards have the choice of becoming ghosts when they pass away. The alternative is "passing on". Nick says that he became a ghost because he was foolish, "afraid of death".
 
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===Emotions===
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{{Quote|Of course, it is also possible that her unrequited love and the attendant despair sapped her of her powers; that can happen.|The relationship between emotion and magic|Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince}}
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[[File:Nymphadora Tonks casting the Patronus Charm.jpg|230x230px|thumb|[[Nymphadora Tonks]]'s wolf Patronus|alt=]]
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A witch or wizard's emotional state could affect their inherent abilities. For instance, an [[Calamity Investigator|agent]] of the [[Statute of Secrecy Task Force]] was said to have been able to produce better results with their [[Inn Charm]] after they channelled the goodwill they received from inn-keepers they met on their travels into their spell-casting,<ref name="WU Tribuomnus">{{WU}} ([[SOS Task Force Training]] - Calamity Essentials I - Tribuomnus)</ref> and [[Gareth Greengrass]], a senior researcher in the [[Department of Mysteries]], at one point documented over seven hundred instances of spells being cast in anger, and found that they were all more powerful than even the casters themselves had thought themselves capable of producing.<ref name="WU Interview">{{WU}} ([[SOS Task Force Training]] - Calamity Essentials I - Did You Somehow Interview Him?)</ref>
   
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On the flip side, however, Nymphadora Tonks temporarily lost her power as a [[Metamorphmagus]] after suffering severe emotional turmoil and sadness over her grief for the death of [[Sirius Black]], and when [[Remus Lupin]] would not return her affections, to the point of going on lethal mission to avoid contact. In effect, the form of her [[Patronus Charm|Patronus]] changed to a [[wolf]] (which matched the form of his) to reflect her love for Lupin.<ref name="HBP8">{{HBP|B|8}}</ref> Similarly, the magical abilities of [[Merope Riddle|Merope Gaunt]] was greatly hampered by and only truly flourished once she was free from her father's oppression. Albus Dumbledore also noted that it was possible for a witch or wizard to be sapped of their magical power altogether if undergoing profound levels of despair.<ref name="HBP10">{{HBP|B|10}}</ref>
All Hogwarts headmasters appear in a [[portrait]] when they die, allowing consultation by future generations. Dumbledore says that there is no spell that can truly bring the dead back to life, however several cases of dead people becoming half-alive are known. Because of a connection between Harry and Voldemort's wands ([[Priori Incantatem]]), images of Voldemort's recent victims appear and help Harry escape. According to Harry, they seemed too solid to be ghosts.
 
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[[File:Snowflake-making spell - HBP.gif|left|thumb|245x245px|[[Ronald Weasley|Ron Weasley]] causing it to snow out of guilt]]
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Wizardkind were also weakened when in the presence of Dementors for prolonged periods, as said creatures attacked their prey psychologically by making them recall their worst memories. This in turn left the victims physically vulnerable. Dementors sucked the happiness out of any one in their presence, making it hard to preform magic, as casting spells required a certain level of emotional stability.<ref name="POA5">{{POA|B|5}}</ref><ref name="POA20">{{POA|B|20}}</ref> This was one of the reasons the Patronus Charm was considered such advanced magic.<ref name="POA12" /> Several spells involved the use of emotion when casting them. The [[Patronus Charm]] required the caster to concentrate on a happy memory.<ref name="POA12">{{POA|B|12}}</ref> Force of will under extenuating circumstances also helped in casting spells, and affected the force with which they were cast. An example of this was when Harry was able to conjure a corporeal Patronus when Sirius Black was in danger of being administered the [[Dementor's Kiss]].<ref name="POA21">{{POA|B|21}}</ref> Another example of magic and emotions was when [[Ronald Weasley|Ron Weasley]] caused it to snow above him with his wand when he felt guilt over breaking up with Lavender Brown without using any worded spells.<ref name="HBP24">{{HBP|B|24}}</ref>
   
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[[File:Marge starts to inflate.gif|250px|thumb|An enraged Harry Potter accidentally inflated his Aunt Marge|alt=]]
While wizards can linger as [[ghost]]s or animate dead bodies as [[Inferius]] servants, no magic is capable of bringing a dead person back to full and true life. The closest possible is the [[Resurrection Stone]].
 
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Many other examples of emotion-influenced magic included [[Ariana Dumbledore]] (Dumbledore's sister) being emotionally scarred at a young age and then her magic turned volatile and uncontrolled.<ref name="DH18">{{DH|B|18}}</ref><ref name="DH28">{{DH|B|28}}</ref> In addition, Harry magically inflated his [[Marjorie Dursley|Aunt Marge]] wandlessly and nonverbally, out of sheer anger when she disrespected his parents by calling his father a drunk.<ref name="POA2">{{POA|B|2}}</ref>
   
====Magic and love====
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====Love====
 
{{Main|Love}}
 
{{Main|Love}}
   
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{{Quote|There is a room in the Department of Mysteries that is kept locked at all times. It contains a force that is at once more wonderful and more terrible than death, than human intelligence, than the forces of nature. It is also, perhaps, the most mysterious of the many subjects for study that reside there. It is the power held within that room that you possess in such quantities and which Voldemort has not at all.|The power of love and its effect on magic|Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix}}[[File:Harry Potter touches Quirrel face.gif|250px|thumb|[[Quirinus Quirrell|Quirrell]]'s inability to touch Harry in 1991, due to [[Lily J. Potter|Lily]]'s loving sacrifice|alt=|left]]
Arguably the most powerful branch of magic is also the most mysterious and elusive: love. Lord Voldemort, having never experienced love himself, underestimated its influence—to his detriment. It was through love that [[Lily Evans]] was able to save her son Harry from death by [[Sacrificial protection|sacrificing her life]], so that he might live.
 
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Arguably the most powerful branch of magic was also the most mysterious and elusive: love. Lord Voldemort, having never experienced love himself, underestimated its influence — to his detriment. It was through love that [[Lily J. Potter|Lily Evans]] was able to save her son, Harry, from death by [[Sacrificial protection|sacrificing her life]], so that he might live.<ref name="PS17">{{PS|B|17}}</ref>
[[File:Severus_Snape_casting_a_Patronus.gif|frame|[[Severus Snape]]'s [[Patronus Charm|Patronus]] was a doe, symbolizes his deep [[love]] for [[Lily Evans]]]]
 
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[[File:Harry's sacrifice.gif|thumb|245x245px|Harry Potter's sacrifice affords his loved ones protection]]
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Because of his mother's protection, Harry was unable to be touched by Voldemort.<ref name="PS17" /> Voldemort attempted to overcome this obstacle by using Harry's blood in his [[Regeneration potion|resurrection]]; however, since Lily's magical protection was in Harry's blood and his blood now flowed through Voldemort's new body, this actually meant that Harry could not be killed by Voldemort while Voldemort himself was still alive.<ref name="GOF33">{{GOF|B|33}}</ref> Harry used very much the same mechanism of sacrificial protection to negate the power of Voldemort's spells against the students and teachers of [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry|Hogwarts]] during the [[Battle of Hogwarts]].<ref name="DH36">{{DH|B|36}}</ref> The exact nature of how "love-magic" works is unknown; it was studied in-depth at the [[Department of Mysteries]] where they had a giant cauldron of [[Amortentia]].
   
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It is implied that the inability to love was what made Voldemort as evil as he was. Severus Snape, who voluntarily joined the Death Eaters on leaving Hogwarts, turned spy for the [[Order of the Phoenix]] when he realised that the woman he loved was being threatened by Voldemort.<ref name="DH33" /> Similarly, [[Narcissa Malfoy]]'s love for her son [[Draco Malfoy|Draco]] eventually led her to betray Voldemort, directly leading to Harry's survival — another oversight on Voldemort's part.<ref name="DH36" /> With these examples, it is hinted that anybody with the ability to love couldn't go as far down the path of evil as Voldemort had done, and it was his complete lack of compassion that made him capable of what he did.
Because of his mother's protection, Harry was unable to be touched by Voldemort. Voldemort attempted to overcome this obstacle by using Harry's blood in his [[Regeneration Potion|resurrection]]; however, since Lily's magical protection was in Harry's blood and his blood now flowed through Voldemort's new body, this actually meant that Harry could not be killed by Voldemort while Voldemort himself was still alive. Harry used very much the same mechanism of sacrificial protection to negate the power of Voldemort's spells against the students and teachers of [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry|Hogwarts]]. The exact nature of how "love-magic" works is unknown; it is studied in-depth at the [[Department of Mysteries]] where they have a giant cauldron of [[Amortentia]].
 
   
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===Death===
It is implied that the inability to love is what make Voldemort as evil as he is. Severus Snape, who voluntarily joined the Death Eaters on leaving Hogwarts, turns spy for the [[Order of the Phoenix]] when he realizes that the woman he loves is being threatened by Voldemort. Similarly, [[Narcissa Malfoy]]’s love for her son [[Draco Malfoy|Draco]] eventually leads her to betray Voldemort, directly leading to Harry’s survival – another oversight on Voldemort’s part. With these examples, it is hinted that anybody with the ability to love cannot go as far down the path of evil as Voldemort has done, and it is his complete lack of compassion that makes him capable of what he does.
 
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{{Dialogue|Voldemort|There is nothing worse than death, Dumbledore!|Albus Dumbledore|You are quite wrong. Indeed, your failure to understand there are much worse things than death has always been your weakness.|Discussion of the nature of death|Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix}}
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The phenomenon of death was studied in detail in a room (called the [[Death Chamber]]) of the [[Department of Mysteries]] containing an [[Veil|enigmatic veil]]. [[Sirius Black]] fell through this veil after he was hit with a spell from [[Bellatrix Lestrange]] and died.<ref name="OOTP35">{{OOTP|B|35}}</ref>
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[[File:Secrets of the Darkest Art.jpg|alt=|thumb|253x253px|''[[Secrets of the Darkest Art]]'', gives instructions on the creation of a Horcrux|left]]
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There were a few magical techniques that had been used to extend life. The [[Philosopher's Stone]] could be used to prepare a potion that postponed death for the rest of eternity, so long as the potion was drunk on a regular basis.<ref name="PS13">{{PS|B|13}}</ref> Voldemort had availed himself of other methods, being one of the few wizards ever to use [[Horcrux]]es in his long sought attempt to "conquer death", and was believed to be the only one to use multiple Horcruxes.<ref name="HBP23" /> Legend held that if one were to possess the three [[Deathly Hallows]], these tools would enable the possessor to become the "master of death". However, being a true "master of death" meant being willing to accept that death was inevitable.<ref name="DH21" /> In addition, the drinking of [[unicorn blood]] would keep a person alive even if death was imminent, but at the terrible price of being cursed forever.<ref name="PS15">{{PS|B|15}}</ref>
   
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Being magical could contribute to one's longevity, as there were several people who were quite long-lived (such as [[Albus Dumbledore]], [[Bathilda Bagshot]], and [[Griselda Marchbanks]], who was an invigilator during Albus Dumbledore's O.W.L examinations). This could mainly be attributed to the speed and effectiveness of magical healing, such as potions that cured many sicknesses and ailments [[Pepperup Potion|including the common cold]], spells for [[Vulnera Sanentur|instantaneous, scarless healing]], and transportation to hospitals being a matter of a few seconds and a side-along apparator or a handful of [[Floo Powder]].
===Spellcasting===
 
{{Quote|I love magic.|Harry Potter|Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (film)}}
 
[[File:DH1_Hermione_Granger_using_memory_charm_spell.jpg|thumb|302px|[[Hermione Granger]] casting a [[Memory Charm]] with [[Hermione Granger's wand|her wand]]]]
 
[[Spell]]s are the every-purpose tools of a wizard or witch; short bursts of magic used to accomplish single specialised tasks such as opening locks or creating fire. Typically casting requires an [[Incantation|incantation]], most often in a modified form of Latin, and gesturing with a [[wand]]. However, these seem to be ''aids'' to the will only; wands are in most cases required, but there are indications that sufficiently advanced witches and wizards can perform spells without them. Spells can also be cast [[Non-verbal magic|non-verbally]], but with a wand. This technique is taught in the [[sixth year]] of study at Hogwarts and requires the caster to concentrate on the incantation.
 
   
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[[File:Ghosts of Hogwarts.jpg|250px|thumb|[[Ghost]]s|alt=]]
Some spells (e.g. ''[[Levicorpus]]'') are apparently designed to be used non-verbally. While most magic shown in the books requires the caster to use their voice, some do not (and this may depend on the witch or wizard). Dumbledore has been known to do impressive feats of magic without speaking, such as conjuring enough squashy purple sleeping bags to accommodate the entire student population or during [[Duel in the Ministry Atrium|his duel with Voldemort]] in the [[Atrium]].
 
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It was revealed by [[Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington|Nearly Headless Nick]] in 1995 that all witches and wizards had the choice of becoming ghosts when they passed away. The alternative was "passing on". Nick said that he became a ghost because he was foolish, "afraid of death".<ref name="OOTP38">{{OOTP|B|38}}</ref>
   
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All Hogwarts headmasters appeared in a [[portrait]] when they died, allowing consultation by future generations. Dumbledore said that there was no spell that could truly bring the dead back to life;<ref name="GOF36" /> however, several cases of dead people becoming half-alive were known. Because of a connection between Harry and Voldemort's wands ([[Reverse Spell|Priori Incantatem]]), images of Voldemort's recent victims appeared and helped Harry escape during their [[Duel in Little Hangleton|duel in 1995]]. According to Harry, they seemed too solid to be ghosts.<ref name="GOF34" /> While wizards could linger as [[ghost]]s or animate dead bodies as the [[Inferius|Inferi]] or [[Charmed skeleton]]s, no magic was capable of bringing a dead person back to full and true life.<ref name="GOF36" /> The closest possibility was via the [[Resurrection Stone]].<ref name="DH34" />
[[File:20110806-js-hpoop-bombarda-maxima.gif|frame|left|The spell "[[Bombarda Maxima]]" being used by [[Dolores Umbridge]]]]
 
It is evidently also possible to use a wand [[Wandless magic|without holding it]]. Harry himself performs ''[[Wand-Lighting Charm|Lumos]]'' to light his wand when it is lying on the ground somewhere near him. Additionally, [[Animagus|Animagi]] and [[Metamorphmagus|Metamorphagi]] do not need wands to undergo their transformations.
 
 
Spells are divided into rough categories, such as "[[charm]]", "[[curse]]", "[[hex]]es", or "[[jinx]]es". Although offensive and potentially dangerous curses exist in number, three are considered usable only for great evil, which earns them the special classification of "[[Unforgivable Curses]]".
 
   
 
==Study of magic==
 
==Study of magic==
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{{Quote|The finest school of witchcraft and wizardry in the world.|[[Rubeus Hagrid]] praising Hogwarts|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone}}
[[File:Snape_Using_Diasarming_Spell.png|thumb|256px|[[Severus Snape]] casting a [[Disarming Charm]]]]
 
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It should be noted that, whilst the ability to perform magic usually revealed itself by age [[seven]],<ref name="DH11">{{DH|B|11}}</ref> there were exceptions when individuals remained mundane until quite late in life when — in extremely desperate circumstances — they suddenly revealed their magical capacity. However, such "late-bloomers" were rare, possibly more so than Squibs.<ref name="late-bloomer">[http://www.accio-quote.org/articles/1999/0399-barnesandnoble.html#magic/ Accio Quote!]</ref> For a person's ability to perform magic to be useful, a good deal of training was required to acquire the correct discipline. When "wild", typically with young and untrained children, magic would manifest itself subconsciously in moments of strong apprehension, fear or anger. A powerful or intelligent wizard or witch could direct this force in less random ways, like [[Lily J. Potter|Lily Evans]] and [[Tom Riddle]].
As magic is what governs the [[wizarding world]], there are many people who make it their business to study the magical arts, as well as magic being taught to young witches and wizards. Main fields of magical study taught at the magical school of [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]] are [[Arithmancy]], [[Charms]], [[Dark Arts]], [[Divination]], [[Herbology]], [[Legilimency]]/[[Occlumency]], [[Potions]], and [[Transfiguration]]. Types of wizards with special magical abilities include [[Animagus|Animagi]] (wizards who can turn into animals), Arithmancer, a Legilimens (one who can penetrate other's mind), an Occlumens (one who can protect their mind from external penetration), [[Metamorphmagus|Metamorphmagi]] (wizards who can change their physical appearance), a [[Parseltongue|Parselmouth]] (one who can converse with [[snake]]s), and a [[Seer]] (one who can predict the future). There are also different forms of offensive/defensive magic, as well as the various types of [[spell]]s: [[curse]], [[hex]], and [[jinx]].
 
   
  +
[[File:Hogwartscrest.png|232x232px|thumb|alt=|left|[[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]] crest and motto]]
===Arithmancy===
 
  +
As magic was what governed the [[wizarding world]], there were many people who made it their business to study the magical arts, as well as magic being taught to young witches and wizards. Main fields of magical study taught at the magical school of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry were: [[Arithmancy]], [[Charm]]s, [[Dark Arts]], [[Divination]], [[Herbology]], [[Potion]]s, and [[Transfiguration]].
{{Main|Arithmancy}}
 
   
  +
Types of wizards with special magical abilities included [[Animagus|Animagi]] (wizards who could turn into animals), Arithmancer, a Legilimens (one who could penetrate another's mind),<ref name="OOTP24" /> an Occlumens (one who could protect their mind from external penetration),<ref name="OOTP24" /> [[Metamorphmagus|Metamorphmagi]] (wizards who could change their physical appearance),<ref name="OOTP3">{{OOTP|B|3}}</ref> a [[Parseltongue|Parselmouth]] (one who could converse with snakes),<ref name="COS11">{{COS|B|11}}</ref> and a [[Seer]] (one who could predict the future).<ref name="POA6" /> There were also different forms of offensive/defensive magic, as well as the various types of [[spell]]s: [[curse]], [[hex]], and [[jinx]].
Arithmancy is a branch of magic that is concerned with the magical properties of numbers; someone who practices Arithmancy is called an Arithmancer. For example, in the 1200s, [[Bridget Wenlock]], a famous Arithmancer, discovered the magical properties of the number seven. An [[Ordinary Wizarding Level|O.W.L]] in Arithmancy is required to apply for a [[Curse-Breaker|curse-breaker]]'s job at [[Gringotts Wizarding Bank|Gringotts]].
 
   
  +
===History of Magic===
Arithmancy at Hogwarts is taught by [[Septima Vector|Professor Vector]]. In her class, students are expected to write essays and to be able to understand complicated number charts, which are part of their homework. [[Hermione Granger]] appears to be the only [[Gryffindor]] in her year who attempted an O.W.L in this subject (which is her favorite).
 
  +
{{Main|History of Magic}}
   
  +
[[File:B2C9M1 Cuthbert Binns on the Chamber of Secrets.png|thumb|250x250px|[[History of Magic]]]]
===Charms===
 
  +
Many witches and wizards studied the history of magic throughout time; they were known as magical historians, and History of Magic was also a class taught at Hogwarts. One of the most celebrated magical historians of all time was [[Bathilda Bagshot]], author of ''[[A History of Magic]]'', which chronicalled the entire history of the magical world up till the end of the [[First Wizarding War]].
{{Main|Charms}}
 
   
  +
It remained a standard Hogwarts textbook for this study. The subject had been taught by Professor [[Cuthbert Binns]] since the 1700s until some point after the [[Second Wizarding War]], and Professor [[Jakub Gorski|Jacob Gorski]] in the late [[2000s]].<ref name="MA">{{MA}}</ref> The History of Magic was taken in [[History of Magic Classroom|Classroom 4F]] in [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry|Hogwarts]].<ref name="PS8" /><ref name="COS9" />
[[File:Luna's_Patronus.gif|frame|[[Luna Lovegood]] casting a [[Patronus Charm]], a complex piece of magic]]
 
[[Charms]] are a type of magic spell concerned with enchanting an object to behave in a way that isn't normal for that object. For example, the [[Summoning Charm]] brings an object to the caster. Charms is also something of a catch-all for spells that aren't Transfiguration (spells that change the inherent nature of an object). In some sense, if a spell isn't [[Transfiguration]], it's probably a Charm.
 
   
  +
===Arithmancy===
A Charm might cause something to flash different colors. It might cause an object to [[Levitation Charm|levitate or even fly through the air]]. Charms can [[Tickling Charm|make a person laugh]] or dance or even [[Bubble-Head Charm|create a bubble of breathable air]] around a person's head. In all of these cases, the object or the person doesn't really change, they just do something unexpected. Some Charms can be extremely powerful. The [[Fidelius Charm]], for example, can completely hide a person or a place in such a way that no one can find them unless they are given the location by a [[Secret-Keeper]]. [[Memory Charm]]s can be so strong that they completely remove a person's memory or even damage his or her mind permanently.
 
  +
{{Main|Arithmancy}}
   
  +
Arithmancy was a branch of magic that was concerned with the magical properties of numbers; someone who practised Arithmancy was called an Arithmancer. For example, in the 1200s, [[Bridget Wenlock]], a famous Arithmancer, discovered the magical properties of the number seven.<ref name="PM" /> An [[Ordinary Wizarding Level|O.W.L]] in Arithmancy was required to apply for a [[Curse-Breaker]]'s job at [[Gringotts Wizarding Bank|Gringotts]].<ref name="OOTP29">{{OOTP|B|29}}</ref>
Charm spells are in some ways the opposite of [[Curse]]s: many Charms seem to have an inherent positive tone (e.g. Tickling Charm) while Curses have an inherent negative one. This is not to say that Charms are weaker magic; a well-chosen Charm is a powerful magical tool against curses, [[jinx]]es, and [[hex]]es. [[Filius Flitwick|Professor Flitwick]], the Hogwarts Charms teacher, was rumoured to have once been a duelling champion, after all.
 
   
  +
Arithmancy at Hogwarts was taught by [[Septima Vector|Professor Vector]]. In her class, students were expected to write essays and to be able to understand complicated number charts, which were part of their homework. [[Hermione Granger]] appeared to be the only [[Gryffindor]] in her year who attempted an O.W.L in this subject (which is her favourite).
===Dark Arts===
 
{{Main|Dark Arts}}
 
   
  +
===Herbology===
[[File:Avada.PNG|thumb|left|272px|[[Severus Snape]] casting the [[Killing Curse]]]]
 
  +
{{Main|Herbology}}
The [[Dark Arts]] differ from other forms of magic in the intent of the wizard using it. Most magic is relatively neutral--it can be used for bad or good. Some magic, however, is evil in its intention through and through. Spells of this kind are often called [[curse]]s. Curses are spells that are often intended to cause harm to another person. This intention to do harm places that spell into the realm of the Dark Arts. However, simply casting a Curse spell doesn't mean that a person is using the Dark Arts. Ultimately, the deep, true intention of the caster is what makes the difference.
 
   
  +
[[File:Herbology second year.png|250px|thumb|left|Herbology]]
This is a difficult distinction to make in many cases. However, understanding the difference between acceptable and Dark magic is of key importance for witches and wizards in training, which is why Defence Against the Dark Arts is such an important class for students at Hogwarts. Some other schools have a reputation for teaching the Dark Arts, not simply [[Defence Against the Dark Arts]]; [[Durmstrang Institute|Durmstrang]] is such a school.
 
  +
Herbology was the study of magical plants and fungi, including their care and their magical properties and uses. Some magical plants formed important ingredients in potions, while others had magical effects in their own right.
  +
[[File:Greenhouses.png|thumb|250x250px|A second year Herbology lesson]]
  +
At Hogwarts, all students were required to attempt an O.W.L. in Herbology, so all first through fifth year students took the class, which was taught by Professor [[Pomona Sprout]].<ref name="PS8" /> Herbology classes were held in the greenhouses and included plenty of hands-on activities, including handling [[Snargaluff]]s,<ref name="HBP14">{{HBP|B|14}}</ref> repotting [[mandrake]]s,<ref name="COS6">{{COS|B|6}}</ref> and harvesting [[bubotuber pus]].<ref name="GOF13">{{GOF|B|13}}</ref> Students were also assigned essays as homework. At some time in the [[1990s]] or [[2000s]],<ref name="MA" /> the post for Herbology was taken by [[Neville Longbottom]], since before the start of the [[2017–2018 school year]], [[Ginevra Weasley|Ginny Potter]] told her son [[James Potter II|James Sirius Potter]] to give her love to Neville.<ref name="DHE">{{DH|B|E}}</ref>
   
===Divination===
+
===Potions===
{{Main|Divination}}
+
{{Main|Potions}}
  +
[[File:Hermione brewing Draught of Living Death HBP.gif|alt=|left|thumb|250x250px|Hermione Granger brewing [[Draught of the Living Death]]]]
  +
Potions were magical liquids created by mixing various ingredients in a [[cauldron]] according to very specific rules. These mixtures must usually be drunk to give their magical effect. The ingredients in potions ranged from the mundane to the bizarre and fantastic, and the procedures for creating some potions could be complicated and time-consuming.<ref name="PS8" />
  +
[[File:PotionsClassroom lab.jpg|thumb|251x251px|A potions classroom]]
  +
Potions class was taught at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and [[Severus Snape]] was the Potions Master at Hogwarts from c. [[1980]] to the fall of 1996.<ref name="PS8" /> [[Horace Slughorn]] took over as [[Potions Master]] for the [[1996–1997 school year]].<ref name="HBP4">{{HBP|B|4}}</ref> The Potions classroom at Hogwarts was located in a chilly, dark, and gloomy dungeon. This class was mandatory from years 1–5, but was only allowed at [[Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Test|N.E.W.T.]]-level if a student had achieved at least an "[[Exceeds Expectations]]" on their O.W.L. exam.<ref name="HBP9" />
   
  +
===Charms===
[[File:Divination_professor.jpg|thumb|[[Sybill Trelawney]] with a crystal ball]]
 
  +
{{Main|Charms}}
Divination is magic which attempts to foresee future events. Many in the wizarding world consider this branch of magic to be imprecise at best. There are several types of Divination. The most imprecise is what is commonly known as "fortunetelling," and this is what Trelawney teaches at Hogwarts. The second kind of Divination is what is practiced by the centaurs. When [[Firenze]] started teaching [[Divination (class)|Divination classes]] in the spring of [[1996]], he taught these techniques, although they were mostly lost on the human students in his classes.
 
  +
[[File:Expecto Patronum at the Ministry.gif|alt=|left|thumb|245x245px|The advanced [[Patronus Charm]] warding off Dementors]]
  +
Charms were a type of magic spell concerned with enchanting an object to behave in a way that wasn't normal for that object. For example, the [[Summoning Charm]] brought an object to the caster.<ref name="WBS">{{WBS}}</ref> Charms was also something of a catch-all for spells that weren't Transfiguration (spells that changed the inherent nature of an object).<ref name="charm">[http://www.jkrowling.com/textonly/en/extrastuff_view.cfm?id=24 J.K.Rowling Official Site - Extra Stuff]</ref> In some sense, if a spell wasn't [[Transfiguration]], it was probably a charm, or else a counter-spell or healing spell.
  +
[[File:Levitation Charm PSF.gif|thumb|245x245px|Casting the Levitation Charm can make objects fly]]
  +
A charm might cause something to flash different colours. It might cause an object to [[Levitation Charm|levitate]] or even fly through the air.<ref name="POA10">{{POA|B|10}}</ref> Charms could make a person laugh or dance or even create a bubble of breathable air around a person's head. In all of these cases, the object or the person didn't really change, they just did something unexpected. Some Charms could be extremely powerful. The [[Fidelius Charm]], for example, could completely hide a person or a place in such a way that no one could find them unless they were given the location by a [[Secret Keeper|Secret-Keeper]].<ref name="POA10">{{POA|B|10}}</ref> [[Memory Charm]]s could be so strong that they completely removed a person's memory or even damaged their mind permanently.<ref name="COS16">{{COS|B|16}}</ref>
   
  +
Charms were in some ways the opposite of [[curse]]s: charms seemed to have an inherent positive tone (e.g. Tickling Charm), while most curses had an inherent negative one. This is not to say that charms were weaker magic; a well-chosen charm, counter-spell or healing spell was a powerful magical tool against curses, [[jinx]]es and [[hex]]es. [[Filius Flitwick|Professor Flitwick]], the Hogwarts [[Charms Master|Charms teacher]], was rumoured to have once been a duelling champion, after all.
The third type of Divination is called Seeing. This is true Divination, although what the [[Seer]] reveals is usually in the form of a [[Prophecy]] which then itself requires some interpretation. A Seer, one who possesses the [[Inner Eye]], doesn't seem to have control over their Seeing. Trelawney, for example, only made actual Prophecies three times, although she made plenty of claims about everything from troubles ahead for various students to [[Neville Longbottom|Neville]] breaking a teacup. In each case when she made an actual Prophecy, Trelawney went into a trance and spoke in a completely different voice, and after speaking [[Sybill Trelawney's first prophecy|the Prophecy]], she didn't remember a thing about it.
 
   
  +
===Transfiguration===
True Seeing is very rare, but it has happened plenty of times over the centuries. There is a [[Hall of Prophecy|huge cathedral-sized room]] of the [[Department of Mysteries]] where [[Prophecy Record|records]] of thousands of Prophecies are stored in glass spheres. Each sphere is labeled with the initials of the Seer who spoke the Prophecy and the person it was spoken to and with the subject of the Prophecy.
 
  +
{{Main|Transfiguration}}
   
  +
[[File:Vera Verto 250px.gif|250px|thumb|''[[Vera Verto]]'' in action|left]]
===Herbology===
 
  +
Transfiguration was magic which changed one object into another. It was possible to change inanimate objects into animate ones and vice versa. Some Transfiguration spells altered a part of something, such as changing a person's ears from normal into rabbit ears. At Hogwarts, Transfiguration was taught by [[Minerva McGonagall|Professor McGonagall]] until at least [[1997]].<ref name="Minerva">{{WW|professor-mcgonagall}}</ref> [[Albus Dumbledore]] was the Transfiguration teacher at Hogwarts before her.
{{Main|Herbology}}
 
  +
  +
Transfiguration spells were cast in ancient times as well. Circe, a witch who lived on the Greek island of Aeaea, was famous for turning lost sailors into pigs. The opposite of Transfiguration was Untransfiguration, which would be returning something to its proper form.
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  +
===Dark Arts===
  +
{{Main|Dark Arts}}
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[[File:Voldemort kills Burbage.gif|thumb|244x244px|Voldemort casting the [[Killing Curse]], a tool of the Dark Arts]]
  +
The Dark Arts differed from other forms of magic in the intent of the wizard using it. Most magic was relatively neutral — it could be used for bad or good. Some magic, however, was evil in its intention through and through. Spells of this kind were often called [[curse]]s: spells that were often intended to cause harm to another person.
   
  +
This intention to do harm placed that spell into the realm of the Dark Arts. Although offensive and potentially dangerous curses existed in number, three were considered usable only for great evil, which earned them the special classification of "[[Unforgivable Curses]]".<ref name="GOF14">{{GOF|B|14}}</ref> Ultimately, the deep, true intention of the caster was what made the difference.
[[File:Herbology88.jpg|thumb|274px|A [[Herbology]] class]]
 
Herbology is the study of magical plants and fungi, including their care and their magical properties and uses. Some magical plants form important ingredients in potions, others have magical effects in their own right.
 
   
  +
This was a difficult distinction to make in many cases. However, understanding the difference between acceptable and Dark magic was of key importance for witches and wizards in training, which was why [[Defence Against the Dark Arts]] was such an important class for students at Hogwarts.<ref name="PS8">{{PS|B|8}}</ref> Some other schools had a reputation for teaching the Dark Arts, not [[Defence Against the Dark Arts]]; [[Durmstrang Institute|Durmstrang]] was such a school.<ref name="GOF11">{{GOF|B|11}}</ref>
At Hogwarts, all students are required to attempt an O.W.L. in Herbology, so all first through fifth year students take the class, which is taught by [[Pomona Sprout|Professor Sprout]]. Herbology classes are held in the greenhouses and include plenty of hands-on activities, including pruning [[alihotsy]] bushes, repotting [[mandrake]]s, and harvesting [[bubotuber pus]]. Students are also assigned essays as homework. Some time in the 2000s the post for herbology was taken by [[Neville Longbottom]] since before the start of the 2017 school year [[Ginevra Weasley|Ginny Potter]] (née Weasley) told her son [[James Sirius Potter]] to give her love to Neville.
 
   
===Legilimency/Occlumency===
+
===Legilimency===
 
{{Main|Legilimency}}
 
{{Main|Legilimency}}
   
[[File:Legilimens_786x442.jpg|thumb|278px|Harry's mind being invaded by Snape during their Occlumency lessons]]
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[[File:Legilimency.gif|250px|thumb|Harry Potter's mind being invaded by Snape during their Occlumency lessons|left]]
Legilimency, a branch of magic not normally taught at Hogwarts (at least, not at [[Ordinary Wizarding Level]]) is the ability to extract emotions and memories from another person's mind. Although the word literally translates as 'mind-reading,' this is considered a naive interpretation of the art by its practitioners. Someone who practices Legilimency is known as a Legilimens.
+
Legilimency, a branch of magic not normally taught at Hogwarts (at least, not at [[Ordinary Wizarding Level]]), was the ability to extract emotions, thoughts, and memories from another person's mind. Although the word literally translated as "mind-reading", this was considered a naive interpretation of the art by its practitioners. Someone who practised Legilimency was known as a Legilimens.
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[[File:Voldemort possessing Harry's mind.gif|thumb|245x245px|Voldemort possessing Harry Potter through Legilimency]]
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Legilimency was easier when the spell-caster was physically near the target, and when the target was off-guard, relaxed, or otherwise vulnerable. Eye contact was often essential, so it was useful for a Legilimens to verbally manipulate his or her target into meeting the Legilimens's eyes, with the fringe benefit that the target's emotional state might bring relevant associated memories to the surface.
   
Legilimency is easier when the spell-caster is physically near the target, and when the target is off-guard, relaxed, or otherwise vulnerable. Eye contact is often essential, so it is useful for a Legilimens to verbally manipulate his or her target into meeting the Legilimens' eyes, with the fringe benefit that the target's emotional state may bring relevant associated memories to the surface. All of this seems to tally quite nicely with what is known of the nature of human memory in Muggle science. The only known defence against Legilimency is [[Occlumency]] or the Protective Charm (''Protego''). The incantation required for it is ''Legilimens''. Some well-known legilimens are [[Albus Dumbledore]], [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]] and [[Severus Snape]].
+
All of this seemed to tally quite nicely with what is known of the nature of human memory in Muggle science. The only known defence against Legilimency was [[Occlumency]] or the Protective Charm (''Protego''). The incantation required for Legilimency was ''Legilimens''. Some well-known Legilimens were [[Albus Dumbledore]], [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]] and [[Severus Snape]].<ref name="OOTP24" />
[[File:Snape_teaching_Occulemency.jpg|thumb|left|252px|Occlumens Severus Snape preparing to invade Harry's mind, while trying to teach Harry to resist it]]
 
   
  +
===Occlumency===
 
{{Main|Occlumency}}
 
{{Main|Occlumency}}
   
  +
[[File:Snape teaching Occulemency.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Occlumens Severus Snape preparing to invade Harry's mind, while trying to teach Harry to resist it]]
Occlumency is the art of magically defending the mind against external penetration, sealing it against magical intrusion and influence - the defensive counter to Legilimency. A practitioner of Occlumency is referred to as an Occlumens.
 
  +
Occlumency was the art of magically defending the mind against external penetration, sealing it against magical intrusion and influence — the defensive counter to Legilimency. A practitioner of Occlumency was referred to as an Occlumens.
   
Occlumency is a necessary prerequisite to defeat a Legilimens' lie-detector abilities without suspicious behaviour such as avoiding face-to-face contact and eye contact. Elementary Occlumency involves clearing the mind of thought and emotion, so that the Legilimens can find no emotional ties to memories that the target wishes to conceal. Simple resistance to attack requires similar skills to those needed to resist the [[Imperius Curse]]. In its more advanced form, Occlumency allows the user to suppress only feelings and memories that contradict what the user wishes a Legilimens to believe, thus allowing the Occlumens to lie without self-betrayal. Some well-known practioners of Occlumency were [[Albus Dumbledore]] and [[Severus Snape]].
+
Occlumency was a necessary prerequisite to defeat a Legilimens's lie-detector abilities without suspicious behaviour such as avoiding face-to-face contact and eye contact. Elementary Occlumency involved clearing the mind of thought and emotion, so that the Legilimens could find no emotional ties to memories that the target wished to conceal. Simple resistance to attack required similar skills to those needed to resist the [[Imperius Curse]]. In its more advanced form, Occlumency allowed the user to suppress only feelings and memories that contradicted what the user wished a Legilimens to believe, thus allowing the Occlumens to lie without self-betrayal.<ref name="OOTP24">{{OOTP|B|24}}</ref> Some well-known practitioners of Occlumency were [[Albus Dumbledore]]<ref name="OOTP37">{{OOTP|B|37}}</ref> and [[Severus Snape]].<ref name="OOTP24" />
   
===Potions===
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===Divination===
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{{Main|Divination}}
[[File:Draco_potions_sixth_year_1.jpeg|thumb|248px|[[Draco Malfoy]] and fellow Slytherins in a Potions class]]{{Main|Potions}}
 
   
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[[File:B3C6M2 Trelawney's first Divination lesson in the trio's third year.jpg|alt=|thumb|250x250px|Divination]]
Potions are magical liquids created by mixing various ingredients in a [[cauldron]] according to very specific rules. These mixtures must usually be drunk to give their magical effect. The ingredients in potions range from the mundane to the bizarre and fantastic, and the procedures for creating some potions can be complicated and time-consuming. [[Potions (class)|Potions class]] is taught at Hogwarts, and [[Severus Snape]] was the Potions Master at Hogwarts from c. [[1980]] to the fall of [[1996]]. [[Horace Slughorn]] took over as [[Potions Master]] for the [[1996-1997 school year]]. The [[Potions classroom]] at Hogwarts is located in a chilly, dark dungeon.
 
  +
Divination was magic which attempted to foresee future events. Many in the wizarding world considered this branch of magic to be imprecise at best. There were several types of Divination. The most imprecise was what was commonly known as "fortunetelling", and this was what Sybill Trelawney taught at Hogwarts.<ref name="POA6">{{POA|B|6}}</ref> The second kind of Divination was what was practised by the [[centaur]]s. When [[Firenze]] the centaur started teaching [[Divination (class)|Divination classes]] in the spring of [[1996]], he taught these techniques, although they were mostly lost on the human students in his classes.<ref name="OOTP27">{{OOTP|B|27}}</ref>
  +
[[File:LavenderParvatiReadingTealeaves.jpg|left|thumb|250x250px|Third year Divination students reading tea leaves]]
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The third type of Divination was called Seeing. This was true Divination, although what the [[Seer]] revealed was usually in the form of a [[Prophecy]] which then itself required some interpretation. A Seer, one who possessed the [[Inner Eye]], didn't seem to have control over their Seeing. Trelawney, for example, only made actual prophecies three times, although she made plenty of claims about everything from troubles ahead for various students to [[Neville Longbottom|Neville]] breaking a teacup.<ref name="POA6" /> In each case when she made an actual prophecy, Trelawney went into a trance and spoke in a completely different voice, and after speaking [[Sybill Trelawney's first prophecy|the prophecy]], she didn't remember a thing about it.<ref name="POA16">{{POA|B|16}}</ref>
   
  +
True Seeing was very rare, but it had happened plenty of times over the centuries. There was a huge cathedral-sized room of the [[Department of Mysteries]] where records of thousands of prophecies were stored in glass spheres. Each sphere was labelled with the initials of the Seer who spoke the Prophecy and the person it was spoken to and with the subject of the Prophecy.<ref name="OOTP34">{{OOTP|B|34}}</ref>
===Transfiguration===
 
{{Main|Transfiguration}}
 
   
  +
==Magical items==
[[File:FeraVerto.gif|thumb|436px|[[Fera Verto]], a Transfiguration spell]]
 
  +
The following devices and items were endowed with various types of magic, that gave them certain properties and abilities. They were used by the wizarding community. Some items were common, while others were considered rare.
Transfiguration is magic which changes one object into another. It is possible to change inanimate objects into animate ones and vice versa. Some Transfiguration spells alter a part of something, such as changing a person's ears from normal into rabbit ears. At Hogwarts, Transfiguration is taught by [[Minerva McGonagall|Professor McGonagall]]. Fifty years ago, [[Albus Dumbledore]] was the Transfiguration teacher at Hogwarts.
 
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{| class="fandom-table"
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!Item
  +
!Notes
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|-
  +
|
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===[[Wand]]s===
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|[[File:Wands-Woods.png|thumb|250x250px]]Most human magic was done using a wand. The wand served as a tool to focus and control the magical energy of the spell. It was possible to cast spells without using a wand, but for most wizards results were unfocused. Wands were created from [[Oliver Wood|wood]] with some magical substance at its heart.<ref name="PS5" /><ref name="GOF18" /><ref name="DH24">{{DH|B|24}}</ref>
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|-
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|
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===[[Broomstick]]s===
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|[[File:Numbus 2000.webp|thumb|250x250px]]Brooms were magical mode of transportation in the wizarding world. They were also used in the wizarding sport [[Quidditch]]. There were several different types of broomsticks, such the [[Nimbus 2000]] and the [[Firebolt]]. Both of the mentioned broom were international standard. Broomsticks were also the worst kept wizarding secret.<ref name="QTAR" />
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|-
  +
|
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===[[Deathly Hallows]]===
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|[[File:Deathly Hallows.PNG|thumb|250x250px]]They were three items: the [[Elder Wand]], [[Cloak of Invisibility]], and [[Resurrection Stone]]. They were considered to be a great wizarding secret, and possession of all three was reputed to make the owner the Master of Death.<ref name="DH21" /> The only known Masters of Death were [[Albus Dumbledore]] and [[Harry Potter]].
  +
|-
  +
|
  +
===[[Flying Ford Anglia]]===
  +
|The Flying Ford Anglia was a turquoise automobile bought by Arthur Weasley.<ref name="COS3">{{COS|B|3}}</ref> He bewitched it to be able to fly and installed an [[Invisibility Booster]].<ref name="COS5" /> He also magically expanded the inner spaces so that an enormous amount of luggage could fit in the boot and an amazing number of people could sit comfortably in its wide seats.<ref name="COS3" /><ref name="COS5" />
  +
|-
  +
|
  +
===[[Mirror of Erised]]===
  +
|[[File:MirrorOfErised PM.jpg|thumb|250x250px]]A magnificent mirror, as high as a classroom ceiling, with an ornate gold frame, standing on two clawed feet. The inscription carved around the top read "Erised stra ehru oyt ube cafru oyt on wohsi", which was "I show not your face but your heart's desire" written backward.<ref name="PS12">{{PS|B|12}}</ref>
  +
|-
  +
|
  +
===[[Marauder's Map]]===
  +
|[[File:Map Cassius Warrington.jpg|thumb|250x250px]]This magical map of Hogwarts Castle showed the entire castle and grounds of Hogwarts, including seven secret passages out of Hogwarts and into [[Hogsmeade]].<ref name="POA10" /> However, it did not show the [[Room of Requirement]] or the [[Chamber of Secrets]]. The Map used the [[Homonculous Charm|Homonculus Charm]] to keep track of everyone at Hogwarts, and was embedded with a repelling spell directed at Snape.<ref name="POA14">{{POA|B|14}}</ref>
  +
|-
  +
|
  +
===[[Pensieve]]===
  +
|[[File:Pensieve.PNG|thumb|250x250px]]A Pensieve was a shallow stone basin with ancient Saxon runes and symbols carved around the edge used to collect and view memories. When in use, a silvery light shone from its contents, which were bright, whitish silver, and cloud-like, moving ceaselessly. Harry thought the stuff in the basin looked like "light made liquid – or like wind made solid".<ref name="GOF30">{{GOF|B|30}}</ref><ref name="HBP10" /><ref name="HBP13">{{HBP|B|13}}</ref><ref name="HBP17">{{HBP|B|17}}</ref><ref name="HBP23" /><ref name="DH33" />
  +
|-
  +
|
  +
===[[Portraits]]/paintings===
  +
|Portraits were paintings made of certain individuals, namely witches and warlocks. The subject of a magical portrait was sentient due to enchantments placed on the portrait by the painter. The portrait would be able to use some of the subject's favourite phrases and imitate their general demeanour, based on how the subject appeared to the painter. However, they were limited in what they could say or do.<ref name="Portraits">{{WW|hogwarts-portraits}}</ref><ref name="PS7">{{PS|B|7}}</ref><ref name="OOTP22">{{OOTP|B|22}}</ref>
  +
|}
   
  +
==The wizarding world==
Transfiguration spells were cast in ancient times as well. Circe, a witch who lived on the Greek island of Aeaea, was famous for turning lost sailors into pigs. The opposite of Transfiguration is Untransfiguration, which would be returning something to its proper form (OP29).
 
  +
{{Main|Wizarding world}}
   
  +
[[File:Wizarding Schools Map LR.jpg|250px|thumb|Map of the wizarding schools and their locations around the globe]]
===History of Magic===
 
  +
The wizarding society existed as a shadow society to the Muggle world and worked as hard as it could to keep its existence a secret, save for all but a few Muggles, those of whom included those who were related to witches and wizards, or important Muggles such as the [[Prime Minister]].<ref name="HBP1">{{HBP|B|1}}</ref> Most things of magical nature were hidden or otherwise obscured from Muggles; others (such as [[Dementor]]s) simply couldn't be seen by them, but Muggles did feel the effects of them. There was also an office in the [[British Ministry of Magic]] for the [[Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office|misuse of Muggle artefacts]] that dealt with people charming objects typically found in a Muggle society.<ref name="COS3" />
{{Main|History of Magic}}
 
   
  +
The [[International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy]] was established in 1689 by the [[International Confederation of Wizards]] to safeguard wizards from persecution at the hands of [[Non-magic people|Muggle]]s. To most magical people, the Muggle world was unknown and their attempts to disguise themselves as Muggles often had mostly humourous results. [[Muggle Studies]] at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry|Hogwarts]] was considered a soft option.
Many witches and wizards study the history of magic throughout time; they are known as magical historians, and [[History of Magic]] is also a class taught at Hogwarts. One of the most celebrated magical historians of all time is [[Bathilda Bagshot]], author of [[A History of Magic]], which chronicals the entire history of the magical world up till the end of the [[First Wizarding War]]. It remains a standard Hogwarts textbook for this study. The subject has been taught by Professor [[Cuthbert Binns]] since the 1700' till present day. The History of Magic is taken in the classroom 4F in [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry|Hogwarts]].
 
   
==The Wizarding world==
+
==Behind the scenes==
  +
{{Quote|I don't believe in witchcraft, though I've lost count of the number of times I've been told I'm a practising witch. Ninety — let's say ninety five percent at least, of the magic in the books is entirely invented by me. And I've used things from folklore and I've used bits of what people used to believe worked magically just to add a certain flavour, but I've always twisted them to suit my own ends. I mean, I've taken liberties with folklore to suit my plot.|[[J. K. Rowling]] regarding the magic in her books|Accio Quote!}}
The wizarding society exists as a shadow society to the Muggle world and works as hard as it can to keep its existence a secret, save for all but a few Muggles, such as those who are related to witches and wizards, or important Muggles such as the Prime Minister. To most magical people the Muggle world is unknown, and their attempts to disguise themselves as Muggles often have mostly humourous results. [[Muggle Studies]] at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry|Hogwarts]] is considered a soft option. Most things of magical nature are hidden or otherwise obscured from Muggles; others (such as [[Dementor]]s) simply cannot be seen by them, but Muggles do feel the effects of them. There is also an office in the [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]], for the [[Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office|Misuse of Muggle Artefacts]], that deals with people charming objects typically found in a Muggle society. The [[International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy]] was established in 1689 by the [[International Confederation of Wizards]] to safeguard wizards from persecution at the hands of [[Muggles]].
 
  +
*It has never been outright specified whether magic itself is a purely biological element, similar to a form of mutation that is passed down among family lines, or if it is an external energy force which magical beings merely tap into for their power.
 
  +
*According to J. K. Rowling, nobody knows where magic comes from.<ref name="Barnes">[http://www.accio-quote.org/articles/1999/0399-barnesandnoble.html Barnes and Noble interview, March 19, 1999]</ref>
==See also==
 
*[[Magic gene]]
 
   
 
==Appearances==
 
==Appearances==
  +
*{{PS}} {{1st}}
*''[[Harry Potter Prequel]]''
 
  +
*{{PS|F}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone]]''
 
  +
*{{PS|G}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film)]]''
 
  +
*{{COS}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (video game)]]''
 
  +
*{{COS|F}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]]''
 
  +
*{{COS|G}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (film)]]''
 
  +
*{{POA}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (video game)]]''
 
  +
*{{POA|F}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]''
 
  +
*{{POA|G}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (film)]]''
 
  +
*{{GOF}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (video game)]]''
 
  +
*{{GOF|F}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]''
 
  +
*{{GOF|G}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (film)]]''
 
  +
*{{OOTP}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (video game)]]''
 
  +
*{{OOTP|F}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]''
 
  +
*{{OOTP|G}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (film)]]''
 
  +
*{{HBP}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (video game)]]''
 
  +
*{{HBP|F}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]''
 
  +
*{{HBP|G}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (film)]]''
 
  +
*{{DH}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (video game)]]''
 
  +
*{{DH|F1}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]''
 
  +
*{{DH|G1}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1]]''
 
  +
*{{DH|F2}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (video game)]]''
 
  +
*{{DH|G2}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2]]''
 
  +
*{{CC}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (video game)]]''
 
  +
*{{CC|P}}
*''[[The Tales of Beedle the Bard]]''
 
  +
*{{FB|S}}
*''[[Harry Potter: A Pop-Up Book]]''
 
  +
*{{FB|F}}
*''[[LEGO Harry Potter: Building the Magical World]]''
 
  +
*{{CB}}
*''[[LEGO Harry Potter: Characters of the Magical World]]''
 
  +
*{{COG|S}}
*''[[Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup]]''
 
  +
*{{COG}}
*''[[LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4]]''
 
  +
*{{COG|FS}}
*''[[LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7]]''
 
  +
*{{AM}}
*''[[Harry Potter Trading Card Game]]''
 
  +
*{{SOD|S}}
*''[[The Queen's Handbag]]''
 
  +
*{{SOD}}
*''[[LEGO Harry Potter|Harry Potter LEGO Sets]]''
 
  +
*{{SODMM}}
*''[[Harry Potter for Kinect]]''
 
  +
*{{QTA|R}}
*''[[Wonderbook: Book of Spells]]''
 
  +
*{{FB|R}}
  +
*{{TBB|R}}
  +
*{{DP}} {{Mention}}
  +
*{{JKRS}}
  +
*{{PM}}
  +
*{{WW}}
  +
*{{LEGO}}
  +
*{{LEGO|B}}
  +
*{{LEGO|C}}
  +
*{{LEGO|C1}}
  +
*{{LEGO|C2}}
  +
*{{LEGO|Y1}}
  +
*{{LEGO|Y2}}
  +
*{{LEGO|D}}
  +
*{{QWC}}
  +
*{{HPS}}
  +
*{{HPFS}}
  +
*{{QH}}
  +
*{{HPPU}}
  +
*{{WWHP}}
  +
*{{HPFJ}}
  +
*{{DH|ME}}
  +
*{{HPLE}}
  +
*{{HPV|CH}}
  +
*{{HPV|CR}}
  +
*{{HPV|A}}
  +
*{{HPM}} {{Mention}}
  +
*{{WWHP}}
  +
*{{MHP}}
  +
*''[http://harrypotter.warnerbros.com/ Harry Potter Official Site]''
  +
*{{TRHS}}
  +
*{{TWC}}
  +
*''[[Harry Potter: Magical Places from the Films: Hogwarts, Diagon Alley, and Beyond]]''
  +
*{{HPPS}}
  +
*{{HPK}}
  +
*{{WBS}}
  +
*{{WBP}}
  +
*{{FB|G}}
  +
*{{FBC}}
  +
*{{HM}}
  +
*{{WU}}
  +
*{{PAS}}
  +
*{{MA}}
  +
*{{HL}}
  +
*{{HPMCW}}
  +
*{{QC}}
  +
*{{HPWA}}
   
==Notes and References==
+
==Notes and references==
 
{{Reflist}}
 
{{Reflist}}
   
  +
==See also==
[[de:Magie]]
 
  +
*[[Magic genes]]
  +
*[[Spell creation]]
  +
  +
[[es:Magia]]
  +
[[de:Magische Welt]]
 
[[nl:Magie]]
 
[[nl:Magie]]
  +
[[pl:Magia]]
  +
[[pt:Magia]]
  +
[[ru:Магия]]
  +
[[sv:Magi]]
 
[[Category:Biology]]
 
[[Category:Biology]]
[[Category:Magic|*]]
+
[[Category:Magic]]

Latest revision as of 09:03, 13 October 2023

Knitting charm

Knitting needles creating a scarf with the use of a Knitting Charm

"I can make things move without touching them. I can make animals do what I want them to do, without training them. I can make bad things happen to people who annoy me. I can make them hurt if I want to."
— A young Tom Riddle describing his magical skills to Albus Dumbledore[src]

Magic was a supernatural force that changed aspects of the world at fundamental levels. The ability for humans to use magic was a hereditary trait passed down from a person's ancestors, which allowed witches and wizards to practise it. Rather than being a mystical or unnatural pursuit that defied the laws of nature, however, magic simply allowed those who could wield it to exploit them in very specific and creative ways that Muggle science were unable to replicate.[1]

One example of this, for example, was in how vanishment did not actually make objects cease to exist, but rather, according to Professor McGonagall, go "into non-being, which is to say, everything", which was consistent with the law of conservation of matter and energy.[2] Magic also followed its own set of rules with respect to what it could do, such as how Conjured objects could only exist for a temporary period of time,[3] and objects couldn't be enlarged beyond a certain point without becoming unstable and/or exploding.

Nature

The basic concepts of magic were fairly simple — even a two-year-old wizard could do some form of magic — but the inherent power and potential for misuse were great indeed. It was for this reason that promising young witches and wizards were sent to schools of magic,[4] such as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to refine their craft and learn the art and responsibility of their power. There, they learned a variety of magical specialities, general theory and the history of magic in their world.[5][6]

Wand-lighting charm

Harry Potter casting the Wand-Lighting Charm

Magic was unable to be performed by non-magic people (more commonly known as Muggles), which was what separated the Muggle world from the wizarding world. As a substitute for magic, Muggles used technology, but in the same sense, many wizards were ignorant of the workings of most Muggle devices, including electricity. Both Muggles and wizards viewed their choice of tool as completely and utterly logical and ordinary, although each would find the other's tools fascinating or even mysterious.[7]

Squibs were also unable to perform magic, but they were in a unique position, as they were born into wizarding families, which gave them the option to choose between living in the wizarding world like a second-class citizen, or living in the Muggle world while concealing everything they knew about magic.[8][9][10]

As per the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy, wizards and witches must constantly hide their magic abilities from the Muggle world, and thus most Muggles were unaware that magic existed.[11]

Transmission

"Elf magic isn't like wizard's magic, is it?"
— Ron Weasley contrasts different types of magic[src]
PS Wingardium Leviosa feather

Muggle-born Hermione Granger casting the Levitation Charm

In humans, the ability to perform magic, or lack thereof, was an inborn attribute. The former was the norm in the children of magical couples and rare in those of Muggles. The wizarding gene (found in witches and wizards) was dominant, while the non-magical gene (found in Muggles and Squibs) was recessive (see Magic genes for more details).

Users

Those unable to do magic who were born to magical parents were known as Squibs; this was when the non-magical gene resurfaced, causing the offspring to therefore be non-magical. A witch or wizard born to Muggle parents was known as a Muggle-born. This was when a Muggle family was descended from a Squib, and the wizarding gene resurfaced many generations later. Muggle-borns were far more common than Squibs, which might be a feature of the disparate sizes of the Muggle and wizarding populations.

Other intelligent magical beings in the wizarding world, such as veelas, goblins and house-elves, could also perform their own brand of magic, distinctly different from human magic. Other magical creatures might possess their own forms of rudimentary magic, including fairies.[12]

History of magic

Not to be confused with History of Magic, a Hogwarts class.

Ancient cultures

Like the human race itself, magic was supposed to have originated in Africa.[13] Wizards and witches were known to society at large and were held in awe and high esteem due to their unique powers. Ancient Egyptian wizards placed curses to protect their tombs from plunderers.[14] Ancient Indian wizards created the Snake Summons Spell.[15] The wand was invented in Europe during the B.C. era.[13][16] Dark Magic was practised and evident in ancient Greece, with Herpo the Foul being infamous for pioneering a multitude of forbidden practices, including creating the first known Basilisk, as well as the first known Horcrux.[17][12]

Circa 1000 AD

Founders Hero

The four founders of Hogwarts

By about the 10th century in Europe, non-magical people slowly became more wary of witches and wizards due to their unique gift. Sensing the growing distrust, four of the greatest British witches and wizards of the age founded Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in Scotland.

One of the founders, Salazar Slytherin, built the Chamber of Secrets after his belief that only pure-blood wizards should be allowed into Hogwarts was dismissed. While this idea was considered radical at the time and dismissed, the separation of the two cultures continued and grew over the next 700 years.[8]

11th–13th century

1994 Quidditch World Cup WW

1994 Quidditch World Cup

During this time, the magical population was governed by the Wizard's Council (sometimes referred to as the Warlock's Council). As their relationship with Muggles strained, witches and wizards began to fraternise with their own kin and grow closer with each other. The Triwizard Tournament and Quidditch became national and international events.[18] Quidditch became such a huge part of wizarding culture that Quidditch World Cup were frequenlty held and attended by thousands.

14th century

Paranoia of wizardkind slowly broke into outright malice, and witch-hunts began to emerge throughout Europe. While they were afraid of magic, Muggles were not very good at recognising it, allowing many a wizard to escape witch burnings unharmed with the use of a Flame-Freezing Charm. Eccentric witch Wendelin the Weird, who enjoyed the sensation of the charm, allowed herself to be burned at the stake at least forty-seven times in various disguises.[14][17] Within the wizarding world itself, growing discrimination against other magical beings such as house-elves and goblins began to emerge.

15th century

Tales of Beedle the Bard

The Tales of Beedle the Bard was written in this time period

With the coming of the Renaissance and the increasing reliance among Muggles on scientific reasoning, the divide between the wizarding and Muggle worlds grew ever wider. Each culture went on to create their own separate civilization, including social structures, economies, governments, etc. Each borrowed a little from the other as the years went by, but it became apparent that the Muggles must be disassociated from their magical kin for their own good.

Of the remaining Muggles that acknowledged their magical neighbours, some continued to persecute them. Others tried to exploit their magical power for their own gain and quick fixes to their problems. One such example is that of the royal court of Britain, which continued to host wizards, such as Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington.[19]

Beedle the Bard wrote his tales to preach a message of tolerance toward Muggles,[20] but his message was ignored at the time as the division between Muggles and Wizards grew. With the growing intolerance of Muggles in wizarding society came a growing favour among some in the purity of blood, turning Salazar Slytherin's beliefs mainstream. At the end of the 1400s, Daisy Dodderidge constructed the Leaky Cauldron pub along a country path outside London as a portal between the wizarding and Muggle worlds.[21]

17th–19th centuries

7-19-potter-ministry

The Atrium of the Ministry of Magic, centre of British magical government

During these years, Goblin Rebellions broke out all over Britain, and (perhaps not coincidentally) St Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries was established. Muggle persecution reached an all-time high, and it was a very dark time for the magical community.

In 1689, the governments of the wizarding world met to consider solutions to the crisis and draft the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy, which called for all of wizardkind to go into hiding to avoid persecution. The infamous Salem Witch Trials of 1692 only furthered to exacerbate the need for separation, and the law was officially established that same year.

With the separation of the two worlds now put into effect, all of wizardkind went into hiding for good, forming their own isolated communities. In Britain, wizarding families began to cluster around small towns up and down the country, where they found relative safety and anonymity in numbers. The responsibility of the various wizarding governments in each country was laid out for maintaining the secrecy of everything magical, from Quidditch games to dragons.

The magical governments of each country suppressed all exposure of anything magical to Muggles. As decades passed without incident, magic slowly faded into obscurity and became the stuff of fairy tales and legend for non-magical people, with the few clinging to these beliefs being seen as mad.

By the 19th century, as giants were facing an increasingly limited amount of space to live in, a war broke out amongst themselves, bringing their species to the brink of extinction. In 1811, Grogan Stump reformed the British Ministry of Magic. In 1881, Albus Dumbledore was born.

20th century

Prejudice against Muggles and the ideas of pure-blood supremacy was still very strong. These sentiments were taken advantage of by the notorious Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald as he tried to establish a system that would enslave Muggles in fear of the next world war,[22] but he was defeated in 1945 by Albus Dumbledore in a legendary duel.[23]

B7C36M2 Voldemort vanquished

Harry Potter's final defeat of Lord Voldemort and the end of the Second Wizarding War

Tom Riddle, who would later be known and feared as Lord Voldemort and the last living descent of Salazar Slytherin, made two attempts to take over control of the wizarding world in Britain. His first attempt, in the 1970s, was cut short on 31 October, 1981, falling to a curse that he cast on Harry Potter which rebounded upon himself.[24]

The giants, most of whom fought for Voldemort, retreated to northern Europe. However, thirteen years later, Voldemort rose again on 24 June, 1994, as he survived thanks to his Horcruxes. He managed to take control of the British Ministry of Magic and Hogwarts (1 August, 1997)[23] but on 2 May 1998, after his Horcruxes were all destroyed, he was ultimately defeated, once again by having a curse that he cast towards Harry Potter being rebounded upon himself.[25]

Some Muggles who were aware of the wizarding world, such as the Dursley[5] and the Barebone family,[26] very much hated and feared magic and wizardkind. Once it was revealed that Harry Potter was a wizard, use of the word "magic" was forbidden at 4 Privet Drive and the merest mention of it was enough to send Vernon and Petunia Dursley into fits of rage and panic.[27]

Spellcasting

"There was a lot more to magic, as Harry quickly found out, than waving your wand and saying a few funny words."
— Learning the difficulty in spell-casting[src]
Levitation Charm PSF

Hermione Granger casting the Levitation Charm

Spells were the every-purpose tools of a wizard or witch; short bursts of magic used to accomplish single specialised tasks such as opening locks or creating fire. Spells were divided into rough categories, such as "charms", "curses", "hexes", or "jinxes". Typically casting required an incantation, most often in a modified form of Latin and gesturing with a wand in the case of humans.[6] However, these seemed to be aids to the will only; wands merely focused a person's magic. It was evidently also possible to use a wand without holding it. Harry himself performed Lumos to light his wand when it was lying on the ground somewhere near him.[28] Additionally, Animagi and Metamorphagi did not need wands to undergo their transformations.

A wand focused magic to such a significant degree, that the vast majority of witches and wizards were often powerless without one. However, one could do magic without a wand, though it was often unfocused and uncontrolled. Still, few wizards could perform directed magic without a wand if they had enough skill and power, but it was still more difficult and tiring. A wizard or witch was at their best when using their own wand: when using another's, one's spells were not as strong as they normally would be, as dictated by the laws of wandlore.[29]

Wandless magic

Dumbledore using wandless magic

Spells could be cast non-verbally, but again, most still required a wand for this. This technique was taught in the sixth year of study at Hogwarts and required the caster to concentrate on the incantation.[30] While most magic required the caster to use their voice, some such as Levicorpus did not, which were apparently designed to be used non-verbally.[31] This might depend on the witch or wizard.

Some very skilled and powerful wizards and witches could use magic both wandlessly and wordlessly. Dumbledore had been known to do impressive feats of magic without speaking, such as conjuring enough squashy purple sleeping bags to accommodate the entire student population,[32] or his attacks during his duel with Voldemort in the Atrium.[33]

Limitations

"No spell can reawaken the dead."
— The limits of magic and its application[src]

While it was possible to conjure things out of nothing and duplicate items, it was far more tricky to create something that fit an exact specification rather than a general one. Moreover, a magically imitated object would never be as "real" as the genuine one, with duplicated food being less fulfilling than the real thing,[34] and conjured creatures only demonstrating surface-level behaviour. Furthermore, magically imitated objects tended not to be as resistant to deterioration as the natural ones, being prone to breaking, cracking, melting, rusting, and other forms of breakdown.

Pholosophers-Stone PM

Philosopher's Stone

It was almost impossible to make oneself truly immortal, only to extend one's lifespan using powerful magical means, such as with the Philosopher's Stone[35][36] Creating at least one Horcrux was said to grant the person immortality, as a part of their soul was Earth-bound. However, it was considered the vilest of acts.[37] Becoming a ghost was another option for wizards and witches; but it was said that this was "a pale imitation of life".[38] Whether or not they were truly sentient beings of independent existence is unclear; as Severus Snape stated that a ghost was merely "the imprint of a departed soul left upon the earth".[39]

Likewise, it was impossible to resurrect the dead.[40] While corpses could be transformed into obedient Inferi on a living wizard's command, they were little more than zombies with no soul or will of their own.[30][39][41][42] It was also possible via the rare Priori Incantatem effect to converse with ghost-like "shadows" of magically murdered people.[43] The Resurrection Stone allowed one to talk to the dead,[44] but those brought back by the Stone were not corporeal, nor did they wish to be disturbed from their peaceful rest. The result of such a summoning was usually detrimental to the summoner.[45]

Principal Exceptions to Gamp's Law of Elemental Transfiguration

"Your mother can't produce food out of thin air, no one can. Food is the first of the five Principal Exceptions to Gamp's Law of Elemental Transfiguration... It's impossible to make good food out of nothing! You can Summon it if you know where it is, you can transform it, you can increase the quantity if you've already got some.."
— The exceptions to Gamp's Law of Elemental Transfiguration[src]

The Principal Exceptions to Gamp's Law of Elemental Transfiguration were first mentioned and explained by Hemione in 1997 and again mentioned off-handedly by Ronald Weasley in 1998. Food was one of these: witches or wizards could cook and prepare food using magic, but not create it from nothing.[34] Out of the five exceptions, only food was mentioned explicitly, although speculation had proposed many other possibilities. There is a strong possibility that money was another exception, since if wizards could simply materialise money out of thin air, the economic system of the wizarding world would be seriously disrupted. While the Philosopher's Stone did permit alchemy (including, presumably, turning base metals into gold), the Stone was an extremely rare, even unique object whose owner didn't exploit its powers.[35]

There were numerous examples of food appearing to have been conjured from nothing, such as the sudden materialisation of ingredients in the pots of Molly Weasley's kitchen, Ollivander creating a fountain of wine from the end of Harry's wand,[46] and when Professor McGonagall created a self-refilling plate of sandwiches for Harry and Ron.[47] In all cases, these events could be reasonably explained as food either being multiplied — which was allowable under Gamp's Law, according to Hermione — or transported from elsewhere.[34] One example of this was banqueting in Hogwarts — the food was prepared by house-elves in the kitchens and laid onto four replica tables, directly below the actual house tables in the Great Hall. The food was then magically transported to the tables.

Other limits

Voldemort flying without support

Lord Voldemort flying without the support of a broomstick

While wizards and witches could fly through the air with bewitched objects such as broomsticks, it was long believed that true, unsupported flight was an impossibility. Uncontrolled levitation of a person could be achieved, mostly by charming the clothes they were wearing, but they couldn't move freely in midair.[48] Animagi whose forms took on flying creatures might enjoy the sensation of flight, but Animagi by themselves were quite rare, let alone those whose forms were able to take flight. Thus, true flight was long accepted to be beyond the wizarding world's reach. However, Lord Voldemort (one of the most powerful dark wizards of all time) pushed beyond the boundaries of known magic, and discovered a method of flying through the air unaided with full control.[49][2]

While a living wizard might protect themselves from fire with a basic Flame Freezing Charm, no spell had yet been found to render dead flesh impervious to burning.[42]

In addition, in the story The Warlock's Hairy Heart, the main character removed his heart via dark magic in order to prevent himself from falling in love, while preserving both its and his own life. Such a form of magic was considered impossible outside of the storybook.[50]

Magical relations

Emotions

"Of course, it is also possible that her unrequited love and the attendant despair sapped her of her powers; that can happen."
— The relationship between emotion and magic[src]
Nymphadora Tonks casting the Patronus Charm

Nymphadora Tonks's wolf Patronus

A witch or wizard's emotional state could affect their inherent abilities. For instance, an agent of the Statute of Secrecy Task Force was said to have been able to produce better results with their Inn Charm after they channelled the goodwill they received from inn-keepers they met on their travels into their spell-casting,[51] and Gareth Greengrass, a senior researcher in the Department of Mysteries, at one point documented over seven hundred instances of spells being cast in anger, and found that they were all more powerful than even the casters themselves had thought themselves capable of producing.[52]

On the flip side, however, Nymphadora Tonks temporarily lost her power as a Metamorphmagus after suffering severe emotional turmoil and sadness over her grief for the death of Sirius Black, and when Remus Lupin would not return her affections, to the point of going on lethal mission to avoid contact. In effect, the form of her Patronus changed to a wolf (which matched the form of his) to reflect her love for Lupin.[53] Similarly, the magical abilities of Merope Gaunt was greatly hampered by and only truly flourished once she was free from her father's oppression. Albus Dumbledore also noted that it was possible for a witch or wizard to be sapped of their magical power altogether if undergoing profound levels of despair.[54]

Snowflake-making spell - HBP

Ron Weasley causing it to snow out of guilt

Wizardkind were also weakened when in the presence of Dementors for prolonged periods, as said creatures attacked their prey psychologically by making them recall their worst memories. This in turn left the victims physically vulnerable. Dementors sucked the happiness out of any one in their presence, making it hard to preform magic, as casting spells required a certain level of emotional stability.[55][56] This was one of the reasons the Patronus Charm was considered such advanced magic.[57] Several spells involved the use of emotion when casting them. The Patronus Charm required the caster to concentrate on a happy memory.[57] Force of will under extenuating circumstances also helped in casting spells, and affected the force with which they were cast. An example of this was when Harry was able to conjure a corporeal Patronus when Sirius Black was in danger of being administered the Dementor's Kiss.[58] Another example of magic and emotions was when Ron Weasley caused it to snow above him with his wand when he felt guilt over breaking up with Lavender Brown without using any worded spells.[59]

Marge starts to inflate

An enraged Harry Potter accidentally inflated his Aunt Marge

Many other examples of emotion-influenced magic included Ariana Dumbledore (Dumbledore's sister) being emotionally scarred at a young age and then her magic turned volatile and uncontrolled.[60][61] In addition, Harry magically inflated his Aunt Marge wandlessly and nonverbally, out of sheer anger when she disrespected his parents by calling his father a drunk.[62]

Love

Main article: Love
"There is a room in the Department of Mysteries that is kept locked at all times. It contains a force that is at once more wonderful and more terrible than death, than human intelligence, than the forces of nature. It is also, perhaps, the most mysterious of the many subjects for study that reside there. It is the power held within that room that you possess in such quantities and which Voldemort has not at all."
— The power of love and its effect on magic[src]
Harry Potter touches Quirrel face

Quirrell's inability to touch Harry in 1991, due to Lily's loving sacrifice

Arguably the most powerful branch of magic was also the most mysterious and elusive: love. Lord Voldemort, having never experienced love himself, underestimated its influence — to his detriment. It was through love that Lily Evans was able to save her son, Harry, from death by sacrificing her life, so that he might live.[36]

Harry's sacrifice

Harry Potter's sacrifice affords his loved ones protection

Because of his mother's protection, Harry was unable to be touched by Voldemort.[36] Voldemort attempted to overcome this obstacle by using Harry's blood in his resurrection; however, since Lily's magical protection was in Harry's blood and his blood now flowed through Voldemort's new body, this actually meant that Harry could not be killed by Voldemort while Voldemort himself was still alive.[63] Harry used very much the same mechanism of sacrificial protection to negate the power of Voldemort's spells against the students and teachers of Hogwarts during the Battle of Hogwarts.[25] The exact nature of how "love-magic" works is unknown; it was studied in-depth at the Department of Mysteries where they had a giant cauldron of Amortentia.

It is implied that the inability to love was what made Voldemort as evil as he was. Severus Snape, who voluntarily joined the Death Eaters on leaving Hogwarts, turned spy for the Order of the Phoenix when he realised that the woman he loved was being threatened by Voldemort.[24] Similarly, Narcissa Malfoy's love for her son Draco eventually led her to betray Voldemort, directly leading to Harry's survival — another oversight on Voldemort's part.[25] With these examples, it is hinted that anybody with the ability to love couldn't go as far down the path of evil as Voldemort had done, and it was his complete lack of compassion that made him capable of what he did.

Death

Voldemort: "There is nothing worse than death, Dumbledore!"
Albus Dumbledore: "You are quite wrong. Indeed, your failure to understand there are much worse things than death has always been your weakness."
— Discussion of the nature of death[src]

The phenomenon of death was studied in detail in a room (called the Death Chamber) of the Department of Mysteries containing an enigmatic veil. Sirius Black fell through this veil after he was hit with a spell from Bellatrix Lestrange and died.[64]

Secrets of the Darkest Art

Secrets of the Darkest Art, gives instructions on the creation of a Horcrux

There were a few magical techniques that had been used to extend life. The Philosopher's Stone could be used to prepare a potion that postponed death for the rest of eternity, so long as the potion was drunk on a regular basis.[35] Voldemort had availed himself of other methods, being one of the few wizards ever to use Horcruxes in his long sought attempt to "conquer death", and was believed to be the only one to use multiple Horcruxes.[37] Legend held that if one were to possess the three Deathly Hallows, these tools would enable the possessor to become the "master of death". However, being a true "master of death" meant being willing to accept that death was inevitable.[45] In addition, the drinking of unicorn blood would keep a person alive even if death was imminent, but at the terrible price of being cursed forever.[65]

Being magical could contribute to one's longevity, as there were several people who were quite long-lived (such as Albus Dumbledore, Bathilda Bagshot, and Griselda Marchbanks, who was an invigilator during Albus Dumbledore's O.W.L examinations). This could mainly be attributed to the speed and effectiveness of magical healing, such as potions that cured many sicknesses and ailments including the common cold, spells for instantaneous, scarless healing, and transportation to hospitals being a matter of a few seconds and a side-along apparator or a handful of Floo Powder.

Ghosts of Hogwarts

Ghosts

It was revealed by Nearly Headless Nick in 1995 that all witches and wizards had the choice of becoming ghosts when they passed away. The alternative was "passing on". Nick said that he became a ghost because he was foolish, "afraid of death".[38]

All Hogwarts headmasters appeared in a portrait when they died, allowing consultation by future generations. Dumbledore said that there was no spell that could truly bring the dead back to life;[40] however, several cases of dead people becoming half-alive were known. Because of a connection between Harry and Voldemort's wands (Priori Incantatem), images of Voldemort's recent victims appeared and helped Harry escape during their duel in 1995. According to Harry, they seemed too solid to be ghosts.[43] While wizards could linger as ghosts or animate dead bodies as the Inferi or Charmed skeletons, no magic was capable of bringing a dead person back to full and true life.[40] The closest possibility was via the Resurrection Stone.[44]

Study of magic

"The finest school of witchcraft and wizardry in the world."
Rubeus Hagrid praising Hogwarts[src]

It should be noted that, whilst the ability to perform magic usually revealed itself by age seven,[66] there were exceptions when individuals remained mundane until quite late in life when — in extremely desperate circumstances — they suddenly revealed their magical capacity. However, such "late-bloomers" were rare, possibly more so than Squibs.[67] For a person's ability to perform magic to be useful, a good deal of training was required to acquire the correct discipline. When "wild", typically with young and untrained children, magic would manifest itself subconsciously in moments of strong apprehension, fear or anger. A powerful or intelligent wizard or witch could direct this force in less random ways, like Lily Evans and Tom Riddle.

Hogwartscrest

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry crest and motto

As magic was what governed the wizarding world, there were many people who made it their business to study the magical arts, as well as magic being taught to young witches and wizards. Main fields of magical study taught at the magical school of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry were: Arithmancy, Charms, Dark Arts, Divination, Herbology, Potions, and Transfiguration.

Types of wizards with special magical abilities included Animagi (wizards who could turn into animals), Arithmancer, a Legilimens (one who could penetrate another's mind),[68] an Occlumens (one who could protect their mind from external penetration),[68] Metamorphmagi (wizards who could change their physical appearance),[69] a Parselmouth (one who could converse with snakes),[70] and a Seer (one who could predict the future).[71] There were also different forms of offensive/defensive magic, as well as the various types of spells: curse, hex, and jinx.

History of Magic

Main article: History of Magic
B2C9M1 Cuthbert Binns on the Chamber of Secrets

History of Magic

Many witches and wizards studied the history of magic throughout time; they were known as magical historians, and History of Magic was also a class taught at Hogwarts. One of the most celebrated magical historians of all time was Bathilda Bagshot, author of A History of Magic, which chronicalled the entire history of the magical world up till the end of the First Wizarding War.

It remained a standard Hogwarts textbook for this study. The subject had been taught by Professor Cuthbert Binns since the 1700s until some point after the Second Wizarding War, and Professor Jacob Gorski in the late 2000s.[72] The History of Magic was taken in Classroom 4F in Hogwarts.[6][8]

Arithmancy

Main article: Arithmancy

Arithmancy was a branch of magic that was concerned with the magical properties of numbers; someone who practised Arithmancy was called an Arithmancer. For example, in the 1200s, Bridget Wenlock, a famous Arithmancer, discovered the magical properties of the number seven.[29] An O.W.L in Arithmancy was required to apply for a Curse-Breaker's job at Gringotts.[73]

Arithmancy at Hogwarts was taught by Professor Vector. In her class, students were expected to write essays and to be able to understand complicated number charts, which were part of their homework. Hermione Granger appeared to be the only Gryffindor in her year who attempted an O.W.L in this subject (which is her favourite).

Herbology

Main article: Herbology
Herbology second year

Herbology

Herbology was the study of magical plants and fungi, including their care and their magical properties and uses. Some magical plants formed important ingredients in potions, while others had magical effects in their own right.

Greenhouses

A second year Herbology lesson

At Hogwarts, all students were required to attempt an O.W.L. in Herbology, so all first through fifth year students took the class, which was taught by Professor Pomona Sprout.[6] Herbology classes were held in the greenhouses and included plenty of hands-on activities, including handling Snargaluffs,[74] repotting mandrakes,[75] and harvesting bubotuber pus.[76] Students were also assigned essays as homework. At some time in the 1990s or 2000s,[72] the post for Herbology was taken by Neville Longbottom, since before the start of the 2017–2018 school year, Ginny Potter told her son James Sirius Potter to give her love to Neville.[77]

Potions

Main article: Potions
Hermione brewing Draught of Living Death HBP

Hermione Granger brewing Draught of the Living Death

Potions were magical liquids created by mixing various ingredients in a cauldron according to very specific rules. These mixtures must usually be drunk to give their magical effect. The ingredients in potions ranged from the mundane to the bizarre and fantastic, and the procedures for creating some potions could be complicated and time-consuming.[6]

PotionsClassroom lab

A potions classroom

Potions class was taught at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and Severus Snape was the Potions Master at Hogwarts from c. 1980 to the fall of 1996.[6] Horace Slughorn took over as Potions Master for the 1996–1997 school year.[78] The Potions classroom at Hogwarts was located in a chilly, dark, and gloomy dungeon. This class was mandatory from years 1–5, but was only allowed at N.E.W.T.-level if a student had achieved at least an "Exceeds Expectations" on their O.W.L. exam.[30]

Charms

Main article: Charms
Expecto Patronum at the Ministry

The advanced Patronus Charm warding off Dementors

Charms were a type of magic spell concerned with enchanting an object to behave in a way that wasn't normal for that object. For example, the Summoning Charm brought an object to the caster.[48] Charms was also something of a catch-all for spells that weren't Transfiguration (spells that changed the inherent nature of an object).[79] In some sense, if a spell wasn't Transfiguration, it was probably a charm, or else a counter-spell or healing spell.

Levitation Charm PSF

Casting the Levitation Charm can make objects fly

A charm might cause something to flash different colours. It might cause an object to levitate or even fly through the air.[80] Charms could make a person laugh or dance or even create a bubble of breathable air around a person's head. In all of these cases, the object or the person didn't really change, they just did something unexpected. Some Charms could be extremely powerful. The Fidelius Charm, for example, could completely hide a person or a place in such a way that no one could find them unless they were given the location by a Secret-Keeper.[80] Memory Charms could be so strong that they completely removed a person's memory or even damaged their mind permanently.[81]

Charms were in some ways the opposite of curses: charms seemed to have an inherent positive tone (e.g. Tickling Charm), while most curses had an inherent negative one. This is not to say that charms were weaker magic; a well-chosen charm, counter-spell or healing spell was a powerful magical tool against curses, jinxes and hexes. Professor Flitwick, the Hogwarts Charms teacher, was rumoured to have once been a duelling champion, after all.

Transfiguration

Main article: Transfiguration
Vera Verto 250px

Vera Verto in action

Transfiguration was magic which changed one object into another. It was possible to change inanimate objects into animate ones and vice versa. Some Transfiguration spells altered a part of something, such as changing a person's ears from normal into rabbit ears. At Hogwarts, Transfiguration was taught by Professor McGonagall until at least 1997.[82] Albus Dumbledore was the Transfiguration teacher at Hogwarts before her.

Transfiguration spells were cast in ancient times as well. Circe, a witch who lived on the Greek island of Aeaea, was famous for turning lost sailors into pigs. The opposite of Transfiguration was Untransfiguration, which would be returning something to its proper form.

Dark Arts

Main article: Dark Arts
Voldemort kills Burbage

Voldemort casting the Killing Curse, a tool of the Dark Arts

The Dark Arts differed from other forms of magic in the intent of the wizard using it. Most magic was relatively neutral — it could be used for bad or good. Some magic, however, was evil in its intention through and through. Spells of this kind were often called curses: spells that were often intended to cause harm to another person.

This intention to do harm placed that spell into the realm of the Dark Arts. Although offensive and potentially dangerous curses existed in number, three were considered usable only for great evil, which earned them the special classification of "Unforgivable Curses".[83] Ultimately, the deep, true intention of the caster was what made the difference.

This was a difficult distinction to make in many cases. However, understanding the difference between acceptable and Dark magic was of key importance for witches and wizards in training, which was why Defence Against the Dark Arts was such an important class for students at Hogwarts.[6] Some other schools had a reputation for teaching the Dark Arts, not Defence Against the Dark Arts; Durmstrang was such a school.[84]

Legilimency

Main article: Legilimency
Legilimency

Harry Potter's mind being invaded by Snape during their Occlumency lessons

Legilimency, a branch of magic not normally taught at Hogwarts (at least, not at Ordinary Wizarding Level), was the ability to extract emotions, thoughts, and memories from another person's mind. Although the word literally translated as "mind-reading", this was considered a naive interpretation of the art by its practitioners. Someone who practised Legilimency was known as a Legilimens.

Voldemort possessing Harry's mind

Voldemort possessing Harry Potter through Legilimency

Legilimency was easier when the spell-caster was physically near the target, and when the target was off-guard, relaxed, or otherwise vulnerable. Eye contact was often essential, so it was useful for a Legilimens to verbally manipulate his or her target into meeting the Legilimens's eyes, with the fringe benefit that the target's emotional state might bring relevant associated memories to the surface.

All of this seemed to tally quite nicely with what is known of the nature of human memory in Muggle science. The only known defence against Legilimency was Occlumency or the Protective Charm (Protego). The incantation required for Legilimency was Legilimens. Some well-known Legilimens were Albus Dumbledore, Lord Voldemort and Severus Snape.[68]

Occlumency

Main article: Occlumency
Snape teaching Occulemency

Occlumens Severus Snape preparing to invade Harry's mind, while trying to teach Harry to resist it

Occlumency was the art of magically defending the mind against external penetration, sealing it against magical intrusion and influence — the defensive counter to Legilimency. A practitioner of Occlumency was referred to as an Occlumens.

Occlumency was a necessary prerequisite to defeat a Legilimens's lie-detector abilities without suspicious behaviour such as avoiding face-to-face contact and eye contact. Elementary Occlumency involved clearing the mind of thought and emotion, so that the Legilimens could find no emotional ties to memories that the target wished to conceal. Simple resistance to attack required similar skills to those needed to resist the Imperius Curse. In its more advanced form, Occlumency allowed the user to suppress only feelings and memories that contradicted what the user wished a Legilimens to believe, thus allowing the Occlumens to lie without self-betrayal.[68] Some well-known practitioners of Occlumency were Albus Dumbledore[85] and Severus Snape.[68]

Divination

Main article: Divination
B3C6M2 Trelawney's first Divination lesson in the trio's third year

Divination

Divination was magic which attempted to foresee future events. Many in the wizarding world considered this branch of magic to be imprecise at best. There were several types of Divination. The most imprecise was what was commonly known as "fortunetelling", and this was what Sybill Trelawney taught at Hogwarts.[71] The second kind of Divination was what was practised by the centaurs. When Firenze the centaur started teaching Divination classes in the spring of 1996, he taught these techniques, although they were mostly lost on the human students in his classes.[86]

LavenderParvatiReadingTealeaves

Third year Divination students reading tea leaves

The third type of Divination was called Seeing. This was true Divination, although what the Seer revealed was usually in the form of a Prophecy which then itself required some interpretation. A Seer, one who possessed the Inner Eye, didn't seem to have control over their Seeing. Trelawney, for example, only made actual prophecies three times, although she made plenty of claims about everything from troubles ahead for various students to Neville breaking a teacup.[71] In each case when she made an actual prophecy, Trelawney went into a trance and spoke in a completely different voice, and after speaking the prophecy, she didn't remember a thing about it.[87]

True Seeing was very rare, but it had happened plenty of times over the centuries. There was a huge cathedral-sized room of the Department of Mysteries where records of thousands of prophecies were stored in glass spheres. Each sphere was labelled with the initials of the Seer who spoke the Prophecy and the person it was spoken to and with the subject of the Prophecy.[88]

Magical items

The following devices and items were endowed with various types of magic, that gave them certain properties and abilities. They were used by the wizarding community. Some items were common, while others were considered rare.

Item Notes

Wands

Wands-Woods
Most human magic was done using a wand. The wand served as a tool to focus and control the magical energy of the spell. It was possible to cast spells without using a wand, but for most wizards results were unfocused. Wands were created from wood with some magical substance at its heart.[16][46][89]

Broomsticks

Numbus 2000
Brooms were magical mode of transportation in the wizarding world. They were also used in the wizarding sport Quidditch. There were several different types of broomsticks, such the Nimbus 2000 and the Firebolt. Both of the mentioned broom were international standard. Broomsticks were also the worst kept wizarding secret.[11]

Deathly Hallows

Deathly Hallows
They were three items: the Elder Wand, Cloak of Invisibility, and Resurrection Stone. They were considered to be a great wizarding secret, and possession of all three was reputed to make the owner the Master of Death.[45] The only known Masters of Death were Albus Dumbledore and Harry Potter.

Flying Ford Anglia

The Flying Ford Anglia was a turquoise automobile bought by Arthur Weasley.[90] He bewitched it to be able to fly and installed an Invisibility Booster.[47] He also magically expanded the inner spaces so that an enormous amount of luggage could fit in the boot and an amazing number of people could sit comfortably in its wide seats.[90][47]

Mirror of Erised

MirrorOfErised PM
A magnificent mirror, as high as a classroom ceiling, with an ornate gold frame, standing on two clawed feet. The inscription carved around the top read "Erised stra ehru oyt ube cafru oyt on wohsi", which was "I show not your face but your heart's desire" written backward.[91]

Marauder's Map

Map Cassius Warrington
This magical map of Hogwarts Castle showed the entire castle and grounds of Hogwarts, including seven secret passages out of Hogwarts and into Hogsmeade.[80] However, it did not show the Room of Requirement or the Chamber of Secrets. The Map used the Homonculus Charm to keep track of everyone at Hogwarts, and was embedded with a repelling spell directed at Snape.[92]

Pensieve

Pensieve
A Pensieve was a shallow stone basin with ancient Saxon runes and symbols carved around the edge used to collect and view memories. When in use, a silvery light shone from its contents, which were bright, whitish silver, and cloud-like, moving ceaselessly. Harry thought the stuff in the basin looked like "light made liquid – or like wind made solid".[93][54][94][95][37][24]

Portraits/paintings

Portraits were paintings made of certain individuals, namely witches and warlocks. The subject of a magical portrait was sentient due to enchantments placed on the portrait by the painter. The portrait would be able to use some of the subject's favourite phrases and imitate their general demeanour, based on how the subject appeared to the painter. However, they were limited in what they could say or do.[96][97][98]

The wizarding world

Main article: Wizarding world
Wizarding Schools Map LR

Map of the wizarding schools and their locations around the globe

The wizarding society existed as a shadow society to the Muggle world and worked as hard as it could to keep its existence a secret, save for all but a few Muggles, those of whom included those who were related to witches and wizards, or important Muggles such as the Prime Minister.[99] Most things of magical nature were hidden or otherwise obscured from Muggles; others (such as Dementors) simply couldn't be seen by them, but Muggles did feel the effects of them. There was also an office in the British Ministry of Magic for the misuse of Muggle artefacts that dealt with people charming objects typically found in a Muggle society.[90]

The International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy was established in 1689 by the International Confederation of Wizards to safeguard wizards from persecution at the hands of Muggles. To most magical people, the Muggle world was unknown and their attempts to disguise themselves as Muggles often had mostly humourous results. Muggle Studies at Hogwarts was considered a soft option.

Behind the scenes

"I don't believe in witchcraft, though I've lost count of the number of times I've been told I'm a practising witch. Ninety — let's say ninety five percent at least, of the magic in the books is entirely invented by me. And I've used things from folklore and I've used bits of what people used to believe worked magically just to add a certain flavour, but I've always twisted them to suit my own ends. I mean, I've taken liberties with folklore to suit my plot."
J. K. Rowling regarding the magic in her books[src]
  • It has never been outright specified whether magic itself is a purely biological element, similar to a form of mutation that is passed down among family lines, or if it is an external energy force which magical beings merely tap into for their power.
  • According to J. K. Rowling, nobody knows where magic comes from.[100]

Appearances

Notes and references

  1. J. K. Rowling's official site
  2. 2.0 2.1 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 30 (The Sacking of Severus Snape)
  3. Accio Quote!
  4. Writing by J. K. Rowling: "Wizarding Schools" at Wizarding World
  5. 5.0 5.1 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chapter 4 (The Keeper of the Keys)
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chapter 8 (The Potions Master)
  7. Writing by J. K. Rowling: "Technology" at Wizarding World
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 9 (The Writing on the Wall)
  9. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 2 (A Peck of Owls)
  10. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 8 (The Hearing)
  11. 11.0 11.1 Quidditch Through the Ages
  12. 12.0 12.1 Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
  13. 13.0 13.1 Writing by J. K. Rowling: "Uagadou" at Wizarding World
  14. 14.0 14.1 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 1 (Owl Post)
  15. Harry Potter Official Site via Internet Archive
  16. 16.0 16.1 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chapter 5 (Diagon Alley)
  17. 17.0 17.1 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (video game)
  18. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 12 (The Triwizard Tournament)
  19. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 8 (The Deathday Party)
  20. The Tales of Beedle the Bard
  21. Writing by J. K. Rowling: "The Leaky Cauldron" at Wizarding World
  22. Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald - The Original Screenplay
  23. 23.0 23.1 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 8 (The Wedding)
  24. 24.0 24.1 24.2 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 33 (The Prince's Tale)
  25. 25.0 25.1 25.2 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 36 (The Flaw in the Plan)
  26. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay
  27. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 1 (The Worst Birthday)
  28. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 1 (Dudley Demented)
  29. 29.0 29.1 Pottermore
  30. 30.0 30.1 30.2 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 9 (The Half-Blood Prince)
  31. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 12 (Silver and Opals)
  32. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 9 (Grim Defeat)
  33. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 36 (The Only One He Ever Feared)
  34. 34.0 34.1 34.2 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 15 (The Goblin's Revenge)
  35. 35.0 35.1 35.2 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chapter 13 (Nicolas Flamel)
  36. 36.0 36.1 36.2 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chapter 17 (The Man with Two Faces)
  37. 37.0 37.1 37.2 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 23 (Horcruxes)
  38. 38.0 38.1 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 38 (The Second War Begins)
  39. 39.0 39.1 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 21 (The Unknowable Room)
  40. 40.0 40.1 40.2 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 36 (The Parting of the Ways)
  41. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 26 (The Cave)
  42. 42.0 42.1 Writing by J. K. Rowling: "Inferi" at Wizarding World
  43. 43.0 43.1 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 34 (Priori Incantatem)
  44. 44.0 44.1 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 34 (The Forest Again)
  45. 45.0 45.1 45.2 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 21 (The Tale of the Three Brothers)
  46. 46.0 46.1 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 18 (The Weighing of the Wands)
  47. 47.0 47.1 47.2 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 5 (The Whomping Willow)
  48. 48.0 48.1 Wonderbook: Book of Spells
  49. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 4 (The Seven Potters)
  50. The Tales of Beedle the Bard, "The Warlock's Hairy Heart"
  51. Harry Potter: Wizards Unite (SOS Task Force Training - Calamity Essentials I - Tribuomnus)
  52. Harry Potter: Wizards Unite (SOS Task Force Training - Calamity Essentials I - Did You Somehow Interview Him?)
  53. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 8 (Snape Victorious)
  54. 54.0 54.1 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 10 (The House of Gaunt)
  55. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 5 (The Dementor)
  56. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 20 (The Dementor's Kiss)
  57. 57.0 57.1 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 12 (The Patronus)
  58. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 21 (Hermione's Secret)
  59. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 24 (Sectumsempra)
  60. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 18 (The Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore)
  61. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 28 (The Missing Mirror)
  62. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 2 (Aunt Marge's Big Mistake)
  63. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 33 (The Death Eaters)
  64. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 35 (Beyond the Veil)
  65. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chapter 15 (The Forbidden Forest)
  66. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 11 (The Bribe)
  67. Accio Quote!
  68. 68.0 68.1 68.2 68.3 68.4 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 24 (Occlumency)
  69. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 3 (The Advance Guard)
  70. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 11 (The Duelling Club)
  71. 71.0 71.1 71.2 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 6 (Talons and Tea Leaves)
  72. 72.0 72.1 Harry Potter: Magic Awakened
  73. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 29 (Careers Advice)
  74. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 14 (Felix Felicis)
  75. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 6 (Gilderoy Lockhart)
  76. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 13 (Mad-Eye Moody)
  77. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Epilogue (Nineteen Years Later)
  78. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 4 (Horace Slughorn)
  79. J.K.Rowling Official Site - Extra Stuff
  80. 80.0 80.1 80.2 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 10 (The Marauder's Map)
  81. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 16 (The Chamber of Secrets)
  82. Writing by J. K. Rowling: "Professor McGonagall" at Wizarding World
  83. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 14 (The Unforgivable Curses)
  84. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 11 (Aboard the Hogwarts Express)
  85. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 37 (The Lost Prophecy)
  86. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 27 (The Centaur and the Sneak)
  87. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 16 (Professor Trelawney's Prediction)
  88. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 34 (The Department of Mysteries)
  89. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 24 (The Wandmaker)
  90. 90.0 90.1 90.2 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 3 (The Burrow)
  91. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chapter 12 (The Mirror of Erised)
  92. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 14 (Snape's Grudge)
  93. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 30 (The Pensieve)
  94. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 13 (The Secret Riddle)
  95. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 17 (A Sluggish Memory)
  96. Writing by J. K. Rowling: "Hogwarts Portraits" at Wizarding World
  97. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chapter 7 (The Sorting Hat)
  98. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 22 (St Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries)
  99. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 1 (The Other Minister)
  100. Barnes and Noble interview, March 19, 1999

See also