Chapter II. Shield Spell and its varieties

Chapter 3

The first thing that comes to mind when talking about protective magic is the Shield Charm. This is not a bad association, because it is an extremely useful spell. However, many wizards and witches only think of the basic version of this spell. This is a bit of a belittled for this family of charms, as, despite its aforementioned effectiveness in many situations, Protego is rather weak spell in comparison to other spells like that. So it is important to remember all of its modifications.

However, I warn you right away, don't bite off more than you can chew. Each subsequent version of the Shield Charm in this chapter is a kind of development of the previous spell (except for the Electric Shield Charm, which is not an extension of Protego, but its complete transformation). They are increasingly stronger, and therefore increasingly complicated. Therefore, you must first master the Shield Charm to perfection, and only then start practicing casting subsequent modifications.

Shield Charm

Way of casting:
Incantation: Protego (pro-TAY-goh)
Type of defence: direct defence and preventive protection; The Open Hand Principle (abbreviated as OHP in the following spells)
Wand Movement:
(From left: 1. direct defense, 2. right-handed preventive defense, 3. left-handed preventive defense. The same order of moves will be shown for each subsequent spell.)

Preventive: slowly move wand down, palm of opposite hand facing outwards; mirrored for lefthanded

This is the basic, simplest and most useful version of this spell. However, this does not mean that it is an easy charm. Protego summons a transparent shield in front of the caster, blocking incoming attacks. Conjured barrier is invisible on its own but reflects light of spell that hits it.
It requires a lot of practice to be able to deflect any spell with it. If performed correctly, it will block most weak and intermediate jinxes and hexes and even some minor curses. With enough skill and strength, Protego can deflect and ricochet spells, and even block physical attacks. Protego can even knock a person down.
The Shield Charm can also be used to enchant objects (such as clothing, such as cloaks, hats or gloves) to give them protective properties. Such enchanted objects, like the shield itself conjured with this charm, will deflect most weak charms, but after some time the spell will wear off.

Protective Dome Charm

Way of casting:
Incantation: Protego Duo (pro-TAY-goh DOO-oh)
Type of defence: direct defence
Wand Movement:

A slightly stronger version of Shield Charm.
In addition to being a more durable and longer-lived spell, it also gives the caster a little more protection. Because instead of creating a shield, it conjures a transparent dome or bubble-like barrier around the caster.
This spell protects the caster from physical and magical attacks alike, and is fully capable of deflecting jinxes and hexes cast at the shield to their original source. If conjured correctly this spell is strong enough to protect even against dragon fire for a short period of time.

Protego Totalum

Way of casting:
Incantation: Protego Totalum (pro-TAY-goh TOH-tuh-luhm)
Type of defence: direct defence and preventive protection; OHP
Wand Movement:

Preventive: slowly raise wand, palm of opposite hand facing outwards; mirrored for lefthanded

"Next level" of power to the Shield Charm. It conjures bigger and stronger barrier but usually is used as preventive protection.
This protective enchantment is used to shield a certain area or dwelling for an extended period of time. But the area can't be too big. Otherwise the barrier will not be strong enough to deflect spells and will shatter easily or dissolve quickly. It is used to stop and repel any intruder and/or spell from the protected area, except the most powerful curses, including the Unforgivable Curses.
A place covered with this enchantment is much more difficult to detect using magical means such as tracking spells or the Seer's visions.

Protego Maxima

Way of casting:
Incantation: Protego Maxima (pro-TAY-goh MAKS-ee-ma)
Type of defence: preventive protection
Wand Movement: point wand at sky, repeating the incantation

Strictly preventive protection charm. Protego Maxima conjures a protective barrier that is used to protect large areas. Not much stronger than Protego Totalum but longer living and can easily cover larger areas without loosing it's power.
People who are out of the shield can't see and hear the wizards or witches that are protected. Spells cast at it (if not of enough power to break it) create large, resonating explosions.

Protego Horribilis

Way of casting:
Incantation: Protego Maxima (pro-TAY-goh hor-ee-BIL-lihs)
Type of defence: preventive protection
Wand Movement: point wand at sky, repeating the incantation

Another strictly preventive protection spell. It is the most powerful version of the Shield Charm created so far, which is used as a protective enchantment against anything approaching the protected area, and against any dark magic, except the Killing Curse, which is unblockable with any Shield Charm and passes through it, leaving holes into the magical shield. But of course, by extended use of powerfull destructive spells, the magical shield can eventually be broken down.

Electric Shield Charm

Way of casting:
Incantation: Protego Electrica (pro-TAY-goh e-LEK-tree-ka)
Type of defence: direct defence
Wand Movement:

Creates a small electric field around the caster that, when touched, shocks and knocks back anything that touches the shield. Doesn't last very long. Useful when there's a risk of direct physical attack.