Superb wand skills, a talent for incantations, or a flair for potions — all these are nothing if you cannot apply yourself. This section covers a selection of spells designed to give you mastery over your environment. You’ll learn to knock objects or foes back, soften surfaces, switch items with precision, and cut through obstacles with ease. These spells are essential tools for any witch or wizard, so persevere with them until you know their workings inside out (but do take care — casting spells incorrectly can have rather unpleasant results).

Knockback Jinx

The Knockback Jinx (Flipendo) was created in the 15th century by warlock and duelling enthusiast, Euphemia Pike. Known for her formidable skills in magical duels, Euphemia discovered this jinx during a tense skirmish with an opponent who had pinned her behind a heavy oak table. With a desperate flick of her wand, she uttered a spell that sent the table hurtling backward, knocking her foe to the floor and securing her victory.

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At first, the Knockback Jinx was celebrated primarily within the duelling community. However, its usefulness soon spread beyond the duelling grounds. Wizards and witches quickly realised its practical application for moving large objects, particularly in magical construction and even daily tasks. In one famous case, it was used during a grand event at Hogwarts to clear an entire hall of furniture in under a minute when a surprise visit from the Minister of Magic was announced.

Its creator, Pike, was quite a character in her own right. She is remembered for her brash nature and her unwavering belief that magic should always be practical — "What’s the use of magic if it can’t push a desk or a foe?" she was often quoted saying. Unfortunately, Euphemia’s overuse of the jinx in her later years led to the destruction of several beloved family heirlooms, including a famous collection of antique cauldrons.

Flipendo’s powerful variations such as Flipendo Maxima emerged over time, improving upon Pike’s original version. Yet, many still prefer the simplicity of the original jinx for everyday use, knowing that it’s more than enough to knock back even the most stubborn of obstacles — or opponents.

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Incantation

The incantation for the Knockback Jinx is Flipendo.

Gesture

To cast Flipendo, the wand movement is swift and direct, starting from the shoulder and making a sharp downward arc (see Fig. H for the precise movement).

Notes

While effective against solid objects and smaller creatures, the Knockback Jinx does not work well on very large or firmly rooted obstacles. Overuse of this spell on fragile items may result in their destruction. Always use with caution in environments where valuable or delicate objects are present.

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Softening Charm

The Softening Charm (Spongify), though perhaps not the most glamorous of spells, has proven itself invaluable in both practical and mischievous applications. Invented by the eccentric 17th-century spellwright, Cordelia Fudgeworth, Spongify was initially created to cushion falls during experimental broomstick races held in her back garden. Over time, wizards and witches quickly realised the charm's broader utility, especially for cushioning dangerous landings or softening hard surfaces.

Cordelia herself was infamous for her adventurous nature and knack for getting into perilous situations. It was during one such instance, when she accidentally toppled out of a tree she had enchanted to grow too fast, that the inspiration for Spongify struck her. Without time to cast a levitation charm, she performed the softening spell on the ground, bouncing safely back onto her feet. Ever since, it has been known as the spell of choice for those who find themselves in precarious positions.

In Hogwarts, it is frequently used by pranksters to turn chairs, staircases, and even books into bouncy traps for their unsuspecting classmates. However, it's just as commonly utilised in Herbology and Potions classrooms, where it serves to soften delicate plant matter and fragile ingredients.

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Incantation

The incantation for the Softening Charm is Spongify.

Gesture

The wand movement for Spongify involves a gentle flick with a rounded, downward stroke, as if smoothing something out (see Fig. M for the movement).

Notes

Spongify works best on solid objects but is not effective on liquids or flames. While it can soften most materials, magical items resistant to manipulation may only be partially affected. Repeated casting on a single object may cause it to become temporarily too bouncy, so it's wise to use moderation when performing this charm.

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Switching Spell

The Switching Spell, is a noteworthy transfiguration spell that enables the caster to interchange the positions of two objects instantaneously. This fascinating piece of magical craftsmanship is rooted in the intricate principles of transfiguration, allowing for a simultaneous transformation that makes each object appear as the other.

The origin of the Switching Spell can be traced back to the innovative mind of the illustrious wizard Fintan Fairweather, who sought a solution to the tediousness of moving heavy furniture during the great reorganisation of the Magical Furniture Society in the late 17th century. Fairweather’s frustration with manual lifting and the unyielding nature of solid objects led him to experiment with various transfiguration techniques. After numerous failed attempts involving unintended transformations—ranging from tables turning into treacle tarts to chairs sprouting limbs—Fairweather finally discovered the simultaneous transfiguration method that would become the foundation of the Switching Spell.

As word of Fairweather’s success spread throughout the wizarding community, the spell became a staple in the repertoire of aspiring witches and wizards. Not only did it revolutionise the way magical households managed their furnishings, but it also found use in more playful applications. For instance, during the annual festival of Yule, it became a popular prank to switch the positions of friends’ hats, a custom that endures to this day.

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Incantation

The incantation for the Switching Spell is Switchus, derived from the Latin root switchare, meaning "to interchange."

Gesture

To perform the Switching Spell, one must execute a sharp flick of the wand, following a horizontal line as if cutting through the air between the two objects. The accompanying mental focus on the desired outcome is crucial for success.

Notes

The effectiveness of Switchus is contingent upon the size and weight of the objects involved; particularly large or magically fortified items may require additional finesse or a secondary spell to assist the transformation. In skilled hands, the Switching Spell not only serves practical purposes but also opens avenues for creative magical expressions, allowing for whimsical rearrangements that can entertain and surprise.

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Severing Charm

With the Severing Charm, cutting or tearing objects is a simple matter of wand control. The spell can be quite precise in skilled hands, and the Severing Charm is widely used in a variety of wizarding trades.

Useful as it is, this charm should be practised with caution, as a careless swipe of the wand can easily cause injury.

The Severing Charm was created in the fifteenth century by wizarding seamstress Delfina Crimp, who created it as an easy and convenient way of cutting cloth and thread. Prior to the invention of this neat, precise spell, wizards were apt to burn or shred anything they wished to cut. However, while Madam Crimp’s invention benefited her work, it nearly cost her her life.

Witches and wizards were subject to persecution in the fifteenth century, so Madam Crimp, who had become one of the most fashionable dressmakers in London, preferred to pretend that she had no magical powers. Unfortunately, the great beauty of her dresses and cloaks aroused considerable envy among other tailors, many of whom were convinced that she knew some secret that they did not. Even the ugliest women seemed to look beautiful in her clothes, and she grew richer and more successful every day.

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A rival Muggle tailor, by the name of Snickerton, disguised himself and applied for a post in Madam Crimp’s shop. After several weeks, he could find no evidence of magic except for the fact that there were no scissors in Madam Crimp’s workroom. At last, by wtapping himself up in a bolt of velvet and keeping watch by night, he observed Madam Crimp cutting out an intricate pattern with the use of her wand.

The following day Snickerton led a band of men to arrest the accused witch. Cornered at her shop, she was unable to explain why she owned no scissors. Snickerton insisted that her hands should be tightly bound to stop her cursing them all and set about searching for the wand he swore he had seen her using. After several hours, however, he had found nothing suspicious, and his friends were starting to doubt him.

At last, Madam Crimp asked whether she might at least be unbound to scratch her chin, on which there was a large wart. Unable to see the harm in this, her foolish accusers agreed.

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The moment Madam Crimp touched the wart, it sprang out of her face, revealing itself as her concealed wand. She promptly Disapparated along with a large bag of gold, and was never seen in London again.

However, from that moment onwartds, Snickerton the tailor was unable to produce any item of clothing, no matter how securely he locked it up overnight, without finding it shredded to ribbons every morning. Legend has it that he died insane, convinced that he was being followed everywhere by a giant pair of invisible scissors.

The lesson here being, never come between a skilled witch and her livelihood...

Incantation

The incantation for the Severing Charm is ‘Diffindo’. Use it with care!

Gesture

The Severing Charm requires a jagged, cutting motion with the wand. Go up, then slash down and right, then up again (see Fig. N).

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Conundrum 3

The Ballad of Angry Angus McMangus

Oh, Angus McMangus, you should have been great! With talents aplenty — success on a plate!

We all thought you'd garner great grades quite securely — But Angus McMangus, your spells turned out poorly.

I first heard you roar on the day we did Charms Your shouting put everyone into alarms

T can’t — it’s a joke — this whole class is a flop? Your fist crashing down made experiments stop.

Again and again, with just ten minutes gone Of each class you would blow up — ‘no, everything’s wrong!

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I can’t be expected to work in this way!’ And you'd throw half-made jiggers and potions away.

‘Cally!’ said teachers, and Gust give it time!’ But Angus McMangus thinks waiting’s a crime.

If he can’t do it straight away, or double-quick, He'll snatch up his wand and — crack — one broken stick.

Tt ought to be done now!’ T’ve tried once already!’ In vain did your teachers cry, ‘Steady, now, steady!’

So Angus McMangus, it’s you I must blame It’s all your own fault that you didn’t win fame.

Now answer me, students, what did Angus lack? What didn’t he do, which will keep YOU on track?

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