The Bluebell Flames charm is an enchanting bit of magic, producing vivid, bright blue flames with properties that set them apart from ordinary fire. Known also as Cold Fire, this charm is a fascinating blend of both practical utility and wondrous spectacle.

Bluebell Flames were first discovered in the early 18th century by the accomplished yet eccentric witch, Etheldreda Waffling. Waffling, known for her whimsical experiments with fire magic, was attempting to conjure a controlled flame to heat her potions cauldron without burning through her collection of rare fabrics. After several trials and a minor explosion involving an irreplaceable pair of silk slippers, she conjured a remarkable fire that radiated heat but lacked the destructive, wild nature of traditional flames. This creation, dubbed Flamma Caerulea by Waffling, formed the basis of what we now know as Bluebell Flames.

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Properties

Bluebell Flames are distinguishable by their bright blue colour and unique ability to be touched without causing burns to living beings. Unlike traditional fire, these flames are relatively harmless to human skin, and can be contained within objects such as glass jars without damaging them. However, they can singe delicate fabrics or plants, making them unsuitable for long-term storage near sensitive materials. The flames are waterproof and can be used under harsh conditions, such as rain or even underwater, making them highly versatile for adventurers or potion-makers in need of heat without risk of uncontrolled fire.

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Incantation

Caeruleus Ignis directly translating to "Blue Fire" in Latin.

Gesture

The wand movement associated with this charm is a fluid wave, as though gently coaxing the flames into existence. Unlike more violent fire charms, the caster must maintain a calm and controlled intent to avoid over-conjuring the flames.

Notes

While Bluebell Flames are not typically dangerous, a careless witch or wizard can still cause minor accidents if they leave the flame unattended or try to manipulate it too forcefully. Yet, for its ease of use and delightful versatility, this charm remains a staple among skilled witches and wizards. Whether used for warmth in a stormy wood or lighting a path through a cave, these magical flames offer both safety and wonder.

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Flagrate Charm

The Flagrate Charm, known for its ability to etch blazing symbols into the air, was developed during an era of intense magical research into communicative spells. Thought to have originated from the works of Flamella Scriboria, a witch famous for her revolutionary incantations to transfer messages over vast distances, the charm was later refined for more artistic uses. While originally intended for temporary message-writing, the spell became favoured by artists and magical architects alike for its ability to sketch designs midair that could be viewed from all angles.

The charm is not only functional but aesthetically stunning, with the fiery scarlet lines tracing the caster’s exact movements with an unyielding brilliance. It is said that Flamella first used the charm to draw directions for a grand magical maze, while her peers used it in secret duelling tournaments to mark locations without leaving a permanent trail.

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With each casting of Flagrate, one can manipulate the fiery writing as easily as one might with a quill, but the shape remains suspended in the air for all to see. As time passed, wizards began using the spell to engrave short-lived warnings or tactical battle markings during periods of magical conflict. The flare of red, combined with the inherent flexibility of reconfiguring the symbols with a flick of the wand, makes it a highly valued tool in emergencies.

Though the flames produced by Flagrate are fiery in appearance, they do not produce heat, making the charm much safer than fire-based spells. However, the magical energy it leaves behind is potent, allowing the markings to linger long after the caster has moved on. Be cautious not to misuse this charm, lest your creations burn brighter than intended.

Incantation

Flagrate (fla-GRAH-tay)

Gesture

Draw in midair with precision.

Notes:

The Flagrate Charm can be used for several functions, such as: sketching magical diagrams in the air, writing messages during magical emergencies and temporary artistic or architectural designs.

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Locomotion Charm

The Locomotion Charm, Locomotor, is a fundamental spell often taught to young witches and wizards as part of their basic training in magical manipulation. The charm enables the caster to lift objects effortlessly and guide them through the air, a few inches off the ground. Though deceptively simple, Locomotor has proven indispensable to many, from young witches struggling to carry their books through Hogwarts' halls, to experienced spellcasters performing complex magical tasks.

Historians often trace the creation of this charm to the innovations of one Magnus Levitas, a renowned magical transportation specialist in the 15th century. Levitas, burdened by the heavy tomes and artefacts that filled his life’s work, sought a more efficient way of transporting his belongings without expending excessive magical energy on full levitation spells. The result was Locomotor, a practical spell that provided just enough lift to move objects while leaving them close to the ground, ensuring both stability and control.

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The charm's true beauty lies in its simplicity. Unlike full-fledged levitation spells, Locomotor offers a highly practical balance between weight and movement. The caster needs only raise their wand as if commanding the object to follow, and it will do so, hovering a few inches above the surface and moving at the caster’s discretion. Whether transporting luggage, guiding tools through a work area, or swiftly manoeuvring delicate objects in complex potion work, Locomotor has found countless uses across magical households and professions alike.

While the charm produces no visible light or dramatic effects, the quiet elegance with which objects glide along speaks volumes about the spell’s efficiency. A seasoned caster can direct several objects at once with simple wand movements, their items obediently following in an orderly manner, while beginners will find that the spell responds well even to clumsy gestures.

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Incantation

Locomotor (loh-kuh-MOH-tor)

Gesture

A swift upward lift of the wand, as if to guide the object upwards

Notes

The Locomotion Charm is often used for transporting luggage or books through busy corridors, moving heavy objects that would otherwise be cumbersome to carry and delicately shifting materials in potion-making or other precise magical work.

It should be noted that, like many charms, Locomotor has certain limitations. It can move an object only within the caster’s sight and influence, meaning one cannot send their belongings soaring across vast distances. However, its ease of use makes it a go-to spell for everyday tasks and challenges.

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Verdimillious Charm

The Verdimillious Charm is a versatile and potent spell with several applications, both in combat and for revealing what lies hidden by Dark magic. The charm, when cast properly, releases a shower of green sparks from the wand's tip. While often employed in duels, where these sparks can be directed toward an opponent with enough force to cause minor injuries, the spell has a more intriguing use as a tool for uncovering concealed objects or places.

In duelling, Verdimillious can serve as a basic yet effective offensive charm. With a quick forward slash of the wand, the caster sends forth green sparks, which, upon striking the opponent, can cause a brief stunning effect. While not as damaging as more advanced duelling spells, the flash of green light and the impact of the sparks can certainly give one the upper hand in combat.

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Where the charm truly shines, however, is in its ability to reveal what Dark magic has hidden. By waving one's wand in a circular motion overhead while pronouncing the incantation slowly and deliberately, a glowing green orb of magical energy forms at the wand's tip. This orb, when released, explodes several feet away, flooding the area with brilliant emerald light. The flash of this light is not merely for show—it serves to uncover hidden platforms, doorways, and objects that have been concealed by the Dark Arts. For the duration of the green light’s glow, these hidden items become both visible and tangible, allowing the caster to interact with them.

The origins of this spell are tied to early magical explorers who found themselves thwarted by ancient Dark wards and magical traps during their journeys. The Verdimillious Charm became an essential tool in their arsenal, allowing them to expose dangers and secrets that would otherwise have remained imperceptible. Over time, its use expanded to include combat, with duellists finding it a handy spell for both offence and illumination in dark, enchanted spaces.

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Incantation

Verdimillious (vur-duh-MILL-ee-us)

Gesture

A sharp forward slash or a circular motion overhead

Notes

While the Wand-Lighting Charm is generally preferred, the Verdimillious Charm has certain caveats that make it much more suitable in certain scenarios. In duelling, by conjuring green sparks, one can stun or temporarily distract an opponent, the way light emanating from a wand tip could not. Moreover, it can be used for illuminating an area and revealing objects hidden by Dark magic, such as secret doors or cursed artefacts. A final point is the exploration aspect, it is handy for adventurers navigating ruins, dungeons, or dark places where magic may obscure important items or paths.

Though simple in nature, Verdimillious remains a favourite for witches and wizards due to its multifunctional use. Whether in a duel or when confronted by mysterious, hidden threats, this charm serves as a reliable and effective means of illumination, revelation, and self-defence.

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Conundrum 4

The Rhyme of Gormless Morgan

There was a young wizard called Morgan Whose boss said: ‘Go capture the Gorgon! ‘The creature’s so vile

‘That it might take a while,

Use your brain! It’s a most useful organ.’

The Gorgon was fearsome and clever (Two things that poor Morgan was never). By staring alone

She could turn men to stone

So they'd have to be statues forever.

More’s friends told him: Think out a plan, first? But of all things, he hated to think worst.

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‘Don't make such a fuss

TU just take a truss

And trap her before I can be cursed!’

He tried sneaking up from behind her,

But here is a little reminder:

The mirror was made

Ass a rear-viewing aid

Thus the Gorgon watched Morgan come find her.

They stared in the glass, fiend and Morgan Four eyes met (of man and of Gorgon): With no time to moan

Morg was turned into stone

And he never came back; he was forgone.

What was the Gorgon, which Morgan was not? What traits did she have (while he was a clot)? What ought you to be, if you would survive? What qualities help you in staying alive?

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