Carpe Retractum
Spell Name: Seize and Pull Charm
Incantation: Carpe Retractum
Pronunciation:
Spell Branch: Charms
Magical Discipline(s): Defensive
Appearance: Orange or purple light.
Description: The seize and pull charm, also known as the Carpe Retractum Spell (Carpe Retractum), is a charm that produced a magical, retractable cord of light, that can be used to pull objects towards the caster, or, if the target was fixed in place, to pull the caster towards the target.
In order to successfully connect the charm, the target must be in direct line of sight of the caster, as well as being relatively nearby. Once connected, the caster can pull on the rope with their wand, quickly retracting it.
Objects that are not fixed in place will be pulled towards the caster. If the target is immovable, then the retracting rope would swiftly drag the caster towards the object. Being pulled in this manner enabled the caster to traverse through the air or over large gaps.
While the charm was generally used on inanimate objects, it can also be used on living things such as Bubotubers and Erklings.
Although the charm is easy enough to cast, it takes a fair amount of force to pull heavy objects or to hold on to the wand while being dragged through the air. This could be negated to a certain degree if caster leaned backwards while pulling heavier targets by allowing their body weight to carry a portion of the target's weight.
Taught in third year Charms and Defence Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts.
Regulations: Legal
Skill Level: Beginner
Etymology: From Latin carpe, meaning "seize", and retractum, which is a singular neuter declension of retractus, meaning "withdrawn".
References:
- Heliotrope LeJean adapts to this charm in Defense classes, as the wand motions are similar to using her Kelp Whip, seen here and here
- Casey O'Doherty misjudged the angle of his spell in a Creatures class to wrangle a Monster Book of Monsters: Second Edition. [1]
Notes:
