Main Page/dyk
1
Alchemy is a branch of magic, an ancient art and science dedicated to the transformation of aspects and elements. Its practice is greatly diminished in the Wizarding World of today. The subject is not taught at Hogwarts though topics pertaining to Alchemy do show up in advanced Potions and Transfiguration classes. The last of the famous alchemists, Nicolas Flamel 
and his wife Perenelle died at the ages of 665 and 658 respectively in the early 1990s in their native France. France, particularly around Beauxbatons, and and Egypt with the Centre for Alchemical Studies continue to be centers of alchemical research to this day.
Alchemy is unique in that in its earliest days of practice both the magical and muggle would work together in the pursuit of research and experimentation. Indeed, muggle chemistry and science can claim origin from the legends of alchemy as much as witches and wizards can trace magic of the modern era from those times. As an applied science alchemy is very ritualized, leading to just as many discoveries of basic chemistry and physics as it did to magical processes.(Full article...)
2
Amortality is the condition of never having died and being unable to die, as an amortal entity was never alive to begin with. Amortality is a known trait of non-beings.
As amortality refers to entities that have never been alive from the beginning, it is different from "immortality", which means a living being gaining the impossibility to die.
Poltergeists are amortal, as they have been described as "indestructible spirits of chaos", and are known to differ from ghosts in that they were never alive at one time. Boggarts and Dementors, being creatures that were never truly alive to begin with and seemingly indestructible, are other types of amortal creatures.(Full article...)
3
Dance Magic is a wandless practice of physically embodying spells, one casts through physical expression. Stamina, dexterity, agility and emotion are all important factors in the success of a spell.
Dance magic primarily (but not exclusively) consists of charmwork. It is more difficult for those who lack rhythm and stamina, but for those who pursue it the benefits of nonverbal mastery and the wandless aspect of it all is worth the arduous training.
Using dance magic, a witch or wizard can conjure elements and enthrall audiences. Veela are particularly adept at the the latter.(Full article...)
4
While Death is understood in a purely physical sense, the nature of what lies beyond it is a mystery to wizards and witches and Muggles alike. When a wizard or witch dies, unlike a Muggle, he or she can choose to leave behind an imprint of their soul in the mortal world in the form of a ghost. Few opt to become ghosts, however, as it means they will never "go on" like most people do. Those who cross over to the other side cannot come back in any form resembling the physical body they had in life. The exception being the beings brought back using the Resurrection Stone. However, it is described that they do not belong in the mortal world, being only a semi-corporeal form, "less substantial" than a living body but "much more" than a ghost.(Full article...)
5
- Being Strange
Many writers currently have characters who hold beliefs or have backgrounds that do not make them an 'average witch or wizard' in regards to their relationship with the Muggle world and its ideas. This is fine and should continue. However, it's important to continue on under the knowledge that these ideas and backgrounds are rare and considered very strange, or eccentric.
When creating a new character who is, in this way, strange, the writer should take great care to explain how and why their character has come to be the exception to the rule and demonstrate how their uncommon background or beliefs affect how they are perceived.
There will be close limitations placed on half-bloods or pure-bloods with an unusual knowledge of the muggle world, and muggle-borns who are not fully integrated into the magical world.(Full article...)
6
- —Clause 73 of International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy
Since the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy was enacted in 1692, wizards and witches have hidden the existence of magic from Muggles. Thus, most Muggles are either afraid of magic or believe it to be nothing but a childish fantasy. Wizards and witches hide their world with Muggle-Repelling Charms, and if a Muggle witnesses a magical event or sees a magical creature such as a dragon, their memories are erased. Confundus Charms are also occasionally employed to encourage Muggles to ignore any magic they witness. Violations of the Statute of Secrecy are prosecuted by the Improper Use of Magic Office, and the Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office tries to keep bewitched items away from Muggles.
Wizards and witches thus organised their own society, known as the wizarding world, distinct from that of Muggles. There are some exclusively magical settlements, such as Hogsmeade, but also magical communities hidden within largely Muggle ones, such as in Ottery St. Catchpole and even in London. Magical people also have a separate currency system and government. The Ministry of Magic maintains relations with the Muggle Prime Minister, but they are not subordinate to the Muggle government.(Full article...)
7
- Wand death and wilting
"Wilting" of a wand occurs when the wand expels all magic, inhibiting its further magical use. This phenomenon is only known to occur with hazel wands, which often bond so strongly with their true masters that after their owners' death those wands lose all magic in this way. This is curable by replacing the wand core, unless the core was originally of unicorn hair, in which case there is no hope and the wand will have actually "died" as opposed to simply wilted.(Full article...)
8
Term begins on September 1st. Students usually reach Hogwarts via the Hogwarts Express, which leaves from Platform 9¾ of London's King's Cross Station at 11 a.m. sharp.
There are other ways of entering the school, such as via brooms or Floo powder, or simply Apparating to a nearby location such as Hogsmeade. Missing the Hogwarts Express for any reason is a very serious problem but will not cost the student points as long as they get there before the term has officially started.
The Hogwarts Express brings the students to Hogsmeade Station, where the first years traditionally cross the Black Lake in boats with the gamekeeper, and go under an opening in the rocks upon which Hogwarts is built, through a curtain of ivy, and finally into an underground harbour.
Older students travel on the road in carriages pulled by thestrals to the castle. The Welcoming Feast takes place in the Great Hall. This feast includes the Sorting ceremony, followed by a few words from the current Headmaster, the banquet starts after this, including large quantities of food and drink. The feast is closed with a few more words from the Headmaster, but it also includes the usual "start-of-term notices".
After dinner, students are led to their House common room by a prefect. This is a special time for new students to get comfortable with their surroundings, because the next day classes begin, September 2nd. The class schedules are handed out during breakfast by the Heads of House. After two weeks of classes, the Quidditch team trials and flying lessons for the first years usually occur. (Full article...)
9
If a witch or wizard survives their injuries in a werewolf attack, they are nearly sure to be cursed and become a werewolf. A bite will cause extreme pain at the wound, strong fatigue and malaise, and a sharp temper. In the modern day, anyone who has been bitten will be given an emergency dose of Wolfsbane Potion to attempt to ward off the full curse and to alleviate these initial symptoms. (St. Mungo's does this routinely, but they have not yet been able to show that this emergency dose is at all effective in preventing the curse from setting in.)
The new werewolf will be very sickly and weak during that first month as the curse takes hold and will crave meat and take on aggressive personality traits. Their first transformation will occur at the next full moon.
After the first transformation, the between Full Moon symptoms may diminish or fade as the werewolf becomes more accustomed to the curse. (Full article...)
10
The Ministry of Magic (M.o.M.) of the United Kingdom is the main governing body of the magical community of Great Britain with the intention of preservation of magical law. The Ministry connects the British government to the wizarding world. The headquarters of the Ministry are in Whitehall, in central London, deep underground. It is headed by the Minister for Magic.
The Ministry of Magic was formed as a successor to the earlier Wizards' Council and came into being during the 1600s. It was involved in the International Confederation of Wizards' decision to create the Statute of Secrecy and still today takes the responsibility of enforcing said Statute. The laws against magic-use by underage wizards and against wand use by non-wizard folk are also enforced by the Ministry.
(Full article...)
11
Lycanthropy (or “werewolfry”) is a magical illness caused by a curse. When the saliva of a werewolf gets into the blood of a witch or wizard, they are cursed. A magical curse, not a virus or microbe, is responsible for the infection. It is incurable. However, since the 1970s the production of Wolfsbane Potion has become a standard treatment, allowing werewolves to manage the curse safely.
- Scratches from a transformed werewolf will not confer the curse. But these wounds are very difficult to treat and never really heal properly. Nearly always they leave vivid scars.
- Bites from a human-form werewolf have been known to cause a weak curse with no transformation. However, the victim may experience lupine characteristics such as more body hair, cravings for meat and a penchant for the outdoors. They are not required to register with the Ministry.
- Werewolves cannot pass on the curse to their children, so if one has a child with a human partner no lupine tendencies will occur.
- Muggles cannot be infected with this, or any other magical illnesses.
12
Hogwarts' school year is structured with a three-term year punctuated by holidays at Christmas and Easter and bounded by the long summer holiday of nine weeks. Students have the option of staying at Hogwarts for the winter and spring holidays. Those who choose to stay at the castle do not have lessons and attend a feast on Christmas Day. Students also do not have classes the week of Easter, but this is much less enjoyable due to the large amount of work that the teachers assign students at this time in preparation for final exams.
Other than the breaks and weekends, students do not receive holidays. However, students third year and above may visit Hogsmeade, the local village, occasionally. There are normally four feasts per year: the start-of-term feast at the beginning of the school year, end-of-term feast at the end of the school year, and feasts at Halloween and Christmas. Feasts are also called to mark special occasions.
Classes will proceed normally and the next notable event occurs on the evening of October 31st: the Halloween feast. Decorations include giant pumpkins and flocks of hundreds of bats flying across the halls. The served foods include pumpkin treats, tarts, cakes and all sorts of magical sweets. The Quidditch season starts usually with the first Quidditch match in the first weeks of November. In the second week of December, the Deputy Head takes names of those who are staying at Hogwarts over the Christmas holidays. The first term usually ends about a week before Christmas and most of the students and some of the teachers go home by the school train.
Shortly after January 1st, the Hogwarts Express returns to Hogsmeade; the second term begins. The exact dates of the beginning of the Easter holidays vary every year. During these holidays, the students may go home. The final exams are held the first week of June and the results come out on the second week. In the evening before the Hogwarts Express goes back to London, the End-of-Term Feast is held. The Hogwarts Express returns to London during the third week of June. Generally all staff and students leave Hogwarts during the summer except for the caretaker and gamekeeper. (Full article...)
13
- —Mr. Ollivander
Wands possess a force of magic that itself has its own boundaries where none can go beyond. These boundaries are known as the subtle laws of wands
- The fundamental laws
A wand chooses a wizard. It is not clear why, but certain wands seem to have a natural affinity for certain wizards or witches; this is the most fundamental law. The second states the connections made between both wizard and wand are complex, and will grow with experience, the wand learning from the wizard, the wizard from the wand. Thirdly, a wizard may channel his energy with any wand, whether his or not. However, the best results come where there is a great likeness between a wizard and a wand.
Lastly, a wand may be won from its master, and only then will its allegiance bend towards the new master. This does not apply in situations such as practice duels, in which being disarmed or defeated will not affect a wand's loyalty. Wands develop an affinity to their owners that they will not give up easily; even when won, they will often retain some loyalty to the original owner. When a wand has not been won, it will not work as well for its new owner.
- Priori Incantatem
Two wands with cores coming from the same magical creature, referred to as "brothers", cannot be forced to duel against one another. Should two such wands ever come in the way of one another, a rare connection is formed, called Priori Incantatem. When the connection is formed, the wands battle to merge a golden orb into the other's shaft; the one that succeeds to force the orb in the other is the winning wand. Because of its rarity, most wizards never learn that such a connection is possible.
- Damaged wands
Wands that have suffered an immense degree of damage can not be fixed by any means most wandmakers know.
14
- The Average Witch or Wizard
Nearly all witches and wizards are fully integrated into the magical world, and nearly completely separated from the Muggle world. For the purposes of this document, the 'average' witch or wizard refers to the typical individual found within magical society.
The average pure-blood or half-blood magical individual knows only sparse information about Muggle pop culture like television shows, celebrities, musical stars or politics. The average witch or wizard does not grasp the fundamentals of chemistry, physics, muggle medicine, biology or electricity, because this knowledge is largely unnecessary to their way of life. It is often difficult for them to even explore these subjects casually because they don't have the cultural context to understand them.
Magical youth probably often have a curiosity about Muggle life, and this might translate into wishing to dress more Muggle-like, or to get a hold of Muggle music. The Muggle Studies course at Hogwarts varies widely in content, but it might offer a survey of Muggle history, very rudimentary scientific ideas, exploration of Muggle technology, and Muggle pop culture. A character who has taken Muggle Studies to the O.W.L. or N.E.W.T. level might understand more about the basics of Muggle life, but they still would not be as knowledgeable as a Muggle.
Regarding education, most witches and wizards in the United Kingdom and Ireland attend Hogwarts. Since most children from magical families are taught the basics at home by their parents, educational levels can vary widely. For example, some students come to Hogwarts well-read and already knowing some spells; others may come to the school struggling with the basics.
Hogwarts itself provides a broad, well-rounded education in the most important part of magical life: magic. Even though we don't see classes dedicated to reading, writing, or math, graduates of Hogwarts appear to acquire these skills in the normal progression of their magical education. Writing instruction comes in the execution of essays, and mathematics in the pursuit of Potions (measuring, proportions, timing, etc), Astronomy, Arithmancy and Ancient Runes. Learning to read is likely an activity learned at home, and reinforced at Hogwarts.(Full article...)
15
Xenomancy is a form of Divination that uses strangers. A diviner that uses this technique manipulates and observes others, then interprets their actions and reactions, and then arrives at a conclusion as to how they affect each other, themselves, the past, or the future. This might also demand that a diviner uses some magical means and insight to read a person quickly and then move onto the next person. They are often masters of understanding or causing a Domino Effect
- Neely Woolfolk is mentioned to be good at this technique in The Only Real Valuable Thing Is Intuition
16
Wandlore is an ancient, complex, and mysterious branch of magic dealing with the history, abilities, and actions of wands, quasi-sentient magical tools used by wizards and witches to cast spells. This particular branch of magic is carefully studied by wandmakers.
After magical education, a person seeking to become a wandmaker must become the apprentice of a skilled wandmaker. From there, they may undergo the study of wandlore. Wandlore must be understood clearly in order to become a skilled wandmaker.Though even the most skilled do not fully comprehend it. Wands choose the wizard or witch in a way that is neither random, nor serendipitous. There is much ancient mythology and botanical knowledge regarding the powers and natures of wood and other natural elements.(Full article...)
17
There is no known way to magically reunite a person's soul with their body once they have died. Many young witches and wizards discovered this through the story of Babbitty Rabbitty and Her Cackling Stump (in which the protagonist Babbitty is blackmailed by a charlatan to perform magic for a king, but doesn't bother raising her wand when the king attempts to raise a dog from the dead.) During the six centuries have elapsed since Beedle wrote the tale, innumberable ways have been devised to maintain the illusion of the continuing presence of one's loved ones. For example, wizarding photographs and portraits move and (in the case of the latter) talk just like their subjects.
Similarly, the Mirror of Erised may also reveal more than a static image of a lost loved one. Ghosts are transparent, moving, talking, and thinking versions of wizards and witches who decided, for whatever reason, to remain on earth. The closest to resurrecting the dead would be the Resurrection Stone, which can recall someone who has died from the beyond, but they will return only in a semi-corporeal form, "less substantial" than a living body but "much more" than a ghost, but which if it ever truly existed has been lost.
- —Bertrand de Pensées-Profondes in A Study into the Possibility of Reversing the Actual and Metaphysical Effects of Natural Death, with Particular Regard to the Reintegration of Essence and Matter'
Despite this, wizards have still not found a way of reuniting body and soul once death has occurred. This subject was covered by eminent Wizarding philosopher Bertrand de Pensées-Profondes in his celebrated work A Study into the Possibility of Reversing the Actual and Metaphysical Effects of Natural Death, with Particular Regard to the Reintergration of Essence and Matter, during which he stated that reversing death would never be physically possible. Phoenixes are the sole exception to the rules of death, as they can be reborn from their ashes without any restraints or assistance.
However, while there exists no known method of reversing death once it has occurred, there are certain things a witch or wizard can do to postpone their death or prolong their life (even further than the longevity which would seem to be granted by magical ability).(Full article...)
18
- Technology
The Muggle and magical worlds overlap in a broad range of largely mechanical technology. They both possess cameras, radios, some automobiles, clocks, typewriters, plumbing, trains, etc. In true magical fashion, much of this mechanical technology is powered by enchantments that mimic the Muggle function, rather than running on battery or gas power. (For instance, the wheels of a Ministry of Magic car might be enchanted to roll forward when pressure is applied to the gas pedal.)
Magical people do not use electric technology like light bulbs, telephones, iPods, televisions, or computers. Instead, they might utilize a magical lantern, use Floo powder to speak through a fireplace, or listen to a phonograph or the Wizarding Wireless.
In fact, magic disrupts the successful functioning of electric technology. The greater the presence of active magical presence (cast spells, or active enchantments and charms) the greater chance that electronic devices will be rendered useless or even damaged. Similarly, more advanced electronics are more sensitive to magic: an iPhone or a computer is affected by spells far more easily than a light bulb. The mere presence of magical people does not disrupt electronic technology. Casting a spell near an electronic device will cause it to malfunction for a short period of time, depending on the strength and proximity of the magic and the complexity of the electronic device.
At AO, writers can feel free to invent simple magical devices or spells that accomplish specific tasks. A good example of this is Izanaki's Spyglass, which allows the viewer to see through enchantments, or the spell Exihibeo Exibeo, which displays images much like a Muggle projector would. If you wish to invent a spell or device, please submit it to the Lexicon.(Full article...)
19
On September 3, 2008, the Hospital Wing at Hogwarts School was so damaged that it has been closed off.
The damage was caused by Fiendfyre mistakenly cast by student Darcy Bloxham (see Darcy's Fire). Because of the Dark Magic, the hall has been as yet unsalvageable. The doors are sealed and it's no longer in use. Inside are the charred remains of the room, the walls completely blackened, and support beams, windows and furniture all completely destroyed.
Currently, the Head Healer Tulojow Nagde operates out of the newly built Hospital Hut, which was built where Hagrid's Hut used to stand. The Hospital Hut is a much more modern facility than the old Infirmary, with multiple private recovery rooms and a warm scenic environment.
As part of the refurbishment efforts for the '09-'10 TetraWizard Tournament, most but not all of the Hospital Wing was rebuilt, with the unfixable sections walled off. Some signs of the Fiendfyre damage are still seen around the entrance. The Infirmary is now used mostly as a First Aid area, with serious cases being taken to the Hut.(Full article...)
20
Schemotomancy is a form of Divination that uses the human form. This can range from something as simple as a witch or wizard using a body as a magical conduit to something as morbid making human sacrifices. More commonly a Schemotomancer is skilled in undergoing or causing possessions; with turning their body (part(s)) into tools or magical conduits with runes, symbols, or potions; and/or by utilizing or observing specific behaviors of the body. These diviners are also urged to practice psychomancy as well.
- Naomi Foley is mentioned to be good at this technique in The Only Real Valuable Thing Is Intuition
21
The British Floo is connected at strategic points to other International floos - for example at the Ministry in London. It is then possible to travel internationally by floo, rather like Muggles travel by plane. This is sometimes referred to as the trans-continental Floo Network.
In March 2009, Johann Storm and Petra Pendrick-Talonen used the International Floo to reach the Netherlands, only owing to a recent accident, their route was rather longer than anticipated, travelling through France and Belgium, the latter has a better connected local floo owing to shared resources.
Faithfully they'd both stepped into the fire, and reappeared the other side in the French Ministry only to find that they were experiencing the same problem - or rather had taken the precaution. Exasperated, Johann and Petra flooed again to Belgium, where the Belgian witch laughed and pointed them towards some other fireplaces - Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands connected far better for their local traffic and sharing resources, being smaller countries. Their floo was fine, and apparently they'd not lost anyone in a hundred and four years.
- —[1]
Arrival and departures are logged in Britain, which enables Johann Storm and Charlie Robards to consider checking the records regarding the arrival of foreign werewolf. Cheese, Tulips, Advocaat & Architects(Full article...)
22
Dowsing is a form of Divination that uses either a pendulum or a Y-shaped dowsing rod as a magical conduit. Traditionally, this technique is not good for predicting the future, unless used as a channel for psychomancy (divination by means of spirits.) Rather, dowsing is best for uncovering secrets about the present environment. Traditionally it's used to locate water, metals, and magical elements, but it can also be used to track down lost or hidden objects, pockets of magical significance, and illnesses.
- Alvis Norling specializes in this technique, using pendulums. He uses the technique in Ding Dong Desk and If You Don't Believe You Better Get Superstitious.
23
- —Excerpt from A History of Magic, by Bathilda Bagshot
A Muggle is a person who is born into a non-magical family and is incapable of performing magic. Most Muggles are not aware that magic exists at all and that those with it have organised their own society largely separate from the Muggle world. The few Muggles that do know of the existence of the wizarding world are usually parents, or close relatives, of witches and wizards. Muggles are not to be confused with Squibs, who also lack magic but are born into magical families and are aware of the wizarding world.
The term "Muggle" is widely used in the wizarding world, and generally is not intended to be offensive; in fact, it is often used affectionately. Some of the more prejudiced members of the community, however, use the word in the same context as the epithet "Mudblood," though the term is generally associated with Muggle-borns. These wizards or witches believe that Muggle-borns have "stolen" magic and thus are actually Muggles, rather than legitimate wizards or witches.(Full article...)
24
There is a chamber in the Department of Mysteries where witches and wizards study the mysteries of death. In this chamber is the Veil, an ancient stone archway, which is a gateway between the world of the living and the world of the dead. People standing around the Veil may hear voices from the other side depending on their level of faith in an afterlife. Passing through the veil causes immediate death.
Although many fear death due to the unknown that lies beyond life, few would ever choose to manipulate and damage their own souls to remain behind in a pitiful existence. Horcruxes and remaining as ghosts are two known methods of immortalizing one's existence in the plane of living, but the former has dire consequences that few would ever want it, while the latter means entrapment for eternity that only those who fear or have deep bonds would choose it.
Thestrals are magical creatures visible only to people who have witnessed a death firsthand. However, the ability to see thestrals does not come immediately, but only after one has had time to fully understand death and its finality.(Full article...)
25
Dream magic (somnilency) is the study of magic that explores and manipulates one’s dreams. “Dreamwork” refers to the practice.
Everyone dreams. However, not everyone can dream lucidly, or manipulate them with intent; even less experience prophetic visions in their sleep. In studying dream magic, one can learn how to turn their dreams into malleable environments, protect themselves from trespassers, nightmares, and shades, and even contact others in their sleep—a feat more easily accomplished when all parties are asleep (and likely not without the assistance of special herbs).
Though an ancient and respected part of South American magical education, dream magic is not a precise science. Novices may wake up prematurely, should they lose focus; worse, they may give themselves or others persistent, unpleasant dreams; trap themselves in nightmarish comas; contaminate the dreams of those sleeping around them; or render themselves vulnerable to malevolent influences—internal and external.
Because of this, half the basics consist of learning how to protect yourself (the other half comprised of ethics and flexible thinking).(Full article...)
26
The Floo Network is a mode of transportation in the wizarding world in which a witch or wizard goes from one place to another by means of Floo powder and a fireplace. Many fireplaces are connected in the Floo Network, and the traveller need only speak the desired fireplace they wish to arrive at very clearly as they stand in the emerald green flames.
The network governed by the Floo Network Authority, a section of the Department of Magical Transportation of the Ministry of Magic. This department is located on Level Six of the Ministry. The Floo Network Authority controls which fireplaces are connected to the Floo Network, which requires specialized magic. Travelling by way of the Floo Network can be done without specialised magic, and can be preferable for wizards too young to Apparate or those without access to other forms of transportation, such as broomsticks.
When travelling by Floo, a witch or wizard must clearly pronounce the location they want to go, or they may be misdirected to the wrong place.(Full article...)
27
Immortality (or eternal life) is the concept of living in a physical form for an infinite or inconceivably vast length of time. Immortality is one of the known limits to magic; it is nearly impossible to make oneself immortal; the only known and working ways are making and using 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). If one were to possess the three Deathly Hallows, it is fabled that they would possess the tools to become the "Master of Death". However, being a true "Master of Death" is to be willing to accept that death is inevitable.
Immortality is not to be confused with Amortality, which is for something being unable to die due to never having been alive.(Full article...)
28
Physiognomancy is a form of Divination that is performed by studying or using the face. This is a specific technique that a diviner uses to study and understand facial expressions by discovering what causes them and how it may or may not affect others. Many diviners who are advocates of this technique are usually very interested in a person's eyes, what they see and how they see things, and how they might interpret or reflect the person's soul.
- Connor Todd is mentioned to be good at this technique in The Only Real Valuable Thing Is Intuition
29
- —Professor Flitwick in Charms Class, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
Normally, spells require three main factors to be properly accounted for in order to succeed: wand movement, incantation and intent. If one does not move their wand in the correct way, does not speak the incantation properly and/or cannot retain their desired outcome in their imagination during casting then the spell will fail or backfire.
It should be noted that spells can be performed with or without speech and wands, though non-verbal and wandless spells are much more difficult and hence are usually not taught to practitioners until they reach a more advanced level, such as the sixth year of study at Hogwarts.
Most incantations derive from the Latin language (such as Accio) but there are also some English incantations (such as Obliviate or Stupefy).
A simplified analogy for the differentiation between Transfiguration and Charms is the difference between form and function or matter and energy; one is concerned with what the object is (its form - Transfigurations) whilst the other is concerned with what the object is doing (its function - Charms).(Full article...)
30
- Magic and Science
The principles of scientific thought are not unique to the Muggle world. Magical people explore and explain their world with the same ingenuity and thoroughness that Muggles do,using logical experimentation, rational exploration, and the Scientific Method (although it is not called that). However, while Muggles explain and manipulate their world with physics, biology, electricity, and higher level mathematics, magical folk use magic. Neither approach is perfect -- just as there are things science cannot answer that magic can, there are things science can answer that magic cannot.
There is not always a strict analog between magical and Muggle problem-solving and technology. For example, magical Healing is not exactly like Muggle medicine. Nevertheless, magical folk have solved the problems of their society just as effectively as the Muggle world around them, sometimes even adapting and adopting Muggle solutions, like clocks, trains, and plumbing. Sometimes, though, their solutions are very different (Apparition/airplanes, electricity/charms, hexes/guns, Magical Wireless/iPods). In addition, these two different societies often have very different problems, which further differentiates how magic and science are used. (Consider, too, that the magical world is much smaller and so has fewer large-scale problems than the Muggle world.)
Muggle science is about as welcome in the magical world as the 'supernatural' is in the Muggle world. Think how the public generally responds to the scientific merit of miracles, ESP, ghosts, luck, etc. These magical concepts (which we see adapted in the magical world as being normal) are mostly useless to the great majority of Western Muggle populations, even to the point that they are considered fantastical and ineffective.
A note on mathematics: Numerical relationships are ancient and broadly universal. Magical folk as a society are aware of complex, advance mathematics. Though there is no mathematics course at Hogwarts, witches and wizards learn basic math while studying practical subjects like Potions, Astronomy, and Arithmancy. Those who go on to careers that involve mathematics, such as astronomers, may learn higher-level math skills through the course of their work.
Throughout history, there have been witches and wizards who have attempted to determine the exact relationship between Muggle sciences and magic. Because of the bias against Muggles and science inherit in the magical world, these researchers have not been popular and their work is only accepted as trivia or folly. As a result (and because magic causes Muggle electronics to malfunction in our 'verse), it is impossible for magic to be defined in scientific terms or studied using scientific instruments.(Full article...)
31
Historically, Muggles tended to consider those who practised magic to be evil, leading to the burning of witches during the Middle Ages. In response, some wizards and witches managed to use Flame-Freezing Charms to render the fire harmless. Thus, most considered the Muggle efforts completely useless. However, such acts were part of the reason that wizards decided to go into hiding. Many wizards were killed by these incidents. Some innocent Muggles were being burned as witches, magical children born to Muggles were often persecuted when their magical abilities surfaced, and some Muggles tried to make magical people perform magic for their own ends.
In the modern world, few Muggles believe in magic. And it has been suggested by some wizards and witches that Muggles choose, on some level, not to believe in magic, since there are inevitably some occasions at which they are exposed to magic but seem to ignore it or attribute it to other causes.(Full article...)
