Petrificus Totalus
Spell Name: Body-Bind Curse
Incantation: Petrificus Totalus
Pronunciation: /pɛˈtrɪfɨkəs toʊˈtæləs/ pe-TRIF-i-kəs toh-TAL-əs
Spell Branch:
Magical Discipline(s):
Appearance:
Description: Used to temporarily bind the victim's body in a position much like that of a soldier at attention; this spell does not restrict breathing or seeing, and the victim will usually fall to the ground.
Regulations:
Skill Level:
Etymology:
References: First used in Philosopher's Stone by Hermione, who was trying to prevent Neville from stopping her, Ron, and Harry from leaving the common room to hunt for the Philosopher's Stone.Template:PStone It is then used throughout the rest of the series, especially during the Battle of the Department of Mysteries in Order of the Phoenix. Seen in Half-Blood Prince twice: in the beginning, Draco uses the spell against Harry on the train, and later when Dumbledore casts the spell non-verbally to make Harry freeze so he does not give himself away in the Astronomy Tower. The spell was broken when Dumbledore was killed.
Notes: The eyes of the target remain mobile, as seen in the Philosopher's Stone, and in the Deathly Hallows.