Do You Remember What These Harry Potter Spells Do?

By: Brittany Rowland
Estimated Completion Time
4 min
Do You Remember What These Harry Potter Spells Do?
Image: Warner Bros.

About This Quiz

If you, like many people young and old, got pulled into the initial Harry Potter mania of the late 1990s and early 2000s, then you remember the magical anticipation and excitement for each new book and movie premiere. People flocked to bookstores and movie theaters, dressed in flowing wizard robes or proudly wearing the colors of their favorite Hogwarts house.

Children and young adults in particular devoured the seven books, often reading them multiple times. Educators and librarians noted that previously reluctant readers couldn't get enough of the Harry Potter books, the longest of which had over 800 pages! And a recent psychological study provided evidence that children who read the Harry Potter books have more tolerance and empathy for stigmatized groups in society. That's a pretty big impact for a children's fantasy series!

The last book came out in 2007, and the final film in 2011, so it's been a while. But can you still remember the spells, jinxes and curses that Harry Potter and his friends learned in their Hogwarts classes? See if you still have what it takes to attend Hogwarts. You never know, there might be an owl with your acceptance letter just around the corner!

#1 Wingardium Leviosa
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If you uttered the spell "Wingardium Leviosa," what would happen?
Something would levitate.
Your friend would turn green.
It would start to rain.
Your toenails would grow longer.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In the first "Harry Potter" book, Hermione lectures Ron on the correct pronunciation of this spell. Then she shows everyone in Charms class exactly how it's done, levitating a feather.

#2 Avada Kedavra
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"Avada Kedavra" is also known as what?
The Multiplying Spell
The Invisibility Charm
The Killing Curse
The Hiccups Hex
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Killing Curse is one of the three Unforgivable Curses because it causes instantaneous death for its target. Using this curse earns the witch or wizard a one-way ticket to Azkaban Prison!

#3 Expecto Patronum
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Yikes, Dementors are near! The spell "Expecto Patronum" would produce what protective force?
A Boggart
A dragon
A Pensieve
A Patronus
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Patronus Charm protects witches and wizards from soul-sucking Dementors. A Patronus is a glowing guardian in the form of an animal. Harry's, for instance, is a stag, like his father's.

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#4 Crucio
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One of the three Unforgivable Curses is "Crucio," which does what?
Kills
Tortures
Puts to sleep
Wipes the memory
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Cruciatus Curse causes its target severe pain, which is why it's forbidden by the Ministry of Magic. It's also one of the curses favored by Voldemort and his Death Eaters, the baddies.

#5 Expelliarmus
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Time for a wizarding duel! What spell can you use to disarm your opponent?
Impervius
Stupefy
Expelliarmus
Locomotor
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Shouting "Expelliarmus" will cause your opponent's wand to fly out of their hand. It's a popular spell in duels and can even disarm more than one person at once if they're standing close together.

#6 Alohomora
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Instead of calling a locksmith when you're locked out, you can use which spell to unlock doors?
Alohomora
Confringo
Descendo
Morsmordre
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This simple Unlocking Spell is also called the Thief's Friend because it allows the user to discreetly open a locked door. However, a person can bewitch a door to keep "Alohomora" from working.

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#7 Portus
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The spell "Portus" creates what kind of magical object?
A magic wand
A Philosopher's Stone
A flying broom
A Portkey
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

By using the "Portus" spell, a witch or wizard can turn any ordinary object into a Portkey. Touching a Portkey transports a person to a specific location, but involves some discomfort.

#8 Rictusempra
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"Rictusempra!" you shout at your friend, causing them to feel what?
Pain
Tickling sensation
Sleepiness
Confusion
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Tickling Charm sounds harmless, but if you've ever been tickled mercilessly, you know that it's no joke (even if you're laughing uncontrollably). Harry uses this spell on Draco in a duel.

#9 Riddikulus
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To defeat a shapeshifting Boggart, you need to remember which spell?
Riddikulus
Avenseguim
Protego Diabolica
Revelio
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A Boggart appears in the form of whatever you fear most, but disappears when you laugh. The "Riddikulus" spell turns the Boggart into something silly, which helps you defeat it with your chuckles.

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#10 Nox
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The spell "Nox" does what to a magic wand?
Elongates it
Repairs it
Turns out its light
Reduces its power
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Wands are like smartphones in the sense that they function as a handy-dandy flashlight. But if you want to extinguish the light at the end of the wand, all you have to say is "Nox."

#11 Stupefy
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One of Harry Potter's go-to spells is "Stupefy," which does what to his enemies?
Transforms them
Frightens them
Transports them
Stuns them
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Stunning Spell is a useful curse if you want to temporarily disable someone but not harm them. Harry himself refers to it as a "wizard's bread and butter" in the "Order of the Phoenix" film.

#12 Muffliato
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If you wanted to speak privately to someone without anyone else overhearing, what spell could you use?
Liberacorpus
Muffliato
Aberto
Obliviate
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Severus Snape created this charm as a student, and it's certainly a handy one for students who don't want to be overheard talking by the professor! All other people will hear is a strange buzzing sound.

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#13 Oculus Reparo
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"Oculus Reparo" is a charm with what specific purpose?
Fix eyeglasses
Produce money
Mend socks
Remove fleas
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In the first Harry Potter film, Hermione repairs Harry's glasses with this charm, showing herself to already be a skilled witch. "Reparo" is a general mending charm to fix anything.

#14 Accio
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Oh dear, you left your phone downstairs and don't feel like getting up. What spell could you use to summon it?
Oscausi
Tergeo
Engorgio
Accio
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

We can think of so many situations where the Summoning Charm would be perfect. You'd never have to get up for snacks while watching TV again! Harry learns it in his fourth year at Hogwarts.

#15 Tarantallegra
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"Tarantallegra" is also known as what?
Dancing Feet Spell
Spider Attack Spell
Teeth Cleaning Spell
Earwax Removal Spell
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The spell's name is inspired by the Tarantella, an Italian dance. The Dancing Feet Spell makes a person have uncontrollable leg spasms. The result is it looks like they're dancing!

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#16 Aguamenti
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The spell "Aguamenti" makes what come out of the caster's wand?
Confetti
Water
Fire
Electricity
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Anytime a witch or wizard needs clean drinking water, they can simply use the "Aguamenti" spell with their wand. This spell can also be used to fight fires — unless it's Fiendfyre, of course.

#17 Episkey
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Ouch, you got a paper cut! Which spell could you use to heal it?
Ferula
Tentaclifors
Episkey
Defodio
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Episkey" is a healing charm that works on minor injuries. For instance, after Draco smashes Harry's nose on the Hogwarts Express in "The Half-Blood Prince," Tonks fixes it with "Episkey."

#18 Densaugeo
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Uh-oh, you got hit with the "Densaugeo" hex, which makes what body part grow rapidly?
Teeth
Ears
Nose
Legs
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Hermione gets hit with this hex accidentally, and her already prominent front teeth start growing down to her chin. Luckily Madam Pomfrey is able to fix them. Who needs orthodontia at Hogwarts?

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#19 Homenum Revelio
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"Homenum Revelio" allows the caster to do what?
Speak a different language
Travel at light speed
Detect nearby people
Jump 50 feet
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Dumbledore can use a nonverbal version of this spell to tell when someone's hidden under an Invisibility Cloak (Hello, Harry). It works on people, but apparently not on elves or goblins.

#20 Incendio
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If you were on a camping trip, "Incendio" would be useful because it does what?
Starts a fire
Gathers wood
Lures fish
Pitches a tent
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Incendio" is a Fire-Making Spell, akin to Muggles' lighters or matches. It's a basic spell taught to First Years at Hogwarts, and wizards and witches use it regularly, such as to light the fireplace.

#21 Petrificus Totalus
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Poor Neville gets hit with a curse which temporarily paralyzes his body. What is it?
Reducto
Ventus
Petrificus Totalus
Bombarda Maxima
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

To save the Philosopher's Stone, Hermione uses the Full Body-Bind Curse on her friend Neville. Poor Longbottom! At least Dumbledore acknowledges his courage at the House Cup ceremony.

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#22 Brackium Emendo
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Although Gilderoy Lockhart failed at this charm, "Brackium Emendo" is supposed to do what?
Remove pixies
Heal broken bones
Make a quill write on its own
Defeat a Basilisk
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Poor Harry needed Skele-Gro after incompetent Professor Lockhart made his arm bones disappear with a botched "Brackium Emendo" healing spell. Best to leave the spell to Madam Pomfrey, the school nurse!

#23 Sonorus
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"Sonorus" does what to the spell caster?
Magnifies their voice
Improves their memory
Gives them wings
Quenches their thirst
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Megaphones aren't necessary in the wizarding world! The Amplifying Charm works perfectly at raucous, celebratory events, like the Quidditch World Cup and the Triwizard Tournament.

#24 Serpensortia
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"Serpensortia" is used to conjure what type of creature?
A ferret
A werewolf
A snake
A mermaid
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Latin word for serpent is "serpens." Draco uses this spell while dueling Harry in "Chamber of Secrets," and Harry unwittingly reveals that he's a Parselmouth — someone who can speak to snakes!

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#25 Obliviate
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If you used "Obliviate" on someone, what would happen?
They'd burp up slugs.
You could read their mind.
They'd turn into a teacup.
You'd erase their memories.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A witch or wizard can use the Memory Charm to remove specific memories in a target's mind. They frequently use "Obliviate" on Muggles to keep non-magical people in the dark about the magical world.

#26 Priori Incantato
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"Priori Incantato" reveals which of the following?
A person's greatest weakness
A lost item
A person's last-used spell
A secret
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Using the Reverse Spell reveals what spell a wand last performed. For instance, in "Goblet of Fire," Voldemort's wand reveals ghostly images of the people he had recently killed. Poor Cedric!

#27 Relashio
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You can use the spell "Relashio" to make a person do what?
Drop what they're holding
Sing
Stop talking
Stand on their head
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Relashio" is the Revulsion Jinx, which forces someone to let go of whatever they're holding. During the Triwizard Tournament, Harry uses this spell when a Grindylow has his ankle in its grasp.

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#28 Imperio
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"Imperio" is an Unforgivable Curse because it does what?
Takes away a wizard's powers
Makes a person unrecognizable
Removes a person's free will
Transforms someone into a fish
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

As the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Mad-Eye Moody demonstrates the Imperius Curse with a spider. Little did the students know that their teacher was a Death Eater in disguise!

#29 Levicorpus
Warner Bros.
If you wanted a person to hover in the air upside down, which spell would you use?
Levicorpus
Protego
Obscuro
Vera Verto
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The "Levicorpus" spell works as if some invisible force pulls a person up by their ankles and dangles them upside down. This is one of the creative jinxes that Snape invented as a student.

#30 Lumos
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Blimey, it's dark in here! Use which spell to light up your wand?
Vermiculus
Mobiliarbus
Lumos
Rennervate
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Lumos" lights up the tip of the user's wand. Harry makes good use of this spell when he has to follow the spiders into the Forbidden Forest, where he meets Hagrid's, erm, friend Aragog.

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#31 Mimblewimble
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"Mimblewimble" is a useful spell if you want to keep an opponent from doing what?
Drawing their wand
Running away
Jinxing you
Speaking coherently
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Also known as the Tongue-Tying Curse, "Mimblewimble" is helpful when you need to prevent someone from speaking or, say, casting a spell. It literally causes the target's tongue to curl backward.

#32 Scourgify
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Ugh, this room is a mess! What spell will help you clean things?
Scourgify
Nebulus
Finite
Mutatio Skullus
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Scouring Charm would undoubtedly come in handy when cleaning the litter box or tackling a tower of dirty dishes. Some people even use it to "clean out" a person's mouth when they curse.

#33 Mucus ad Nauseam
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An annoying curse would be "Mucus ad Nauseam," which gives someone which of the following?
Nightmares
A headache
A runny nose
Hiccups
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Professor Quirrell mentions this curse to his students, although it's hard to imagine it having any practical educational purpose! The Curse of the Bogies gives the victim a bad cold.

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#34 Molliare
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If you fell off your broomstick, the "Molliare" charm would protect you how?
By cushioning you
By making you bounce
By slowing your fall
By filling you with helium
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Hermione uses this spell in "The Deathly Hallows" to save herself, Harry and Ron when they fall out of a cart within Gringotts Wizarding Bank. We'll take this spell over a bed sheet parachute!

#35 Locomotor Wibbly
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Which jinx is also known as the Jelly-Legs Curse?
Illegibilus
Locomotor Wibbly
Glacius
Entomorphis
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This spell turns the target's legs to jelly (figuratively), making them flop to the floor. At Hogwarts, where there are a lot of student rivalries, it's easy to imagine this curse being popular!

#36 Geminio
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What does the "Geminio" charm do to an object?
Shrink it
Make it explode
Duplicate it
Magnify it
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Doubling Charm can make an exact copy of something, but the spell can be used for nefarious purposes too. In a Gringotts vault, the trio are almost killed by rapidly duplicating goblets.

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#37 Waddiwasi
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Professor Lupin once shot chewing gum at Peeves the poltergeist using which spell?
Alarte Ascendare
Waddiwasi
Calvorio
Deletrius
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In "The Prisoner of Azkaban," Professor Lupin uses this spell on Peeves, the obnoxious poltergeist who tragically didn't make it into the films. The jinx turns small, soft objects into missiles.

#38 Colloshoo
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If you used the "Colloshoo" hex, what would happen to your target?
They'd have a sneezing fit.
Their hair would fall out.
They'd giggle uncontrollably.
Their shoes would stick to the floor.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If Hogwarts had physical education classes, the students might use the Stickfast Hex to cheat in foot races! It's too bad the school doesn't have a wizarding equivalent of gym class.

#39 Confundo
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Which charm leaves its target hopelessly befuddled?
Confundo
Surgito
Sectumsempra
Revelio
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In "Half-Blood Prince," Hermione uses this spell on Cormac to give Ron an edge in Quidditch tryouts. This is one of the few times we see her using magic unethically, showing her feelings for Ron.

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#40 Depulso
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Instead of yelling at someone to go away, you could use the Banishing Charm by saying what?
Diminuendo
Depulso
Dissendium
Duro
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The students practice this charm with cushions, but Neville, naturally, has a bit of trouble with the spell. He even banishes Professor Flitwick by accident! "Depulso" is the opposite of "Accio."

You Got:
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