Accio and how magic works

[Steve Vander Ark]

No: HPFGUIDX 7147


> When Harry first learns the Accio charm he says something 
like "Accio 
> History Book" and then during the first task he summons his 
Firebolt 
> by saying "Accio Firebolt". Why then in the cemetery scene did he 
> simply say "Accio" to call the Portkey Cup to him? What kept all 
the 
> DE's from flying to his side?  minor detail I know but this thread 
> got me to wondering...

I'm working on an essay about how magic works, taking into account 
examples from all through the canon. This is a detail I missed, but I 
think the answer fits right into the premise of my essay, which is 
this:

Magic doesn't REQUIRE anything except 1) the power within the person, 
and 2) focus of intent. The power is inherent in anyone who is a 
witch or wizard, although it can exist in varying degrees of 
strength, from squib to powerful sorcerer. The focus is a mental 
thing, focusing the thoughts to create the desired effect. This 
focusing is not easy, but it comes easier for some people than 
others. The words spoken to cast a spell are essentially a way to 
focus the mind on the desired effect. If the caster has a disciplined-
enough mind, the words are less necessary. Harry is one whose mind is 
particularly disciplined, and as he learns and grows, he will need 
less and less to use mnemonic devices like magic words to accomplish 
magic. Dumbledore seldom says magic words at all. This is, in a way, 
the development of magic as almost an art form in a person. Some 
spells are complex and difficult and even a powerful sorcerer will 
need to use the words to focus the mind. 

The wand, incidentally, focuses the magical energy, aiming it where 
it should be. Sometimes that means literally aiming the wand (for 
exmaple, with a Lumos spell), other times it means moving the wand in 
a complex pattern to create a "net" of magic in the correct frequency 
or pattern ("Swish and flick!"). I have a LOT more examples written 
down and I am fleshing this all out. When it's done, it will join two 
other excellent articles (not written by me) in the Lexicon as 
introductions to my new and improved Encyclopedia of Spells, Curses, 
and Charms.

Please feel free to comment etc. The essay is in progress and it's 
always good to get input on something like this.

Steve Vander Ark
The Harry Potter Lexicon
http://www.i2k.com/~svderark/lexicon