Magic Laws

[Amber]

No: HPFGUIDX 17468


I've been pondering this for awhile. While I think that JKR has done a
wonderful job of world building and characterization, I'm not so
certain that she's done the best job of setting down Magic Laws. I
almost wonder if she's deliberately not explained things well to allow
her more leeway in the future. Even now after the fourth book, I am
still confused on how magic in her world works. For example:

1) What exactly is a Charm? To me, a Charm means that something is
enchanted to perform a type of magic. However, this isn't always so in
JKR's world, examples Cheering Charms and Wingardium Leviosa. To me,
Wingardium Leviosa is a regular spell but it was taught in Charms. Why?
What distinguishes it?

2) What's the difference between Charms and a regular spell? And do the
Hogwarts students have a class for "regular" spells?For example, where
did the students learn Lumos? Or was that in Charms? Or are Charms
regular spells and I'm just confused?

3) Could anyone make a Potion, or can it only be made by people with
magic talent in them? After all, Potions is simply adding ingrediants
in the right order, the right way (or at least it seems that way to
me). 

4) What's the difference between an easy spell and a hard spell?
Clearly, with the Patronus spell, a force of will and ability to hold a
happy thought separated it from the easy spells. Is it always a force
of will? 

5) Why is the wand necessary for magic? Obviously, one can do magic
without it. Harry did before he found out he was chosen at Hogwarts and
so did Neville (remember, he bounced when his Uncle let go of him out
the window). So why do they need wands? Is it a way to help them focus
their magic? If so, then why don't the adults do magic without their
wands since they have supposedly learned to focus their magic?

6) What in the frick is Arithmancy? Hermione keeps going to that class
but I'm still clueless on what it is. Magic with math? If so, give me
details!

I guess these are silly questions (and I have more of them somewhere),
but knowing the rules is important to me. I apologize if this has been
discussed to death. If it has, just let me know and I'll start the
arduous search of the archive. I figured that if anyone had these
answers, it would be this group!

~Amber


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"Any and all opinions/statements expressed within are subject to immediate and violent change at any time..."

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