A question about Unforgivables (specifically Imperius).

[grey_wolf_c]

No: HPFGUIDX 42670

Karen wrote:
> Hi everyone,
> 
> I was wondering about the Unforgivables and how to end the effects.  Can you use finite incantatem?  Does the finite incantatem spell have to be performed by the person who cast the spell in the first place?  In the fourth book, Crouch Jr. broke the Imperius spell himself.  Was the spell recast constantly to keep him under it, or is the duration as long as the caster decides?
> 
> Karen

Notice that your question is triple, in fact, since there are three 
unforgivables and they act in very different manner. There is no way to 
end the effects of Avada Kedavra. If it hits you, you're dead. In the 
case of cruciatus, the caster has to keep pointing his wand towards the 
recipient (objective ) of the spell, or at least keep concentrated in 
the business. In this case, the only way for it to finish is for the 
cater to stop it himself, or for another person to break his 
concentration.

Finally, the Imperious is the most complicated, since it has a 
lingering effect that doesn't need a permanent following of the caster. 
Once it's cast, the recipient in under the control of the caster, 
basically for ever. The only way to finish it is by having the caster 
liberate him or by the death of the caster. I'd discount that the 
"finite incantatem" works, although it's possible (and it wasn't used 
as a matter of fact during the Reign of Terror on everyone because they 
didn't realise the dangers of Imperius, but is a flimsy excuse. Until 
someone comes with a better one, as I've said, I'd discount the finitie 
incantatem as a counter-curse for Imperius).

I've said in the previous paragraph that the Imperius is meant to last 
eternally. This is not exactly true, however, as we already know that 
powerful wizards or withches can throw it off with concentration. 
However, note that it takes a while if you're not *very* poweful. Barty 
Jr. took some 8 years, or so. Barty Sr. took almost a year. Moody, 
supposedly a very powerful auror, didn't manage to shake it off. The 
fact thaat Harry can throw it off so quickly is a proof of his 
increadiuble mental powers and will, and the fact that he practiced 
with Crouch!Moody.

Finally, canon indicates that even someone that throws off the Imperius 
can still subject to it. This means that if the caster gives you a 
direct order, you'd probably fall into it again. We know this from GoF 
when Crouch Jr. is telling his story, and says:
"I had started to fught against my father's Imperius curse. There were 
moments in which I liberated almost completely."  (Sp. ed. GoF, ch. 35, 
liberal translation).

Other canon points to the fact that you need to be strong to fight it 
off, which explains why Moody couldn't liberate, since he was nearly 
dead from the privations he had been suffering.

Hope that helps,

Grey Wolf