Killing Curse(s)

[JM]

No: HPFGUIDX 35044

AK seems to be about the most deadly curse, in that you use it and the victim dies. Period. 

But Pettigrew killed 12 in a single explosion curse that he used. Given the described effects of AK this was not it.

At 4th year Harry could: STUPEFY! ACCIO KNIFE! and Stab someone.

Relashio that Harry uses against the Grindylows could if sent at the same point (say head or heart) a few times probably be lethal.

Often we see wizards moving objects with their wands. Potatos, chairs, tables, etc. They tend to be moving with enough precision as well, what's to stop one from moving a boulder onto someone's head? This could be illustrated by knocking out the toll in SS/PS using Wingardium Leviosa.

Engorgement charms, a ton-tounge toffee was able to limit it's scope to a tongue and it was said that Duddley was nearly choking.

Reductor "blasts solid objects out of the way" I believe it was described. Generally it seems when a wizard is guarding someone their wand is over the person's heart. A heart is somewhat solid.

Shrinking or Reduction charms. All kinda of bits on a person that shrinking would cause death, heart, lungs, neck, arteries, etc.

Someone else mentioned wizards have a thing with conjuring ropes and these could easily be effective. Wizards, Dumbledore especially seem to be able to conjure quite a lot of very solid objects with relative ease. Manacles, chairs, ropes, tea sets, table cloths. These are usually moving when conjured it seems, or floating attatched at a distance from the wand. What about conjuring knives,  spears, clubs.


I think AK is not an unforgiveable curse because it kills, but because it is unblockable and can not be undone. The wizarding world's medical capabilities seem quite up to the challenge of rapidly dealing with wounds caused by blades (claws), clubs (bludgers), fire (dragon's breath). And if in a duel it seems that advanced wizards can block, dodge, or deflect any spell but the unforgiveable curses.

Given all of this, I propose that the Unforgiveable Curses are such because they can not be blocked, can not be deflected. Imperio can be fought, but most people take weeks or months to even begin to. Cruciatus doesn't even seem to be fightable. An unblockable curse greatly offsets the balance of power in an otherwise fair duel where one wizard is only going to lose because they made a mistake, failed to block or what not.

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JM


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