Nonverbal spells

[Cathy Drolet]

No: HPFGUIDX 135661


Sarah asked: 
>>I was wondering what spells are cast nonverbally, and what spells are 
cast verbally.  There, obviously, is a big emphasis on non-verbal 
spells in HBP, and I noticed that even though most incantations 
are "thought", Dumbledore says "Lumos."  The unforgivable curses are 
also spoken.  However, in the Ministry Battle in OoP, the Death Eaters 
were using a lot of non-verbal, as were the Oop memebers.  Why, if all 
spells could be non-verbal, would anybody speak the incantation out 
loud?  This seems like unneccessary effort to me. 

CathyD now:

I cannot answer you but just wanted to add one thing.  The spell that was done on Hermione was done  non-verbally.  Madam Pomfrey said that while it wasn't as bad as it could have been if spoken, it did enough damage to be getting on with.  Are some spells, then, less potent if not spoken?  

As well, Snape said "Not all wizards can do this, of course; it is a question of concentration and mind power which some lack."  If this wasn't just a jab a Harry, and not all wizards can perform non-verbal spells, why then were they expected in Transfiguration and Charms as well?  It would certainly lead to failure for some students, wouldn't it?


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