SPELLS DICTIONARY-S
Used to clean something. First used by Nymphadora Tonks to clean Hedwig's cage in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Later, Ginny Weasley performs the spell to clean up Stinksap in the Hogwarts Express. Severus Snape's memory (saved in Dumbledore's pensieve) showed that it can be used to wash one's mouth out with soap.
A spell that creates a gash on the victim in the way the wand is moved. Supposition: it projects a cutting field from the tip of the wand, as demonstrated by its fruitless use on the Inferi, and is supported by the wild way Harry Potter swings his wand when using it against Draco Malfoy, causing a variety of deadly gashes across his face and chest. It is first used (possibly) in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, by Severus Snape on James Potter, (pg. 647, U.S. edition.) The spell was also used by Harry on Draco Malfoy in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. From the latin "sectum" - "to cut" and "semper" - "always." This was invented by the Half-Blood Prince.
Conjures a serpent from the spellcaster's wand. Latin "serpens sortia" means snake attack. Used in CoS by Draco Malfoy.
The Silencing Charm. Makes something silent (a bullfrog and raven were used as examples in the book). First used by Hermione in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Silencio means 'Quiet' in Spanish and Portuguese and has its origins in the Latin word "silentium".
Magnifies the spellcaster's voice. Ludo Bagman uses this in GoF to commentate at events without needing a megaphone. (For the counter-spell, see Quietus)
Causes something to show its hidden secrets. Used by Hermione Granger to find out more of Harry's Advanced Potion-Making book in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Severus Snape cast a similar spell, but with different words ("Reveal your secret!"), on the Marauder's Map in PoA. It also seems to be able to distinguish different ingredients in a potion.
The Stunning Spell. It puts the victim in an unconscious state. Described in the novels as a beam of red light. The spell wears off after a short time, or can be countered by Ennervate. Useless on magic-resistant creatures such as dragons and giants unless used at once by a crowd of wizards/witches. Can cause severe injury if many spells are used on a target that is not normally resistant. A variation of the charm was possibly used nonverbally in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by Albus Dumbledore to knock out Dawlish, Dolores Umbridge and Cornelius Fudge.
