Applying Your Will

Today we're going to look at a charm we first spoke about several lessons ago. By now I would expect you all to be able to perform a Levitation Charm on fairly light objects such as feathers, paper, or even small stones.

The Levitation Charm requires minimal power when you first learn how to cast it, but if you want to lift heavier objects, you must expend a greater effort of will. The Levitation Charm exhibits minimal backfire even if you exert your will, which makes it a decent spell to practice with. Just be careful that you don't lose track of what you're concentrating upon. You don't want to accidentally target your bed or desk and end up wrecking your room!

Making a heavier object levitate requires more willpower throughout the casting of the spell. You need to visualize magic flowing from you while performing the swish and, at the flick, visualize extra magic embracing your target and making it light enough to move. Typically, if you don't yet possess the willpower to make the object move the worst that happens is nothing.

The Sticking Charm

Today we will also be talking about the Sticking Charm. I have chosen this spell because its strength depends directly upon how much willpower you put forth. The Sticking Charm is used to stick one surface to another, whether this is two halves of a container, a lock to a door frame, or posters to a wall. The first time the Sticking Charm was employed, according to historical record, it was used aboard roman battle vessels around approximately 100 B.C.E. Witches and wizards would use this spell to keep objects from falling off ships during storms and to help fasten loose doors closed. It was also used to stick fiery debris to enemy ships or prevent cannons from firing.

Of course the Sticking Charm eventually began losing popularity to more permanent solutions and spells, particularly after the Unlocking Charm proved an effective counterspell. This is another reason why the Sticking Charm is good for First Year practice; not only is it a good practice of a witch or wizard's willpower, but it provides a means for practicing the Unlocking Charm on more than just physical locks. 

Incantation: Astrictus (a-STRIK-toose)
Wand Movement: The infinity symbol starting and ending in the center, encircling the two objects. (∞ )
Willpower: High; determines how long the objects will remain stuck and how hard they are to separate
Concentration: Medium; on the two parts that should be stuck together