From Alterations to Altercations: The Transfigurative Guide
written by Katherine Lutz
Companion to a Beginners Guide to Transfiguration, for First, Second and Third Year Transfiguration Students.
Last Updated
05/31/21
Chapters
20
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3,869
Counter and Restorative Magic
Chapter 9
One of the most important skills for anyone beginning to study Transfiguration is to know when, why and how to stop any transfiguration for whatever reason. The first aspect to consider is why. Why would you need to stop a transfiguration? For many differing reasons, though primarily because of the damage it can inflict to both caster and those directly affected by the caster’s actions. The main danger that witches and wizards face in performing Transfigurations is the backfire it can cause. Take the spell Avifors for an example. The simplest of spells but also one of the most lethal when performed incorrectly.
- Avifors generates a blue light when performed correctly. This funnels along the wand and outwards to shroud the object.
- Avifors also generates a blue light when performed incorrectly. This funnels along the wand and back into the caster’s chest.
The main danger of a backfired spell is the intensity placed behind it by the caster. In a case where a wizard or witch places a lot of emphasis, it can lead to memory loss, limb banishment and other permanent injuries, whilst a slight emphasis can cause anywhere from a headache to a mild concussion.
It is essential therefore to know when and how to act!
The most vital thing is to first spin your wand, if the light flares in the wrong direction. This dilutes the magic and lessens any tension behind it. Casting Finite or Finite Incantatem is known to further steady the progression of the spell along the wand.
After these steps have been performed, in a very limited space of time, it is vital to calmly but confidently say either Solidify or Reparifage for the Class-A Transfigurative Spells. Both spells can be used, the latter to greater effect, to disrupt the magic and cancel out the spell completely. It is vital to know this for if the spell is erring towards backfiring or flopping completely.
In a case where the spell is performed competently and generates a less than desirable outcome, the spells Solidify and Reparifage can be used once again.
Reparifage: Typically used to distort the magic in an item. It will cause the magic to disperse into the air once more, leaving the object in a state between animated and original, until the magic is completely removed.
Solidify: Cements any magical movement and halts transfigurations as they occur. If coupled with Reparifage, it can be used to freeze the object and send the magic back into the atmosphere.
- Avifors generates a blue light when performed correctly. This funnels along the wand and outwards to shroud the object.
- Avifors also generates a blue light when performed incorrectly. This funnels along the wand and back into the caster’s chest.
The main danger of a backfired spell is the intensity placed behind it by the caster. In a case where a wizard or witch places a lot of emphasis, it can lead to memory loss, limb banishment and other permanent injuries, whilst a slight emphasis can cause anywhere from a headache to a mild concussion.
It is essential therefore to know when and how to act!
The most vital thing is to first spin your wand, if the light flares in the wrong direction. This dilutes the magic and lessens any tension behind it. Casting Finite or Finite Incantatem is known to further steady the progression of the spell along the wand.
After these steps have been performed, in a very limited space of time, it is vital to calmly but confidently say either Solidify or Reparifage for the Class-A Transfigurative Spells. Both spells can be used, the latter to greater effect, to disrupt the magic and cancel out the spell completely. It is vital to know this for if the spell is erring towards backfiring or flopping completely.
In a case where the spell is performed competently and generates a less than desirable outcome, the spells Solidify and Reparifage can be used once again.
Reparifage: Typically used to distort the magic in an item. It will cause the magic to disperse into the air once more, leaving the object in a state between animated and original, until the magic is completely removed.
Solidify: Cements any magical movement and halts transfigurations as they occur. If coupled with Reparifage, it can be used to freeze the object and send the magic back into the atmosphere.
