Chapter Seven



Boggart Banishing Spell




__R I D D I K U L U S.



It should be noted that the Boggart Banishing Spell is useless without the witch or wizards laughter to accompany it.


Effects/Limits
A charm that is used in defense against a Boggart. It causes the creature to assume a form that is humorous to the caster, along with a whip-crack noise, thereby counteracting the Boggart's ability to terrorize. Boggarts are defeated by laughter, so forcing them to assume an amusing form is the first step to defeating them. However, because Boggarts are amortal, this spell does not truly dispel them, similar to the Patronus Charm. The spell caster must first acknowledge what they fear the most (as it will most likely be what the Boggart will take the form of) and then visualize it into something amusing. The problem is, because the Boggart would have assumed said form at the moment of direct encounter, the one attempting to use this charm would have lost concentration after seeing the Boggart manifest their worst fears, making this spell useless. As such, it is always advisable to first take one step at a time when practicing this enchantment.

History
This spell was created by a Magizoologist who often explored ancient ruins, caves, or magical grave sites which Boggarts often populate, including dark, confined spaces, such as in wardrobes, the gap beneath beds, and the cupboards under sinks and desks. On at least one occasion, a Boggart was found hiding in a grandfather clock. They also like shadowy corners.

Etymology
"Riddikulus" is an adaptation of "ridiculous" as well as of ridiculum (Latin, "joke" and ridere (Latin, "to laugh" .

Pronunciation
ri-di-KULL-lis

Wand Movements
Right, Down, Right, Up, Right