Cursebreaking for Curse-Breakers
written by Hermione Potter
This textbook should be in possession of every student attending Cursebreaking. However, Hogwarts stores copies which can be found in the Specified Magic Section of the library.
Last Updated
05/31/21
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The Breaking of a Curse
Chapter 3
Chapter Three
The Breaking of a Curse
"Strong" curses are long lasting and their effects are dangerous, in some cases they can grow stronger (or even deadly) as time passes. Such as curses found in Ancient Egyptian tombs or other magically significant catacombs or ancient ruins. On the other hand, curses which are considered "petty" have a tendency to linger though their effects are not as damaging and may dull with time. These curses can usually be countered with the general counter curse or with their specified counter. With these curses, they're usually cast for a petty reason, hence the moniker. For example, a curse cast out of jealousy or spite or vanity would eventually fade or weaken and would not be near as devastating as a curse cast of heart-breaking grief, intense hatred, agonizing pain, or as one's last dying breath. Cause and intent hold a substantial amount of sway in regards to how powerful a curse can be. Understanding the reason for why dark magic has a different set of standards than other branches of magic--wherein charms do eventually fade (though longer lasting when bewitched) and conjurations ultimately do not last--is still heavily disputed and researched in the Heart Chamber of the Department of Mysteries. As stated in the previous chapter, certain curses require uniquely tailored precautions and enchantments to work around their specific protections. Depending on the curse, if the general counter-spell or counter-curse proves unsuccessful, there are alternative methods which are taught in-depth during a Curse-Breaker's training with Gringotts. In this chapter, we will review the different techniques:
Cursed objects require the use of a time-consuming ritual involving a series of chanted spells which breaks down the vigor of the curse until it can be broken with a general counter-curse. Depending on the strength of the curse, these rituals can last anywhere from four to eight hours. A case has once been documented to last over three days (with breaks in between to eat and sleep.) This method is very physically draining.
Cursed life, or rather, a curse placed upon a living being, creature, or plant, require a much different approach. Due to the intricate nature of living beings, the previous method could prove harmful to the afflicted. Instead, the best approach is to create a unique counter-curse using extensive knowledge of Latin. Essentially, this method requires the high level of intelligence which spell-inventors possess.
When an area, building, or even a town, has been cursed, it will (but not always) require a combination of collaborative counter-spells, potions, and/or a proficiency of Ancient Runes. This method requires a combination of the above: endurance and intellect, and thus, has the highest risk for danger.
Finally, and most frustrating of all, there are curses which cannot be broken by any counter-curse, invented or otherwise, or by a potion. Varying levels of these curses have existed over the centuries and it has been hotly debated that to break these curses requires not the magic of spell casting but the magic of the human heart. In this theory, a curse may be broken through forgiveness, complete and utter remorse, or love. The tall tale story of "true love's kiss" may have a deeper meaning then originally believed. Because a deep pure love and ultimate sacrifice, for instance, can conjure an ancient, powerful, and long-lasting charm called the Sacrificial Protection; the details of which is also under intensive research with the Department of Mysteries but it is understood that when the person to make the sacrifice dies, the counter-charm is so powerful that the murderer can not touch the intended victim, as the protection lives on in their veins.
The Breaking of a Curse
"Strong" curses are long lasting and their effects are dangerous, in some cases they can grow stronger (or even deadly) as time passes. Such as curses found in Ancient Egyptian tombs or other magically significant catacombs or ancient ruins. On the other hand, curses which are considered "petty" have a tendency to linger though their effects are not as damaging and may dull with time. These curses can usually be countered with the general counter curse or with their specified counter. With these curses, they're usually cast for a petty reason, hence the moniker. For example, a curse cast out of jealousy or spite or vanity would eventually fade or weaken and would not be near as devastating as a curse cast of heart-breaking grief, intense hatred, agonizing pain, or as one's last dying breath. Cause and intent hold a substantial amount of sway in regards to how powerful a curse can be. Understanding the reason for why dark magic has a different set of standards than other branches of magic--wherein charms do eventually fade (though longer lasting when bewitched) and conjurations ultimately do not last--is still heavily disputed and researched in the Heart Chamber of the Department of Mysteries. As stated in the previous chapter, certain curses require uniquely tailored precautions and enchantments to work around their specific protections. Depending on the curse, if the general counter-spell or counter-curse proves unsuccessful, there are alternative methods which are taught in-depth during a Curse-Breaker's training with Gringotts. In this chapter, we will review the different techniques:
Cursed objects require the use of a time-consuming ritual involving a series of chanted spells which breaks down the vigor of the curse until it can be broken with a general counter-curse. Depending on the strength of the curse, these rituals can last anywhere from four to eight hours. A case has once been documented to last over three days (with breaks in between to eat and sleep.) This method is very physically draining.
Cursed life, or rather, a curse placed upon a living being, creature, or plant, require a much different approach. Due to the intricate nature of living beings, the previous method could prove harmful to the afflicted. Instead, the best approach is to create a unique counter-curse using extensive knowledge of Latin. Essentially, this method requires the high level of intelligence which spell-inventors possess.
When an area, building, or even a town, has been cursed, it will (but not always) require a combination of collaborative counter-spells, potions, and/or a proficiency of Ancient Runes. This method requires a combination of the above: endurance and intellect, and thus, has the highest risk for danger.
Finally, and most frustrating of all, there are curses which cannot be broken by any counter-curse, invented or otherwise, or by a potion. Varying levels of these curses have existed over the centuries and it has been hotly debated that to break these curses requires not the magic of spell casting but the magic of the human heart. In this theory, a curse may be broken through forgiveness, complete and utter remorse, or love. The tall tale story of "true love's kiss" may have a deeper meaning then originally believed. Because a deep pure love and ultimate sacrifice, for instance, can conjure an ancient, powerful, and long-lasting charm called the Sacrificial Protection; the details of which is also under intensive research with the Department of Mysteries but it is understood that when the person to make the sacrifice dies, the counter-charm is so powerful that the murderer can not touch the intended victim, as the protection lives on in their veins.
