Here we are again, my wonderful readers, another month and another chance to dive back into my increasingly full notebook of charms and jinxes. I can't believe I've been bringing weird and wonderful spells to you for over a year now. It does not seem possible, does it? I'm sure we have learned a few exciting and curious things together in that time. I know I certainly love an excuse to read anything obscure and challenging I can find. It gives me a brilliant excuse to avoid the SOUP offices and all the chaos that is currently reigning over there. It may be Tabitha's favourite pastime, but it is certainly not mine.
That being said, I have to admit that I have been somewhat ignoring my darling Editors pleas for assistance. As far as I'm concerned, the hijinks in the office and surrounding area are entirely THEIR faults. They should have expected certain members of our creative staff to take the theme of Weird Weather literally and create havoc. I will not rescue them from the sweltering inferno our offices have turned into. I am sure they are more than capable of cleaning up their own messes this time. Anyone who suggests that sort of thing to the likes of Lugh and his friends is asking for it.
That being said, I may just take pity on the others and show them the spell I want to share with you all. It may just ease their suffering in their own desk areas and offices. So let me get on with the explanation before I, too, succumb to the fiendish forecasts.
The spell I want to share with you all is one you may or may not know. Even if you have heard of it, you may not have actually used it, as it is not commonly needed unless you happen to deal with misfiring weather charms on a regular basis. It is a handy Counter-Charm known as Meteolojinx Recanto. The incantation is the same as the name, and it is pronounced, mee-tee-OH-loh-jinks reh-KAN-toh. I strongly suggest that you place the emphasis on the correct syllables when saying it, as the side effect is having a storm cloud hanging over your head for at least an hour afterwards, and no one wants that, now do they?
There is no light produced either, and this spell can be used non-verbally if you wish. It works very well that way, as Professor Flitwick often proved when he used it to control the Enchanted Ceiling in the Great Hall at Hogwarts. Especially on those scary, stormy days that usually frighten the first years. The wand movement, however, is a little tricky. You should move the tip of your wand in a large arc from left to right, quickly followed by a smaller arc underneath, going from right to left. Somewhat like the illustration here.
Now the history of this Counter Charm is somewhat unclear, and I have yet to find the name of the witch or wizard who invented it. I can tell you that the incantation for this spell is likely derived from meteorology, the study of weather, which originates from the Greek word Metéōron. Which roughly translates to, "High in the sky". It might also be linked to the English verb "Recant" (from the Latin "Recantare", of which the first person singular present indicative active is "Recanto" ), which means "To withdraw or retract". It is an interesting derivative for sure and whoever worked it out first was exceedingly clever if you ask me.
I am lucky to have never needed to use such a spell, but I have it on good authority from the Nightshade brothers that it is a useful one to have at your disposal during a Duelling match where weather-altering charms are often used to attack your opponents. I can also imagine that it could come in handy during a Quidditch match when things such as rain make playing a miserable experience. But you will have to ask Tabitha about that one when you next see her. I have no idea where she has got to lately. I do hope that she is not the one dragging Lugh and Kalina away from their writing and into all sorts of devious tricks. It probably isn't, but who knows with those three? I swear that one day I'm going to wake up and find that Wolf has finally lost her temper with them and left bits of them all over the SOUP offices.
So before that occurs, I had better go and find my little dragon friend and help her. She is the last one I want to see get in any sort of trouble. Until next time friends... Happy Spellcasting! - Nikita