Spell of the Month

Victoria Black

Hey guys! This is my first time writing for SOUP and I'm so excited! I'll be talking to you about a particular nasty spell today: Repello Inimicum.

You may be thinking to yourselves "what's that? It doesn't sound dangerous at all."

Repello Inimicum is a charm that, when combined with protego maxima and Fianto Duri, will disintegrate anyone who passes through it. Creepy, right?

The combination of the three charms creates an almost impregnable force around the castor's desired location. Spells cast at the shield will explode with large resonating sounds (if the spell is not strong enough to break it).

The incantation comes from the Latin "repello" meaning "I drive away" and inimicum meaning "foe or enemy" so repello inimicum means "I drive away my foe" (or in this case disintegrate them).

The spell was seen in the Battle of Hogwarts. Filius Flitwick cast the trio of protectors and witnesses recall seeing the Death Eaters casting various spells at the wall until it broke.

Another example of it being used is seeing snatchers run into it.

This is possibly the same spell Flitwick used to charm the school gates the year that Albus Dumbledore died. There is no confirmation to that claim.

Now, we've seen instances in history where this spell has run according to plan and was used responsibly. But what if it isn't used with caution and skill? What if a young witch or wizards discovers the trio of spells and, one night of anger towards their parents, casts them on their bedroom door. Would they understand the full extent of the spell? Or would they just realize that it "repels your enemies" and thought it would just make them unable to enter the room. Do you see how this could cause problems?

So parents of young magical folk be warned. Until next time readers!
Victoria Black