Charm

A charm, also called an enchantment, is a spell that adds a property to an object, a creature or a person rather than changing what it is. Charms are taught as a core subject at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and at the other wizarding schools, and the practice is known as charmwork. The Levitation Charm sends an object flying, the Engorgement Charm makes one grow, the Cheering Charm lifts a person's mood; in each case the target stays what it was and gains new behaviour. That line separates charms from Transfiguration, which alters an object outright and must be performed exactly right, where charmwork leaves room for improvisation. An object carrying a lasting charm is called bewitched. Charms meant to harm, including curses, jinxes and hexes, are grouped as Dark charms. Most charms fade in time and need recasting, though some bewitched objects hold their magic permanently.