Now that we've read all seven books and seen all eight movies, we're seriously ailing with Harry Potter Withdrawal. You may recognize the symptoms: lethargy, confusion, compulsively re-reading the series, tweeting @jk_rowling obsessively begging for sequels. In between spontaneous crying jags, we got to thinking about how completely awesome it would be if we could perform even the tiniest bit of magic in real life.
Harry’s signature spell is Expelliarmus, the Disarming Spell; being the noble hero, he opts to disarm his opponents rather than use a killing or pain-inducing incantation. But if we weren’t mere magic-less Muggles, what would our signature spell be? Here are our top five contenders:
Accio: The Summoning Charm
One of the most ubiquitous spells cast throughout the "Harry Potter" book and movie series is Accio. This simple, useful charm can be used to summon any object; Harry famously uses it during the Triwizard Tournament in "Goblet of Fire" to summon his broom during the dragon challenge. Unfortunately, the charm doesn’t seem to work on people (Accio Robert Pattinson? Shucks...), but we’d love to use the Summoning Charm when we forget something (Accio lunch!), are looking for something (Accio little black dress!) or really, really need to get a hold of something (Accio Robert Pattinson’s hotel room key!).
Legilimens: The Mind-Reading Spell
Though Professor Snape considers Legilimency to be a much finer art form than simply reading minds, we’d be satisfied just to have a glimpse inside certain noggins. For example, if that "Vampire Diaries" cliffhanger is driving you crazy—like seriously, what the heck is up with Vicki and Anna's return?—then simply Legilimens executive producers Julie Plec and Kevin Williamson! How will the Sookie Stackhouse novels conclude? Legilimens Charlaine Harris! Instant gratification never felt so good.
Obliviate: The Memory Charm
We’ve all had those moments. You work up the courage to talk to your crush, walk over and...say something stupid about the weather. Doh! You say something in class that you think is really intelligent, but everyone just laughs. Erm. You run into Ryan Gosling on the street and instantly start chasing him, so he threatens to file a restraining order. Uh-oh. With the Memory Charm, though, we would get constant chances for do-overs; Obliviate! "Oh, hi Ryan. I was going to make a YouTube video to ask you out, but just look how the fates have brought us together. 7 p.m., my place?"
Apparition
The most convenient form of magical transportation is Apparition, as you simply need to concentrate on your destination and *pouf* you’ve arrived, no incantation required! Like driving, Apparition takes practice and requires a license, but this is to protect you from Splinching, or accidentally leaving part of yourself behind. Ouch! If we could Apparate, the first thing we’d do is get ourselves onto the super-secret, ultra-protected "Hunger Games" movie set to sneak a peek at Panem and chat up Gale Liam Hemsworth and Peeta Josh Hutcherson. Talk about all access! Then, we’d take a round-the-world vacation, ending with Apparition into Zac Efron’s L.A. bachelor pad. Accio shirt!
Imperio: The Imperius Curse
Okay, okay, we know this is one of the three Unforgivable Curses, but we’re just fantasizing here. The Imperius Curse allows one person to control another; in "Deathly Hallows," (MINI SPOILER ALERT) the spell is used on a Gringotts goblin so that Ron, Harry, Hermione and Griphook can gain access to Bellatrix Lestrange’s vault. We promise we’d use it for much less sinister tasks. Case in point? Our first order of business would be to cast Imperius upon Justin Timberlake and force him to put out another album. We loved him in "The Social Network" and we’re excited for "Friends With Benefits," but dude, priorities! It's time for sexy to be brought back, and it ain't gonna happen through acting.
Which of these five spells do you wish you could cast? What would you use it for? Let us know in the comments and on Twitter!
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