32 Times Harry Potter Magic Went Horribly Wrong (You Won’t Believe #27!)

Ever since the initial screening of “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” in 2001, the Harry Potter movies have been a source of endless enjoyment for viewers worldwide. Being set primarily at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, a significant number of scenes revolve around students trying to master magic spells. Yet, mastering new skills is never easy, not even in the magical realm – it’s just like learning anything here in our mundane world. Sometimes, even seasoned witches and wizards find magic challenging. Here are 32 instances where spells cast by magical beings led to unforeseen, amusing, or heartbreaking outcomes.

NOTE: Spoilers ahead.

Voldemort’s Killing Curse Backfires – Sorcerer’s Stone

That fateful night when Voldemort targeted the Potter family with the intention of killing baby Harry, he was unaware that his actions would be thwarted. Just as Lily Potter implored him to spare her son’s life and take hers instead, Voldemort disregarded her pleas and took her life regardless. However, what Voldemort didn’t realize was that Lily’s selfless act created a powerful protective charm around baby Harry. Consequently, when Voldemort attempted to harm the infant, the curse deflected off the shielded baby, striking Voldemort instead, leaving him as a mere shadow of his former power.

Ron Tells Malfoy to “Eat Slugs” – Chamber of Secrets

At the outset of “Chamber of Secrets“, Ron’s wand gets damaged. Despite trying to repair it, he fails. Later on, Malfoy insults Hermione by calling her a “mudblood”, a disrespectful term for witches born to Muggle parents. In response, Ron, understanding the offensive nature of the word, promptly reacts. He points his broken wand at Draco and shouts, “Eat slugs!”, but due to the malfunction, the spell rebounds on him. The spell makes Ron throw up slugs for numerous hours.

Professor Lockhart Removes Harry’s Bones – Chamber of Secrets

In the book titled “Chamber of Secrets,” we encounter Professor Gilderoy Lockhart, a charismatic newcomer who takes up the position as Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Known for his numerous books and speeches about heroic deeds, Lockhart initially appears to be quite impressive. However, Harry Potter and his peers soon grow suspicious of him due to several questionable behaviors.

For instance, during a Quidditch match, Harry sustains a broken arm. Boasting that he can mend the injury, Lockhart instead extracts Harry’s arm bones completely. Fortunately, after spending a night in the infirmary and receiving some Skele-Gro, Harry recovers from this unusual incident.

Ron Gets Splinched – Deathly Hallows – Part 1

Wizards navigate between locations in multiple ways, with some transportation options like port keys and broomsticks being suitable for all ages. Yet, apparating comes with risks, making it accessible only to adults due to its potential hazards. Ron’s incident in “Deathly Hallows” serves as a stark reminder of this fact. During their escape from Death Eaters, Ron, Hermione, and Harry used apparition. However, Ron sustained an injury called “splinching,” where he unintentionally left behind a part of his body at the initial location. Fortunately, Hermione managed to heal him.

Seamus Causes an Explosion While Trying to Change his Drink – Sorcerer’s Stone

Upon their arrival at Hogwarts, the new students are brimming with excitement to master magic. Among them, there’s no one more eager than Seamus Finnegan, one of the five fresh Gryffindor boys. Even before classes start, Seamus is already attempting to hasten his learning by conjuring a stronger drink. He mutters, “Eye of rabbit, harp string hum, transform this water into rum!” However, the spell doesn’t work as intended and instead causes an explosion, coating Seamus in soot.

Fred & George Turn into Old Men – Goblet of Fire

In simpler terms, the Triwizard Tournament is a contest among three magical schools – Beauxbatons, Durmstrang, and Hogwarts. If you wish to take part, you put your name in the famous Goblet of Fire. The enchanted goblet then selects one candidate from each school. Since this tournament can be risky, only those over seventeen are allowed to compete. To keep underage wizards away, Headmaster Dumbledore created a boundary around the Goblet of Fire.

Even in these circumstances, Fred and George Weasley, known for their rule-bending antics, try to manipulate the rules once more. They brew an age potion to deceive Dumbledore’s age line. However, it’s important to note that two young wizards, no matter how skilled, are no contest for Dumbledore. His age line promptly sends the Weasley twins flying across the room. As an added effect, each brother grows long white hair and a matching beard.

Hermione Turns into a Cat – Chamber of Secrets

Almost every Hogwarts teacher (save for Professor Snape perhaps) appreciates that Hermione possesses extraordinary magical abilities. She’s often the quickest to grasp new spells, but it’s worth noting that even geniuses can err. Take, for instance, her attempt to brew the Polyjuice Potion in Chamber of Secrets. This enchanting concoction transforms the drinker into someone else. The transformation takes effect once a few strands of your intended target’s hair are added to it.

In a turn of events, Ron, Hermione, and Harry concoct a plan to secretly observe Malfoy using Polyjuice Potion. They manage to secure hairs from Crabbe and Goyle but find out that the hair Hermione thought belonged to Millicent Bulstrode actually came from Millicent’s cat. As a result, after the mishap, Hermione spends a significant period in the infirmary nursing her injuries caused by this feline-related incident.

Lockhart Attempts “Obliviate” – Chamber Of Secrets

Following Ron and Harry’s discovery that the basilisk dwells in the Chamber of Secrets, Lockhart elects to join them. However, it is then that they uncover his deceitful nature – he has gained notoriety by claiming other wizards’ achievements as his own and subsequently wiping their memories clean. Lockhart vows to do the same to Harry and Ron. He seizes Ron’s wand and employs it to cast the “obliviate” spell. Unfortunately, Ron’s damaged wand leads to a mishap, causing the spell to rebound and eliminate Lockhart’s own memory instead.

Dumbledore and the Resurrection Stone – Half-Blood Prince

Even powerful sorcerers like Dumbledore can err too. When he discovered Marvolo Gaunt’s ring in the Gaunt shack and noticed the Resurrection Stone inside, his mind immediately went to his family, particularly his sister Ariana. In a moment of thoughtlessness, he put on the cursed Horcrux ring without hesitation. The cursed ring ultimately took hold of Dumbledore. Although Snape managed to minimize the harm, it significantly reduced Dumbledore’s lifespan.

Voldemort Accidentally Creates a Horcrux – Sorcerer’s Stone and Deathly Hallows – Part 2

In my perspective as a movie reviewer, “The Sorcerer’s Stone” introduces us to the fateful moment when Voldemort claims the lives of Harry’s beloved parents. A pivotal scene ensues, where Voldemort’s lethal spell rebounds unexpectedly. Fast forward to “Deathly Hallows – Part 2”, and we uncover an intriguing twist: on that very same night, unwittingly, Voldemort infused Harry with a piece of his own soul, transforming him into one of his Horcruxes. This inadvertent act imbued Harry with certain abilities, such as the unique gift to converse with serpents.

Voldemort & Priori Incantatem – Goblet of Fire

Following his resurrection in “Goblet of Fire”, Voldemort intends to swiftly eliminate Harry. He proposes a duel in the graveyard, not fully aware that their wands share a common core. This core connection implies that when their wands clash, one will compel the other to reveal spells it has previously cast. The spirits of Cedric Diggory and Harry’s parents create a diversion and buy time for Harry to flee the graveyard and return to Hogwarts.

Romilda Vane’s Love Potion – Half-Blood Prince

In their sixth year, Professor Slughorn instructs Hogwarts students on love potions. Enamored of Harry, Gryffindor student Romilda Vane decides to test her knowledge. She infuses some love potion into chocolates and leaves them on Harry’s bed. However, it was Ron who ended up consuming the enchanted sweets. With a smitten Ron prattling non-stop about Romilda, Harry takes him to Professor Slughorn in search of an antidote.

Harry Inflates Aunt Marge – Prisoner of Azkaban

Occasionally, magic doesn’t stem from deliberate actions. After Aunt Marge insults Harry’s parents, Harry’s unintentional fury leads to her ballooning up, floating over the Dursleys’ house in Little Whinging. She was observed drifting by numerous muggles during this incident.

Harry Uses “Sectumsempra” – Half-Blood Prince

In their sixth year, Harry and Ron are taken aback when they discover they can carry on with Potions classes. Since they don’t have textbooks, Professor Slughorn generously allows them to borrow some from past students. Harry finds annotated notes in his book that guide him towards the front of the potions class. However, this book also contains a spell named “Sectumsempra,” intended for enemies. In a moment of ignorance, Harry employs the spell on Malfoy without understanding its consequences. It results in Malfoy sustaining severe injuries. Fortunately, Professor Snape (later revealed as the spell’s creator) intervenes to provide aid.

Ron Tries to Turn Scabbers Yellow – Sorcerer’s Stone

On their inaugural train ride to Hogwarts, Ron attempts to transform his pet rat, Scabbers, into yellow using magic. He chants, “Sunshine, daisies, butter sweet, transform this plump, annoying rodent.” Despite his efforts, Scabbers stays brown, but the incantation does trigger a minor blast.

Dobby Drops the Pudding and More – Chamber of Secrets

Dobby is doing everything he can to prevent Harry from going back to Hogwarts. He steals Harry’s mail, spoils Uncle Vernon’s dinner parties with a floating charm, and blocks the entrance to Platform 9 3/4. Although Dobby manages to land Harry in trouble at home and at school, his magic ultimately fails to keep Harry from returning to Hogwarts.

Seamus Creates an Explosion in Charms Class – Sorcerer’s Stone

In their initial Charms lesson at Hogwarts, the new students learn about levitation under the guidance of Professor Flitwick. She instructs them on how to execute the charm, “Wingardium Leviosa.” (Note: It’s “LeviOsa,” not “LevioSA.”) Most pupils, apart from Hermione, find it challenging; however, Seamus inadvertently causes a feather to explode.

The Flying Ford Anglia – Chamber of Secrets

As Dobby closes the magical barrier of Platform 9 ¾, I find myself in a pickle – Harry and Ron have missed the Hogwarts Express! Desperate, we resort to Mr. Weasley’s enchanted Ford Anglia for transportation. However, this flying car turns out to be more trouble than it’s worth. It shatters Ron’s wand during our ride, attracts the attention of muggles who witness our flight, and nearly brings down the Whomping Willow upon arrival at Hogwarts. To add insult to injury, we end up losing the car in the Forbidden Forest!

Harry Makes the Glass Disappear – Sorcerer’s Stone

Frequently, underage wizards perform magic without meaning to. This was exactly what happened when Harry and his cousin Dudley visited the zoo. Dudley, being mischievous, started poking at a boa constrictor’s glass cage. In response to Dudley’s unruly behavior, Harry (angered) inadvertently caused the glass enclosure to vanish. The startled snake then slipped away, leaving Dudley mortified.

Harry Winds Up in Knockturn Alley – Chamber of Secrets

In a peculiar twist, Floo powder can be quite finicky. As Mrs. Weasley had warned me, it requires precise destinations for proper functioning. Yet, when I stepped into the fireplace, instead of clearly stating “Diagon Alley,” I found myself mumbling something like “diegonelly.” To my surprise, this oversight led me to an unfamiliar place – Knockturn Alley. A lesson learned: always be precise with Floo powder!

Draco & the Cursed Necklace – Half-Blood Prince

In my opinion, as a movie reviewer, the narrative unfolds with Draco Malfoy, a character we’ve been following closely, tasked by Voldemort with an almost insurmountable mission: the assassination of Albus Dumbledore. Draco devises a cunning strategy, crafting a deadly curse and intending to present it in the form of an opulent opal necklace. However, fate has other plans, as a courageous Gryffindor student, Katie Bell, stumbles upon the cursed artifact before Draco can act. The scene becomes tense as Katie, gripped by the curse’s power, inexplicably levitates off the ground. Thankfully, she recovers from this harrowing ordeal, but not before we, the audience, are left on the edge of our seats.

Harry Chooses the Wrong Wand – Sorcerer’s Stone

When Harry discovers he’s a wizard, he needs to select a wand. Hagrid accompanies him to the shop of wands by Ollivander, where the crucial item is obtained. However, it’s not Harry who picks the wand; instead, the wand selects Harry. As Mr. Ollivander presents different wands for Harry to test, they react in diverse manners. One creates an explosion that sends numerous wands flying out of their cases.

Lockhart & the Cornish Pixies – Chamber of Secrets

The Chamber of Secrets offers numerous hints suggesting Professor Lockhart isn’t as competent as he pretends. In his initial lesson, he inadvertently lets Cornish pixies loose. These mischievous creatures create chaos since Lockhart struggles to contain them within their enclosure. The fact that Hermione, a sophomore student, manages to restore order when Lockhart fails is an obvious indication that his magical abilities are not as impressive as he boasts.

Voldemort Uses Harry’s Blood to Create His New Body – Goblet of Fire

Towards the close of Goblet of Fire, Wormtail utilizes Harry’s blood during the casting of a spell, which ultimately brings Voldemort back into his corporeal form. However, Voldemort remains oblivious to the fact that this act forged an emotional bond between him and Harry. This unintentional connection meant that as long as Voldemort was alive, Harry could not perish.

Reading Snape’s Mind – Order of the Phoenix

Following the discovery that Harry’s bond with Voldemort is intensifying, Dumbledore implores Snape to instruct Harry in Occlumency – a skill that shields one’s thoughts from external reading. Despite his persistent efforts, Harry struggles to ward off Snape’s mental intrusions. However, on one particular occasion, an aggravated Harry exerts such force that he manages to peek into Snape’s mind. In this moment, he uncovers humiliating recollections of Snape enduring bullying during his adolescence.

Spying on Draco with the Invisibility Cloak – Half-Blood Prince

Right from the start of “Half-Blood Prince,” Harry becomes suspicious that Draco has a secret plan brewing. Using his Invisibility Cloak, he sneaks into Draco’s compartment on the Hogwarts Express to overhear his discussion with Slytherin friends. However, it turns out that Draco figures out he’s listening in. As a consequence, Draco petrifies Harry, punches him, and hides him under the Invisibility Cloak. Luckily, Luna Lovegood swoops in to rescue the day.

Lockhart Throws the Snake into the Air – Chamber of Secrets

In “Chamber of Secrets“, Professors Lockhart and Snape initiate the students to the Dueling Club. When Harry and Draco engage in a duel, Draco summons a massive serpent. Lockhart asserts he can dispel it, but instead, he hurls the snake upwards.

Harry Uses “Engorio” on a Fire – Deathly Hallows, Part 1

In their tent, Ron and Harry concentrate on one of Hermione’s fires. To enlarge it, Harry employs the spell “Engorgio”, but the confined space limits its expansion significantly. Consequently, they swiftly undo the spell using “Reducio” to keep the fire from becoming too large.

Seamus Nearly Explodes Himself During Potions Class – Half-Blood Prince

In “Half-Blood Prince,” Professor Slughorn guides students on brewing the Draught of Living Death, enticing them with a reward for the finest concoction. However, the intricate mixture proves challenging for everyone, including Hermione. Among all, Seamus struggles the most as his potion unexpectedly detonates right in front of him.

Voldemort’s Attack on Harry Fails – Deathly Hallows, Part 1

In “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1”, Harry is about to depart from the Dursleys’ residence. To fool the Death Eaters, Mad-Eye Moody gets six individuals to drink Polyjuice Potion, impersonating Harry. The strategy almost succeeds, but when Voldemort’s followers assault, Hedwig makes a valiant effort to shield Harry. This act helps the Death Eaters identify the genuine Chosen One more easily. Voldemort promptly flies towards the scene and hurls a Killing Spell at Harry. However, without any command from Harry, his wand unexpectedly retaliated. The wand was able to sense the bond between Harry and Voldemort – a connection that Voldemort had inadvertently strengthened.

Voldemort’s Possession of Harry – Order of the Phoenix

In the closing scenes of “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,” I found myself on the edge of my seat as Dumbledore and Voldemort engaged in an unforgettable showdown. Despite being weakened, Voldemort sought retribution by taking control over Harry – a move that backfired spectacularly. Instead of intimidating Dumbledore, this possession had no effect whatsoever. In fact, the prolonged stay within Harry’s body gave Voldemort away to Cornelius Fudge and other high-ranking officials from the Ministry of Magic. Thus, Voldemort’s ill-advised attempt to keep his return a secret was effectively thwarted by his own actions.

Draco & the Poisoned Wine – Half-Blood Prince

In J.K. Rowling’s novel “Half-Blood Prince”, Voldemort orders Draco Malfoy to assassinate Dumbledore. Instead, Draco concocts a poison and fills a bottle of wine meant for the headmaster. However, the bottle mistakenly goes to Professor Slughorn. Ron narrowly escapes death after drinking some of this tainted wine. Remarkably, Harry’s swift actions (and the fact that Slughorn happened to possess a bezoar) manage to save Ron from certain peril.

2025-01-16 22:38