Spells

Spell Type	
Defining Feature	
Notes	
Example
Transfiguration	
Alteration of the object's form or appearance.	
Spells of this group may be separated into true transfiguration spells (where an existing object is altered) and conjurations, where the desired object is seemingly transfigured out of thin air.	
Vera Verto - a true transfiguration spell that changes animals into water goblets.
Transfiguration	
Alteration of the object's form or appearance.	
Spells of this group may be separated into true transfiguration spells (where an existing object is altered) and conjurations, where the desired object is seemingly transfigured out of thin air.	Avis - a conjuration that produces a flock of birds.
Charm	
Alteration of the objects inherent qualities i.e. its behaviour and capabilities.	
When cast by an experienced practitioner, charms appear to usually have fairly long-lasting effects.	
Expelliarmus - the Disarming Charm, so-called because it changes its object's (the opponent's) quality from armed to disarmed by separating them from their wand.
Jinx	
Minor dark magic; spells whose effects are irritating but amusing, almost playful and of minor inconvenience to the target.	
Jinxes can only be maintained as long as the caster keeps eye contact.	
Impedimenta - the Impediment Jinx, which (appropriately) impedes the forward motion of an object.
Hex	
Consistently affects the object in a negative manner; has a connotation of dark magic, but more so than a jinx. Major inconvenience to the target.		
Anteoculatia - a hex that causes antlers to sprout from the object's head.
Curse	
The worst kind of dark magic, intended to affect the target in a strongly negative manner.		
Avada Kedavra - a.k.a. the Killing Curse, which kills the victim.
Counter-spell	
Inhibition of the effect of another spell.	
Counter-spells are a mysterious spell type that is not elaborated on. There are six known types: Counter-jinxes, counter-curses, counter-charms, untransfigurations, anti-jinxes and undifferentiated counter-spells (it is unknown whether or not counter-hexes exist, though they presumably do). Whilst nomenclature is complex they all share the common trait of inhibiting another spell.	
Finite Incantatem - a widely-employed counter-spell that terminates spell effects in general.
Healing spell	
Improves the condition of the living object.		
Episkey - heals minor injuries.