"U" Words

This is for words starting with "U"

Unforgivable Curses:

Unforgiveable curses are the three most powerful spells known to wizards and witches. The use of any one of them is illegal and will result in the caster being given a jail sentence in Azkaban for life. The three curses are the Killing Curse, the Cruciatus Curse and Imperius Curse.

The three curses were classed as ‘Unforgivables’ in 1717 and since then the law regarding the use of the Unforgivables have been changed twice. The first time was to allow Aurors to use the curses during the ‘First Wizarding War’ and the second time was during Voldemorts reign over the ministry in 1997 and 1998 when the curses were made legal.

The worst of the three Unforgivables is the Killing Curse – Avada Kedavra. The curse causes instant death which leaves no trace that one in the muggle world can identify. The Ministry of Magic, however, has means to recognise that the spell has been used on a person. There is no defence or counter charm for the curse although one can create a solid object in front of themselves or dodge the spell. The only known survivor of the Killing Curse is Harry Potter, although Voldemort also survives because of his Horcruxes.

The Cruciatus Curse is perhaps the next worst curse. The curse causes the victim to experience unbearable pain and if used in large amounts can render a person insane. Aurors Frank and Alice Longbottom were tortured under the Cruciatus Curse and now reside in the Permanent Ward of St Mungo’s. It is, in essence, a torture curse and was used often by the Death Eaters. The use of a wand is needed when using the spell and it cannot be said non-verbally. Crucio, the spells incantation, originates from the Latin words meaning ‘I torture.’

The last Unforgivable Curse is the Imperius Curse- Imperio. Imperio causes the victim to do the casters bidding without questioning. Imperio places the victim in a trance. It is difficult to resist the curse and very few are able to do so. The curse can also be used on animals. During the aftermath of the ‘First Wizarding War’ many claimed to have been under the Imperius when they did Voldemorts bidding.

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