Harry Potter, the famous wizard from the Harry Potter series, has mastered many different spells over the course of his time at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. However, if asked to choose just one favorite spell, many fans might guess it would be Expelliarmus – the disarming charm that became a signature move for Harry.
Why Expelliarmus May Be Harry’s Favorite Spell
There are a few key reasons why Expelliarmus seems likely to be Harry’s most favored spell:
- He uses it frequently in battles against Voldemort or Death Eaters to disarm them of their wands.
- It becomes a trademark move that people associate closely with Harry.
- Harry favors it over more dangerous or deadly spells, reflecting his preference to disarm or contain, not kill.
- The spell saves Harry’s life on multiple occasions by disarming Voldemort or blocking killing curses.
By the end of the series, Harry has used Expelliarmus so much in crucial moments that it practically becomes his go-to defensive mechanism in combat situations.
Other Key Contenders for Harry’s Favorite Spell
While Expelliarmus seems like the top choice, there are other spells that may also be prime candidates for Harry’s favorite:
- Expecto Patronum – This spell that conjures a magical protector is vital for Harry fighting off dementors. It holds very sentimental value since it connects to Harry’s happy memories.
- Accio – Used frequently by Harry to summon objects to him, a very useful spell he learns early on.
- Protego – Creates a shield charm to defend against dark magic, another go-to protective spell for Harry.
- Sectumsempra – A favored combat spell when fighting, though he comes to regret using this dangerous dark magic.
When Does Harry First Use Expelliarmus?
Harry is first introduced to Expelliarmus in his second year at Hogwarts by Professor Gilderoy Lockhart during a dueling club meeting. He uses it against Draco Malfoy, surprising everyone by disarming Draco. This marks the beginning of Harry realizing how useful Expelliarmus can be for challenging powerful foes without causing harm.
Notable Early Uses of Expelliarmus by Harry
- Against Professor Snape in the dungeons when Snape confronts him about missing Polyjuice Potion ingredients
- Against Lucius Malfoy in the Chamber of Secrets when Dobby helps Harry escape
- Against Professor Lupin during a Dementor battle practice lesson
How Harry Uses Expelliarmus Against Voldemort
As Harry and Voldemort’s relationship develops over the course of the series, Expelliarmus becomes Harry’s go-to spell when duelling against the dark wizard. Some key examples:
- In the graveyard at the end of Goblet of Fire, Harry uses Expelliarmus against Voldemort, leading to Priori Incantatem.
- During the Ministry battle in Order of the Phoenix, Voldemort possesses Harry but is expelled when Harry focuses on love.
- Towards the end of Deathly Hallows, Harry reveals himself in the forest and uses Expelliarmus against Voldemort once more in their final showdown.
By relying on Expelliarmus against Voldemort rather than aiming to maim or kill, Harry demonstrates his strength of character and ultimately overcomes Voldemort’s darkness with light.
Conclusion
While Harry has no definitive “favorite spell” revealed in the books or films, Expelliarmus stands out as uniquely tied to Harry’s identity from the earliest moments he begins using magic. Its versatility in combat and defensive situations, preference for non-violent resolution, and emotional role in Harry’s story with Voldemort make a very compelling case for Expelliarmus being Harry’s spell of choice.
| Year | Notable Uses of Expelliarmus |
|---|---|
| Year 2 | Against Draco Malfoy in dueling club |
| Year 3 | Against Snape, Lucius Malfoy, Professor Lupin |
| Year 4 | Against Voldemort in the graveyard |
| Year 5 | Battles at Ministry against Death Eaters |
| Year 7 | Final duel against Voldemort |
Key Reasons Why Expelliarmus May Be Harry’s Favorite Spell:
- Frequently used against Voldemort
- Becomes his signature combat move
- Non-violent approach reflects Harry’s character
- Saves his life against Voldemort multiple times
While a definitive “favorite” is never confirmed, Expelliarmus represents much of what makes Harry heroic – his ability to show mercy, use intelligence over brute force, and ultimately overcome darkness with light. This clever disarming charm exemplifies the qualities that help Harry prevail against all odds.