magical theory

How Does a Scarlet Stream Train Travel the Length of Britain Without Being Seen? • Essay

Posted December 21, 2001 by Steve VanderArk in Essays

The Hogwarts Express is not really a steam train. It does look like one and it acts like one in certain key ways, but it isn’t one. It’s a magical device. It borrows its form and its intended function from real steam trains, but not the technology. It’s like the Ministry cars,… Read More

Spells & Charms: The Nature of Magic • Essay

Posted August 1, 2001 by Paula Hall in Essays

Note: This piece is not about the class Charms, and I’ve left aside the vexing question of the difference between Charms and Transfiguration (e.g., why are winged keys a Charm and giant moving chess pieces are a Transfiguration?). Rather, I’m looking at Charms in the general sense, as a synonym for spells, that is,… Read More