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harry potter - Is there any physical or mental cost to casting spells?


Often in fantasies involving magic casting spells requires a certain physical or mental toll on the caster. I don't recall any mention of spells being physically or mentally taxing in the Harry Potter universe.


Does this mean they can cast an unlimited number of spells in a given day without any negative effect to themselves?



Answer



There is definitely a canon example of spell casting exhausting the caster.


In Goblet of Fire Harry is exhausted after practicing the summoning charm a zillion times (Accio) in anticipation of the First Task.




There are other examples where some spell-specific resource limits particular spells:




  • the obvious is the creation of the Horcrux which, after a homicide, requires then the splitting off of part of the soul.




  • The casting of the Patronus Charm is contingent upon a witch or wizard being able to conjure up happy memories; several times throughout canon, Harry is unable to muster the positive energy required to produce a full corporeal Patronus. When Harry was learning the Patronus Charm in Prisoner of Azkaban, he was both mentally and physically exhausted by the experience.




  • Legilimens is another spell that is completely mentally exhausting, for both the caster and the recipient of the spell. It involves such mind concentration that of course it would be draining. As well, depending on what the Legilimens sees inside his/her target's head, it could be emotionally overwhelming to boot.





  • Learning Apparition is physically taxing and there's the risk of Splinching. When Ron Splinched in Deathly Hallows, he was quite debilitated.




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