Question about Dolohov's Spell

[Wiltshire]

I just finished reading OotP and had a question, wondering if anyone here can answer it.

In the Dept. of Mysteries, Dolohov is hit with the Silencio spell. He then makes a "slashing" motion with his wand that knocks Hermione unconscious. Madam Pomfrey later says it would've done more damage had he been able to say the spell.

But, he obviously regained the power of speech quite soon, for he puts the Tarantellegra charm on Neville. Immediately after that, he again casts that spell with the "slashing" motion, which Harry blocks, and I think he does it once more after that, but definitely that one time. Even though he can speak, however, he just makes the wand motion, doesn't say anything. I'm confused.

Does anyone know what spell exactly that is that he casts? (i.e. what words go along with it?) Or does it not have any words and Madam Pomfrey was mistaken? If it had words, why didn't he say then when he could speak? Thanks!

[Gower]

Maybe when he does it later he mutters the words so quietely that nobody can hear him

[Meg Boyd]

yes, perhaps he must have needed to say them quietly or...did he actually say the tarentegellra (sp?) magic word? I don't remember, it has been months since I have read the 5th book...hmmm...I'd better re-read

[Mint]

Well, who knows, may be he was saying the words but JKR didn't write (for one reason or another) them in.

This could just be a mistake on JKR part.

or perhaps he didn't know the words - or, more believable, may be he was so cought up in the action that after being unable to say them once to atack Hermoine - he forgot that he is able to talk and didnt say them again.

[Reverie Revenge]

I think this spell is mysterious on purpose - we'll know about it in next books - it must be a dark curse (not a spell actually ) so it's in store for the last books ... can't wait!

BTW, there is not necessary both - a wand + words for a spell:
1) when Harry got attacked by Dementors he said lumos and his wand lit, though he didn't hold it.
2) Dolohov didn't say the spell aloud and it worked, just not with all its might.
JKR is constantly reminding us wands aren't everything

[Groo]

He probably would have said the words the second time but Harry would not have heard it in all the chaos. what i am most surprised is that he used tarantallegra which is just a common jinx. why didnt he just try hitting them with stupefys and avada kedavras??

and also, if bellatrix had apparated when Harry was hiding behind the statue, he would have been dead..... ok maybe thats why she didnt apparate

[micah_malfoythe 3]

trappus leggus

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yea


edited on June 27, 2004 by Athena Appleton to combine two posts.[/i]