Type: Charm, Conjuration
Pronunciation: in-SEN-dee-oh
Description: Produces fire.
Seen/Mentioned: It was first seen in 1994 by Arthur Weasley to create a fire in the Dursleys' hearth so that he could use Floo powder there. In 1997, this spell was used several times in battle, most noticeably when Hagrid's hut was set ablaze. It was also possibly used by Hagrid in 1991 to create a fire in the hearth before bringing Harry to London.
Etymology: Latin incendere, "to set fire (to)". Note that the first principal part of this verb (meaning "I set fire") is incendo, not incendio; Rowling's incantation does not match exactly any correct conjugation of the verb. IncĂȘndio, in Portuguese (same pronunciation as in English) means 'huge fire'. "Encender" in Spanish means "to ignite" and "Incendie" in French means flame. (A plausible but less likely source might be that it is a back-formation from the English word "incendiary," i.e., "causing fire.")
Notes: Probably the charm used frequently by Hermione, as it is noted that creating small portable fires is a speciality of hers. This fire is said to be portable and blue, which may be a different enchanted fire, possibly the bluebells flames incantation.
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Bellatrix used a non-verbal Incendio on Hagrid's hut |