!st Meeting of Charms Club

[medens-lupus.livejournal.com]

Well hello all my lovely members! I know this is pretty early after I posted the application, but I figure now is as good a time as any to post the first activity. I am still accepting applications here: http://www.livejournal.com/community/hh_clubs/1188.html

For reference here are a few links that may come in handy:

The Harry Potter Lexicon's Encyclopedia of Spells: http://www.hp-lexicon.org/magic/spells.html

Latin-English Dictionary: http://humanum.arts.cuhk.edu.hk/Lexis/Latin/

Our first activity is going to be a discussion. If you make a really intelligent, thought inspiring post it'll be 5 points to your house. There are no prizes associated with it as it's just a discussion of a spell from the books.



The Accio Charm is quite possibly one of the most used spells in canon. We saw Harry use it superbly in the first task of the Triwizard Cup while facing down a dragon. While clearly picturing what you wish to summon towards you you declare "Accio ____!" How do you think this spell could be used in the real world? How would certain famous people/ celebrities/ politicians/ people in power use it? How can it be incorporated into society? On the other hand, how could it have a negative effect on society? What are the positives and negatives?


Debate is encouraged, but keep it peaceful, any outright fighting may have to maake me deduct points and I don't want to have to do that. Have fun and enjoy!




Your lovely leader,
Jay


New question: What do you think will happen if two people Summon the same object at the same time?

Comments

[chicarita.livejournal.com]

I'm in a harmlessly evil mood, so here's a late night positive/negative use of the charm.

It would be a deliciously fun way to torture one's siblings, especially one's younger siblings.

Just think of all the fun uses!

Sister hogging the phoneline to talk to her annoying boyfriend Chuck? Accio telephone!

Brother won't let go of the changer, insisting on watching Pokemon for hours on end? Accio remote!

Older sister taking forever in the bathroom when you need to get in too?
Accio towels! and leave her high and... err... wet...

I'm not really evil, I swear!

;o)

Crystal, Gryffindor

[aurora-borialis.livejournal.com]

I'm always losing things. Like papers or car keys of my cell phone. My problem would be solved with an Accio cell phone! I could find a gazillion uses for it in real life. Say if I need something that's out of my reach I can use Accio *insert object here*! to get it. Although it could turn us all into lazy slobs... there's that downside, but otherwise I think it would be rather useful!

Austynne::Hufflepuff

[tangerinesidhe.livejournal.com]

Accio could be very helpful in the real world. If President Bush had had it available, he could have said "Accio WMDs!" instead of leading the United States into war. I think that most people would use it for mundane sorts of things, such as finding their keys, getting a cup of coffee, or not having to stand up to find the remote. It would become a spell of convience. Personally, I would use it when writing papers, to accio the books I needed to myself instead of always have to interrupt my work for a trip to the bookshelf.

While it would be convenient, I think it would also have a couple of downsides. First of all, it would be quite dangerous to live in a world where random objects were constantly flying past us. People would probably get knocked out or given bloody noses. Also, it would probably cause a lot of property damage and car accidents.
Another downside is that, at least the American population, is already suffering from high rates of obesity--partly due to inactivity. Using accio all the time would only serve to further decrease physical activity. It could lead to another major health epidemic in this country and others.

Although it is tempting to use, I think that personally I would only use it once in a while, such as when I had lost something. However, I'm the kind of person who most often takes the stairs instead of the elevator (even with chronic back problems/sciatica)--so I think that I would fight the urge to be lazy. As with most things, in moderation it's fine--but there can always be too much of a good thing.

--Destiny, Gryffindor (I just got around to applying, so I hope it's ok to post here already).

[tangerinesidhe.livejournal.com]

Were two people to attempt to accio the same object at the same time, my assumption is that there would be a struggle between the two of them and whoever had the greater will would win. However, I was thinking: when Harry attempts to accio his broom, he concentrates very hard on it, but he isn't sure at first if it is working. So, if someone else was attempting to accio the same object at the same time as you, I wonder if you might not know. Depending on the object and distance, it seems that the spell can be more or less difficult. What if you just think that either the spell isn't working, or the object is harder to accio than you assumed? Just a thought.

Destiny//Gryffindor

[crooked.livejournal.com]

I'm usually not such a pessimistic person, but I could really see the Accio charm used for more sinister purposes.

Now, that is not to say that the charm doesn't have its useful purposes as well. It could be used to summons an object that you are know is near, but just cannot find. You could also use the Accio charm to bring to yourself and others aide when it could otherwise not reach you. For instance, I imagine that use of this charm would be most welcome if you were on a camping expedition and a member of your party was injured but the first aid supplies were either depleted or forgotten. These are just a few of the many positive uses.

That said, I can all too clearly envision the very ways one could implement the Accio charm as well. When saying the incantation, it is unclear exactly how specific you must be in regards to knowing the item's location. At the very least, you must know the general location. With that in mind, it would be very easy for criminals and those with dark intent to abuse this charm. For instance, pick-pockets wouldn't even have to actually 'pick' pockets any longer. They could simply say "Accio wallet/purse/whatever" and have their spoils effortlessly. Even more dangerous, however, are the world leaders that may find it impossible to resist the temptation to utter the charm in order to summons weapons desired or things of that nature.

I do think that the Accio charm could be used for good by those with good intentions. But, just like with anything else that starts off pure, there are people who would most definitely jump at the chance to have that kind of power -- and then abuse it.

Really, I am NOT such a negative girl. ^_^

cj//'Puff

edit

[crooked.livejournal.com]

3rd paragraph, 1st line: "... envision the very negative ways..." oops. :)

Re: edit

[medens-lupus.livejournal.com]

*gasps* You forgot the word "negative"!

5 points from Hufflepuff!!

kidding, of course. Now I pose a sub question to you or anyone who wanted to respond.

What do you think would happen if two people try to Summon the same thing at the same time?

Re: edit

[crooked.livejournal.com]

lol... why is that something i could see Snape doing with the points? ^_^

That is a very interesting question! The only answer I can come up with right now is that there would be a sort of mental struggle between the summoning parties. I envision it as a 'tug-of-war' between the minds, really. The person whose focus and concentration on the object (and perhaps even desire for the object would play into it) is the strongest and most intense would be able to summons the object in the end.

Re: edit

[tangerinesidhe.livejournal.com]

I think that makes the most sense. After running various scenarios in my mind, that seemed the most probably outcome.

So, now *I* have a question (to anyone):
If it was the mental tug-of-war result, do you think the parties involved would know? Would they be conscious that someone else was also trying to accio the same object, or would it just seem like it was much more difficult than usual?

Re: edit

[crooked.livejournal.com]

oh, that's a good question.

i suppose the paries would have to be conscious of each other in order to actually attempt to "win" the desired object. i don't think they would know who the other person was though... just be aware that another is trying to obtain the same object.

cj//'Puff

[shecrows.livejournal.com]

What do you think would happen if two people try to Summon the same thing at the same time?

Kind of echoing what pink_faerie81 said, I suppose it works the same way as when two spells (i.e. Voldemort and Harry's big face off in GoF) collide with each other. The stronger wizard - whether that means stronger in magical ability, in willpower, etc - would cast the Accio that wins out against the weaker one. Although you can't see the Accio spell in the same way that you can see a hex/curse when it's casted (you know, the ray of light type thing *is eloquent*), it's still a spell, and so I think it would just work the same way.

Cami {Ravenclaw}

[hxcpunkchick.livejournal.com]

*coughs*
I know I'm not a member of the Charms Club, but um, your friendly neighborhood perfectionist has come to correct grammar.
It's your, not you're.
/grammar nazi

[medens-lupus.livejournal.com]

i know, i realized that after i typed it

[kraftyhorse.livejournal.com]

Just the other day, I totally could have used the accio charm to find my Instruction Permit. It had lapsed, and I knew that, but I could not find it for the *life* of me. I eventually found it in the box my iPod came in. I wonder though, how that would have worked. "Accio Instruction Permit!"...and what? The box wiggles right off the shelf, hits me on the head and convulses on the floor? Would I get the hint? A dense muggle such as myself....I just don't know.

As for the celebrity question, I would *definitely* use it to summon celebrities. Not politicians, though...they can stay on the other side of the US. ;) Oh, that wasn't the question? Well, I guess they'd use it to summon their awards. Like at the golden globes, sure it's great to win every other award, but do you really want to have to walk up there, climbing over who knows how many people, EVERY time? I didn't think so...it would be so much easier to just beckon it to you from the comfort of your third row seat.

The negatives have already been mentioned. Americans *certainly* don't need the spell, we're lazy enough as it is!

[zentraedi-shep.livejournal.com]

As stated before, the problem with Accio! is that we selfish muggles would only use it for our personal welfare, like "Accio drink!", "Accio test results!" (before writing the test) or even "Accio US gold reserves!"...

Okay, who never thought this way may throw the first stone...

Perhaps the cahrm would be best, if there is a certain restriction attached to it, like on the maximum summonable weight or on how large the object may be or things like that...

[zentraedi-shep.livejournal.com]

"Accio test results!" must of course be "Accio test answers!"...

;D

[boley.livejournal.com]

I havent done my dern application yet (sorry Jay), but wanted to throw my two cents in anyway...

Can you accio things that arent yours? For example, could a purse snatcher just run by and Holler "Accio Purse!!" and grab your unguarded possession. Or could I stand outside Sam Goodys and say "Accio Jimmy Buffett CD" and have it come flying to me without purchase? Or do you believe there is a certain law that allows only things that are yours or are available to anyone (like accio leaf on the ground, whyever you may want to do that...)? Maybe the ability to take things that arent yours is guaged on how powerful you are as a witch or wizard. Like Dumbledore could take something from a student, but a student wouldnt be able to steal something from Dumbledore. I dunno, any thoughts??

[boley.livejournal.com]

Umm...Andrea//Hufflepuff

[-just-kat.livejournal.com]

Okay, I'll be posting to the new question topic.

I have no idea what would happen if two people triee to summon the same object at once, but I imagine that it'll ither go to the person who has had more practice on the spell and cast it stronger or that the object will stay put but a big bang will occur and knock the two poeple backwards.

Kat, Gryffindor.

[shakiracrazy.livejournal.com]

With great power comes great responsibility someone once said, and they were correct.

Imagine the chaos that would occur. Of course we first think of the little, helpful things: lost keys, that missing sock, saving the remote from the dust bunnies under the couch, etc. However, we often fial to look at the bigger picture.

Celebrities could use it to their advantage, though I doubt they would use it for "evil", as they have an image they must keep up. Wouldn't want to risk any controversy and losing money right? But they could whisk away paparazzi's cameras in an instant.

Even bigger than that, the world could very well enter another World War. The US may accio oil from other countries, then other countries would be furious and accio the Declaration of Independence. Terrorists could accio all the materials needed to make weapons, and people would be accio-ing people all over the place.

That's why the Wizarding World has a Ministry of Magic. To control the wizards.

And that's why there are only a few Wizards- it's the balance of life. You cannot possibly control magic when it's that widespread.

Magic is a wonderful idea and concept to play around with, but in reality, it's not very practical.

[shakiracrazy.livejournal.com]

Oh,

~Rachel
Gryffindor

[punkrock137.livejournal.com]

I'll be replying to the new question...

I think that the object would go to the person closer to the object being summoned. If someone is standing 300 yards away vs. someone 3 yards away, it would go to the person 3 yards away because it's the easiest path. The only way that it could possibly go to the other person if it is a more powerful witch or wizard.

[punkrock137.livejournal.com]

Oops-

Abigail..Gryffindor

[sarahgonecrazy.livejournal.com]

Hmmm...Everyone's basically said everything, but I just want to add in my (limited and very few) thoughts.

I personally would love to use the summoning charm, because I'm constantly losing keys, books, socks, papers, and (very sadly) jewlery. My room's also a complete disaster, so it would be nice to go in there and Accio what I need, especially if I'm in a rush. Also, I tend to forget things when I'm really excited, so instead of losing lets say a digital camera on an airplane *winces at memory*, I can quickly get it back without a problem when I can actually think.

But, that has it's disadvantages, because lets say you forgot to do your homework, or, even worse, a really big project, so you tell your teacher you left it at home or in your locker. With the charm, they would just tell you to summon it and well, then you would be royally screwed. Also, it would be hazardous to our health, and probably our sanity, to see things and (possibly) people flying through the air.

Somehow I don't think that you can summon people. I mean, if they could summon people, why doesn't Dumbledore summon Voldemort and then immediately knock him out. Or in Voldemort's case, he can summon his victims quite easily. It just doesn't make that much sense you know?

Alas, it would also make us all even more lazy bums, but personally, I think it would be pretty cool to be summoned. I mean you're sitting down peacefully, or talking to someone, and then all of the sudden you're flying at top speed through the air. Think of all of the weird looks you could get. And all the walls you would hit...ouch. Okay, it was a fun thought at the moment.

Unfortunately, for some people, it would be much easier to summon things than others. I know that my brother has a photogenic memory and could summon anything he could possibly imagine. But, for those people, like me, who can't even invision the clothes they are wearing right now, it would be extremely unfair.

Sarah-Hufflepuff

[sarahgonecrazy.livejournal.com]

For the second question, I think that it will get to one person, but it all depends on the persons ability, strength, and distance from the object. Obviously, if a grown up and a child both summoned the same thing, the grown up would get it, because they are more experienced and stronger wizards than children. But there can be exceptions, like everything else in the world.

It might be comical if two people summoned the same thing, because one person would get it, but then the other might try to summon it again, and since no one is acting against them, they would get it from the other person. That could go on for a long time before someone decides to give up.

Sarah-Hufflepuff

[medens-lupus.livejournal.com]

Official-ness!

This thread will now be closed, no more entries past this point will be accepted.

:-P