Magic in Harry Potter (Paperback)

Please note that the content of this book primarily consists of articles available from Wikipedia or other free sources online. In the fictional Harry Potter series created by J. K. Rowling, magic is depicted as a natural force that can be used to override the usual laws of nature while still being approached entirely scientifically. Many magical creatures exist in the series, as do ordinary creatures that exhibit some magical properties (such as owls, which are used to deliver post). Objects, too, can be enhanced or imbued with magical property. The small percentage of humans that are able to perform magic are referred to as witches and wizards, in contrast to the non-magical Muggles. In humans, magic or the lack thereof is an inborn attribute. It is inherited, carried on "dominant resilient genes." Magic is the norm in the children of magical couples and less common in those of Muggles. Exceptions exist: those unable to do magic who are born to magical parents are known as Squibs, whereas a witch or wizard born to Muggle parents is known as a Muggle-born, or by the a pejorative "Mudblood." While Muggle-borns are quite common, Squibs are extremely rare.