Do the Kwikspell courses work?

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In Harry Potter we are introduced to Kwikspell course in The Chamber of Secrets (and never hear about it again).



We see Filch taking courses, presumably by mail.



The descriptions of Kwikspell make me think it is for people who are weak in magic (kind of like how Neville was supposed to be when he was younger), but had magic in them nonetheless.



However, Ron's comments later in the chapter make it sound like it is mainly for Squibs to learn magic.



However, it is strongly implied through out all the books that Squibs are essentially Muggles, and will never be able to do magic.



How then is a Kwikspell course supposed to work? Do we have any information to know if it works at all? Is it a scam?



An answer from any level of canon is welcome.










share|improve this question























  • "Do we have any information to know if it works at all? Is it a scam?" Just in case we do not have any information about how it works, then we also must conclude that we don't know if it is a scam. Might be or might not be.
    – Trilarion
    Sep 27 at 18:55










  • Kwikspell may be legit or borderline-legit, but I am morally certain that there are scams promising to grant magical power to Squibs.
    – EvilSnack
    Sep 28 at 1:58
















up vote
40
down vote

favorite












In Harry Potter we are introduced to Kwikspell course in The Chamber of Secrets (and never hear about it again).



We see Filch taking courses, presumably by mail.



The descriptions of Kwikspell make me think it is for people who are weak in magic (kind of like how Neville was supposed to be when he was younger), but had magic in them nonetheless.



However, Ron's comments later in the chapter make it sound like it is mainly for Squibs to learn magic.



However, it is strongly implied through out all the books that Squibs are essentially Muggles, and will never be able to do magic.



How then is a Kwikspell course supposed to work? Do we have any information to know if it works at all? Is it a scam?



An answer from any level of canon is welcome.










share|improve this question























  • "Do we have any information to know if it works at all? Is it a scam?" Just in case we do not have any information about how it works, then we also must conclude that we don't know if it is a scam. Might be or might not be.
    – Trilarion
    Sep 27 at 18:55










  • Kwikspell may be legit or borderline-legit, but I am morally certain that there are scams promising to grant magical power to Squibs.
    – EvilSnack
    Sep 28 at 1:58












up vote
40
down vote

favorite









up vote
40
down vote

favorite











In Harry Potter we are introduced to Kwikspell course in The Chamber of Secrets (and never hear about it again).



We see Filch taking courses, presumably by mail.



The descriptions of Kwikspell make me think it is for people who are weak in magic (kind of like how Neville was supposed to be when he was younger), but had magic in them nonetheless.



However, Ron's comments later in the chapter make it sound like it is mainly for Squibs to learn magic.



However, it is strongly implied through out all the books that Squibs are essentially Muggles, and will never be able to do magic.



How then is a Kwikspell course supposed to work? Do we have any information to know if it works at all? Is it a scam?



An answer from any level of canon is welcome.










share|improve this question















In Harry Potter we are introduced to Kwikspell course in The Chamber of Secrets (and never hear about it again).



We see Filch taking courses, presumably by mail.



The descriptions of Kwikspell make me think it is for people who are weak in magic (kind of like how Neville was supposed to be when he was younger), but had magic in them nonetheless.



However, Ron's comments later in the chapter make it sound like it is mainly for Squibs to learn magic.



However, it is strongly implied through out all the books that Squibs are essentially Muggles, and will never be able to do magic.



How then is a Kwikspell course supposed to work? Do we have any information to know if it works at all? Is it a scam?



An answer from any level of canon is welcome.







harry-potter magic magical-theory






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edited Sep 29 at 1:35









Bellatrix

59.1k11270307




59.1k11270307










asked Sep 27 at 12:25









user13267

12.7k582154




12.7k582154











  • "Do we have any information to know if it works at all? Is it a scam?" Just in case we do not have any information about how it works, then we also must conclude that we don't know if it is a scam. Might be or might not be.
    – Trilarion
    Sep 27 at 18:55










  • Kwikspell may be legit or borderline-legit, but I am morally certain that there are scams promising to grant magical power to Squibs.
    – EvilSnack
    Sep 28 at 1:58
















  • "Do we have any information to know if it works at all? Is it a scam?" Just in case we do not have any information about how it works, then we also must conclude that we don't know if it is a scam. Might be or might not be.
    – Trilarion
    Sep 27 at 18:55










  • Kwikspell may be legit or borderline-legit, but I am morally certain that there are scams promising to grant magical power to Squibs.
    – EvilSnack
    Sep 28 at 1:58















"Do we have any information to know if it works at all? Is it a scam?" Just in case we do not have any information about how it works, then we also must conclude that we don't know if it is a scam. Might be or might not be.
– Trilarion
Sep 27 at 18:55




"Do we have any information to know if it works at all? Is it a scam?" Just in case we do not have any information about how it works, then we also must conclude that we don't know if it is a scam. Might be or might not be.
– Trilarion
Sep 27 at 18:55












Kwikspell may be legit or borderline-legit, but I am morally certain that there are scams promising to grant magical power to Squibs.
– EvilSnack
Sep 28 at 1:58




Kwikspell may be legit or borderline-legit, but I am morally certain that there are scams promising to grant magical power to Squibs.
– EvilSnack
Sep 28 at 1:58










4 Answers
4






active

oldest

votes

















up vote
52
down vote













Kwikspell courses are (probably) useful to some wizards, but not to squibs.



The Kwikspell course literature comes with two testimonials.




Madam Z. Nettles of Topsham writes:
‘I had no memory for incantations and my potions were a family joke! Now, after a Kwikspell course, I am the centre of attention at parties and friends beg for the recipe of my Scintillation Solution!’
 

Warlock D. J. Prod of Didsbury says:
‘My wife used to sneer at my feeble charms but one month into your fabulous Kwikspell course I succeeded in turning her into a yak! Thank you, Kwikspell!’



Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets




and states that they're useful for witches and wizards whose magical abilities are poor.




Kwikspell is an all-new, fail-safe, quick-result, easy-learn course.
Hundreds of witches and wizards have benefited from the Kwikspell
method!”



Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets




Interestingly, D. J. Prod appears to have gone from zero to hero with Kwikspell, having gone from 'feeble at charms' to warlock. What we don't know is whether these testimonials are accurate, but it's notable that both quotes come from wizards with poor skills rather than (former) squibs.



Like most correspondence courses, they're probably most effective if you apply yourself and have some natural ability. JKR confirmed that Filch's course was utterly ineffective, but that doesn't mean that it doesn't work for everyone, just that it didn't work for him (presumably because no courses will help a squib to become magical).




Filch has carved himself a niche at Hogwarts and Arabella Figg
operates as Dumbledore’s liaison between the magical and Muggle
worlds. Neither of these characters can perform magic (Filch’s
Kwikspell course never worked),
but they still function within the
wizarding world because they have access to certain magical objects
and creatures that can help them



J.K.Rowling Official Site -Extra Stuff SQUIBS




It's also worth mentioning that another of Kwikspell's courses ("Wallop the Wombat Revision Course") is recommended by the Ministry of Magic itself to those who fail to achieve a passing grade in their W.O.M.B.A.T. tests. It seems highly unlikely that the Ministry would suggest people take courses from a company that offers courses that are known to be worthless scams.




(Do not be disheartened. You have only narrowly failed this most
demanding examination, and with a little further study would be sure
to pass. You are to be congratulated on a good attempt. We recommend a
crammer course of evening classes. Send an owl for full details of the
Wallop the Wombat Revision Course, available from the Kwikspell
Company.



HP: Lexicon - WOMBAT Tests




Additionally, we have evidence (from JKR herself) that other "correspondence courses" are effective in teaching inexperienced wizards and witches.




Occasionally, too, the magical community in a given country is tiny or far-flung and correspondence courses have been found a more cost-effective means of educating the young.



Wizarding Schools - Pottermore





As to how the course actually functions, we learn in the Gameboy Colour game Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets that lesson #1 of the Kwikspell course ("Learn Magic Fast with Kwikspell!") covers




  • The appropriate way to hold your wand

  • The incantation for the Skurge (scouring) charm.

Which strongly suggests that the course comprises of one basic wizarding technique and one spell each lesson.








share|improve this answer


















  • 6




    This is by far the best answer - there’s no textual evidence Kwikspell is a scam. The only one shown using one is Filch, who’s a Squib, and Squibs can’t learn magic through any method, so of course it won’t work. In addition, there’s nothing that suggests Kwikspell markets to Squibs.
    – Bellatrix
    Sep 27 at 16:51







  • 3




    @Bella Ron said Filch must have been a squib if he was taking a Kwikspell course, so I thought it was marketed in universe for squibs
    – user13267
    Sep 27 at 22:00







  • 2




    @user13267 Kwikspell doesn’t seem to be marketed to Squibs, that’s just the reason why Ron thinks Filch is taking a Kwikspell course. Ron thinking that, or even that Filch is a Squib and tries their course, doesn’t necessarily mean that Kwikspell is actually meant for Squibs. The packaging and testimonials on Kwikspell itself indicates it’s for unskilled wizards, and nothing implies they themselves claim they can teach Squibs magic. Filch most likely wanted to take the course in the (misguided) hope he could coax some magic out of himself.
    – Bellatrix
    Sep 27 at 22:12







  • 2




    "It seems highly unlikely that the Ministry would suggest people take courses from a company that offers courses that are known to be worthless scams." - you seem to have a higher regard for the competence and integrity of the MoM than the quality of their leadership (e.g. Cornelius Fudge, Rufus Scrimgeour, and Pius Thicknesse) indicates. By and large, the MoM appears to waffle between doddering folly and officious folly. I withhold comment on which is worse, or better.
    – Bob Jarvis
    Sep 28 at 14:51






  • 2




    @Beanluc - Well, he could hardly sit in on classes can he? He's got a job to do.
    – Valorum
    Sep 28 at 19:37

















up vote
18
down vote













As I read it, Kwikspell is a borderline scam. It's on the same level as those ads you used to see in magazines, "Draw this [whatever]" to get you to send in for information on a correspondence art course. The course, in the end, is unlikely to actually teach you anything you couldn't learn as well for less money from books found in art stores and libraries -- but it will give you a "certificate" when you finish. The same is done for photography.



Sure, the MoM endorsed at least one of their courses, "Wallop the Wombat Revision Course" (thanks, Valorum, though I don't understand why anyone would want to wallop an innocent marsupial). This might be because the Ministry was misled into thinking the courses worked, bribed to give an endorsement -- or perhaps they actually did work for people with magical ability (which doesn't include Filch, as far as we know). The Kwikspell people surely didn't go out of their way to point out that a Squib wouldn't gain from sending them a lot of money.



In other words, Filch has been taken in by someone claiming they can teach magic to anyone, without even meeting them, for some number of knuts (or more likely galleons). He's sending off his money and getting "lessons" by owl, and almost certainly gaining nothing from it, other than a misplaced confidence that he will, in time, be able to use magic. We know he wasn't able to use magic, even up to the Battle of Hogwarts.






share|improve this answer


















  • 3




    This seems extremely opinion-based. Can you offer any evidence to back up this bold assertion from the text, interviews, etc?
    – Valorum
    Sep 27 at 13:50







  • 9




    None whatsoever, other than that Filch was still non-functional in magic even in Herry's seventh year.
    – Zeiss Ikon
    Sep 27 at 14:01






  • 5




    Which makes him exactly the sort the Kwikspell scam would prey on. Knows about magic, is around it every day, got none of his own.
    – Zeiss Ikon
    Sep 27 at 14:21






  • 2




    In the days when Harry was in school, they might -- they were corrupted by Death Eaters, why not by ordinary bribery?
    – Zeiss Ikon
    Sep 27 at 16:01






  • 3




    Ah, now you're indulging in fan-fiction to justify your answer though. Perhaps they'd been confunded to tell people it was good or had their memories altered (perhaps, perhaps)
    – Valorum
    Sep 27 at 16:22

















up vote
11
down vote













The only person in the books that we see using Kwikspell is Filch, and it doesn't seem to have helped him. For instance, in Order of the Phoenix Filch we have the following:




“Right you are, Headmistress!” wheezed Filch, who was a Squib and
could no more have Stunned the fireworks than swallowed them.




Apparently Filch was unable to do any magic at all despite the Kwikspell course.



However, it is unlikely that Kwikspell is meant for Squibs. It seems generally accepted that Squibs cannot gain the ability to do magic. For instance, we have Ron's comment in Deathly Hallows:




"But how are they supposed to have 'stolen' magic?" said Ron. "It's
mental, if you could steal magic there wouldn't be any Squibs, would
there?"




The opening paragraph of the Kwikspell course indeed seems addressed to wizards who are poor at magic, not those who have no magic at all:




Feel out of step in the world of modern magic? Find yourself making
excuses not to perform simple spells? Ever been taunted for your
woeful wandwork?




The testimonials as well reflect people who were able to do magic poorly, rather than not at all:




I had no memory for incantations and my potions were a family joke!







My wife used to sneer at my feeble charms




For such people it is certainly possible that Kwikspell would help. The first Kwikspell lesson is described as:




"Lesson One: Holding Your Wand (Some Useful Tips)"




Not holding a wand properly could easily be something that would contribute to a wizard's poor performance of magic, and useful tips on how to hold a wand is something that could address that and be taught in a correspondence course.



Therefore, while it is certainly possible that it is a scam, we have no particular reason to think that Kwikspell wouldn't work for those whom it was intended for.






share|improve this answer





























    up vote
    1
    down vote













    Sounds like these "learn a language in 3 weeks" ads. Whether these work as bold as they claim probably depends on the person's abilities (memory, languagy affinity) and time invested. They probably teach basic techniques that will give people a head start compared to other methods.
    It sounds that kwickspell is comparable, given the quotes are true. Certain techniques help people to make progress like how to memorize things etc.
    "The appropriate way to hold your wand" seems one important basic technique that can make the difference - like they learn in Book1 about the important swish and flick for Wingardium leviosa.
    But it sound that it is made for wizards/witches poor at magic but not squibs. That's why it doesn't work for Filch (though he obviously still hopes that there is some magic in him - like Neville told that his family already thought he'd be a squib, Book1?)






    share|improve this answer
















    • 4




      The OP is asking for an answer from canon. This seems to be speculation.
      – Meat Trademark
      Sep 27 at 16:26










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    4 Answers
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    4 Answers
    4






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    active

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    up vote
    52
    down vote













    Kwikspell courses are (probably) useful to some wizards, but not to squibs.



    The Kwikspell course literature comes with two testimonials.




    Madam Z. Nettles of Topsham writes:
    ‘I had no memory for incantations and my potions were a family joke! Now, after a Kwikspell course, I am the centre of attention at parties and friends beg for the recipe of my Scintillation Solution!’
     

    Warlock D. J. Prod of Didsbury says:
    ‘My wife used to sneer at my feeble charms but one month into your fabulous Kwikspell course I succeeded in turning her into a yak! Thank you, Kwikspell!’



    Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets




    and states that they're useful for witches and wizards whose magical abilities are poor.




    Kwikspell is an all-new, fail-safe, quick-result, easy-learn course.
    Hundreds of witches and wizards have benefited from the Kwikspell
    method!”



    Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets




    Interestingly, D. J. Prod appears to have gone from zero to hero with Kwikspell, having gone from 'feeble at charms' to warlock. What we don't know is whether these testimonials are accurate, but it's notable that both quotes come from wizards with poor skills rather than (former) squibs.



    Like most correspondence courses, they're probably most effective if you apply yourself and have some natural ability. JKR confirmed that Filch's course was utterly ineffective, but that doesn't mean that it doesn't work for everyone, just that it didn't work for him (presumably because no courses will help a squib to become magical).




    Filch has carved himself a niche at Hogwarts and Arabella Figg
    operates as Dumbledore’s liaison between the magical and Muggle
    worlds. Neither of these characters can perform magic (Filch’s
    Kwikspell course never worked),
    but they still function within the
    wizarding world because they have access to certain magical objects
    and creatures that can help them



    J.K.Rowling Official Site -Extra Stuff SQUIBS




    It's also worth mentioning that another of Kwikspell's courses ("Wallop the Wombat Revision Course") is recommended by the Ministry of Magic itself to those who fail to achieve a passing grade in their W.O.M.B.A.T. tests. It seems highly unlikely that the Ministry would suggest people take courses from a company that offers courses that are known to be worthless scams.




    (Do not be disheartened. You have only narrowly failed this most
    demanding examination, and with a little further study would be sure
    to pass. You are to be congratulated on a good attempt. We recommend a
    crammer course of evening classes. Send an owl for full details of the
    Wallop the Wombat Revision Course, available from the Kwikspell
    Company.



    HP: Lexicon - WOMBAT Tests




    Additionally, we have evidence (from JKR herself) that other "correspondence courses" are effective in teaching inexperienced wizards and witches.




    Occasionally, too, the magical community in a given country is tiny or far-flung and correspondence courses have been found a more cost-effective means of educating the young.



    Wizarding Schools - Pottermore





    As to how the course actually functions, we learn in the Gameboy Colour game Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets that lesson #1 of the Kwikspell course ("Learn Magic Fast with Kwikspell!") covers




    • The appropriate way to hold your wand

    • The incantation for the Skurge (scouring) charm.

    Which strongly suggests that the course comprises of one basic wizarding technique and one spell each lesson.








    share|improve this answer


















    • 6




      This is by far the best answer - there’s no textual evidence Kwikspell is a scam. The only one shown using one is Filch, who’s a Squib, and Squibs can’t learn magic through any method, so of course it won’t work. In addition, there’s nothing that suggests Kwikspell markets to Squibs.
      – Bellatrix
      Sep 27 at 16:51







    • 3




      @Bella Ron said Filch must have been a squib if he was taking a Kwikspell course, so I thought it was marketed in universe for squibs
      – user13267
      Sep 27 at 22:00







    • 2




      @user13267 Kwikspell doesn’t seem to be marketed to Squibs, that’s just the reason why Ron thinks Filch is taking a Kwikspell course. Ron thinking that, or even that Filch is a Squib and tries their course, doesn’t necessarily mean that Kwikspell is actually meant for Squibs. The packaging and testimonials on Kwikspell itself indicates it’s for unskilled wizards, and nothing implies they themselves claim they can teach Squibs magic. Filch most likely wanted to take the course in the (misguided) hope he could coax some magic out of himself.
      – Bellatrix
      Sep 27 at 22:12







    • 2




      "It seems highly unlikely that the Ministry would suggest people take courses from a company that offers courses that are known to be worthless scams." - you seem to have a higher regard for the competence and integrity of the MoM than the quality of their leadership (e.g. Cornelius Fudge, Rufus Scrimgeour, and Pius Thicknesse) indicates. By and large, the MoM appears to waffle between doddering folly and officious folly. I withhold comment on which is worse, or better.
      – Bob Jarvis
      Sep 28 at 14:51






    • 2




      @Beanluc - Well, he could hardly sit in on classes can he? He's got a job to do.
      – Valorum
      Sep 28 at 19:37














    up vote
    52
    down vote













    Kwikspell courses are (probably) useful to some wizards, but not to squibs.



    The Kwikspell course literature comes with two testimonials.




    Madam Z. Nettles of Topsham writes:
    ‘I had no memory for incantations and my potions were a family joke! Now, after a Kwikspell course, I am the centre of attention at parties and friends beg for the recipe of my Scintillation Solution!’
     

    Warlock D. J. Prod of Didsbury says:
    ‘My wife used to sneer at my feeble charms but one month into your fabulous Kwikspell course I succeeded in turning her into a yak! Thank you, Kwikspell!’



    Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets




    and states that they're useful for witches and wizards whose magical abilities are poor.




    Kwikspell is an all-new, fail-safe, quick-result, easy-learn course.
    Hundreds of witches and wizards have benefited from the Kwikspell
    method!”



    Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets




    Interestingly, D. J. Prod appears to have gone from zero to hero with Kwikspell, having gone from 'feeble at charms' to warlock. What we don't know is whether these testimonials are accurate, but it's notable that both quotes come from wizards with poor skills rather than (former) squibs.



    Like most correspondence courses, they're probably most effective if you apply yourself and have some natural ability. JKR confirmed that Filch's course was utterly ineffective, but that doesn't mean that it doesn't work for everyone, just that it didn't work for him (presumably because no courses will help a squib to become magical).




    Filch has carved himself a niche at Hogwarts and Arabella Figg
    operates as Dumbledore’s liaison between the magical and Muggle
    worlds. Neither of these characters can perform magic (Filch’s
    Kwikspell course never worked),
    but they still function within the
    wizarding world because they have access to certain magical objects
    and creatures that can help them



    J.K.Rowling Official Site -Extra Stuff SQUIBS




    It's also worth mentioning that another of Kwikspell's courses ("Wallop the Wombat Revision Course") is recommended by the Ministry of Magic itself to those who fail to achieve a passing grade in their W.O.M.B.A.T. tests. It seems highly unlikely that the Ministry would suggest people take courses from a company that offers courses that are known to be worthless scams.




    (Do not be disheartened. You have only narrowly failed this most
    demanding examination, and with a little further study would be sure
    to pass. You are to be congratulated on a good attempt. We recommend a
    crammer course of evening classes. Send an owl for full details of the
    Wallop the Wombat Revision Course, available from the Kwikspell
    Company.



    HP: Lexicon - WOMBAT Tests




    Additionally, we have evidence (from JKR herself) that other "correspondence courses" are effective in teaching inexperienced wizards and witches.




    Occasionally, too, the magical community in a given country is tiny or far-flung and correspondence courses have been found a more cost-effective means of educating the young.



    Wizarding Schools - Pottermore





    As to how the course actually functions, we learn in the Gameboy Colour game Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets that lesson #1 of the Kwikspell course ("Learn Magic Fast with Kwikspell!") covers




    • The appropriate way to hold your wand

    • The incantation for the Skurge (scouring) charm.

    Which strongly suggests that the course comprises of one basic wizarding technique and one spell each lesson.








    share|improve this answer


















    • 6




      This is by far the best answer - there’s no textual evidence Kwikspell is a scam. The only one shown using one is Filch, who’s a Squib, and Squibs can’t learn magic through any method, so of course it won’t work. In addition, there’s nothing that suggests Kwikspell markets to Squibs.
      – Bellatrix
      Sep 27 at 16:51







    • 3




      @Bella Ron said Filch must have been a squib if he was taking a Kwikspell course, so I thought it was marketed in universe for squibs
      – user13267
      Sep 27 at 22:00







    • 2




      @user13267 Kwikspell doesn’t seem to be marketed to Squibs, that’s just the reason why Ron thinks Filch is taking a Kwikspell course. Ron thinking that, or even that Filch is a Squib and tries their course, doesn’t necessarily mean that Kwikspell is actually meant for Squibs. The packaging and testimonials on Kwikspell itself indicates it’s for unskilled wizards, and nothing implies they themselves claim they can teach Squibs magic. Filch most likely wanted to take the course in the (misguided) hope he could coax some magic out of himself.
      – Bellatrix
      Sep 27 at 22:12







    • 2




      "It seems highly unlikely that the Ministry would suggest people take courses from a company that offers courses that are known to be worthless scams." - you seem to have a higher regard for the competence and integrity of the MoM than the quality of their leadership (e.g. Cornelius Fudge, Rufus Scrimgeour, and Pius Thicknesse) indicates. By and large, the MoM appears to waffle between doddering folly and officious folly. I withhold comment on which is worse, or better.
      – Bob Jarvis
      Sep 28 at 14:51






    • 2




      @Beanluc - Well, he could hardly sit in on classes can he? He's got a job to do.
      – Valorum
      Sep 28 at 19:37












    up vote
    52
    down vote










    up vote
    52
    down vote









    Kwikspell courses are (probably) useful to some wizards, but not to squibs.



    The Kwikspell course literature comes with two testimonials.




    Madam Z. Nettles of Topsham writes:
    ‘I had no memory for incantations and my potions were a family joke! Now, after a Kwikspell course, I am the centre of attention at parties and friends beg for the recipe of my Scintillation Solution!’
     

    Warlock D. J. Prod of Didsbury says:
    ‘My wife used to sneer at my feeble charms but one month into your fabulous Kwikspell course I succeeded in turning her into a yak! Thank you, Kwikspell!’



    Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets




    and states that they're useful for witches and wizards whose magical abilities are poor.




    Kwikspell is an all-new, fail-safe, quick-result, easy-learn course.
    Hundreds of witches and wizards have benefited from the Kwikspell
    method!”



    Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets




    Interestingly, D. J. Prod appears to have gone from zero to hero with Kwikspell, having gone from 'feeble at charms' to warlock. What we don't know is whether these testimonials are accurate, but it's notable that both quotes come from wizards with poor skills rather than (former) squibs.



    Like most correspondence courses, they're probably most effective if you apply yourself and have some natural ability. JKR confirmed that Filch's course was utterly ineffective, but that doesn't mean that it doesn't work for everyone, just that it didn't work for him (presumably because no courses will help a squib to become magical).




    Filch has carved himself a niche at Hogwarts and Arabella Figg
    operates as Dumbledore’s liaison between the magical and Muggle
    worlds. Neither of these characters can perform magic (Filch’s
    Kwikspell course never worked),
    but they still function within the
    wizarding world because they have access to certain magical objects
    and creatures that can help them



    J.K.Rowling Official Site -Extra Stuff SQUIBS




    It's also worth mentioning that another of Kwikspell's courses ("Wallop the Wombat Revision Course") is recommended by the Ministry of Magic itself to those who fail to achieve a passing grade in their W.O.M.B.A.T. tests. It seems highly unlikely that the Ministry would suggest people take courses from a company that offers courses that are known to be worthless scams.




    (Do not be disheartened. You have only narrowly failed this most
    demanding examination, and with a little further study would be sure
    to pass. You are to be congratulated on a good attempt. We recommend a
    crammer course of evening classes. Send an owl for full details of the
    Wallop the Wombat Revision Course, available from the Kwikspell
    Company.



    HP: Lexicon - WOMBAT Tests




    Additionally, we have evidence (from JKR herself) that other "correspondence courses" are effective in teaching inexperienced wizards and witches.




    Occasionally, too, the magical community in a given country is tiny or far-flung and correspondence courses have been found a more cost-effective means of educating the young.



    Wizarding Schools - Pottermore





    As to how the course actually functions, we learn in the Gameboy Colour game Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets that lesson #1 of the Kwikspell course ("Learn Magic Fast with Kwikspell!") covers




    • The appropriate way to hold your wand

    • The incantation for the Skurge (scouring) charm.

    Which strongly suggests that the course comprises of one basic wizarding technique and one spell each lesson.








    share|improve this answer














    Kwikspell courses are (probably) useful to some wizards, but not to squibs.



    The Kwikspell course literature comes with two testimonials.




    Madam Z. Nettles of Topsham writes:
    ‘I had no memory for incantations and my potions were a family joke! Now, after a Kwikspell course, I am the centre of attention at parties and friends beg for the recipe of my Scintillation Solution!’
     

    Warlock D. J. Prod of Didsbury says:
    ‘My wife used to sneer at my feeble charms but one month into your fabulous Kwikspell course I succeeded in turning her into a yak! Thank you, Kwikspell!’



    Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets




    and states that they're useful for witches and wizards whose magical abilities are poor.




    Kwikspell is an all-new, fail-safe, quick-result, easy-learn course.
    Hundreds of witches and wizards have benefited from the Kwikspell
    method!”



    Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets




    Interestingly, D. J. Prod appears to have gone from zero to hero with Kwikspell, having gone from 'feeble at charms' to warlock. What we don't know is whether these testimonials are accurate, but it's notable that both quotes come from wizards with poor skills rather than (former) squibs.



    Like most correspondence courses, they're probably most effective if you apply yourself and have some natural ability. JKR confirmed that Filch's course was utterly ineffective, but that doesn't mean that it doesn't work for everyone, just that it didn't work for him (presumably because no courses will help a squib to become magical).




    Filch has carved himself a niche at Hogwarts and Arabella Figg
    operates as Dumbledore’s liaison between the magical and Muggle
    worlds. Neither of these characters can perform magic (Filch’s
    Kwikspell course never worked),
    but they still function within the
    wizarding world because they have access to certain magical objects
    and creatures that can help them



    J.K.Rowling Official Site -Extra Stuff SQUIBS




    It's also worth mentioning that another of Kwikspell's courses ("Wallop the Wombat Revision Course") is recommended by the Ministry of Magic itself to those who fail to achieve a passing grade in their W.O.M.B.A.T. tests. It seems highly unlikely that the Ministry would suggest people take courses from a company that offers courses that are known to be worthless scams.




    (Do not be disheartened. You have only narrowly failed this most
    demanding examination, and with a little further study would be sure
    to pass. You are to be congratulated on a good attempt. We recommend a
    crammer course of evening classes. Send an owl for full details of the
    Wallop the Wombat Revision Course, available from the Kwikspell
    Company.



    HP: Lexicon - WOMBAT Tests




    Additionally, we have evidence (from JKR herself) that other "correspondence courses" are effective in teaching inexperienced wizards and witches.




    Occasionally, too, the magical community in a given country is tiny or far-flung and correspondence courses have been found a more cost-effective means of educating the young.



    Wizarding Schools - Pottermore





    As to how the course actually functions, we learn in the Gameboy Colour game Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets that lesson #1 of the Kwikspell course ("Learn Magic Fast with Kwikspell!") covers




    • The appropriate way to hold your wand

    • The incantation for the Skurge (scouring) charm.

    Which strongly suggests that the course comprises of one basic wizarding technique and one spell each lesson.









    share|improve this answer














    share|improve this answer



    share|improve this answer








    edited Sep 27 at 16:44

























    answered Sep 27 at 12:50









    Valorum

    378k9927552983




    378k9927552983







    • 6




      This is by far the best answer - there’s no textual evidence Kwikspell is a scam. The only one shown using one is Filch, who’s a Squib, and Squibs can’t learn magic through any method, so of course it won’t work. In addition, there’s nothing that suggests Kwikspell markets to Squibs.
      – Bellatrix
      Sep 27 at 16:51







    • 3




      @Bella Ron said Filch must have been a squib if he was taking a Kwikspell course, so I thought it was marketed in universe for squibs
      – user13267
      Sep 27 at 22:00







    • 2




      @user13267 Kwikspell doesn’t seem to be marketed to Squibs, that’s just the reason why Ron thinks Filch is taking a Kwikspell course. Ron thinking that, or even that Filch is a Squib and tries their course, doesn’t necessarily mean that Kwikspell is actually meant for Squibs. The packaging and testimonials on Kwikspell itself indicates it’s for unskilled wizards, and nothing implies they themselves claim they can teach Squibs magic. Filch most likely wanted to take the course in the (misguided) hope he could coax some magic out of himself.
      – Bellatrix
      Sep 27 at 22:12







    • 2




      "It seems highly unlikely that the Ministry would suggest people take courses from a company that offers courses that are known to be worthless scams." - you seem to have a higher regard for the competence and integrity of the MoM than the quality of their leadership (e.g. Cornelius Fudge, Rufus Scrimgeour, and Pius Thicknesse) indicates. By and large, the MoM appears to waffle between doddering folly and officious folly. I withhold comment on which is worse, or better.
      – Bob Jarvis
      Sep 28 at 14:51






    • 2




      @Beanluc - Well, he could hardly sit in on classes can he? He's got a job to do.
      – Valorum
      Sep 28 at 19:37












    • 6




      This is by far the best answer - there’s no textual evidence Kwikspell is a scam. The only one shown using one is Filch, who’s a Squib, and Squibs can’t learn magic through any method, so of course it won’t work. In addition, there’s nothing that suggests Kwikspell markets to Squibs.
      – Bellatrix
      Sep 27 at 16:51







    • 3




      @Bella Ron said Filch must have been a squib if he was taking a Kwikspell course, so I thought it was marketed in universe for squibs
      – user13267
      Sep 27 at 22:00







    • 2




      @user13267 Kwikspell doesn’t seem to be marketed to Squibs, that’s just the reason why Ron thinks Filch is taking a Kwikspell course. Ron thinking that, or even that Filch is a Squib and tries their course, doesn’t necessarily mean that Kwikspell is actually meant for Squibs. The packaging and testimonials on Kwikspell itself indicates it’s for unskilled wizards, and nothing implies they themselves claim they can teach Squibs magic. Filch most likely wanted to take the course in the (misguided) hope he could coax some magic out of himself.
      – Bellatrix
      Sep 27 at 22:12







    • 2




      "It seems highly unlikely that the Ministry would suggest people take courses from a company that offers courses that are known to be worthless scams." - you seem to have a higher regard for the competence and integrity of the MoM than the quality of their leadership (e.g. Cornelius Fudge, Rufus Scrimgeour, and Pius Thicknesse) indicates. By and large, the MoM appears to waffle between doddering folly and officious folly. I withhold comment on which is worse, or better.
      – Bob Jarvis
      Sep 28 at 14:51






    • 2




      @Beanluc - Well, he could hardly sit in on classes can he? He's got a job to do.
      – Valorum
      Sep 28 at 19:37







    6




    6




    This is by far the best answer - there’s no textual evidence Kwikspell is a scam. The only one shown using one is Filch, who’s a Squib, and Squibs can’t learn magic through any method, so of course it won’t work. In addition, there’s nothing that suggests Kwikspell markets to Squibs.
    – Bellatrix
    Sep 27 at 16:51





    This is by far the best answer - there’s no textual evidence Kwikspell is a scam. The only one shown using one is Filch, who’s a Squib, and Squibs can’t learn magic through any method, so of course it won’t work. In addition, there’s nothing that suggests Kwikspell markets to Squibs.
    – Bellatrix
    Sep 27 at 16:51





    3




    3




    @Bella Ron said Filch must have been a squib if he was taking a Kwikspell course, so I thought it was marketed in universe for squibs
    – user13267
    Sep 27 at 22:00





    @Bella Ron said Filch must have been a squib if he was taking a Kwikspell course, so I thought it was marketed in universe for squibs
    – user13267
    Sep 27 at 22:00





    2




    2




    @user13267 Kwikspell doesn’t seem to be marketed to Squibs, that’s just the reason why Ron thinks Filch is taking a Kwikspell course. Ron thinking that, or even that Filch is a Squib and tries their course, doesn’t necessarily mean that Kwikspell is actually meant for Squibs. The packaging and testimonials on Kwikspell itself indicates it’s for unskilled wizards, and nothing implies they themselves claim they can teach Squibs magic. Filch most likely wanted to take the course in the (misguided) hope he could coax some magic out of himself.
    – Bellatrix
    Sep 27 at 22:12





    @user13267 Kwikspell doesn’t seem to be marketed to Squibs, that’s just the reason why Ron thinks Filch is taking a Kwikspell course. Ron thinking that, or even that Filch is a Squib and tries their course, doesn’t necessarily mean that Kwikspell is actually meant for Squibs. The packaging and testimonials on Kwikspell itself indicates it’s for unskilled wizards, and nothing implies they themselves claim they can teach Squibs magic. Filch most likely wanted to take the course in the (misguided) hope he could coax some magic out of himself.
    – Bellatrix
    Sep 27 at 22:12





    2




    2




    "It seems highly unlikely that the Ministry would suggest people take courses from a company that offers courses that are known to be worthless scams." - you seem to have a higher regard for the competence and integrity of the MoM than the quality of their leadership (e.g. Cornelius Fudge, Rufus Scrimgeour, and Pius Thicknesse) indicates. By and large, the MoM appears to waffle between doddering folly and officious folly. I withhold comment on which is worse, or better.
    – Bob Jarvis
    Sep 28 at 14:51




    "It seems highly unlikely that the Ministry would suggest people take courses from a company that offers courses that are known to be worthless scams." - you seem to have a higher regard for the competence and integrity of the MoM than the quality of their leadership (e.g. Cornelius Fudge, Rufus Scrimgeour, and Pius Thicknesse) indicates. By and large, the MoM appears to waffle between doddering folly and officious folly. I withhold comment on which is worse, or better.
    – Bob Jarvis
    Sep 28 at 14:51




    2




    2




    @Beanluc - Well, he could hardly sit in on classes can he? He's got a job to do.
    – Valorum
    Sep 28 at 19:37




    @Beanluc - Well, he could hardly sit in on classes can he? He's got a job to do.
    – Valorum
    Sep 28 at 19:37












    up vote
    18
    down vote













    As I read it, Kwikspell is a borderline scam. It's on the same level as those ads you used to see in magazines, "Draw this [whatever]" to get you to send in for information on a correspondence art course. The course, in the end, is unlikely to actually teach you anything you couldn't learn as well for less money from books found in art stores and libraries -- but it will give you a "certificate" when you finish. The same is done for photography.



    Sure, the MoM endorsed at least one of their courses, "Wallop the Wombat Revision Course" (thanks, Valorum, though I don't understand why anyone would want to wallop an innocent marsupial). This might be because the Ministry was misled into thinking the courses worked, bribed to give an endorsement -- or perhaps they actually did work for people with magical ability (which doesn't include Filch, as far as we know). The Kwikspell people surely didn't go out of their way to point out that a Squib wouldn't gain from sending them a lot of money.



    In other words, Filch has been taken in by someone claiming they can teach magic to anyone, without even meeting them, for some number of knuts (or more likely galleons). He's sending off his money and getting "lessons" by owl, and almost certainly gaining nothing from it, other than a misplaced confidence that he will, in time, be able to use magic. We know he wasn't able to use magic, even up to the Battle of Hogwarts.






    share|improve this answer


















    • 3




      This seems extremely opinion-based. Can you offer any evidence to back up this bold assertion from the text, interviews, etc?
      – Valorum
      Sep 27 at 13:50







    • 9




      None whatsoever, other than that Filch was still non-functional in magic even in Herry's seventh year.
      – Zeiss Ikon
      Sep 27 at 14:01






    • 5




      Which makes him exactly the sort the Kwikspell scam would prey on. Knows about magic, is around it every day, got none of his own.
      – Zeiss Ikon
      Sep 27 at 14:21






    • 2




      In the days when Harry was in school, they might -- they were corrupted by Death Eaters, why not by ordinary bribery?
      – Zeiss Ikon
      Sep 27 at 16:01






    • 3




      Ah, now you're indulging in fan-fiction to justify your answer though. Perhaps they'd been confunded to tell people it was good or had their memories altered (perhaps, perhaps)
      – Valorum
      Sep 27 at 16:22














    up vote
    18
    down vote













    As I read it, Kwikspell is a borderline scam. It's on the same level as those ads you used to see in magazines, "Draw this [whatever]" to get you to send in for information on a correspondence art course. The course, in the end, is unlikely to actually teach you anything you couldn't learn as well for less money from books found in art stores and libraries -- but it will give you a "certificate" when you finish. The same is done for photography.



    Sure, the MoM endorsed at least one of their courses, "Wallop the Wombat Revision Course" (thanks, Valorum, though I don't understand why anyone would want to wallop an innocent marsupial). This might be because the Ministry was misled into thinking the courses worked, bribed to give an endorsement -- or perhaps they actually did work for people with magical ability (which doesn't include Filch, as far as we know). The Kwikspell people surely didn't go out of their way to point out that a Squib wouldn't gain from sending them a lot of money.



    In other words, Filch has been taken in by someone claiming they can teach magic to anyone, without even meeting them, for some number of knuts (or more likely galleons). He's sending off his money and getting "lessons" by owl, and almost certainly gaining nothing from it, other than a misplaced confidence that he will, in time, be able to use magic. We know he wasn't able to use magic, even up to the Battle of Hogwarts.






    share|improve this answer


















    • 3




      This seems extremely opinion-based. Can you offer any evidence to back up this bold assertion from the text, interviews, etc?
      – Valorum
      Sep 27 at 13:50







    • 9




      None whatsoever, other than that Filch was still non-functional in magic even in Herry's seventh year.
      – Zeiss Ikon
      Sep 27 at 14:01






    • 5




      Which makes him exactly the sort the Kwikspell scam would prey on. Knows about magic, is around it every day, got none of his own.
      – Zeiss Ikon
      Sep 27 at 14:21






    • 2




      In the days when Harry was in school, they might -- they were corrupted by Death Eaters, why not by ordinary bribery?
      – Zeiss Ikon
      Sep 27 at 16:01






    • 3




      Ah, now you're indulging in fan-fiction to justify your answer though. Perhaps they'd been confunded to tell people it was good or had their memories altered (perhaps, perhaps)
      – Valorum
      Sep 27 at 16:22












    up vote
    18
    down vote










    up vote
    18
    down vote









    As I read it, Kwikspell is a borderline scam. It's on the same level as those ads you used to see in magazines, "Draw this [whatever]" to get you to send in for information on a correspondence art course. The course, in the end, is unlikely to actually teach you anything you couldn't learn as well for less money from books found in art stores and libraries -- but it will give you a "certificate" when you finish. The same is done for photography.



    Sure, the MoM endorsed at least one of their courses, "Wallop the Wombat Revision Course" (thanks, Valorum, though I don't understand why anyone would want to wallop an innocent marsupial). This might be because the Ministry was misled into thinking the courses worked, bribed to give an endorsement -- or perhaps they actually did work for people with magical ability (which doesn't include Filch, as far as we know). The Kwikspell people surely didn't go out of their way to point out that a Squib wouldn't gain from sending them a lot of money.



    In other words, Filch has been taken in by someone claiming they can teach magic to anyone, without even meeting them, for some number of knuts (or more likely galleons). He's sending off his money and getting "lessons" by owl, and almost certainly gaining nothing from it, other than a misplaced confidence that he will, in time, be able to use magic. We know he wasn't able to use magic, even up to the Battle of Hogwarts.






    share|improve this answer














    As I read it, Kwikspell is a borderline scam. It's on the same level as those ads you used to see in magazines, "Draw this [whatever]" to get you to send in for information on a correspondence art course. The course, in the end, is unlikely to actually teach you anything you couldn't learn as well for less money from books found in art stores and libraries -- but it will give you a "certificate" when you finish. The same is done for photography.



    Sure, the MoM endorsed at least one of their courses, "Wallop the Wombat Revision Course" (thanks, Valorum, though I don't understand why anyone would want to wallop an innocent marsupial). This might be because the Ministry was misled into thinking the courses worked, bribed to give an endorsement -- or perhaps they actually did work for people with magical ability (which doesn't include Filch, as far as we know). The Kwikspell people surely didn't go out of their way to point out that a Squib wouldn't gain from sending them a lot of money.



    In other words, Filch has been taken in by someone claiming they can teach magic to anyone, without even meeting them, for some number of knuts (or more likely galleons). He's sending off his money and getting "lessons" by owl, and almost certainly gaining nothing from it, other than a misplaced confidence that he will, in time, be able to use magic. We know he wasn't able to use magic, even up to the Battle of Hogwarts.







    share|improve this answer














    share|improve this answer



    share|improve this answer








    edited Sep 27 at 16:21

























    answered Sep 27 at 13:22









    Zeiss Ikon

    7,57811142




    7,57811142







    • 3




      This seems extremely opinion-based. Can you offer any evidence to back up this bold assertion from the text, interviews, etc?
      – Valorum
      Sep 27 at 13:50







    • 9




      None whatsoever, other than that Filch was still non-functional in magic even in Herry's seventh year.
      – Zeiss Ikon
      Sep 27 at 14:01






    • 5




      Which makes him exactly the sort the Kwikspell scam would prey on. Knows about magic, is around it every day, got none of his own.
      – Zeiss Ikon
      Sep 27 at 14:21






    • 2




      In the days when Harry was in school, they might -- they were corrupted by Death Eaters, why not by ordinary bribery?
      – Zeiss Ikon
      Sep 27 at 16:01






    • 3




      Ah, now you're indulging in fan-fiction to justify your answer though. Perhaps they'd been confunded to tell people it was good or had their memories altered (perhaps, perhaps)
      – Valorum
      Sep 27 at 16:22












    • 3




      This seems extremely opinion-based. Can you offer any evidence to back up this bold assertion from the text, interviews, etc?
      – Valorum
      Sep 27 at 13:50







    • 9




      None whatsoever, other than that Filch was still non-functional in magic even in Herry's seventh year.
      – Zeiss Ikon
      Sep 27 at 14:01






    • 5




      Which makes him exactly the sort the Kwikspell scam would prey on. Knows about magic, is around it every day, got none of his own.
      – Zeiss Ikon
      Sep 27 at 14:21






    • 2




      In the days when Harry was in school, they might -- they were corrupted by Death Eaters, why not by ordinary bribery?
      – Zeiss Ikon
      Sep 27 at 16:01






    • 3




      Ah, now you're indulging in fan-fiction to justify your answer though. Perhaps they'd been confunded to tell people it was good or had their memories altered (perhaps, perhaps)
      – Valorum
      Sep 27 at 16:22







    3




    3




    This seems extremely opinion-based. Can you offer any evidence to back up this bold assertion from the text, interviews, etc?
    – Valorum
    Sep 27 at 13:50





    This seems extremely opinion-based. Can you offer any evidence to back up this bold assertion from the text, interviews, etc?
    – Valorum
    Sep 27 at 13:50





    9




    9




    None whatsoever, other than that Filch was still non-functional in magic even in Herry's seventh year.
    – Zeiss Ikon
    Sep 27 at 14:01




    None whatsoever, other than that Filch was still non-functional in magic even in Herry's seventh year.
    – Zeiss Ikon
    Sep 27 at 14:01




    5




    5




    Which makes him exactly the sort the Kwikspell scam would prey on. Knows about magic, is around it every day, got none of his own.
    – Zeiss Ikon
    Sep 27 at 14:21




    Which makes him exactly the sort the Kwikspell scam would prey on. Knows about magic, is around it every day, got none of his own.
    – Zeiss Ikon
    Sep 27 at 14:21




    2




    2




    In the days when Harry was in school, they might -- they were corrupted by Death Eaters, why not by ordinary bribery?
    – Zeiss Ikon
    Sep 27 at 16:01




    In the days when Harry was in school, they might -- they were corrupted by Death Eaters, why not by ordinary bribery?
    – Zeiss Ikon
    Sep 27 at 16:01




    3




    3




    Ah, now you're indulging in fan-fiction to justify your answer though. Perhaps they'd been confunded to tell people it was good or had their memories altered (perhaps, perhaps)
    – Valorum
    Sep 27 at 16:22




    Ah, now you're indulging in fan-fiction to justify your answer though. Perhaps they'd been confunded to tell people it was good or had their memories altered (perhaps, perhaps)
    – Valorum
    Sep 27 at 16:22










    up vote
    11
    down vote













    The only person in the books that we see using Kwikspell is Filch, and it doesn't seem to have helped him. For instance, in Order of the Phoenix Filch we have the following:




    “Right you are, Headmistress!” wheezed Filch, who was a Squib and
    could no more have Stunned the fireworks than swallowed them.




    Apparently Filch was unable to do any magic at all despite the Kwikspell course.



    However, it is unlikely that Kwikspell is meant for Squibs. It seems generally accepted that Squibs cannot gain the ability to do magic. For instance, we have Ron's comment in Deathly Hallows:




    "But how are they supposed to have 'stolen' magic?" said Ron. "It's
    mental, if you could steal magic there wouldn't be any Squibs, would
    there?"




    The opening paragraph of the Kwikspell course indeed seems addressed to wizards who are poor at magic, not those who have no magic at all:




    Feel out of step in the world of modern magic? Find yourself making
    excuses not to perform simple spells? Ever been taunted for your
    woeful wandwork?




    The testimonials as well reflect people who were able to do magic poorly, rather than not at all:




    I had no memory for incantations and my potions were a family joke!







    My wife used to sneer at my feeble charms




    For such people it is certainly possible that Kwikspell would help. The first Kwikspell lesson is described as:




    "Lesson One: Holding Your Wand (Some Useful Tips)"




    Not holding a wand properly could easily be something that would contribute to a wizard's poor performance of magic, and useful tips on how to hold a wand is something that could address that and be taught in a correspondence course.



    Therefore, while it is certainly possible that it is a scam, we have no particular reason to think that Kwikspell wouldn't work for those whom it was intended for.






    share|improve this answer


























      up vote
      11
      down vote













      The only person in the books that we see using Kwikspell is Filch, and it doesn't seem to have helped him. For instance, in Order of the Phoenix Filch we have the following:




      “Right you are, Headmistress!” wheezed Filch, who was a Squib and
      could no more have Stunned the fireworks than swallowed them.




      Apparently Filch was unable to do any magic at all despite the Kwikspell course.



      However, it is unlikely that Kwikspell is meant for Squibs. It seems generally accepted that Squibs cannot gain the ability to do magic. For instance, we have Ron's comment in Deathly Hallows:




      "But how are they supposed to have 'stolen' magic?" said Ron. "It's
      mental, if you could steal magic there wouldn't be any Squibs, would
      there?"




      The opening paragraph of the Kwikspell course indeed seems addressed to wizards who are poor at magic, not those who have no magic at all:




      Feel out of step in the world of modern magic? Find yourself making
      excuses not to perform simple spells? Ever been taunted for your
      woeful wandwork?




      The testimonials as well reflect people who were able to do magic poorly, rather than not at all:




      I had no memory for incantations and my potions were a family joke!







      My wife used to sneer at my feeble charms




      For such people it is certainly possible that Kwikspell would help. The first Kwikspell lesson is described as:




      "Lesson One: Holding Your Wand (Some Useful Tips)"




      Not holding a wand properly could easily be something that would contribute to a wizard's poor performance of magic, and useful tips on how to hold a wand is something that could address that and be taught in a correspondence course.



      Therefore, while it is certainly possible that it is a scam, we have no particular reason to think that Kwikspell wouldn't work for those whom it was intended for.






      share|improve this answer
























        up vote
        11
        down vote










        up vote
        11
        down vote









        The only person in the books that we see using Kwikspell is Filch, and it doesn't seem to have helped him. For instance, in Order of the Phoenix Filch we have the following:




        “Right you are, Headmistress!” wheezed Filch, who was a Squib and
        could no more have Stunned the fireworks than swallowed them.




        Apparently Filch was unable to do any magic at all despite the Kwikspell course.



        However, it is unlikely that Kwikspell is meant for Squibs. It seems generally accepted that Squibs cannot gain the ability to do magic. For instance, we have Ron's comment in Deathly Hallows:




        "But how are they supposed to have 'stolen' magic?" said Ron. "It's
        mental, if you could steal magic there wouldn't be any Squibs, would
        there?"




        The opening paragraph of the Kwikspell course indeed seems addressed to wizards who are poor at magic, not those who have no magic at all:




        Feel out of step in the world of modern magic? Find yourself making
        excuses not to perform simple spells? Ever been taunted for your
        woeful wandwork?




        The testimonials as well reflect people who were able to do magic poorly, rather than not at all:




        I had no memory for incantations and my potions were a family joke!







        My wife used to sneer at my feeble charms




        For such people it is certainly possible that Kwikspell would help. The first Kwikspell lesson is described as:




        "Lesson One: Holding Your Wand (Some Useful Tips)"




        Not holding a wand properly could easily be something that would contribute to a wizard's poor performance of magic, and useful tips on how to hold a wand is something that could address that and be taught in a correspondence course.



        Therefore, while it is certainly possible that it is a scam, we have no particular reason to think that Kwikspell wouldn't work for those whom it was intended for.






        share|improve this answer














        The only person in the books that we see using Kwikspell is Filch, and it doesn't seem to have helped him. For instance, in Order of the Phoenix Filch we have the following:




        “Right you are, Headmistress!” wheezed Filch, who was a Squib and
        could no more have Stunned the fireworks than swallowed them.




        Apparently Filch was unable to do any magic at all despite the Kwikspell course.



        However, it is unlikely that Kwikspell is meant for Squibs. It seems generally accepted that Squibs cannot gain the ability to do magic. For instance, we have Ron's comment in Deathly Hallows:




        "But how are they supposed to have 'stolen' magic?" said Ron. "It's
        mental, if you could steal magic there wouldn't be any Squibs, would
        there?"




        The opening paragraph of the Kwikspell course indeed seems addressed to wizards who are poor at magic, not those who have no magic at all:




        Feel out of step in the world of modern magic? Find yourself making
        excuses not to perform simple spells? Ever been taunted for your
        woeful wandwork?




        The testimonials as well reflect people who were able to do magic poorly, rather than not at all:




        I had no memory for incantations and my potions were a family joke!







        My wife used to sneer at my feeble charms




        For such people it is certainly possible that Kwikspell would help. The first Kwikspell lesson is described as:




        "Lesson One: Holding Your Wand (Some Useful Tips)"




        Not holding a wand properly could easily be something that would contribute to a wizard's poor performance of magic, and useful tips on how to hold a wand is something that could address that and be taught in a correspondence course.



        Therefore, while it is certainly possible that it is a scam, we have no particular reason to think that Kwikspell wouldn't work for those whom it was intended for.







        share|improve this answer














        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer








        edited Sep 28 at 0:17

























        answered Sep 27 at 15:45









        Alex

        7,05311948




        7,05311948




















            up vote
            1
            down vote













            Sounds like these "learn a language in 3 weeks" ads. Whether these work as bold as they claim probably depends on the person's abilities (memory, languagy affinity) and time invested. They probably teach basic techniques that will give people a head start compared to other methods.
            It sounds that kwickspell is comparable, given the quotes are true. Certain techniques help people to make progress like how to memorize things etc.
            "The appropriate way to hold your wand" seems one important basic technique that can make the difference - like they learn in Book1 about the important swish and flick for Wingardium leviosa.
            But it sound that it is made for wizards/witches poor at magic but not squibs. That's why it doesn't work for Filch (though he obviously still hopes that there is some magic in him - like Neville told that his family already thought he'd be a squib, Book1?)






            share|improve this answer
















            • 4




              The OP is asking for an answer from canon. This seems to be speculation.
              – Meat Trademark
              Sep 27 at 16:26














            up vote
            1
            down vote













            Sounds like these "learn a language in 3 weeks" ads. Whether these work as bold as they claim probably depends on the person's abilities (memory, languagy affinity) and time invested. They probably teach basic techniques that will give people a head start compared to other methods.
            It sounds that kwickspell is comparable, given the quotes are true. Certain techniques help people to make progress like how to memorize things etc.
            "The appropriate way to hold your wand" seems one important basic technique that can make the difference - like they learn in Book1 about the important swish and flick for Wingardium leviosa.
            But it sound that it is made for wizards/witches poor at magic but not squibs. That's why it doesn't work for Filch (though he obviously still hopes that there is some magic in him - like Neville told that his family already thought he'd be a squib, Book1?)






            share|improve this answer
















            • 4




              The OP is asking for an answer from canon. This seems to be speculation.
              – Meat Trademark
              Sep 27 at 16:26












            up vote
            1
            down vote










            up vote
            1
            down vote









            Sounds like these "learn a language in 3 weeks" ads. Whether these work as bold as they claim probably depends on the person's abilities (memory, languagy affinity) and time invested. They probably teach basic techniques that will give people a head start compared to other methods.
            It sounds that kwickspell is comparable, given the quotes are true. Certain techniques help people to make progress like how to memorize things etc.
            "The appropriate way to hold your wand" seems one important basic technique that can make the difference - like they learn in Book1 about the important swish and flick for Wingardium leviosa.
            But it sound that it is made for wizards/witches poor at magic but not squibs. That's why it doesn't work for Filch (though he obviously still hopes that there is some magic in him - like Neville told that his family already thought he'd be a squib, Book1?)






            share|improve this answer












            Sounds like these "learn a language in 3 weeks" ads. Whether these work as bold as they claim probably depends on the person's abilities (memory, languagy affinity) and time invested. They probably teach basic techniques that will give people a head start compared to other methods.
            It sounds that kwickspell is comparable, given the quotes are true. Certain techniques help people to make progress like how to memorize things etc.
            "The appropriate way to hold your wand" seems one important basic technique that can make the difference - like they learn in Book1 about the important swish and flick for Wingardium leviosa.
            But it sound that it is made for wizards/witches poor at magic but not squibs. That's why it doesn't work for Filch (though he obviously still hopes that there is some magic in him - like Neville told that his family already thought he'd be a squib, Book1?)







            share|improve this answer












            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer










            answered Sep 27 at 15:29









            cetusalbus

            271




            271







            • 4




              The OP is asking for an answer from canon. This seems to be speculation.
              – Meat Trademark
              Sep 27 at 16:26












            • 4




              The OP is asking for an answer from canon. This seems to be speculation.
              – Meat Trademark
              Sep 27 at 16:26







            4




            4




            The OP is asking for an answer from canon. This seems to be speculation.
            – Meat Trademark
            Sep 27 at 16:26




            The OP is asking for an answer from canon. This seems to be speculation.
            – Meat Trademark
            Sep 27 at 16:26

















             

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