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Inspired from How could a memory (Tom Riddle) have performed Avada Kedavra?, is Avada Kedavra the only way to kill a wizard in a one-on-one duel?

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Tom Lynd
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    I have a theory that it is the only surefire way of doing it (save Dumbledore cramming a statue in the way). Incendio could set a wizard on fire, but they or someone else could instantly douse it with augementi. Imperius could influence a wizard to kill himself in a duel but that spell can be resisted. You can lift a wizard way high and drop him, but they can use magic to slow their fall. Basically, I think, Avada Kedavra cannot be reversed, so is a very good way of doing it, but there are other ways, incl spells above and eg manipulating surroundings such as charming a boulder to land on them – Mac Cooper May 05 '14 at 15:46
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    Bellatrix Lestrange might disagree. – Xantec May 05 '14 at 15:46
  • @Mac Cooper Well, disapparate (flee) before Avada Kedavra..... – Tom Lynd May 05 '14 at 15:48
  • @Xantec, how do you figure? :) – Mac Cooper May 05 '14 at 15:48
  • True, like I said Dumbledore blocked the spell but he is above and beyond most wizards. If two wizards duel, Avada Kedavra is the only spell that could cause death that cannot be, in the duel, reversed (is my theory). I'm not saying it's a 100% success rate, but it's not the only way -- just the most effective. – Mac Cooper May 05 '14 at 15:50
  • @MacCooper read my comment – Tom Lynd May 05 '14 at 15:51
  • Yes. I said there's not a 100% success rate. You CAN apparate before, if you're quick enough (I suppose, no precedent, see below) but other ways can kill a wizard. Also the other methods can be reversed in the duel. If I get set on fire and I'm a wizard I can put it out. I'm saying -- No, it is not the only way; however, it appears to be the best (you cannot "put out" Avada Kedavra and it's shown to be way too fast to apparate away (Harry describes it as a wooshing noise and then all over). Dumbledore blocked it with the statue, but most likely suspected that was what Voldemort was going to do – Mac Cooper May 05 '14 at 15:53
  • Given how serious it was that Harry summoned a poisonous snake during his own duel? I should think not. – Zibbobz May 05 '14 at 15:54
  • I heard that a simple expelliarmus works wonders ;D – Saturn May 05 '14 at 15:54
  • @Zibbobz, did he? I thought that was Draco? Point stands though. And I disagree Voldemort. "Some say he died. Codswallop in my opinion" (and I really wish my username was Rebeus right now) :) – Mac Cooper May 05 '14 at 15:55
  • Unless anyone believes I'm wrong that other spells can cause death, I'm going to write up an answer that says likewise. Anyone object? :) – Mac Cooper May 05 '14 at 15:57
  • Mad-Eye Moody (Barty Crouch Jr) says in Goblet of Fire that Avada Kedavra has no counter-curse and is not blockable. Does this mean once Avada Kedavra is cast, it will hit it's target no matter what? I'm not sure! – Slytherincess May 05 '14 at 16:00
  • @MacCooper Molly's curse soared beneath Bellatrix's constricted arm and hit her squarely in the chest, directly over her heart. Bellatrix's gloating smile froze, her eyes seemed to bulge: For the tiniest space of time she knew what had happened, and then she toppled, and the watching crowd roared, and Voldemort screamed. Granted it doesn't explicitly say she used a curse other than Avada Kedavra, but it just doesn't seem to be in Molly's character to use such a spell. – Xantec May 05 '14 at 16:07
  • @Slytherincess, no it has to be aimed. Recall the battle in Half-Blood Prince: the lucky potion made the curses miss them: I think the wand must be at least pointed at the target; at that point there's not enough time to dodge it. – Mac Cooper May 05 '14 at 16:07
  • @Xantec, you genius, I'll edit my answer to reflect that :) – Mac Cooper May 05 '14 at 16:08
  • @MacCooper - I think it goes without saying that one must be aiming a spell or curse at the target. That's something I didn't think I needed to explain! :) – Slytherincess May 05 '14 at 17:20
  • @Slytherincess haha I misread you're comment :D I imagined Voldemort just shooting into the sky and thinking of Harry -- 200 miles away a particular scarred teenager falls face first into his cereal with not a single mark on him. :D – Mac Cooper May 05 '14 at 20:44
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    Are you specifically referring to magical means? Personally, I'm with Vlad Taltos on this one: “No matter how subtle the wizard, a knife between the shoulder blades will seriously cramp his style.” – Clockwork-Muse May 06 '14 at 01:04
  • My comment to my answer touched on this before I saw your comment. If we take the question as is written and beg the questioner not to hate us, there's nothing to stop a wizard bringing a gun to a wandfight. :) – Mac Cooper May 06 '14 at 07:53
  • Didn't Luna's mother die from a spell she was creating gone bad? – rlb.usa May 07 '14 at 00:00
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    @rlb.usa I've a feeling it was just in the films -- eccentric and liked to experiment. I'll see if I can find reference in the book now – Mac Cooper May 07 '14 at 15:31
  • To paraphrase different book:" common utility spells can work amazingly on the battlefield, lets take a simple peeling spell that removes top few mm of fruit's skin - used on enemy can bring a devastating (although messy) results" – Yasskier Dec 08 '17 at 02:58
  • Sectumsempra... Or, Imperius + Order to commit suicide... – user931 Oct 15 '18 at 08:41

8 Answers8

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Based on what we've seen in the books, no, Avada Kedavra is not the only way to kill a wizard (or for that matter a witch or muggle).

There are spells that directly cause death: Sectumsempra, for instance. There are also spells that can be used to cause death, though that is not the primary use: Incendio, Wingardium Leviosa (lift a guy and drop him). There are charms that can influence the surroundings to cause death: lifting a boulder and dropping it on somebody's head will do some damage. And finally, the Imperius Curse can influence someone else to bring about their own death (or used to make a third party murder someone).

However, these spells can be rectified. A skilled wizard, when caught on fire, can likely put themselves out. Snape reverses Sectumsempra and the Imperius Curse can be fought.

It seems, therefore, that Avada Kedavra is almost a surefire way. I say almost because Harry survived (special case, I know) and Dumbledore blocked the spell once -- with this, though, it wasn't a one on one and based on the description Harry gives when the curse is used on him it does not appear there is time to react. Indeed, it seems Avada Kedevra is inescapable on a one-to-one duel unless you're Harry potter.

To summarise: No, it's not the only way, but is the least possible to negate the effect.

EDIT: As Xantec pointed out, Molly's curse against Bellatrix was an instant kill, meaning Avada Kedavra is not the only spell that cannot be repelled or in some way negated, assuming, as he said, Molly wouldn't use that spell: it's not in character, plus the spell wasn't identified and if it was the familiar flash of Green Light it's likely it would have been named. This means there are instant-kill spells that aren't Unforgivable: the Ministry should get to work, me thinks.

Mac Cooper
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    Well, we also know that Fiendfyre can kill and it doesn't seem to have any other purpose. It can also destroy powerful magical artifacts (see the Ravenclaw Diadem horcrux). Though it can be controlled, it is very difficult to do so and can quickly become uncontrollable and even consume the caster. – ssell May 05 '14 at 16:18
  • I would say the purpose of that spell is destruction (property and people as well but not primarily) based on what little evidence we see, however that's speculation. Is there any canon of a defender being able to control or put out the fire? I would suggest not but have no proof. I gotta go out but you can edit fiendfyre into my answer if you want -- I agree from our evidence its impossible to defend against. I'd put it in myself but got to run. Good find :) – Mac Cooper May 05 '14 at 16:47
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    Can you give us canon examples of Sectumsempra, Incendio, and Wingardium Leviosa having caused death? I'm not talking theoretical death. I'm talking actual deaths in the books due to those spells. – Slytherincess May 05 '14 at 17:26
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    Off the top of my head, there are three instances of Fiendfyre being used: (1) Cast by Voldemort against Dumbledore in the Ministry of Magic in OotP (Movie only?); (2) Cast by Dumbledore to clear away the Inferi in HBP (Book and Movie?); (3) Cast by Crabbe to disastrous effect in the Room of Requirement in DH (Book and Movie). In the (1) Dumbledore successfully defends against it; (2) Dumbledore creates a path through it; (3) Harry & Co escape via broomsticks. – ssell May 05 '14 at 17:35
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    @Slytherincess, no, but just because Rowling didn't explicitly say it doesn't mean we should ignore what's clear. Rules have been set down: Incendio burns things, and people burn. Sectumsempra rips someone's chest open -- let's be honest, if it weren't for Snape, Draco would be dead. We haven't seen any wizard burn to death -- that doesn't mean they're fireproof. If a boulder falls on my head it's gonna do damage whether it was charmed or not (to be fair we see W. L can do damage due to the troll in HP1). We cannot ignore what's clear just because there's no precedent of incendio killing – Mac Cooper May 05 '14 at 20:33
  • @ssell, I'm not a hundred percent sure what you're saying :) are you saying it isn't a guaranteed kill? If so, I definitely agree. Was it Fiendfyre Dumbledore used against inferi? That's very interesting, I thought it was just incendio or similar (but powerful... Dumbledore, y'know) but if it was Fiendfyre that shows it can indeed be controlled successfully. – Mac Cooper May 05 '14 at 20:35
  • I would think that a properly aimed Diffindo would behead someone. http://harrypotter.wikia.com/wiki/Severing_Charm The Sword of Gryffindor would also work for that (and presumably other swords as well). http://harrypotter.wikia.com/wiki/Sword_of_Gryffindor – pleurocoelus May 06 '14 at 00:51
  • This is true. Also, if we be annoying and ignore the point of the question if you're quick you can stab a wizard through the eye, or use a knife or something muggle --- not gonna happen but its all possible if we move away from the question and see it as more theoretical. – Mac Cooper May 06 '14 at 07:51
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    “Molly wouldn’t use that spell: it’s not in character.” citation need – Adamant Mar 14 '17 at 06:15
  • "...Dumbledore blocked the spell [Avada Kedavera] once." I assume you're referring to the battle at the Ministry at the end of OotP. However, didn't Fawkes intercept the bolt instead of Dumbledore blocking it? – scott Dec 07 '17 at 21:37
  • @scott, That battle indeed. Dumbledore moved (magically) the statue of the male wizard in front of the curse. – Mac Cooper Dec 14 '17 at 18:06
  • I think Ron easily dodged Crabbe's Avada Kedavra spell in the Deathly Hallows – Bernard the Bear Apr 26 '18 at 00:52
  • @MacCooper: like Neville in OotP in the Department of Mysteries with Hermione's wand? – Vikki Apr 29 '18 at 19:54
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Well, I figure being hit straight in the chest with a blasting curse or Dolohov's Purple fire wouldn't be so good for your life span. There must be dozens of lethal curses we never heard about in the canon. No need for sectum sempra; a simple Diffindo at the throat would be deadly:

"D-diffindo, " she said, pointing her wand at Ron, who roared in pain as she slashed open the knee of his jeans, leaving a deep cut.

A spell violent enough could crush your skull, or stop your heart. AK is simply the fastest and most efficient way to kill with magic. As fanfiction writers like to call it, there must be the whole branch of "Battle Transfiguration" spells to conjure knives, arrows, and suchlike.

elemtilas
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user24308
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Diffindo, if aimed at the heart or head, could kill a wizard/witch, but can be reversed (possibly) by Vulnera Sanentur, as can Sectumsempra. Petrificus Totalus could kill somebody (causing them to fall from a great height). But, remember, Avada Kedavra didn't kill Harry Potter, because it was blocked by the simplest charm, love. So The Killing Curse doesn't always kill people...

Gallifreyan
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Wizarding Willow
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  • Welcome to the site, thanks for your first post! Do you have any evidence you could edit in that diffindo could kill, a quote from JKR perhaps, or one of the (companion) books? – Au101 Mar 13 '17 at 19:24
  • Hermione hit Ron accidentally with Diffindo in Deathly Hallows and it just gave him a cut to the knee. – The Dark Lord Mar 13 '17 at 20:02
  • @TheDarkLord, if aimed at the heart or head, I mean he's covered that basis well enough. – Edlothiad Mar 14 '17 at 09:25
  • @Edlothiad. Sure, if you hit a major artery or something the person could bleed to death. You'd have to discapacitate them somehow, though. Cuts and scrapes seem pretty easy to heal with dittany in HP. – The Dark Lord Mar 14 '17 at 09:44
  • @TheDarkLord, I have no idea about spells, but if you cut at his chest above his heart I presume it could kill, same with the head, it's a pretty vulnerable region. – Edlothiad Mar 14 '17 at 09:46
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    Saying that Killing Curse doesn't not always kill people is the same as saying that 'not having sex' sometime fails as a contraception, because Jesus. – dna Oct 19 '17 at 11:40
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What about Confringo, the Blasting Curse? It can blow up things and humans as Harry uses it on the Death Eaters by blasting Nagini, and then it is deflected onto the Death Eaters and it blows up things like that.

Mithical
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Mohammed Namous
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There are many ways a person can be killed, but as Mac Cooper points out, many can be deflected or blocked.

Many have already been mentioned in other answers, but there are a few additions I thought I could bring to the table. Also worth noting, most any spell, aimed at vital areas such as the head, heart, or neck, could be fatal.

Sectumsempra- This could be the most effective on the list barring the fact that it is unknown to the wider wizarding community.

Diffindo-In Deathly Hallows, Hermione cuts Ron's knee. Aimed at the neck, for instance, could cause death.

Petrificus Totalus/Stupefy- While both spells on their own were mentioned in above answers, I haven't yet seen the combo. Based on How was this character killed without Avada Kedavra? some of the answers suggested it was this combination that killed Bellatrix Lestrange. Even if it wasn't her cause of death, it certainly is lethal.

Antonin Dolohov's Spell-

Dolohov made a slashing motion with his wand, purple fire flew out, and Hermione have a little, "oh" before collapsing" ...She was pale and looked as though dead. It would be all his fault if they were hurt. He, Harry, had lured his friends here, it would be his fault if one of them died,"

For the sake of the length of my answer, Madam Pomfrey also mentions that it could have been deadly, so while unidentified, this could be a spell for killing.

I tried my very best to not include any duplicates of other answers, but please let me know if there are duplicate ideas.

ava
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I assume it is not the only way, i could imagine a spell like sectumsempra could also be fatal depending on where it landed. But it certainly is the most direct method. being that magic is flexible i would bet based on the creativity of a Torquemada-esk evil wizard there would be many ways to kill another wizard in a duel.

Madullah
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Doesn't seem like anyone has even mentioned the most insane spell of them all, "reducto" you can basically turn someone into dust... which is btw the spell Molly used on Bellatrix.

ajan
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Is Avada Kedavra the only way to kill a wizard in a one-on-one duel?

No.

  • Shoot him in the chest with a gun.
  • Stun him then slit his throat.
  • Stun him then Wingardium-Leviosa him to a height and then let go. (Hedwig)
  • Just stun him and do anything else. :P
Tushar Pandey
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    Sure. There are other lethal curses, though. – Adamant Mar 14 '17 at 06:16
  • These are all lethal-yes. But most wizards don't have access or know how to use a gun, and slitting someones (presumably a muggle, you couldn't get close enough to do that to a wizard) throat could get you in trouble with the Muggle Law Enforcement, whether that be police or otherwise. – ava Nov 15 '21 at 19:25