DOES HARRY POTTER USE REAL OCCULT-WITCHCRAFT SPELLS? In Aramaic, the old magic, witchcraft phrase, “Abracadabra," is, “Avra Kadavra.” Real witches use this phrase to mean, "it will be created in my words.” The book and movie series use something very close with Harry and others giving this killing curse: “Avada Kedavra,” which only switches a couple letters. Yet, people claim there is no genuine witchcraft in the series so it’s fine for our children. But that was just one example of many to the contrary. In fact, Rowling even admitted her killing curse was inspired from the Aramaic “Avra Kadavra” witch spell. But many of us know better, right? It's just innocent fun that helps kids read and that major exposure to witchcraft will never make them want to be witches.