Avada Kadavra

I have always thought this HP curse sounded a lot like "abracadabra," and Ed was curious about the etymology of the two to see if they are related. And they are. Avada Kadavra is from the Arabic Avda Kadvra, which means "that which is said shall be done." JK Rowling said it is also translated "That which is said shall be killed," referring to killing an illness within a person, which is why it was used as a magic spell but associated with good. JK Rowling said she likes to put her own spin on things. Gotta love that woman.