There are some story hints that imply spells are not discovered, but invented.
Quirrell at one point tries to make sure Harry cannot read any books about how spells are made (because he is scared he will attempt it and accidentally destroy the world).
He also brags about having created a dark ritual, with saying he had to spend a lot of time envisioning it mentally and implying that the act of creation was very dangerous.
"I kept that ritual burning in my mind for years, perfecting it in imagination, pondering its meaning and making fine adjustments, waiting for the intention to stabilise. At last I dared to invoke my ritual, an invented sacrificial ritual,... (read more)
There are some story hints that imply spells are not discovered, but invented.
Quirrell at one point tries to make sure Harry cannot read any books about how spells are made (because he is scared he will attempt it and accidentally destroy the world).
He also brags about having created a dark ritual, with saying he had to spend a lot of time envisioning it mentally and implying that the act of creation was very dangerous.
"I kept that ritual burning in my mind for years, perfecting it in imagination, pondering its meaning and making fine adjustments, waiting for the intention to stabilise. At last I dared to invoke my ritual, an invented sacrificial ritual,... (read more)