Sectumsempra

Spell Name: Laceration Curse

Incantation: Sectumsempra

Pronunciation: /ˌsɛktəmˈsɛmprə/ SEK-təm-SEM-prə

Spell Branch: Charms

Magical Discipline(s): Curses

Appearance: White light

Description: Violently wounds the target; described as being as though the subject had been "slashed by a sword". Created by Severus Snape.

Regulations: Dark Magic

Skill Level: Intermediate

Etymology: The incantation Sectumsempra derives from the two Latin words: sectum, a participle of the verb sĕco , "to cut", and semper, meaning "always" or "ever". Since English has many words meaning "cut" or "lacerate", and since spell-names lend themselves to both infinitive and gerund verb forms ("to cut" and "cutting"), Sectumsempra can be translated in more than one way: "cut always", "ever cutting", "always sever", "ever severing", and so forth. "Sever" for sectum may be regarded as a particularly appealing translation in that "sever" creates a pun on Snape's first name, Severus.

References: First seen in Order of the Phoenix when Snape uses it in his memory against James, but misses and only lightly cuts his cheek. Used successfully by Harry in Half-Blood Prince against Draco, and then later against the Inferi in Voldemort's Horcrux chamber, and Snape during his flight from Hogwarts. In the opening chapters of Deathly Hallows, Snape accidentally casts this curse against George Weasley in the Order's flight from Privet Drive, though George was not his intended target. Template:DH It is known as a speciality of Snape's. Template:DH

Notes: Though Snape was able to mend the wounds inflicted on Draco by this curse with ease, with "an incantation that sounded almost like song", Mrs Weasley was unable to heal her son George when his ear was severed by the curse. It was discovered in an old copy of Advanced Potion Making by Harry; Sectumsempra was invented by Snape with the words "For enemies" written next to it.