Sectumsempra

Sectumsempra was a hex created by Prof Severus Snape which lacerated the victim and resulted in significant bleeding. Snape invented it as a Hogwarts student with the goal of deploying it against his adversaries, most likely the Marauders. It developed into one of his specialties. It is unclear when Severus Snape created this spell, although Sirius Black did mention that Snape "learned more curses than half the seventh-year students when he came to school."

Minor wounds produced by this curse may be treated with the song-like chant Vulnera Sanentur. The first invocation lessened blood circulation, the second made the wounds mend, and the third eliminated the curse's worst effects. The person would still need medical care, and scarring may be minimized if dittany is administered soon.

While the stated healing spell and spirit of dittany may well have cured the wounds and avoided scarring, any bodily parts cut by Sectumsempra could not be regrown (a characteristic of black magic's lasting effects), as George Weasley proved when he sacrificed his left ear after receiving the spell.

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Effect: Lacerating enemies

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