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Spells
SpellsCurse

Sectumsempra

Sectumsempra is a curse written in the Half-Blood Prince’s textbook, labeled for enemies. It slashes the target as if by an invisible blade. Harry casts it at Draco Malfoy in a bathroom duel without knowing the effect. Snape arrives and counters the bleeding. The curse is Snape’s invention from his own school years.

Illustration of Sectumsempra

First mention

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Chapter: Sectumsempra

Harry uses the curse on Malfoy beside the vanishing cabinet. He had already read the word in the Prince’s copy of Advanced Potion-Making.