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"I couldn’t get the Horcrux off you. It was stuck, stuck to your chest. You’ve got a mark; I’m sorry, I had to use a Severing Charm to get it away. The snake bit you too, but I’ve cleaned the wound and put some dittany on it."
The Severing Charm is a spell that rips, divides, and separates objects into parts. The incantation for this spell is Diffindo. At Hogwarts, it is learned in the second year. It can cut human flesh if used inappropriately, and therefore can cause death.
Used in 1997 to remove the bindings on Ron Weasley after a skirmish at the Luchino Caffe; she trembled while doing this, and cut Ron in the process, suggesting that the Severing Charm can have a slicing effect on flesh.[3]
Harry using this charm to crack the ice concealing Gryffindor's sword.
Attempted uses
In 1996, Harry Potter cast this in an attempt to sever the tentacles of thought that the attacking brain wrapped around Ron during the Battle of the Department of Mysteries.[4]
In 1997, Harry Potter used this spell to try to cut Mrs. Cattermole free of the chained chair in the Wizengamot courtroom, but it didn't work.[3]
Harry attempts Diffindo on the Horcrux
Also in 1997, Harry used this spell in an attempt to destroy the locket Horcrux, which did not succeed.[5]
Etymology
Diffindo is Latin for "to split, cleave, or open."
In the first three video games the spell incantation is Diffindo both in English and Danish. However in the fourth video game and the books in Danish the incantation is Molestero.
This can be explained by the fact that the books first used it from fourth book.
However, the incantation, in Danish, changes to Diffindo in the last book.
In the Danish version of the second game some pronounce it Diffindo and others Diffendo.
In LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7 the spell separates red LEGO pieces then you build the pieces to and different shape.
