Vulnera Sanentur

Vulnera Sanentur^[1] is the song-like incantation of a healing spell and counter-curse to Sectumsempra, both of which were invented by Professor Severus Snape under his alias of "Half-Blood Prince".^[3]

Effect

For maximum effect of the spell, the incantation had to be repeated thrice; firstly slowing the flow of blood to prevent death by exsanguination; the second to clear residue and begin to heal the wounds; and the third to fully knit the wounds, although dittany had to be applied to prevent scarring.^[3]

Known uses

When Draco Malfoy was attacked by Harry Potter using Sectumsempra, the damages inflicted were reversed by Severus Snape with this spell.^[3]

Etymology

Vulnera Sanentur derives from the Latin vulnus "wound," (in which the roots of the English "vulnerable" may be seen)^[4] and sanare, "to heal"; it is translated "may the wounds be healed."^[5]

Behind the scenes

• Body parts that had been completely removed with Sectumsempra could not be restored even using this spell.^[6]
• When Harry saw the damage inflicted onto Bill Weasley's face by the werewolf Fenrir Greyback, he suggested to Madam Pomfrey to heal him with a charm, being influenced by seeing how Snape used this spell to heal Draco, until he was notified that cursed wounds cannot be healed by charms.
• In the book, after cursing Malfoy, Harry stayed in the sixth-floor boys' bathroom where the skirmish occurred, thus witnessed Snape's use of the spell; in the film, he ran straight to his common room.
• Albus Dumbledore may have used this spell to heal a wound made to his hand in the Crystal Cave.
• Poppy Pomfrey may have used this spell to repair a nasty cut to Harry Potter's shoulder after he was attacked by a Hungarian Horntail in the First Task of the Triwizard Tournament^[2]

Appearances

• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
• Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
• Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (film) (First identified as Vulnera Sanentur)

Notes and references