Diffrus Perfigum

Spell Name: Fragmentation Curse

Incantation: Diffrus Perfigum

Pronunciation: DIFF-roos pare-FEE-goom

Spell Branch:

Magical Discipline(s): Curses

Appearance: A jet of white light, giving off black sparks en route. The caster draws an “X” shape in the air, then flicks the wand over it in the direction of the victim.

Description: Causes random bones in the body to fracture and explode in random directions. Is almost always ultimately fatal, given that ribs will eventually fracture and usually explode into the heart and lungs (although, strictly in theory, all ribs might explode outwards only). Also phenomenally painful; continuing to fight after the first few broken bones is very rare. Takes thirty four and one-third minutes, with bones exploding roughly one every ten seconds.

Regulations: Illegal

Skill Level: Master

Etymology: From Latin diffringo, “to shatter”, and perfigo, “to stab”

References:

• Geoffrey Scrimshander's mother was attacked with this curse

Notes:

• Like Antonin Dolohov’s curse, the incantation must be spoken aloud for full effect. Casting it nonverbally will cause the bones to crack, but not explode outwards, and is thus much easier to survive (if no less painful).