He's been working on the spell for weeks, and finally, he believes, it is ready.

Making spells has become his favorite diversion since Lily stopped speaking to him. If he sits down and pours over his books, channels all of his energy into finding the precise incantation, the perfect wand gesticulation, he can forget about her for hours on end.

Even so, the bitterness is always present. Since Lily left his spells have taken on a darker edge. Before, he crafted spells to amuse, to embarrass his tormentors.

Now, his spells are meant purely for pain.

He scribbles the final incantation into his potions book, eager to test it soon.

Sectumsempra.