Hiss—
The black mist coiled into the shape of a snake and let out a hiss, but the next second, the hiss abruptly turned into a scream—Vaughn held his wand between two fingers and gave it a light tap. A faint glimmer flashed, and the snake-shaped black mist convulsed a few times before disintegrating!
Hermione, who had watched the entire process without blinking, asked nervously in a low voice, "Vaughn, is it dealt with?"
"It's dealt with." As Vaughn spoke, he casually took a bottle of Essence of Dittany from the table and applied it to the wounds on his chest and shoulders. At the same time, he thanked Snape. "You've worked hard lately, Professor. Thank you for your help."
Snape remained expressionless. "I dare not claim the credit. If you and Granger would hurry up and leave my office—and never come back—I would be the one thanking you!"
Under the combined effects of the Essence of Dittany and the lingering medicinal effect of the phoenix tears, the writhing granulation tissue gradually connected and healed.
Before long, the once-ghastly wounds had been reduced to faint red marks.
Vaughn moved his arm. The wounds still ached faintly, but they no longer interfered with his daily movements. He thanked Snape again. "Thank you, Professor. It seems Albus was right—you really do understand Voldemort's methods."
Snape's expression changed slightly. He glanced at Hermione and found that the girl seemed not to have heard a thing, so he said nothing further. "Even without me, the curse would not have troubled you for long. Judging from its strength, he was in a great hurry at the time, and in terrible condition. Bad enough to be unimaginable..."
His pitch-black eyes went distant for an instant before he began driving them out. "Since you're better, leave my