Vipera Evanesca
Incantation	Vipera Evanesca (VIYP-er-uh ehv-uhn-EHS-kuh)
Type	Counter-spell
Hand Movement	Point wand at the snake
Effect	Vanishes a conjured snake

[Source]

Vipera Evanesca is the counter-curse and Untransfiguration for Serpensortia that causes the conjured snake to vanish.

History of use

Severus Snape cast this spell in 1992 at the Duelling Club to get rid of a snake that Draco Malfoy had conjured while duelling Harry Potter. Albus Dumbledore also may have used this spell to vanish Voldemort's snake during their Duel in the Ministry Atrium. Harry Potter also used it while searching for horcruxes in 1997.^[1]

During the Ousting of Severus Snape, Professor McGonagall dispelled the huge serpent Snape had transfigured from her fiery rope in a puff of black smoke nonverbally. It is therefore most likely that she was using this spell.

Etymology

Vipera is a genus of venomous vipers, a type of snake. Evanesca likely shares its origin with Evanesco, which means "disappear" in Latin.

Behind the scenes

• This spell appears to be related to the Vanishing spell, given the effects and etymology.
• In the film adaption of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets the Cobra burned away, leaving some ash.
• It is unknown if used against Nagini, who was a Horcrux, she would vanish. However, given the near indestructionness of Horcruxes, the spell probably would have failed.

Appearances

• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (First appearance)
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (film) (First identified as Vipera Evanesca)
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Possible appearance)
• Harry Potter Trading Card Game (Mentioned only)
• LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4

Notes and references