Regulus of Hogwarts: Lord of the Stars

Snape was already working. He picked up Geoffrey's wand first, held it to the light, and examined it closely.

Then brought it to his nose and inhaled. Every detail, checked.

He set it down, drew his own wand, and pointed it at Geoffrey. His lips moved. No sound came out.

No one heard the incantation, but they saw Geoffrey's body jolt.

Snape frowned. Cast again.

Then he stepped forward, pried Geoffrey's mouth open with his fingers, and leaned in to smell.

The gesture was blunt, bordering on rough. Not elegant.

But Snape performed it with the same focused intensity he'd bring to a rare potion ingredient. No wasted emotion.

Geoffrey stood with his mouth forced open, too terrified to twitch.