Snape really didn't have any idea who he was dealing with, but as her laughter cut through the air like a knife and sent a chill to the core of his bones, he realised with dread that he was dealing with someone potentially more powerful than he.

The woman confirmed that for him not a minute later. As the cords of green energy enervated from the orb on her staff, Snape took a half-step backwards with his wand thrust out. Maleficent: he had never heard of such a witch. Assuming she indeed was a witch. Her presence was as sinister as the Dark Lord's.

For a brief second, he wondered if he ought to delve into her mind with legilimency. It was potentially much too dangerous to do so without containing this Maleficent, however, and so he incanted, "Stupefy!" with a sharp flick of his wand at her, a flash of red light pulsing out from the end of it.