The temptation of Dark Arts

[MMMfanfic at hotmail.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 13716

Now, I know JKR said that there is no way on God's green earth that 
Harry is going over the Dark side but I just want to throw this into 
the ring and see what you guys think of it:


Chapter 18: The Weighing of the Wands pg. 263 - 264 (U.K. edition)
This is after Snape's infamous 'I see no difference' remark.

Harry sat there staring at Snape as the lesson began, picturing 
horrific things happening to him ... if only he knew how to do the 
Cruciatus curse .. he'd have Snape flat on his back like that spider, 
jerking and twitching ...



Personally, I think this passage shows two very important messages:

1. Harry, although noble and courageous, can harbour rather dark 
thoughts.  It's only his self-control (or limited knowledge?) that 
stops him from acting on them.  THe complexity of Harry's character 
is much understated.  He's definitely not the one dimensional young 
hero.
2. The Temptation of Dark Arts.  It also shows that Dark Art can be 
very tempting for all wizards and witches.  Not just the power-hungry,
cunning Slytherins.  I can imagine Ravenclaw getting into Dark Art 
out of curiosity; Hufflepuff and Gryffindor into Dark Art out of 
loyalty and desire to right wrongs.(i.e. Crouch's authorisation for 
the use of unforgivable curses.)
If even someone with Harry's moral would be tempted, who knows what
someone of lesser moral would do if they are presented with the 
opportunity?