Ancient Magic vs. Dark Magic (was ancient magic)

[corinthum]

No: HPFGUIDX 82019

Jen wrote:

> In the discussions on Ancient Magic, I think a distinction 
> needs to be made between Ancient Magic and Dark Magic because they 
> seem to be two different things in canon.

I agree with you that Ancient Magic and Dark Magic are entirely 
separate concepts; however, I don't agree with you assessment of 
Ancient Magic.  

For starters, "Ancient Magic" has never been presented as a specific 
category of magic.  The term is used only, if I remember correctly, 
when describing Lily's sacrifice.  Ancient magic is not synonymous 
with complex magic, nor with family-related magic.  My interpretation 
of "ancient magic" is magic that cannot be taught.  It is instead 
linked to feelings and emotions that go back to the beginning of time 
(or at least, to the time at which the human brain had evolved to the 
complexity needed to produce them): love, compassion, etc.  Universal 
concepts, present in both the muggle and magical world.  However, in 
the magical world, these emotions can at times manifest themselves 
tangibly (e.g. Harry's protection from Quirrelmort's touch).  These 
tangible effects are seemingly unpredictable; note that Dumbledore is 
always vague when he speaks of ancient magic.

>From my perspective, some of your examples are not 
necessarily "ancient magic".   

> ".....When one wizard saves another wizard's life, it creates a 
> certain bond between them....This is magic at its deepest, most 
> impenetrable, Harry." (Dumbledore, POA, chap. 22, p. 426)

This one I am most likely to believe is ancient because, like the 
protection presented by Lily's sacrifice, this "bond" Dumbledore 
describes is extremely vague, and is based on the natural feeling of 
obligation that would be present between a victim and rescuer, 
regardless of whether wither person was wizard.  Also, Dumbledore 
does not elaborate on the effect he expects this bond to have; he 
simply mentions it is there.  I believe he has no idea what the 
effect might be, but is simply making a mental note that the 
conditions are right for something unexpected (and helpful) to 
occur.  
 
> The Fidelius Charm is "An immensely complex spell
..involving the 
> magical concealment of a secret inside a single, living soul. The 
> information is hidden inside the chosen person, or Secret Keeper
." 
> (Prof. Flitwick, POA, chap. 10, p. 205)

Complex, but ancient?  As far as we know, this charm could be a very 
recent invention.  Based on the fact that is is very specific, well-
documented, predictable, and repeatable, I would not consider it 
ancient magic.  

> "She {Petunia} may have taken you grudgingly, furiously, 
unwillingly, 
> bitterly, yet she still took you, and in doing so, she sealed the 
> charm I placed upon you." (Dumbledore, OOTP, chap. 37, p. 836)
> 
> "While you can still call home the place where your mother's blood 
> dwells, there you cannot be touched or harmed by Voldemort.....your 
> aunt knows this.....She knows that allowing you houseroom may well 
> have kept you alive for the past fifteen years."  (DD, OOTP,chap. 
37, 
> p. 836)

Again, there is no indication that this charm is ancient.  Nor does 
it necessarily require Lily's sacrifice.  It is simply a charm that 
gives protection to a person when said person is in the home of a 
blood relative.  Also, it is unlikely that the spell is based on 
emotion; Petunia shows no sign of loving Harry.


-Corinth