A moral theory of Magic (was Re: A simple-minded question)

[nkafkafi]

No: HPFGUIDX 95182

Neri wrote in a previous post:

We have:

1. Lily's sacrifice ("ancient magic").
2. Life Debt.
3. The three Unforgivables.

(did I forget something?)


Neri again: 
Apologies for answering my own post, but I knew I was forgetting 
something and I've just realized what it is:

4. Patronus charms and dementors

The Patronus is apparently a being of pure Power X, as Lupin 
explains: "
 a Patronus
 is a kind of anti-Dementor
 The Patronus is 
a kind of positive force, a projection of the very things that the 
Dementor feeds upon — hope, happiness, the desire to survive — but it 
cannot feel despair, as real humans can, so the Dementors can't hurt 
it" (PoA 12). Yes, this sounds just like the mysterious Power X: a 
bunch of nice and vague words that never pinpoint it exactly. And 
this makes the dementor a being of anti-Power X. Hmmm, not sure how 
does this work yet. But the patronus is definitely of the same family 
as "ancient magic". Same as Lily sacrificing her life for Harry gave 
him his protection, James sacrificing his life gave Harry his 
powerful patronus. 
  
5. Unicorn blood (every item in this list seems to remind me of an 
additional item)

Unicorn blood apparently contains exceptionally high concentrations 
of Power X (though I suspect that anyone's blood contains some of 
it). This is perhaps because unicorns are such innocent creatures. 
Firenze explains: "Only one who has nothing to lose, and everything 
to gain, would commit such a crime. The blood of a unicorn will keep 
you alive, even if you are an inch from death, but at a terrible 
price. You have slain something pure and defenseless to save yourself 
and you will have but a half life, a cursed life, from the moment the 
blood touches your lips" (SS/PS 15). Drinking unicorn blood is 
apparently on the same level with the Unforgivables, and Firenze 
makes it very clear that it is not a legal issue, but a magical 
issue. Also Note that the color of unicorn blood is silvery, as is 
the color of the patronus. Is silver the color of Power X when it's 
visible? 

6. Voldemort's resurrection(?)

I'm not sure how this fits the theory, but it is some kind of Dark 
Art, which according to our theory is the art of achieving your goals 
by forever forfeiting some of your Power X. Interestingly enough, 
Voldie gave Wormtail a silvery hand after he had completed his 
resurrection. Where had he got hold of such amount of Power X? 
Harry's blood? Wormtail sacrificing his own hand? Clearly this theory 
still needs a lot of work.      
       

Neri