Uses for imperius (was: Motivations for Joining DEs)

[phoenixgod2000]

No: HPFGUIDX 141251

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, Mira <anurim at y...> wrote:

> I am probably exaggerating, but I find the idea of
> using Imperius-like control on mental patients
> particularly horrible. To take possession of a
> person's free will is utter de-humanization.

I'm talking about people who don't really have any real free will 
anyway. People who suffer from severe Schizophrenia or similar 
disorders, anorexics or cutters in severe danger of hurting 
themselves, and people like that.  their complusions can be so bad 
they can't stop even when they want too. I'm not talking about people 
who suffer from S.A.D. The people I am thinking about would thank god 
if there was a way to control their impluses while a more permanent 
solution was being implemented.  And in some cases, other than 
medication there isn't a way to work on deeper issues, its a matter 
of brain chemistry. something that could help them without relying on 
medication with side effects could be a godsend.

It's even more valuable when you think about wild magic being 
something connected to emotions. Imagine what a magical schizoid 
would do even without a wand?

 In fact,
> I believe that this is what connects and sets apart
> the three unforgivables: they effectively annihilate a
> person, either by physically destroying her (AK) or by
> transforming her into a slave (Imperio) or into a
> beast, incapable of coherent thought because all
> resources are concentrated into taking the pain
> (Crucio). I cannot think of any other curse that might
> have a similar effect. Which is why I believe that any
> discussion of a 'positive' use for one of the
> unforgivables is misguided.

Memory charms can be just is devastating. but they're used every day. 
thats much closer to a lobotomy than the imperious.  Love potions are 
a much surer form of slavery and Molly giggles over them with the 
girls.  At least the imperio can have practical applications. What 
real use is a love potion other than as a date rape drug?
 
> Imperius turns its victim into a tool. I don't believe
> that it is possible to perform partial control under
> the Imperius curse, i.e. to tell your victim: 'be
> yourself, except for the bad habits', for the simple
> reason that the person who is possessed does not have
> a self anymore.

Canonically untrue.  Did anyone notice Madame Rosmerta was under the 
curse for months at a time? Even Dumbledore didn't notice. There is 
probably even a way to work it out so the spell uses a lighter than 
normal touch.
 

> So, no, I really do not think that taking over
> somebody's will is ever justified. Indeed, I would
> find the practice even more evil when used against
> vulnerable persons like children or unbalanced
> patients, because from the start those will have less
> chances of opposing it.

It's not like I want to use it for classroom management in Hogwarts 
or use it on people who are having bad dreams.  In the most severe 
cases I think the people having it used on them would probably even 
ask for it.

phoenixgod2000