Dark Magic and Snape / Dark Creatures

[Jim Ferer]

No: HPFGUIDX 161564

Betsy: "I think power can still be a source of corruption if used 
unchecked.  But I do think with magic power is power and it's the way
it's *used* that differentiates between good and evil.  For example,
Lockhart's abilities with memory charms.  The memory charms aren't
dark.  Lockhart's abilities with them didn't make him a dark wizard. 
But the *way* he used them was bad."

I agree. The Laws of Magic (depending on what version you see) say
that "Black Magic is a matter of symbolism and intent."  If that's so,
then the symbolism and powers called on must be evil or dark for the
magic to be dark; so Lockhart's use of a memory charm for his own
unethical ends is not dark magic. It also goes on to say that using
Black Magic *always* destroys the user eventually. 

That leads to whether using a Cruciatus Curse or even AK must always
be Dark. If it's in the heat of battle versus evil the "intent" part
may not be there. OTOH, you could argue that Bella's enthusiastic use
of the Cruciatus Curse has driven her mad, or maybe just madder than
she was to begin with.

Jim Ferer