Harry's use of Dark Magic WAS: Battle Tactics...

[Ceridwen]

No: HPFGUIDX 166027

Alla:
*(snip)*
> So, believe me, I **am** curious why DD says that, while Harry 
> obviously tried to use Unforgivables. It is to me either that **not 
> enough intent** or another inconsistency in JKR's description of what 
> Dark magic is.

Ceridwen:
What about not the *proper sort of intent*?  When Harry tries to Crucio 
Bellatrix, he is hurting and lashing out.  He is angry, a hot sort of 
anger - he's being a "hothead".  Of course, it's understandable that he 
is angry and upset.  But this isn't the sort of intent, to make someone 
hurt the way you're hurting, that is needed to perform a Crucio.

Crucio, to me, needs a cold and calculating intent.  The caster has to 
want to do some real damage, not just a magical equivalent of tripping 
the guy as he goes by or slapping him in the face.  I think it's 
an "old Klingon proverb" that revenge is a dish best served cold: 
planned for, desired, dreamed of, brought about with chilling 
dispassion.

I don't think Harry has this sort of icy resolve, at least to the end 
of Half-Blood Prince.  I think this is the sort of thing Dumbledore 
didn't see in Harry.  I don't see it either.

Ceridwen.