Now I have a very different view of what makes Dark Magic Evil (I feel I should put a TM here). I've developed very scientific explanations for why magic exists, how it works, etc, and I think what makes magic light or dark depends on the intent of the caster, rather than the spell or magic itself. I don't like to divide magic up into light and dark because I love moral ambiguity. I have Snape once say "good and evil are illusions that weak minded children build into great solid foundations with sharp edges and distinct values" and while I don't agree with him entirely, I find the whole idea of these good, Light Magic using members of the Order who always do what's right in a battle with these evil, Dark Magic using members of the Death Eaters who have hearts blacker than ink very unrealistic and tiresome. Give me a world in shades of grey.
Therefore, I prefer to think it's not the spells but the intent of the caster that makes Dark Magic Dark. When Harry casts Crucio on Bellatrix, she laughs and tells him he has to mean it. He has to have hatred in his heart in order to be able to properly cast it. It's not the spell that's dark, it's Harry's heart. It also explains why McGonagall didn't get too upset about Harry successfully casting it in front of her. He was in a situation where it was very human to be angry and, as long as he doesn't continue carrying that anger, or use it inappropriately, he will not be harmed by casting that dark spell.
I agree with you, canon Voldy seems a weak evil rather than a hugely dominant force. I'm a bit surprised a man like him could've gained so many followers. That's why, I've kept most of my fic canon but I've made Voldy (and some of the Death Eaters) a lot more openly evil and sadistic. I don't want to shy away from the dark edges of humanity because I think it does a disservice both to the readers and the characters. At the same time, I've tried to show glimpses of their humanity because I don't want to make the mistake I think JK made.
But you know, canon can only take you so far and there are many inconsistencies and flaws within canon. I think ultimately you need to decide what type of story you wish to tell and then use the universe to tell that story. In a world where Dark Magic is an outside force turns you even darker, you could bring up several interesting questions and debates that are loosely touched upon in canon but never fully explored.
Some of my own personal favourites are the old free will versus fate, choice versus manipulation, and how we define good and evil.
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branchandroot
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Date: 2008-07-18 01:53 am (UTC)Therefore, I prefer to think it's not the spells but the intent of the caster that makes Dark Magic Dark. When Harry casts Crucio on Bellatrix, she laughs and tells him he has to mean it. He has to have hatred in his heart in order to be able to properly cast it. It's not the spell that's dark, it's Harry's heart. It also explains why McGonagall didn't get too upset about Harry successfully casting it in front of her. He was in a situation where it was very human to be angry and, as long as he doesn't continue carrying that anger, or use it inappropriately, he will not be harmed by casting that dark spell.
I agree with you, canon Voldy seems a weak evil rather than a hugely dominant force. I'm a bit surprised a man like him could've gained so many followers. That's why, I've kept most of my fic canon but I've made Voldy (and some of the Death Eaters) a lot more openly evil and sadistic. I don't want to shy away from the dark edges of humanity because I think it does a disservice both to the readers and the characters. At the same time, I've tried to show glimpses of their humanity because I don't want to make the mistake I think JK made.
But you know, canon can only take you so far and there are many inconsistencies and flaws within canon. I think ultimately you need to decide what type of story you wish to tell and then use the universe to tell that story. In a world where Dark Magic is an outside force turns you even darker, you could bring up several interesting questions and debates that are loosely touched upon in canon but never fully explored.
Some of my own personal favourites are the old free will versus fate, choice versus manipulation, and how we define good and evil.
Good luck!