The Dark Arts: An Introduction

There is no 'beginning' to the Dark Arts and neither light or dark can exist without the other. 'Dark Arts' is the broad term or anything with the intent to harm, injure, and even kill. It includes many branches of magic including potions and spells.

The Dark Arts has always had an appeal for those who seek power. While the Dark Arts tears corrupt your soul, it also corrupts your body. An example would be Tom Riddle, more commonly known as Lord Voldemort. He was once a normal boy until he allowed the Dark Arts to consume him. By the time he died, he didn't look human!

Important Dates

1981 - Voldemort attacks the Potter home
1995-1998 - Voldemort worked to attain power
1997 - Voldemort had Death Eaters in the Ministry of Magic
1997-1998 - Dark Arts were legal, Defense Against the Dark Arts class abolished

The scariest part of the Dark Arts is that they cannot be beaten. When you defeat one aspect of the Dark Arts, one will take it's place and it will keep coming. The most the you can do is hold it back.

In order to have a better understanding of the Dark Arts, the Ministry of Magic has divided it into fives main categories: Dark spells, Dark potions, Dark creatures, Dark Artefacts, and Dark practices. You will be focused on Dark spells and Dark creatures.

The Dark Arts: The Three Spell Categories

Jinxes: First and lowest level of the Dark spells. Jinxes will usually cause irritation, not considered a serious problem. Ex: Tripping Jinx, Stinging Jinx, Knockback Jinx
Hexes: Second level of the Dark spells. Hexes are darker than jinxes and are meant to cause lasting damage. Ex: Bat-Bogey Hex, Hurling Hex, Densaugeo
Curses: Third and most dangerous level of the Dark spells. Curses are usually cast with an intent to severely harm and sometimes kill. Ex: Reductor Curse, Full Body-Bind Curse, Conjunctivitis Curse

An extra category in the curse section is the three Unforgiveable Curses. The use of any one of them is a ticket for a life-time in Azkaban.

The Wand-Lighting and the Wand-Extinguishing Charms

The Wand-Lighting Charm makes the tip of your wand light up. It should not be confused with a flame. It is more similar to the light of a Muggle flashlight. Knowing the Wand-Lighting and Wand-Extinguishing charms are quite useful for some dark creatures that don't like light.

Spell Blocks

Spell: The Wand-Lighting Charm
Incantation: Lumos (LOO-mos)
Wand Movement: A counter-clockwise loop
Concentration: Low - lighting up the tip of your wand
Willpower: Low

Spell: The Wand-Extinguishing Charm
Incantation: Nox (NOCK-ss)
Wand Movement: A flick of the wand
Concentration: None
Willpower: None