(At the bottom is Keypoints and Spell blocks)

By 1997, Voldemort had succeeded and the Death Eaters, when they were in control, they were able to pass several laws into action - laws which made the Dark Arts legal. These laws only lasted from 1997-1998, but they had a strong effect - including the dissolvement of this course. That’s right, for the 1997-1998 school year at Hogwarts, Defense Against the Dark Arts was abolished and the course became “The Dark Arts,” which taught the cruel and liberal use of some of the Darkest spells.

The scariest part of the Dark Arts is that they can never be defeated - can never be completely known. Once we know them, once we have “beaten” one aspect of them, another will take its place and the beaten branch will simply come back stronger than before.We can never conquer the Dark Arts... we can only hold them back.

Despite the fact that it is essentially impossible to “know” the Dark Arts, the Ministry has made an effort to understand them by creating five categories of known Dark magic: Dark spells, Dark potions, Dark creatures, Dark Artefacts, and Dark practices.

The Dark Arts: The Three Spell Categories

Jinx 

The jinx is the first and lowest level of Dark spell. Some common examples of jinxes are the Tripping Jinx, the Stinging Jinx, and the Knockback Jinx. All of these spells, and any spell that falls under the classification of jinx, will be irritating and can be used as a distraction, but will not cause any lasting damage. Some people will even frequently use jinxes to assist with practical jokes.

Hex

The hex is the second classification of Dark spell. There are not as many examples of hexes, but some popular ones include the Bat-Bogey Hex, the Hurling Hex, and Densaugeo. All of these hexes have effects that cause more damage to the target and are viewed as major inconveniences that cause a moderate amount of suffering. These spells can be reversed through the use of a Hex Breaker.

Curse

Finally, we move to the third and final classification of the Dark Arts. The curse is the darkest and most dangerous classification of the Dark Arts. These spells are usually cast with the intent to severely harm or potentially even kill the target. Some of the more well-known curses are the Reductor Curse, the Full Body-Bind Curse, and the Conjunctivitis Curse. The use of these spells is often discouraged unless absolutely necessary. 

Keypoints 

• Laws which made the Dark Arts legal. These laws only lasted from 1997-1998.

• The Dark Arts can never be defeated.

• Five categories of known Dark magic: Dark spells, Dark potions, Dark creatures, Dark Artefacts, and Dark practices.

• Jinx, lowest form of a Dark spell. Classification of jinx, will be irritating and can be used as a distraction, but will not cause any lasting damage. 

• Hex, second classification of Dark spell.Hexes have effects that cause more damage to the target and are viewed as major inconveniences that cause a moderate amount of suffering. These spells can be reversed through the use of a Hex Breaker.

• Curses, third and final classification.The most dangerous classification of the Dark Arts. These spells are usually cast with the intent to severely harm or potentially even kill the target.

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