In the Harry Potter series, the Dark Arts are those magical spells and practices that are usually used for malicious purposes. The Arts themselves stem from the worst impulses in human nature (for example, a sadist would be proficient in the Cruciatus Curse, which involves torturing a victim). Practitioners are referred to as Dark wizards or witches. The most prominent of these is Lord Voldemort, whose followers, known as Death Eaters, practice the Dark Arts while doing his bidding. Image File history File links Information. ... Dark arts may refer to: Black magic Dark arts (Harry Potter) practiced in JK Rowlings Harry Potter novels Dark Art, art that is broadly defined as disturbing or horrific in nature Dark Arts (band) The recording project founded by Stephanie Payne in 1984. ... This article is about the Harry Potter series of novels. ... It has been suggested that Metamorphmagus be merged into this article or section. ... For other uses, see Human nature (disambiguation). ... Flogging demonstration at Folsom Street Fair 2004. ... The Unforgivable Curses are some of the most powerful Dark Arts spells known in the fictional world of Harry Potter. ... Lord Voldemort (né Tom Marvolo Riddle) is a fictional character and the archvillain in the Harry Potter book series written by J. K. Rowling. ... In the fictional Harry Potter series, a Death Eater is a follower of Lord Voldemort. ...

Dark Magic

According to Hogwarts professor Severus Snape, the Dark Arts "are many, varied, ever-changing and eternal...unfixed, mutating, indestructible." (Half-Blood Prince, p.169). They also appear to be the most common form of magic used by criminals, while dangerous spells used by others in the books are frequently labelled Dark. In magical duelling, for example, there are any number of spells that may be used to attack, immobilize, or disarm an opponent without causing pain or lasting harm; however, spells such as the Cruciatus Curse or Sectumsempra, judged to be Dark by reliable authorities, actually wound or seriously distress a victim in some way. Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, within J. K. Rowlings best-selling Harry Potter series, is a school of magic for witches and wizards between the ages of eleven and eighteen living in The United Kingdom and The Republic of Ireland. ... Severus Snape is a fictional character in the Harry Potter book series written by J. K. Rowling. ... Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, released on July 16, 2005, is the sixth of seven novels in J.K. Rowlings popular Harry Potter series. ... See Also: Magic (Harry Potter), and Dark Arts. ... This article is being considered for deletion in accordance with Wikipedias deletion policy. ...

The motivation of the caster affects a spell's result. This is most notable in the case of Cruciatus: when cast by Harry, angered by the death of his godfather and desiring to punish the murderer, it causes a short moment of pain; as the murderess comments, wavering anger does not allow the spell to work for long. When cast by figures such as Lord Voldemort, who desire to inflict serious pain and damage, it causes intense agony that can last as long as the Dark wizard desires. Use of Dark Magic can corrupt the soul and body; such magic has been used by Lord Voldemort in his quest to prolong his life and obtain great power. Dark magic also caused Voldemort to look deformed and inhuman, a side effect of splitting his soul into Horcruxes. The Unforgivable Curses are some of the most powerful Dark Arts spells known in the world of Harry Potter. ... Tom Riddles diary, the first horcrux that Harry Potter encountered, as seen in the film Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. ...

In the Wizarding world, use of the Dark Arts is strongly stigmatised and even illegal; however, these spells are prevalent enough that even before the rise of Lord Voldemort, many schools, (including Hogwarts), taught Defense Against the Dark Arts as a standard subject. Techniques include anti-curses and simple spells to disable or disarm attackers or fight off certain creatures. Some schools, such as Durmstrang, actually teach Dark Magic. A Dark Arts class was also taught at Hogwarts while it was under Death Eater control. Hogwarts, a wizarding school. ... The Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is a fictional school of magic that is the main setting of the Harry Potter novels by J. K. Rowling. ... This article is being considered for deletion in accordance with Wikipedias deletion policy. ...

Curses

Curses are usually offensive spells that cause harm to the target, though as with other most magical terms in the Harry Potter books, it is not clear precisely how a curse is distinguished from other spells. Not all curses are considered Dark magic. Some, like the Full Body-Bind Curse (Petrificus Totalus), can be used for defense, while others are unpleasant but essentially harmless and used merely as pranks. All, to a certain degree, are in some circumstances justifiable, and the use even of the Unforgivables by Aurors was sanctioned during the closing years of Voldemort's first rise.

The three darkest spells known to wizards are the Unforgivable Curses: It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Magic (Harry Potter). ...

• The Imperius Curse (Imperio) - the victim is placed in a trance-like state, and can be either left powerless, or controlled by the caster.
• The Cruciatus Curse (Crucio) - inflicts excruciating physical pain in the victim - the pain varies according to the desire of the caster.
• The Killing Curse (Avada Kedavra) - kills the victim immediately and painlessly. Only one person (Harry Potter) is known to have survived it naturally. (Lord Voldemort survived it - his body did not - through his use of horcruxes to sustain him.) Phoenixes 'die' according to their nature upon being struck by it, being forced to reincarnate.

Other curses identified as Dark in the books include: It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Magic (Harry Potter). ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Magic (Harry Potter). ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Magic (Harry Potter). ... Harry James Potter is a fictional character and the main character of J. K. Rowlings Harry Potter fantasy series of books. ...

• Sectumsempra - a curse that causes slashing wounds on the victim and can remove body parts if aimed properly.
• Antonin Dolohov's Curse (incantation unknown) - this curse causes serious internal injury without leaving external marks.
• Horcrux Curse (incantation unknown) - a curse, apparently abhorred by most wizards, that allows the caster to store a fragment of his or her soul in the target object, making it a Horcrux. However, the caster must commit murder, a truly evil deed. As long as the object is not destroyed, the wizard cannot die.
• Morsmordre - conjures the Dark Mark. It is used exclusively by the Death Eaters to signify that they have killed or to lure someone into a trap.
• Fiendfyre - a spell that creates apparently-sentient fire in the shape of dark creatures and animals that attack the opponent. This fire can destroy a Horcrux.
• Petrification - a "Dark Magic of the most advanced kind" (Dumbledore). Petrifies the victim, rendering him/her/it unable to move. The effects of this curse are removed when the victims take a potion made from full-grown mandrakes.
• Inferius curse/spell. According to Professor Dumbledore, Inferi are "dead bodies that have been bewitched to do a Dark wizard's bidding" (HBP). The spell or method of awakening Inferi, however, is unknown, but it is considered to be Dark magic, demonstrated by the fact that Professor Snape teaches his students about Inferi in his Defense against the Dark Arts class (HBP).

In the magical world of the Harry Potter series of fictional novels by J. K. Rowling, many (often incredible) things are accomplished through the use of magical spells by the characters. ... In the magical world of the Harry Potter series of fictional novels by J. K. Rowling, many (often incredible) things are accomplished through the use of magical spells by the characters. ... In the magical world of the Harry Potter series of fictional novels by J. K. Rowling, many (often incredible) things are accomplished through the use of magical spells by the characters. ... In the magical world of the Harry Potter series of fictional novels by J. K. Rowling, many (often incredible) things are accomplished through the use of magical spells by the characters. ... The Dark Mark conjured by Barty Crouch Jr. ... In the fictional Harry Potter series, a Death Eater is a follower of Lord Voldemort. ... In the magical world of the Harry Potter series of fictional novels by J. K. Rowling, many (often incredible) things are accomplished through the use of magical spells by the characters. ... Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore (born ca. ... An Inferius (plural: Inferi) is a corpse controlled through a Dark wizards spells in the Harry Potter series of books. ... Severus Snape is a fictional character in the Harry Potter book series written by J. K. Rowling. ...

Others

Some spells are considered Dark Magic, even though they are not intended to cause injury.

A love potion can be classified as an example of Dark Art, since it overrides the victim's true feelings. Generally love potions are not taken particularly seriously, so it seems unlikely that they are truly dangerous in a traditional sense.

Petrificus Totalus (mentioned in The Philosophers Stone) can be described as Dark Magic but it is intended only to immobilize the victim for some time, thus allowing the caster to get away without harm. If the caster is a Dark wizard, however, the results of the spell can be serious.

Blood Magic

Blood is an important element in Dark Magic. Jars of blood are found amongst the Dark paraphernalia in the Black House, for example. More importantly, blood of the foe is an essential part of Lord Voldemort's resurrection ritual, along with human flesh and bone.

In addition, when entering a chamber that once contained one of Lord Voldemort's horcruxes, Dumbledore must slash his arm to smear blood on the door, which causes it to open. Dumbledore remarks that this is a "crude" method, which can be interpreted to mean either malicious or basic.

Blood magic is used by benign characters as well. Lily Potter, when she gave her life to save her son's, ensured that her sacrifice was carried in his blood. Because of her sacrifice, if Lord Voldemort touched Harry with murderous intent would be scalded and pained. This effect was later appropriated by him (Lord Voldemort), who used Harry's blood as part of his resurrection. Because he has appropriated Harry's blood, he can harm without being affected.

Albus Dumbledore also makes use of blood-magic: he extends the protections Lily laid upon Harry's blood, making it impossible for Harry to be harmed by anyone whilst he is protected (no matter how unwillingly) by his mother's kin, her sister Petunia Dursley and Petunia's husband and son. The Dursleys are Harry Potters last living relatives. ...

Dark Wizards

Dark Wizards are identified by their use of Dark Magic or Dark Items. Many are Death Eaters, and Slytherin at Hogwarts is identified as the house most accepting of the Dark Arts. Aside from the Death Eaters, other Dark Wizards include: In the Harry Potter series, the Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry is divided into four houses, each bearing the last name of its founder - Godric Gryffindor, Salazar Slytherin, Rowena Ravenclaw and Helga Hufflepuff. ...

• Gellert Grindelwald
• Herpo the Foul

Gellert Grindelwald (ca. ... Herpo The Foul is a fictional character from the Potterverse, created by J. K. Rowling. ...

Dark Items

Dark Items are magical objects that have a malign purpose or are otherwise principally associated with Dark Magic. Of these, the most notable is the Horcrux, an object carrying a piece of the creator's divided soul. Creating a Horcrux is one of the most terrible magical acts, as the creator must commit murder as part of the process. This item bears a striking similarity to a phylactery, a fantasy object that contains a spellcaster's soul turning him or her into a lich. The phylactery, too, can resurrect the creator. Tom Riddles diary, the first horcrux that Harry Potter encountered, as seen in the film Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. ... Phylactery can mean: The Greek term for a Judaic tefillin, leather boxes worn on the arm and head, and which contain scrolls enscribed with specific Biblical verses. ... A lich as depicted in Battle for Wesnoth. ...

The Dark Items have two main purposes:

• To aid the user of the item.
• To curse or manipulate unsuspecting users.

Horcruxes of Lord Voldemort

• Tom Riddle's diary
• Marvolo Gaunt's ring
• Salazar Slytherin's locket
• Helga Hufflepuff's cup
• Rowena Ravenclaw's diadem
• Nagini the snake
• Harry Potter

Tom Riddles diary, the first horcrux that Harry Potter encountered, as seen in the film Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. ... Tom Riddles diary is a fictional magical object that appears in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. ... The House of Gaunt is a fictional family of wizards and witches in the Harry Potter series of books by J. K. Rowling. ... In the Harry Potter series, the Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry is divided into four houses, each bearing the last name of its founder - Godric Gryffindor, Salazar Slytherin, Rowena Ravenclaw and Helga Hufflepuff. ... In the Harry Potter series, the Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry is divided into four houses, each bearing the last name of its founder - Godric Gryffindor, Salazar Slytherin, Rowena Ravenclaw and Helga Hufflepuff. ... In the Harry Potter series, the Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry is divided into four houses, each bearing the last name of its founder - Godric Gryffindor, Salazar Slytherin, Rowena Ravenclaw and Helga Hufflepuff. ... Look up Diadem in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Nagini (Nah-GEE-nee) is a fictional animal from the Harry Potter series created by J.K. Rowling. ... Harry James Potter is a fictional character and the main character of J. K. Rowlings Harry Potter fantasy series of books. ...

Other Dark Items

• Forbidden Books including:
  • Sonnets of a Sorcerer
  • a book that sears the eyes of the reader
  • a book that the reader cannot stop reading or dispose of

• The Hand of Glory (a mummified hand that can hold a candle, the light from which being visible only to the holder of the Hand)

• Unnamed items which can be found in Borgin & Burkes
  • blood-stained playing cards
  • a staring glass eye
  • evil-looking masks
  • human bones
  • rusty, spiked instruments
  • long coil of hangman's rope
  • opal necklace that is cursed and has claimed the lives of nineteen Muggles--and nearly killed Katie Bell
• Items which can be found in Knockturn Alley
  • live gigantic black spiders
  • poisonous candles
  • human fingernails

• Items which can be found in Number 12 Grimmauld Place
  • biting silver snuffbox filled with Wartcap Powder
  • a spidery instrument, rather like a many-legged tweezers, which scurried away and tried to puncture Harry's skin
  • a music box that played a sinister but compelling tune which would have put all the listeners into an enchanted sleep, had it not been stopped
  • a grandfather clock that shot heavy bolts at passers-by
  • an ancient set of purple robes that tried to strangle Ron
  • an ornate crystal bottle with a large opal set into the stopper, full of what looked like blood
  • claws
  • rusty daggers
  • coiled snakeskin

• Dolores Umbridge's Blood Quill

Dolores Jane Umbridge is a fictional character from the Harry Potter series of novels by J. K. Rowling. ... It has been suggested that Wands (Harry Potter) be merged into this article or section. ...

Dark Creatures

See: Magical beasts (Harry Potter)#Dark creatures Magical creatures comprise a colourful and integral aspect of the wizarding world in the Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling. ...

See also