After spending a couple of minutes writing down what her answer would be, Alyssa raised her hand and stood up when acknowledged.

"Most people believe that the dark arts are those magical spells and practices that are usually used for malicious purposes. Like you mentioned, Professor, some of its properties are that they are varied, ever-changing, eternal, unfixed, mutating and indestructible. It differs from other forms of magic in the intent of the witch or wizard casting it. Most spells characteristic of dark arts are known as curses which usually cause harm to the target. In some situations, it has been argued that the circumstances behind casting the spell was justifiable. However, ultimately in the end, it is the deep, true intention of the caster that makes the difference between it just being a magical spell or one cast of dark arts. That is why some spells considered 'dark', like for example those used in magical dueling may be used to attack, immobilise, or disarm an opponent without causing pain or lasting harm.

From what I understand, it all depends on the motivation of the caster casting the spell, because it does affect the spell's result. For example, if the caster believed that the subject needed to be punished for their wrong deeds, felt that their reason was justified, but at the same time didn't want the person to suffer too much, the spell would work but only for a short time. In other words, righteous anger alone, does not allow the spell to work for long. On the other hand, if the caster desired to inflict pain just for their own pleasure and really wanted their subject to suffer, then the spell would caused intense agony that could last as long as the caster desired for it too. That second example would truly be considered one of Dark Arts. It has also been said that the use of Dark Magic can corrupt the soul and body."

Alyssa quickly sat down and hoped that she hadn't answered incorrectly.