Mason's eyes went to the other man next to the professor as he was introduced as a YATI member for the Ministry and the Ravenclaw sat up straighter in his seat. Clearly interested in the man now. The subject of Aurors was fascinating (though he didn't want to become one, he knew he would fail the testings any ways) However, when the Professor mentioned the clay on the desk he turned his gaze to it.

He didn't know why but he had the feeling that the clay was not as innocent as Professor Hirsch was hinting about. And clearly remembering the words he had heard in the office about constant vigilance and being on guard at all time, especially Defence Against the Dark Arts. Of course, they had been talking about OWLs at that time but who said it was only to be used during OWLs?

So, after giving the clay another look, the Ravenclaw leaned back in his seat again and raised his hand in the air. The clay untouched on his desk. He'd touch it when he was SURE nothing would happen to the other students who had began moulding the clay.

"I personally think that the intent of using the Dark Arts is what makes it evil" he said, lowering his arm again. "With the example of the Unforgivable Curses in mind, i read that you had to really mean it to use one of them. I could point my wand at anyone in the room right now and say the Cruciatus Curse and it wouldn't have any effect on them because i don't have that malicious intent in mind at the moment" he thought some more before continuing "So, in my opinion, the Dark Arts is labeled as Dark Magic because the caster has clear and full intent on inflicting pain on others."when he had finished, Mason turned his attention to the clay in front of him again and began poking it with the tip of the wand. "Oh and it is the Ministry of Magic of course who in the end says if somethings officially Dark or not" something he was not a 100% agreeable with but that would be for another time.