Cosette had been mulling over what the Professor's words and what he meant by them. All the while, she had been jotting down notes, listening to other students and their ideals on the matter. Her eyes narrowed as she raised her hand once more. "Not so much on that spell. But more so the tampering of ones own will or the worst which is death." She rapped her fingers on the wooden desk. "In all reality, dark magic is more than just curses, jinx's, and hexes. The power behind them plays a big part. The casters true intention plays a part." Or at least she had been led to think.

Adam grabbed a piece of parchment, got out his quill and dipped it into the ink. He leaned forward in his chair to get a better hear of the Professor. The minute the Professor stopped Adam scribbled all that he could remember. He looked around, seeing that he was one of the very first people down with his notes. What a attentative student.

Phew, she got it right. "You're very welcome Sir," Marie said as she looked up at Prof....

HOLY MERLIN!

He was smiling at her. Headmaster Hottie was smiling at HER! And he liked her answer. Oh yeah, this was definitely her favorite class... and favorite Professor.

With her mind still spinning from the smile she sat there just taking notes and listening to the other students answer. If she opened her mouth now she just might say something that would embarrass her.

Right, best to just take notes for a few minutes.

Lukas was nodding unconsciously to every new idea that was presented. His quill was sitting stationary in his hand so absorbed was he in listening. The slight lull reminded him what he was supposed to be doing. He dipped the quill back into the inkpot even though he must have done it twice already. It had dried on the tip before he had had a chance to use it. He scribbled a cobbled together version of what he'd heard. Most of it was unfamiliar which didn't help his comprehension, he'd only covered a few dark creatures and a couple of minor jinxes before.

Hehe, Fletcher. Maybe Rae should sneak up next to him? Yes, good plan, GO. When she was already next to him She made sure he didn't notice before she tapped on his shoulder and looked at him smiling.

Danika was sitting in front of them, she was smart. So was that boy, who she had yet to meet Sabel. How Rae wished she was smart. She sat in her seat clueless as to the answers of the questions being asked.

This was the second time Sandra had found the Hogwart's students amusing. Not the obvious answers, but the ones that she could tell the students had put thought into. When she felt Danika nudge her, she glanced over to the boy who had given a good response.

He must have been the one she had spoke of earlier.

There were few responses that she agreed with. One of them obviously being Danika's. The girl would know with all her extensive research of the dark art.

Distracted by the boy who had tapped Danika on the shoulder, her gaze turned to one of the smaller students who had questioned the girl's answer. Before she could respond to the boy, Danika had answered, and well.

With a small nod towards her friend, she twirled a strand of dark hair around her finger while listening to the other responses.

"Hey, do you understand any of this?"Adam whispered to a frantic writing Lukas.Adam was just hearing a lot of words but nothing seemed to be making any sense to him, no matter how hard he tried to mesh the words together.He didn't expect Lukas to answer becasue chatting was against classroom rules.

The whole debate had taken a very deep and meaningful nature. Esme made notes and considered the points raised. Putting her hand up, she said, "Sir, isn't it dangerous to try and speculate on the intent of others? Without knowing the explicit reasons for someone's intention, the reason they might have for doing something that's possibly..." She paused, to choose her words carefully, "Frowned upon. If they do something that seems to come from a dark or malicious place but they are only doing it because they are defending themselves then they are not dark, are they? They're just... protecting themselves." She swallowed, hoping that she was making sense. "What I mean is, unless you know what motivates a person to act in a certain way, you can't really make an informed judgement about them, can you?"

Esme felt heat in her cheeks and looked at her notes before looking back at the Professor. She knew that some of her peers were aware of her less than clean record at Beauxbatons, which had led her to be stuck at Hogwarts in the first place.

Amber got out her quill and parchment, taking down as many notes as she could remember. She eyed the students close to her, then returned to her notes. She remembered some stuff from last year, but not much. That was pretty sad as she'd scored highest on her DADA O.W.L. in fifth year.

"I mean any spell intended to cause harm, yes. There are more Dark spells than just those qualified as Unforgivable." Scars? What was that about? Tate gave the boy a lingering look before turning back to the next student.

"Don't be mistaken, my dear. I would be very concerned if someone said they were overcome by the desire to kill someone. That isn't Dark magic... that's mental disease of some sort. A Dark Wizard is completely in control of his or her capacities. But yes, intentions are big with Dark Arts."

"You're mistaking the creation of something that is used for evil, such as the example I gave where a levitation spell drops something, with a spell that can only be used for evil. You don't create a Dark spell and then intend for it not to be used in that way. What positive uses does the Cruciatus have? None that I can think of."

"I would like a clarification from someone... what are these innocent uses of the Dark spells mentioned so far?"

"I think you'll find that Dark Creatures are generally created with a very specific purpose. As we've discussed a bit already, Dark Creatures have no natural life processes and are intended to maim and destroy for no purpose that sustains them. They are created to harm. Would anyone do that for an innocent purpose?"

"I agree... if you are creating something harmful, then it seems clear that you are a Dark Wizard. There are certainly some out there who create for the sake of creating without any concern for the outcome, but that is selfishness or singlemindedness rather than being 'Dark'... but they are probably few and far between."

"Thank you for clarifying, Miss Finnigan. That is quite a sufficient explanation."

"So a spell isn't always Dark? If you intend lasting damage with a typically innocent spell, then the spell becomes Dark? I'm not sure I agree with you on that point, but let's see if your classmates care to comment."

"I think you've won your point, Mr. Dakest," Tate nodded. Impressive argument. "But I would never say that a Dark spell is cast to survive. We all have options. To crucify or to stun. To kill or to stop. To control someone's will... or to come to terms with them. The choice makes the Dark Wizard."

"I think some of your classmates would argue with you on that point," Tate raised an eyebrow. "But it is an interesting perspective."

"So being a LITTLE bit Dark is okay? What's a little bit? Just controlling people? Just hurting them a little? Where's the line?" Why was she... pinching people?

"Perhaps, but I would point back to the discussion on choice. We CHOOSE how to protect ourselves, how to handle ourselves in hard situations. If the choice is to create a Dark spell or creature to protect yourself, out of allll the options in the universe..." He shrugged.

"We may have to agree to disagree on that point, my boy, but I'll concede that you surely are not alone. Many of your classmates take that same stance."

"So is a Quintaped truly a Dark creature? Does it meet the qualifications of a Dark creature?"

"Yes, I agree... I'm not sure you can cast any of those spells in a positive light, under any circumstances."

"I wouldn't argue with your second point, although I think considering Dark creatures as having any choice is giving them too much credit. But for the other..." He thought about it. "There's an old saying. 'Be careful that in fighting the dragon, you do not become the dragon.' Once you slide into using Dark magic to fight Dark magic, you become the very beast you are fighting against. Some have no issue with that, but I personally do."

"Yes, intention... it's all about intention. I think you've found the crux of the matter."

"Lad," Tate stopped and gave Fletcher a steely glare. "I suggest you focus on more on selling your point of view than on impressing the pretty girls. It's very hard to make friends in detention."

"You're late, Miss," Tate eyed the Ravenclaw. "I'll take 2 points for it. Please don't let it happen again."


He paced back to the middle of the room. "Now, let's move on. We've discussed... the very nature of Dark Arts, and I hope that you are developing your own opinions on what constitutes Dark magics. In time, I hope that you can all speak eloquently about your own ideas on this topic. Now, I'd like to move the discussion onward."

Tate put his hands behind his back and fixed his eyes on the students each in turn. "Who has heard the phrase 'The best defense is a good offense'? What does it mean?"

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassirin

"Thank you for expanding our working definition. If I understand what you're saying... Dark Arts are magics that do harm? Or is it deeper than that?"

"They can do harm," she said, then took a deep breath. "Like some hexes or curses... Or they can take away free will. The three spells we know the best are the Unforgivables. The imperius curse takes away free will. The cruciatus curse inflicts terrible pain. The killing curse... well, kills. But I think Dark Arts go deeper than that. They stain the soul... perhaps irreparably. And they are consuming. But I also think it's not the spell that makes a wizard. When you use what are thought of as good spells to cause horrible damage, you are no different than one who uses what we think of as Dark Arts spells, such as the unforgivables. And good wizards have used dark spells, including the unforgivable curses. Anything that stains or warps the soul, or even breaches it, whether killing by knife or by curse, can be considered Dark Arts.

"That is why when we practice defense, we have to understand that we're not just trying to dodge what we think of as inherently dark spells, but we also need to learn to defend ourselves against what could be thought of as mundane spells. Dark Arts is a practice, not necessarily a thing."

Diggy beamed that he had answered something correctly. That was always a good start to the year. Diggy raised his hand, "It means first off taking an active role in defending yourself. You have be vigilant in protecting yourself. Don't leave your cup unattended at parties. Always go with someone to unfamiliar places. Carry your wand within reach of your wand hand. Don't have it tucked in a purse or your back pocket. Things like that," he answered.

Raising his hand, he replies "That if you can determine your opponents next move, you will have the upper hand?" He thought that sounded about right...but maybe it wasn't worded right.

Renesmee was sitting a few seats back from the front of the class. She was jotting down notes from the professors lecture.

Kellen sent Neptune a slightly puzzled, annoyed look when she pinched him. Why with the pinching? He shooed her hand away and sort of missed Tate's response to him.

What did it mean? That Kellen was a dead-man either way if he ever stepped onto the dueling arena floor, that's what. But there were firsties present, and he didn't think the personal opinion of "I'm a goner" would go over that well.

So instead he suggested, "You can't win a duel with Protego?"

Which was a pity, really, because he actually knew that spell.

Raising his hand "Train to fight but pray you never have to"

Enya smiles, she wondered if Michael had heard Professor Tate's praise of her!"

Enya raised her hand again. "Professor Tate, I think that the Best Defense is a good offense means that You should be prepared for anything. It doesn't necessarily mean that we should go looking for trouble, but what it does mean is to be ready. To be Vigilant."

Ooh, that was an easy one. "Sir, I believe that means that to be your best defensively you must have a good offense. You must be prepared for anything that may come your way, never let them catch you off guard. You need to catch the attacker off guard and destroy the enemy's ability to attack." Marie said as she raised her hand.

Evelyn was sitting back, listening to all the others talk. Hehe, why talk when others did it for you? Besides, her opinion was already stated by a few others in the class, so she really didn't need to repeat it again.

But she had heard that saying before. The one the Headmaster had stated. Was this in the terms of a duel? Or a fight? Hmm, she hoped it was, because that was the only way she was able to explain the phrase. Which is what she was going to be explaining after she raised her hand. "I believe it means that, in having a good offense such as keeping your opponent on their toes so to speak, you ultimately destroy their ability to attack. So really, why would you need to defend yourself...if don't need to defend yourself from anything?"

Eloquently? Lukas looked down at his parchment. How was he supposed to make this mish-mash sound eloquent? He sighed, this was so difficult.

Lukas nodded, he'd heard it. His football coach said it all the time. Mostly before a game. But...why? Because, it made them aggressive? Because it made the other team back down more easily? That might be something. He raised his hand tentatively. "Sir, does it mean maybe that the best way to defeat your opponent is to make yourself seem more threatening by being offensive and aggressive rather than passive and defensive?" he attempted.

Lina raised a hand, though her answer this time was not quite as thoughtful. "It means that there are times, either in battle or a game, that you must take the initiative. Kinda like 'nipping it in the bud,' but stronger. I don't necessarily agree with it, but it's usually referencing a preemptive strike. When in a war you create an offensive strike to combat an unready opponent. It can also mean, in a short-term situation, that rather than sitting in the defensive you should attack and deal with the counter-attack, rather than waiting and countering their attack. This is usually the stance to take when you can be assured that an attack will come, and you can be prepared for it before they can."

Renesmee raised her hand, "I think it means you have to be able to protect yourself in ever way" she said

Sabel frowned a little at Tate's responses, jotting a few notes and thoughts down in shorthand on a folded piece of parchment. He would have liked to further discuss the option of options that people had, that sometimes there was just simply no option than kill or be killed, but perhaps that was a naive perception that experience clarified. Now it was onto offense and defense.

A small smile touched his lips as he raised his hand. "They use it often in hockey strategy, Sir." Err..this wasn't Canada and it wasn't a muggle place. Good job Dakest. "But it can apply to all areas and goes along with the concept that by striking first, hard, and unexpectedly you lower your need for a defense by putting your enemy off-guard. If you surprise them, they have to focus on their defense so that your concern in that area is reduced. It gives you the upper hand, but only if pulled off right for one can easily make a mistake in such a maneuver, sacrificing their defense, giving the enemy the advantage and thus putting themselves at great risk of defeat and loss." They should really be playing Risk for this.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassirin

"So being a LITTLE bit Dark is okay? What's a little bit? Just controlling people? Just hurting them a little? Where's the line?" Why was she... pinching people?


...


He paced back to the middle of the room. "Now, let's move on. We've discussed... the very nature of Dark Arts, and I hope that you are developing your own opinions on what constitutes Dark magics. In time, I hope that you can all speak eloquently about your own ideas on this topic. Now, I'd like to move the discussion onward."

Tate put his hands behind his back and fixed his eyes on the students each in turn. "Who has heard the phrase 'The best defense is a good offense'? What does it mean?"

Nod. A little bit was okay, just like Neptune said. She was SO glad Headmaster Tate agreed. Giggle. As for the line? Well, hadn't he drawn those on the floor? Neptune discretely pointed at the chalky lines for his benefit. Had he forgotten? Was he stressed? Awww perhaps they could have tea after class.

But anyway, Neptune raised her hand. "Obviously, it's when YOU get THEM before THEY get YOU. Offense, being proactive instead of reactive." Duhhhhh. "But that is SUCH a boy thing to say, you know? I, for one, would rather be defensive. That way, when I retaliate, it's MUCH better, or worse I guess, than what the person did to me. Then I win."


Then..... there was a minor giggle!fit courteous of the looks and answers of one Kellen Stern. Speaking of boy.... GIGGLE.

Raiden nodded. In the end, as the professor had said to someone else... it was, in the end, all about intent. He swore this discussion had come up at some other point in time. Probably when he was more... er, naive about the world and how it worked.

"It basically means that your ability to counter an attack with one of your own, and land blows, is as important, if not more, than your ability to flat out defend yourself," Raiden murmured, arm going up once more. "You can defend yourself to exhaustion, but in the end, if you can't attack back, you're kinda..."

...eh.

"Well you'd be at a huge disadvantage. Especially in a group situation, where you had more than one attacker..."