- dark magic
	+ by definition, this is any magic that requires some sort of sacrifice, typically blood, hair, etc.
	+ the reason that certain kinds of magic need this sacrifice differs
		- some require some sort of data to work off of (i.e. polyjuice, inheritance tests)
		- some magicks are more powerful when a sacrifice is made so more can be accomplished with it
		- sometimes that's just how the arithmancy works out (after all, death is represented by the number seven so perhaps a death is needed bc 5 + 2 = 7; sorry Myrtle)
	+ spells are considered darker the more sacrifice is needed to fuel it; black magic is fueled by death, usually multiple (but not necessarily human death, sacrificing a lamb is still black magic)
-light magic
	+ by defintion this is any magic that requires a powerful emotional response, typically a desire to protect.
	+ reasons that some magicks require this differs
		- sometimes it's because of the task being completed (i.e. patronuses fight fire with fire; powerful emotional force needed to fight off powerful emotional force)
		- some  magicks are simply more volatile or "wild" and thus need something just as volatile to tame it
		- sometimes that's just how the arithmancy works out (riddikulus is like this; it requires good visualization and a desire to laugh, but it's not hard to do bc it's more for symbolism than it is for fueling the spell)
	+ spells are considered lighter the more emotion that goes into it; white magic is fueled entirely by emotions and intent (most accidental magic in childhood is white magic)
- dark vs. light
	+ specific spells are not dark or light, white or black; only the method of accomplishing a result can be delcared either or. 
		- this means that technically the unforgivables are white magic because there is no sacrifice involved, only the desire to hurt, kill, or control somone (or rather the most common methodology for casting the unforgivables is white)
	+ it's entirely possible to cast a traditionally light spell with a dark method and vice versa. there is no moral goodness or evil to magic.
	+ historically, children begin using white and light magic and slowly transition to using dark and black magic as they get older; this is because of the two methodogys, dark magic is much easier to control and predict and teach.
- neutral magic (or gray magic)
	+ neutral magic is magic that does not require sacrifice nor powerful emotion
	+ typically, this is because it draws it's power and traits from elsewhere
		- for example, potion making is neutral bc it potions get their magic from the ingredient and not the brewer
		- another example is something like simple transfiguration, which is made easier simply by having knowledge of the makeup of the objects you're trying to change (of course, higher level spells usually become lighter or darker, depending on method, though it's possible to cast them neutrally [i.e. the animagus transformation is entirely neutral])
- some history on the different types of magic
	+ light (and white) magicks are the first magick to exist and are thus the most 'natural' magic
	+ dark (and black) are the result of many generations of innovation and experimentation
	+ for many years, dark magic was considered superior while light magic was considered for children (i.e. why the sacrifice of lambs and other animals became the norm for magical ceremonies, rituals, etc. it was considered the highest level of magic)
	+ however, attitudes changed as wixen and muggles began mixing again (after witch trials and other forms of magical presecution fell out of fashion)
		- light magic had, at this point, saved the lives of countless wixen through fear for their lives and desire to protect their loved ones and death/sacrifice became less appealling (perhaps understandably) as the danger lessened; people began to see it not as childish, but as the more powerful and natural methodology (which in turn made dark magic out to be weak and unnatural)