brown65 (![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} brown65) wrote,@ 2006-05-31 10:42:00 |
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Imposters in HP
This is a revised “Bellatrix as an imposter” theory complete with all the latest clues and information. I welcome any and all comments (including criticism) as long as the points argued are based in canon and not merely one’s opinion because they like a particular character or have lost faith in JKR’s writing ability.
JKR said that book 6 is only half the story.
JKR: So much that happens in six relates to what happens in seven. And you really sort of skid off the end of six straight into seven.
And
JKR: So much of what happens in book six relates to book seven that I feel almost as though they are two halves of the same novel.
By making these statements, she has opened the door to speculation of more than what appears on the surface happening in HBP. She also commented about a favorite author, Dorothy Sayers, who likes to use “romance” as camouflage in her mysteries. I believe this is a clue to us again not to take what appears on the surface as all that there is to HBP. A good deal of what is proposed in this theory has not been revealed as yet, but there are existing elements in canon that do point to this being a very real possibility. JKR has always left clues (“A-ha!” moments) that point toward the reveal, but they are subtle and don’t really grab our attention initially. Only after a reveal has been made and we reread can we say, “A-ha!” as those previously obscure or subtle clues now become obvious! Generally speaking, the closer to the reveal, the more abundant and noticeable the clues, while the further from the reveal has clues that are much more vague. An example of this is Scabbers the rat. When we are first introduced to Scabbers in book 1 (PS/SS), he is described, but no mention of his missing toe is ever made. It’s not until book 3 (PoA - the book with the reveal to his true form as Peter Pettigrew) that we are told this detail about Scabbers missing toe and Peter’s missing finger. It also shows that JKR will introduce a character or element and not build upon it until the book with the reveal.
I hope for a certain amount of flexibility from the readers of this essay to see the “possibility” of what’s suggested. No idea will be presented that doesn’t have some basis in canon. In other words, I won’t make up a random fact to justify an idea.
Since I believe the reveal about Bellatrix is going to come in book 7, the clues (or “A-Ha!” moments) are going to be extremely vague anytime before then. I also believe that JKR is using this as one of her last big “twists” in the plot that will tie up some dangling storylines and lead to Harry’s final confrontation with Voldemort.
This theory has been a collaborative effort by many brilliant minds. And I want to take the time to thank you all for your brainstorming, vision and passion for mystery solving!
THE IMPOSTERS:
For some who haven’t realized, JKR is very fond of “imposter themes”. So fond that she’s used them in each and every one of her stories (in one form or another). Some imposters are there just to introduce an ability/potion and are only part of a subplot, while the other “true” imposter generally betrays Harry and moves along the main plot of the story. Please note the pattern of the introduction of a new ability or potion by a benign character which is then followed up by its sinister counterpart. Here is the list comprising the HP stories and the imposters contained within:
PS/SS:
1) McGonagall (subplot – benign introduction of ability). Professor McGonagall is the first introduction of an Animagus. We get to see her use it to disguise her true self while observing the Dursleys.
2) Quirrel (main plot). Professor Quirrel was not the stuttering, fearful man that he pretended to be. This “guise” was to trick the readers and cast our suspicions on the more viable “villain” Snape. Quirrel’s turban hid his two-faced reality.
COS
1) Lockhart (subplot – introduction of altered memories). Professor Lockhart presented himself as a powerful and knowledgeable wizard, when in reality he was a fraud – an imposter. He used memory charms to hide his true ineptitude.
2) Harry, Ron, & Hermione (subplot – benign introduction of a potion). By use of polyjuice potion, the trio was able to alter their physical appearances to spy on Malfoy.
3) Tom Riddle (main plot). Tom Riddle appeared to both Ginny and Harry as a friend in the form of a memory. He used his despised “muggle name and persona” to hide his true and preferred moniker “Lord Voldemort”. He cast our suspicions onto Hagrid and then used Ginny as a lure to get to Harry.
POA
1) Sirius Black (subplot). Sirius was an imposter in two ways; as an Animagus and also as the false image of “deranged servant of LV”. Sirius’ own guilt was the reason for never declaring his own innocence.
2) Peter Pettigrew (main plot – sinister counterpart). He used his Animagus form to hide his true self from retribution and to await the return of Lord Voldemort.
GOF
1) Rita Skeeter (subplot). Another animagus, Rita uses her “imposter” shape to ferret out information for her articles.
2) Alastor Moody (main plot – sinister counterpart). Imposter Moody (aka Barty Crouch, Jr.) uses his disguise to befriend Harry and gain his trust so that he could ultimately betray Harry and get him into Voldemort’s hands.
OoTP
1) Tonks (subplot – benign introduction of ability). Tonks is a Metamorphmagus who is an “imposter” throughout book 5. She is constantly changing her features to suit her mood or assist the Order of the Phoenix in an undercover capacity.
2) Kreacher (mainplot). Kreacher appears to be a mentally deficient, loyalty bound servant of Sirius Black. He uses his incompetent, irritating but otherwise harmless “guise” to betray Sirius and get Harry to the DoM.
HBP
1) Slughorn (subplot). Slughorn disguises his true identity by transfiguring himself into a chair. Slughorn altered his own memory to hide the secret of the Horcrux.
2) Crabbe/Goyle/Malfoy (subplot). Crabbe, Goyle (and possibly Malfoy disguised as Madam Pince in the library scene) use polyjuice to alter their appearances.
3) ???????. (mainplot)
Now, I suggest that there is a third “imposter” in HBP; someone that has positioned themselves inside Hogwarts to spy and is going to be the final betrayal and lure for Harry. I feel this is so, because otherwise, HBP is lacking that element that has been repeated in the previous 5 books. Both Slughorn and Crabbe/Goyle/Malfoy are parts of the subplots. Harry has been suspicious of Draco since the start of the story, and I do not feel that JKR would depart from her normal pattern to build up our suspicions towards one character, to then shock us with the “twist” that is the true imposter/betrayer at the climax of the story. Many of you would argue that Snape is that betrayer or imposter. This could be so, except that once again, we the readers have been encouraged throughout the series to distrust Snape and (in one of the rare departures from Harry’s POV), we are made completely aware by information in the Spinner’s End chapter of HBP that Snape is now involved with Draco to complete a mission for Voldemort. It’s my opinion that this is what JKR wants us to believe; and by all counts this appears to be the conclusion of HBP - DD’s death on the tower at the hands of Snape, the traitor. If we are to accept exclusively what is written as it appears on the surface as true, then HBP lacks the twist or shocking reveal where we learn that what Harry (we) thought was the truth isn’t the truth at all. Where HBP ends is not the end of the whole story, as she’s done in her previous books. We get a hint of that by her not concluding it in the style that she normally does with a ride home on the Hogwarts Express and a return to the Dursleys. What appears to be the wrap-up is really a cliffhanger that will be sorted out in book 7. Snape will be vindicated as the traitor, while a character that was previously unsuspected, will be exposed.
I believe that we should heed the MoM’s warning to be on the lookout for an Imposter. In relation to the warning (once in pamphlet form and once by DD), only Molly and Arthur used the recommended safety checks. It’s my opinion that JKR purposely wrote all of her “light” characters behaving OOC to hide her true Imposter and make our attempt to solve the mystery more difficult.
1. “It is I, Dumbledore”
2. Ron throwing a knife, knowing about the Hand of Glory
3. Hermione not risking detention to console Hagrid at Aragog’s funeral
4. Ginny’s sudden prowess at Quidditch, her “over-the-top” temper”
5. Tonks was not her usual self – (although this mystery seems to sort itself out by the story’s end)
.
BELLATRIX
Why do I suspect Bellatrix as being the last imposter? JKR likes to set up confrontations that involve her true villains. In these instances – their incompetence is either highlighted, making them appear the least likely suspect or they are shown to be the “hero” while our attention turns to other more viable suspects. Even though we may not see too much of the true villain, they do remain active (albeit quietly) throughout the story. I will use the following examples:
PS/SS US pg. 226:
Below, in a shadowy clearing, stood Snape, but he wasn’t alone. Quirrell was there, too. Harry couldn’t make out the look on his face, but he was stuttering worse than ever. Harry strained to catch what they were saying.
“…d-don’t know why you wanted t-t-to meet here of all p-places, Severus….”
“Oh, I thought we’d keep this private,” said Snape, his voice icy. “Students aren’t supposed to know about the Sorcerer’s Stone, after all.”
Harry leaned forward. Quirrell was mumbling something. Snape interrupted him.
“Have you found out how to get past that beast of Hagrid’s yet?”
“B-b-but Severus, I –“
“You don’t want me as your enemy, Quirrell,” said Snape, taking a step toward him.
CoS US pg. 246/7 (told in the form of a memory):
Riddle suddenly jumped around the corner. Harry stepped out behind him. He could see the dark outline of a huge boy who was crouching in front of an open door, a very large box next to it.
“Evening, Rubeus,” said Riddle sharply. The boy slammed the door shut and stood up. “What yer doin’ down here, Tom?” Riddle stepped closer. “It’s all over,” he said. “I’m going to have to turn you in, Rubeus. They’re talking about closing Hogwarts if the attacks don’t stop.” “What d’yeh –“
“I don’t think you meant to kill anyone. But monsters don’t make good pets. I suppose you just let it out for exercise and –“
“It never killed no one!” said the large boy, backing against the closed door. From behind him, Harry could hear a funny rustling and clicking.
“Come on, Rubeus,” said Riddle, moving yet closer. “The dead girl’s parents will be here tomorrow. The least Hogwarts can do is make sure that the thing that killed their daughter is slaughtered……….”
PoA US pg. 208 (through third person recollection):
“Eyewitnesses – Muggles, of course, we wiped their memories later – told us how Pettigrew cornered Black. They say he was sobbing, ‘Lily and James, Sirius! How could you?’ And then he went for his wand. Well, of course, Black was quicker. Blew Pettigrew to smithereens….” SNIP “Bodies everywhere. Muggles screaming. And Black standing there laughing, with what was left of Pettigrew in front of him…..a heap of bloodstained robes and a few – a few fragments –“
GoF US pg. 279/80:
“You seem to have given a great deal of thought, Moody,” said Karkaroff coldly, “and a very ingenious theory it is – though of course, I heard you recently got it into your head that one of your birthday presents contained a cunningly disguised basilisk egg, you smashed it to pieces before realizing it was a carriage clock. So you’ll understand if we don’t take you entirely seriously…….”
“There are those who’ll turn innocent occasions to their advantage, Moody retorted in a menacing voice. “It’s my job to think the way Dark Wizards do, Karkaroff – as you ought to remember……” (SNIP) Moody fell silent, though still surveying Karkaroff with satisfaction – Karkaroff’s face was burning.
OoTP US pg. 109/10:
“I asked you what you were up to,” said Sirius coldly. “Every time you show up pretending to be cleaning, you sneak something off to your room so we can’t throw it out.” “Kreacher would never move anything from it’s proper place in Master’s house,” said the elf, then muttered very fast, “Mistress would never forgive Kreacher if the tapestry was thrown out, seven centuries it’s been in the family, Kreacher must save it, Kreacher will not let Master and the blood traitors and the brats destroy it –“
“I thought it might be that,” said Sirius, casting a disdainful look at the opposite wall. “She’ll have put another Permanent Sticking Charm on the back of it, I don’t doubt, but if I can get rid of it I certainly will. Now go away, Kreacher.”
It seemed that Kreacher did not dare disobey a direct order; nevertheless, the look he gave Sirius as he shuffled out past him was redolent of deepest loathing and he muttered all the way out of the room.
“_comes back from Azkaban ordering Kreacher around, oh my poor Mistress, what would she say if she saw the house now, scum living in it, her treasures thrown out, she swore he was no son of her and he’s back, they say he’s a murderer too –“
“Keep muttering and I will be a murderer!” said Sirius irritably, and he slammed the door shut on the elf.
Now let’s look at Chapter Two of HBP. The confrontation is between Snape and Bellatrix:
HBP US pg. 26:
”Do you really think that the Dark Lord has not asked me each and everyone of those questions? And do you really think that, had I not been able to give satisfactory answers, I would be sitting here talking to you?”
She hesitated.
“I know he believes you, but…………..”
“You think he is mistaken? Or that I have somehow hoodwinked him? Fooled the Dark Lord, the greatest wizard, the most accomplished Legilimens the world has ever seen?”
Bellatrix said nothing, but looked, for the first time, a little discomfited.
HBP US pg. 29:
”If he chooses not to share it with you –“
“He shares everything with me!” said Bellatrix, firing up at once. “He calls me his most loyal, his most faithful –“
“Does he?” said Snape, his voice delicately inflected to suggest his disbelief. “Does he [i]still[/i], after the fiasco at the Ministry?”
“That was not my fault!” said Bellatrix, flushing. “The Dark Lord has, in the past, entrusted me with his most precious – if Lucius hadn’t –“
HBP US pg. 30:
“Have you discussed this matter with the Dark Lord?” asked Snape.
“He….lately, we….I am asking you, Snape!”
I think that JKR has cleverly set us up to believe that Snape is LV’s confidant and faithful servant while Bellatrix has lost her position of trust/power and is now out of the loop – useless. This fits with JKR’s other confrontation scenes. We are intended to focus our eyes and attention on Snape, while forgetting about Bellatrix. You may ask whether Bellatrix is all that important to the plot and not just another barely registered Death Eater like Crabbe Sr. and Goyle Sr. The simple fact that she was personally saved from the DoM by Voldemort (that he left, then came back for her) leads me to believe that she is more important. Lucius and the others were all left behind to face their fate with the MoM, but not her. Why? Are we supposed to believe that Voldemort – who has no love of anyone, cared enough to rescue her out of the kindness of his heart? She must have something that he can still yet use; something so worth his while that he would risk another encounter with Dumbledore, the Order and MoM aurors descending on the DoM to come back to get her; something that no other in his employ could have. An ability that is rare, and valuable to him. At the start of this essay, you were shown how a new ability is introduced by a benign character then followed with its sinister counterpart. I am hoping to show with this essay that Bellatrix Lestrange is the sinister counterpart to Tonks’ Metamorphmagus ability and the last imposter/betrayer of the Harry Potter series and final twist/reveal of both book 6 and 7 bringing Harry to his final confrontation with Voldemort .
BELLATRIX AT WORK:
The following book clues reinforce the idea that Bellatrix is active in the plot of HBP even though we are not directly made aware of that fact by her obvious presence:
"I've got all the assistance I need, thanks, I'm not alone!" SNIP
"and if you are placing your reliance in assistants like Crabbe and Goyle --"
"They’re not the only ones, I've got other people on my side, better people!"
“Then why not confide in me, and I can –“
“I know what you’re up to! You want to steal my glory!
Draco has help beyond Crabbe and Goyle. Draco is on a mission and he admits to Snape that he has better help than his classmates. It’s my opinion that Bellatrix (one of the few people aware of Draco’s mission) is part of that help. I think Draco’s accusation of Snape “trying to steal his glory” is an important clue as to who is aiding him. They don’t sound like the words of Draco who has always been coddled, supported and protected by Snape throughout his school career. Draco tells Snape in CoS after DD has been removed from the school that he should be appointed. Even Narcissa’s words to Snape speak of Draco’s regard for Snape:
HBP US pg. 33/34
“Severus... please... You are, you have always been, Draco's favorite teacher...”
And yet, Draco is now suddenly very distrustful of Snape. There is only one person thus far described in canon as not trusting Snape and that is Bellatrix. The following quotes are taken from the Spinner’s End chapter in HBP.
HBP US pg. 21:
”Cissy, you must not do this, you can’t trust him –“
“The Dark Lord trusts him, doesn’t he?”
“The Dark Lord is….I believe…mistaken,” Bella panted, and her eyes gleamed momentarily under her hood as she looked around to check that they were indeed alone.
HBP US pg 25:
“Severus, I know I ought not to be here, I have been told to say nothing to anyone, but -
“Then you ought to hold your tongue!” snarled Bellatrix. “Particularly in present company!” SNIP
(Bellatrix)“That I don’t trust you, Snape, as you very well know!”
We also learn in the chapter “The Unbreakable Vow” that it is Aunt Bella who has taught Draco Occlumency.
HBP US. pg. 322:
“That Bell girl must’ve had an enemy no one knows about – don’t look at me like that! I know what you’re doing, I’m not stupid, but it won’t work – I can stop you!”
There was a pause and then Snape said quietly, “Ah….Aunt Bellatrix has been teaching you Occlumency, I see. What thoughts are you trying to conceal from your master, Draco?”
“I’m not trying to conceal anything from him, I just don’t want you butting in!”
Harry pressed his ear still more closely against the keyhole….What had happened to make Malfoy speak to Snape like this – Snape, toward whom he had always shown respect, even liking?
Even Harry is mindful of the change in Draco’s attitude toward Snape. Bellatrix has taught and influenced Draco much during their time together.
BELLATRIX A METAMORPHMAGUS:
After Chapter 2, Bellatrix all but disappears from the story – she’s not even included on the raid at Hogwarts. I said all but disappears, because we are reminded of her again in Chapter 6 of HBP:
Most of these somber purple posters carried blown-up versions of the security advice on the Ministry pamphlets that had been sent out over the summer, but others bore moving black-and-white photographs of Death Eaters known to be on the loose. Bellatrix Lestrange was sneering from the front of the nearest apothecary. A few windows were boarded up, including those of Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlor. On the other hand, a number of shabby-looking stalls had sprung up along the street. The nearest one, which had been erected outside Flourish and Blotts, under a striped, stained awning, had a cardboard sign pinned to its front:
A seedy-looking little wizard was rattling armfuls of silver symbols on chains at passersby.
“One for your little girl, madam? He called at Mrs. Weasley as they passed, leering at Ginny. “Protect her pretty neck?”
I find this little paragraph very interesting. I think this is our first look at Bellatrix as an Imposter, for these reasons:
1) We are told that the signs contain blown-up copies of the MoM’s warnings – one of which is about Imposters.
2) Bellatrix is specifically named sneering from one.
3) And then right on the heels of Bellatrix’s name is the appearance of this “seedy little wizard” who picks out among all the people walking by – Ginny (not the famous Harry Potter whom wizards know on sight) and is noted as leering at Ginny. Bellatrix targeted Ginny at the DoM only weeks prior. (A synonym for leer is sneer). So Bellatrix is named and is making the same face on a poster as the seedy wizard who targets Ginny……..hmmmmm?
Here’s a little quote by Tonks about her abilities taken from OoTP:
OoTP US pg. 52:
”I got top marks in Concealment and Disguise during Auror training without any study at all, it was great.”
A Metamorphmagus is a shapeshifter (think of the character of Mystique in X-Men). Able to simple focus and appear as anyone. What better type of spy is there than one who can change their appearance at will – with no need of a wand to do it nor any potions needed to maintain it?
The following are what I consider to be subtle clues placed in the text from HBP and back to OoTP that help to support this claim. Again, there will not be anything as finite and conclusive as JKR writing that Bellatrix is one, that she somehow looked different in a scene, or an outright mention by Tonks that being a Metamorphmagus is a Black family trait. All of these would be inappropriate and have the readers suspecting this particular twist too soon. I’m also going to remind you that one or two books away from the reveal will have more subtle clues.
1) Bellatrix’s name is a strong clue. Bella meaning beautiful and trix – “tricks” (Beautiful tricks).
2) HBP US pg. 20: Bellatrix kills a fox. This odd and random scene serves no purpose other than to associate Bella with the fox to the reader. In literature, the fox is symbolic of a TRICKSTER, a shapeshifter. The Illustrated Book of Signs and Symbols, by Miranda Bruce-Mitford. Copyright 1996, Dorling Kindersley Limited. London. "The fox universally represents cunning and deception. In some traditions, it has the power to transform its shape in order to deceive, for instance in the East, the fox can become a beautiful maiden who creates trouble. Bella is akin to the fox, she has the ability to change her form to become a trustworthy person in order to deceive and wreak havoc.
3) Tonks is the niece of Bellatrix. Like parseltongue another rare ability we are shown in the series - I believe the Metamorphmagus ability is a blood-line ability.
4) (This "play-on-words" was discovered after the intital post): "The woman who had mimicked". JKR has used play-on-words to define an ability like Sirius' animagus transformation "no one's seen hide nor hair of him" .
Polyjuice, animagus, parseltongue, house elf, and werewolf – all introduced into the HP series by a benign character, why would JKR leave such an amazing ability as the Metamorphmagus unexplored; unmatched by it’s evil counterpart? I don’t think she has.
I do have my suspicions as to who Bellatrix “guises” herself as while at Hogwarts. Who, why and how she wreaks her havoc will be discussed in Part II. Please let me know if you are interested in my continuing this theory.
Thanks for taking the time to read.
This is a revised “Bellatrix as an imposter” theory complete with all the latest clues and information. I welcome any and all comments (including criticism) as long as the points argued are based in canon and not merely one’s opinion because they like a particular character or have lost faith in JKR’s writing ability.
JKR said that book 6 is only half the story.
JKR: So much that happens in six relates to what happens in seven. And you really sort of skid off the end of six straight into seven.
And
JKR: So much of what happens in book six relates to book seven that I feel almost as though they are two halves of the same novel.
By making these statements, she has opened the door to speculation of more than what appears on the surface happening in HBP. She also commented about a favorite author, Dorothy Sayers, who likes to use “romance” as camouflage in her mysteries. I believe this is a clue to us again not to take what appears on the surface as all that there is to HBP. A good deal of what is proposed in this theory has not been revealed as yet, but there are existing elements in canon that do point to this being a very real possibility. JKR has always left clues (“A-ha!” moments) that point toward the reveal, but they are subtle and don’t really grab our attention initially. Only after a reveal has been made and we reread can we say, “A-ha!” as those previously obscure or subtle clues now become obvious! Generally speaking, the closer to the reveal, the more abundant and noticeable the clues, while the further from the reveal has clues that are much more vague. An example of this is Scabbers the rat. When we are first introduced to Scabbers in book 1 (PS/SS), he is described, but no mention of his missing toe is ever made. It’s not until book 3 (PoA - the book with the reveal to his true form as Peter Pettigrew) that we are told this detail about Scabbers missing toe and Peter’s missing finger. It also shows that JKR will introduce a character or element and not build upon it until the book with the reveal.
I hope for a certain amount of flexibility from the readers of this essay to see the “possibility” of what’s suggested. No idea will be presented that doesn’t have some basis in canon. In other words, I won’t make up a random fact to justify an idea.
Since I believe the reveal about Bellatrix is going to come in book 7, the clues (or “A-Ha!” moments) are going to be extremely vague anytime before then. I also believe that JKR is using this as one of her last big “twists” in the plot that will tie up some dangling storylines and lead to Harry’s final confrontation with Voldemort.
This theory has been a collaborative effort by many brilliant minds. And I want to take the time to thank you all for your brainstorming, vision and passion for mystery solving!
THE IMPOSTERS:
For some who haven’t realized, JKR is very fond of “imposter themes”. So fond that she’s used them in each and every one of her stories (in one form or another). Some imposters are there just to introduce an ability/potion and are only part of a subplot, while the other “true” imposter generally betrays Harry and moves along the main plot of the story. Please note the pattern of the introduction of a new ability or potion by a benign character which is then followed up by its sinister counterpart. Here is the list comprising the HP stories and the imposters contained within:
PS/SS:
1) McGonagall (subplot – benign introduction of ability). Professor McGonagall is the first introduction of an Animagus. We get to see her use it to disguise her true self while observing the Dursleys.
2) Quirrel (main plot). Professor Quirrel was not the stuttering, fearful man that he pretended to be. This “guise” was to trick the readers and cast our suspicions on the more viable “villain” Snape. Quirrel’s turban hid his two-faced reality.
COS
1) Lockhart (subplot – introduction of altered memories). Professor Lockhart presented himself as a powerful and knowledgeable wizard, when in reality he was a fraud – an imposter. He used memory charms to hide his true ineptitude.
2) Harry, Ron, & Hermione (subplot – benign introduction of a potion). By use of polyjuice potion, the trio was able to alter their physical appearances to spy on Malfoy.
3) Tom Riddle (main plot). Tom Riddle appeared to both Ginny and Harry as a friend in the form of a memory. He used his despised “muggle name and persona” to hide his true and preferred moniker “Lord Voldemort”. He cast our suspicions onto Hagrid and then used Ginny as a lure to get to Harry.
POA
1) Sirius Black (subplot). Sirius was an imposter in two ways; as an Animagus and also as the false image of “deranged servant of LV”. Sirius’ own guilt was the reason for never declaring his own innocence.
2) Peter Pettigrew (main plot – sinister counterpart). He used his Animagus form to hide his true self from retribution and to await the return of Lord Voldemort.
GOF
1) Rita Skeeter (subplot). Another animagus, Rita uses her “imposter” shape to ferret out information for her articles.
2) Alastor Moody (main plot – sinister counterpart). Imposter Moody (aka Barty Crouch, Jr.) uses his disguise to befriend Harry and gain his trust so that he could ultimately betray Harry and get him into Voldemort’s hands.
OoTP
1) Tonks (subplot – benign introduction of ability). Tonks is a Metamorphmagus who is an “imposter” throughout book 5. She is constantly changing her features to suit her mood or assist the Order of the Phoenix in an undercover capacity.
2) Kreacher (mainplot). Kreacher appears to be a mentally deficient, loyalty bound servant of Sirius Black. He uses his incompetent, irritating but otherwise harmless “guise” to betray Sirius and get Harry to the DoM.
HBP
1) Slughorn (subplot). Slughorn disguises his true identity by transfiguring himself into a chair. Slughorn altered his own memory to hide the secret of the Horcrux.
2) Crabbe/Goyle/Malfoy (subplot). Crabbe, Goyle (and possibly Malfoy disguised as Madam Pince in the library scene) use polyjuice to alter their appearances.
3) ???????. (mainplot)
Now, I suggest that there is a third “imposter” in HBP; someone that has positioned themselves inside Hogwarts to spy and is going to be the final betrayal and lure for Harry. I feel this is so, because otherwise, HBP is lacking that element that has been repeated in the previous 5 books. Both Slughorn and Crabbe/Goyle/Malfoy are parts of the subplots. Harry has been suspicious of Draco since the start of the story, and I do not feel that JKR would depart from her normal pattern to build up our suspicions towards one character, to then shock us with the “twist” that is the true imposter/betrayer at the climax of the story. Many of you would argue that Snape is that betrayer or imposter. This could be so, except that once again, we the readers have been encouraged throughout the series to distrust Snape and (in one of the rare departures from Harry’s POV), we are made completely aware by information in the Spinner’s End chapter of HBP that Snape is now involved with Draco to complete a mission for Voldemort. It’s my opinion that this is what JKR wants us to believe; and by all counts this appears to be the conclusion of HBP - DD’s death on the tower at the hands of Snape, the traitor. If we are to accept exclusively what is written as it appears on the surface as true, then HBP lacks the twist or shocking reveal where we learn that what Harry (we) thought was the truth isn’t the truth at all. Where HBP ends is not the end of the whole story, as she’s done in her previous books. We get a hint of that by her not concluding it in the style that she normally does with a ride home on the Hogwarts Express and a return to the Dursleys. What appears to be the wrap-up is really a cliffhanger that will be sorted out in book 7. Snape will be vindicated as the traitor, while a character that was previously unsuspected, will be exposed.
I believe that we should heed the MoM’s warning to be on the lookout for an Imposter. In relation to the warning (once in pamphlet form and once by DD), only Molly and Arthur used the recommended safety checks. It’s my opinion that JKR purposely wrote all of her “light” characters behaving OOC to hide her true Imposter and make our attempt to solve the mystery more difficult.
1. “It is I, Dumbledore”
2. Ron throwing a knife, knowing about the Hand of Glory
3. Hermione not risking detention to console Hagrid at Aragog’s funeral
4. Ginny’s sudden prowess at Quidditch, her “over-the-top” temper”
5. Tonks was not her usual self – (although this mystery seems to sort itself out by the story’s end)
.
BELLATRIX
Why do I suspect Bellatrix as being the last imposter? JKR likes to set up confrontations that involve her true villains. In these instances – their incompetence is either highlighted, making them appear the least likely suspect or they are shown to be the “hero” while our attention turns to other more viable suspects. Even though we may not see too much of the true villain, they do remain active (albeit quietly) throughout the story. I will use the following examples:
PS/SS US pg. 226:
Below, in a shadowy clearing, stood Snape, but he wasn’t alone. Quirrell was there, too. Harry couldn’t make out the look on his face, but he was stuttering worse than ever. Harry strained to catch what they were saying.
“…d-don’t know why you wanted t-t-to meet here of all p-places, Severus….”
“Oh, I thought we’d keep this private,” said Snape, his voice icy. “Students aren’t supposed to know about the Sorcerer’s Stone, after all.”
Harry leaned forward. Quirrell was mumbling something. Snape interrupted him.
“Have you found out how to get past that beast of Hagrid’s yet?”
“B-b-but Severus, I –“
“You don’t want me as your enemy, Quirrell,” said Snape, taking a step toward him.
CoS US pg. 246/7 (told in the form of a memory):
Riddle suddenly jumped around the corner. Harry stepped out behind him. He could see the dark outline of a huge boy who was crouching in front of an open door, a very large box next to it.
“Evening, Rubeus,” said Riddle sharply. The boy slammed the door shut and stood up. “What yer doin’ down here, Tom?” Riddle stepped closer. “It’s all over,” he said. “I’m going to have to turn you in, Rubeus. They’re talking about closing Hogwarts if the attacks don’t stop.” “What d’yeh –“
“I don’t think you meant to kill anyone. But monsters don’t make good pets. I suppose you just let it out for exercise and –“
“It never killed no one!” said the large boy, backing against the closed door. From behind him, Harry could hear a funny rustling and clicking.
“Come on, Rubeus,” said Riddle, moving yet closer. “The dead girl’s parents will be here tomorrow. The least Hogwarts can do is make sure that the thing that killed their daughter is slaughtered……….”
PoA US pg. 208 (through third person recollection):
“Eyewitnesses – Muggles, of course, we wiped their memories later – told us how Pettigrew cornered Black. They say he was sobbing, ‘Lily and James, Sirius! How could you?’ And then he went for his wand. Well, of course, Black was quicker. Blew Pettigrew to smithereens….” SNIP “Bodies everywhere. Muggles screaming. And Black standing there laughing, with what was left of Pettigrew in front of him…..a heap of bloodstained robes and a few – a few fragments –“
GoF US pg. 279/80:
“You seem to have given a great deal of thought, Moody,” said Karkaroff coldly, “and a very ingenious theory it is – though of course, I heard you recently got it into your head that one of your birthday presents contained a cunningly disguised basilisk egg, you smashed it to pieces before realizing it was a carriage clock. So you’ll understand if we don’t take you entirely seriously…….”
“There are those who’ll turn innocent occasions to their advantage, Moody retorted in a menacing voice. “It’s my job to think the way Dark Wizards do, Karkaroff – as you ought to remember……” (SNIP) Moody fell silent, though still surveying Karkaroff with satisfaction – Karkaroff’s face was burning.
OoTP US pg. 109/10:
“I asked you what you were up to,” said Sirius coldly. “Every time you show up pretending to be cleaning, you sneak something off to your room so we can’t throw it out.” “Kreacher would never move anything from it’s proper place in Master’s house,” said the elf, then muttered very fast, “Mistress would never forgive Kreacher if the tapestry was thrown out, seven centuries it’s been in the family, Kreacher must save it, Kreacher will not let Master and the blood traitors and the brats destroy it –“
“I thought it might be that,” said Sirius, casting a disdainful look at the opposite wall. “She’ll have put another Permanent Sticking Charm on the back of it, I don’t doubt, but if I can get rid of it I certainly will. Now go away, Kreacher.”
It seemed that Kreacher did not dare disobey a direct order; nevertheless, the look he gave Sirius as he shuffled out past him was redolent of deepest loathing and he muttered all the way out of the room.
“_comes back from Azkaban ordering Kreacher around, oh my poor Mistress, what would she say if she saw the house now, scum living in it, her treasures thrown out, she swore he was no son of her and he’s back, they say he’s a murderer too –“
“Keep muttering and I will be a murderer!” said Sirius irritably, and he slammed the door shut on the elf.
Now let’s look at Chapter Two of HBP. The confrontation is between Snape and Bellatrix:
HBP US pg. 26:
”Do you really think that the Dark Lord has not asked me each and everyone of those questions? And do you really think that, had I not been able to give satisfactory answers, I would be sitting here talking to you?”
She hesitated.
“I know he believes you, but…………..”
“You think he is mistaken? Or that I have somehow hoodwinked him? Fooled the Dark Lord, the greatest wizard, the most accomplished Legilimens the world has ever seen?”
Bellatrix said nothing, but looked, for the first time, a little discomfited.
HBP US pg. 29:
”If he chooses not to share it with you –“
“He shares everything with me!” said Bellatrix, firing up at once. “He calls me his most loyal, his most faithful –“
“Does he?” said Snape, his voice delicately inflected to suggest his disbelief. “Does he [i]still[/i], after the fiasco at the Ministry?”
“That was not my fault!” said Bellatrix, flushing. “The Dark Lord has, in the past, entrusted me with his most precious – if Lucius hadn’t –“
HBP US pg. 30:
“Have you discussed this matter with the Dark Lord?” asked Snape.
“He….lately, we….I am asking you, Snape!”
I think that JKR has cleverly set us up to believe that Snape is LV’s confidant and faithful servant while Bellatrix has lost her position of trust/power and is now out of the loop – useless. This fits with JKR’s other confrontation scenes. We are intended to focus our eyes and attention on Snape, while forgetting about Bellatrix. You may ask whether Bellatrix is all that important to the plot and not just another barely registered Death Eater like Crabbe Sr. and Goyle Sr. The simple fact that she was personally saved from the DoM by Voldemort (that he left, then came back for her) leads me to believe that she is more important. Lucius and the others were all left behind to face their fate with the MoM, but not her. Why? Are we supposed to believe that Voldemort – who has no love of anyone, cared enough to rescue her out of the kindness of his heart? She must have something that he can still yet use; something so worth his while that he would risk another encounter with Dumbledore, the Order and MoM aurors descending on the DoM to come back to get her; something that no other in his employ could have. An ability that is rare, and valuable to him. At the start of this essay, you were shown how a new ability is introduced by a benign character then followed with its sinister counterpart. I am hoping to show with this essay that Bellatrix Lestrange is the sinister counterpart to Tonks’ Metamorphmagus ability and the last imposter/betrayer of the Harry Potter series and final twist/reveal of both book 6 and 7 bringing Harry to his final confrontation with Voldemort .
BELLATRIX AT WORK:
The following book clues reinforce the idea that Bellatrix is active in the plot of HBP even though we are not directly made aware of that fact by her obvious presence:
"I've got all the assistance I need, thanks, I'm not alone!" SNIP
"and if you are placing your reliance in assistants like Crabbe and Goyle --"
"They’re not the only ones, I've got other people on my side, better people!"
“Then why not confide in me, and I can –“
“I know what you’re up to! You want to steal my glory!
Draco has help beyond Crabbe and Goyle. Draco is on a mission and he admits to Snape that he has better help than his classmates. It’s my opinion that Bellatrix (one of the few people aware of Draco’s mission) is part of that help. I think Draco’s accusation of Snape “trying to steal his glory” is an important clue as to who is aiding him. They don’t sound like the words of Draco who has always been coddled, supported and protected by Snape throughout his school career. Draco tells Snape in CoS after DD has been removed from the school that he should be appointed. Even Narcissa’s words to Snape speak of Draco’s regard for Snape:
HBP US pg. 33/34
“Severus... please... You are, you have always been, Draco's favorite teacher...”
And yet, Draco is now suddenly very distrustful of Snape. There is only one person thus far described in canon as not trusting Snape and that is Bellatrix. The following quotes are taken from the Spinner’s End chapter in HBP.
HBP US pg. 21:
”Cissy, you must not do this, you can’t trust him –“
“The Dark Lord trusts him, doesn’t he?”
“The Dark Lord is….I believe…mistaken,” Bella panted, and her eyes gleamed momentarily under her hood as she looked around to check that they were indeed alone.
HBP US pg 25:
“Severus, I know I ought not to be here, I have been told to say nothing to anyone, but -
“Then you ought to hold your tongue!” snarled Bellatrix. “Particularly in present company!” SNIP
(Bellatrix)“That I don’t trust you, Snape, as you very well know!”
We also learn in the chapter “The Unbreakable Vow” that it is Aunt Bella who has taught Draco Occlumency.
HBP US. pg. 322:
“That Bell girl must’ve had an enemy no one knows about – don’t look at me like that! I know what you’re doing, I’m not stupid, but it won’t work – I can stop you!”
There was a pause and then Snape said quietly, “Ah….Aunt Bellatrix has been teaching you Occlumency, I see. What thoughts are you trying to conceal from your master, Draco?”
“I’m not trying to conceal anything from him, I just don’t want you butting in!”
Harry pressed his ear still more closely against the keyhole….What had happened to make Malfoy speak to Snape like this – Snape, toward whom he had always shown respect, even liking?
Even Harry is mindful of the change in Draco’s attitude toward Snape. Bellatrix has taught and influenced Draco much during their time together.
BELLATRIX A METAMORPHMAGUS:
After Chapter 2, Bellatrix all but disappears from the story – she’s not even included on the raid at Hogwarts. I said all but disappears, because we are reminded of her again in Chapter 6 of HBP:
Most of these somber purple posters carried blown-up versions of the security advice on the Ministry pamphlets that had been sent out over the summer, but others bore moving black-and-white photographs of Death Eaters known to be on the loose. Bellatrix Lestrange was sneering from the front of the nearest apothecary. A few windows were boarded up, including those of Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlor. On the other hand, a number of shabby-looking stalls had sprung up along the street. The nearest one, which had been erected outside Flourish and Blotts, under a striped, stained awning, had a cardboard sign pinned to its front:
AMULETS
Effective Against Werewolves, Dementors, and InferiA seedy-looking little wizard was rattling armfuls of silver symbols on chains at passersby.
“One for your little girl, madam? He called at Mrs. Weasley as they passed, leering at Ginny. “Protect her pretty neck?”
I find this little paragraph very interesting. I think this is our first look at Bellatrix as an Imposter, for these reasons:
1) We are told that the signs contain blown-up copies of the MoM’s warnings – one of which is about Imposters.
2) Bellatrix is specifically named sneering from one.
3) And then right on the heels of Bellatrix’s name is the appearance of this “seedy little wizard” who picks out among all the people walking by – Ginny (not the famous Harry Potter whom wizards know on sight) and is noted as leering at Ginny. Bellatrix targeted Ginny at the DoM only weeks prior. (A synonym for leer is sneer). So Bellatrix is named and is making the same face on a poster as the seedy wizard who targets Ginny……..hmmmmm?
Here’s a little quote by Tonks about her abilities taken from OoTP:
OoTP US pg. 52:
”I got top marks in Concealment and Disguise during Auror training without any study at all, it was great.”
A Metamorphmagus is a shapeshifter (think of the character of Mystique in X-Men). Able to simple focus and appear as anyone. What better type of spy is there than one who can change their appearance at will – with no need of a wand to do it nor any potions needed to maintain it?
The following are what I consider to be subtle clues placed in the text from HBP and back to OoTP that help to support this claim. Again, there will not be anything as finite and conclusive as JKR writing that Bellatrix is one, that she somehow looked different in a scene, or an outright mention by Tonks that being a Metamorphmagus is a Black family trait. All of these would be inappropriate and have the readers suspecting this particular twist too soon. I’m also going to remind you that one or two books away from the reveal will have more subtle clues.
1) Bellatrix’s name is a strong clue. Bella meaning beautiful and trix – “tricks” (Beautiful tricks).
2) HBP US pg. 20: Bellatrix kills a fox. This odd and random scene serves no purpose other than to associate Bella with the fox to the reader. In literature, the fox is symbolic of a TRICKSTER, a shapeshifter. The Illustrated Book of Signs and Symbols, by Miranda Bruce-Mitford. Copyright 1996, Dorling Kindersley Limited. London. "The fox universally represents cunning and deception. In some traditions, it has the power to transform its shape in order to deceive, for instance in the East, the fox can become a beautiful maiden who creates trouble. Bella is akin to the fox, she has the ability to change her form to become a trustworthy person in order to deceive and wreak havoc.
3) Tonks is the niece of Bellatrix. Like parseltongue another rare ability we are shown in the series - I believe the Metamorphmagus ability is a blood-line ability.
4) (This "play-on-words" was discovered after the intital post): "The woman who had mimicked". JKR has used play-on-words to define an ability like Sirius' animagus transformation "no one's seen hide nor hair of him" .
Polyjuice, animagus, parseltongue, house elf, and werewolf – all introduced into the HP series by a benign character, why would JKR leave such an amazing ability as the Metamorphmagus unexplored; unmatched by it’s evil counterpart? I don’t think she has.
I do have my suspicions as to who Bellatrix “guises” herself as while at Hogwarts. Who, why and how she wreaks her havoc will be discussed in Part II. Please let me know if you are interested in my continuing this theory.
Thanks for taking the time to read.
