The Dark Mark, Peter, Sirius and Snape (was: 'Back to Harry and a question')

[Blaise]

No: HPFGUIDX 5665

Dave asked why Snape didn't know, in my fic, that Sirius was 
innocent.  It's a question I've asked myself as well.  There are 
several things that I think should be taken into account in 
considering how to answer it.  

Firstly, many people have mentioned that the Death Eaters would not 
know all of the others, and this seems to make sense.  John explained 
the 'cell theory' of terrorist groups, and I imagine the Death Eaters 
had a system like this.  So Snape would probably not be in a position 
to know each and every one of the Death Eaters.  The fact that he is 
honestly ignorant of Peter's role indicates that this is likely to be 
true.    

But more importantly, there is absolutely no reason for Snape to 
disbelieve the theory that Sirius was working for Voldemort.  It is 
his great triumph over Sirius that Sirius, whom he detests so 
strongly, should turn out to be the real traitor, and Snape who 
temporarily worked for Voldemort should be the 'good guy.'  He is not 
going to believe that just because he hasn't seen Sirius with 
Voldemort, that therefore Sirius is not working for Voldemort.  
Naturally, he will assume that Sirius is keeping his identity well 
hidden.  Snape believes that Sirius was a Death Eater because it 
makes him feel superior to Sirius, and because he sees no reason to 
disbelieve it.  

Actually, this is an idea for a fic all in itself... I love figuring 
out Snape's psychology (no comment about right-wing cynicism!).  

The other thing people were commenting on was the Dark Mark that is 
inscribed upon the arms of the Death Eaters.  

Branwen wrote:

"Snape says the Mark is there, both so that the Death 
Eaters can be called to their Master, and so they can distinguish
each other. Thus, all the Death Eaters who apparated had the Death 
Mark. Would a spy have such a tell-tale feature?"

Firstly, the Dark Mark is not always visible on the arms of the Death 
Eaters.  It only appears when Voldemort is summoning them; at other 
times it fades into invisibility.  Therefore it is NOT POSSIBLE to 
identify Death Eaters by having the whole population roll up their 
sleeves!    

The more interesting point is whether or not Peter was marked with 
it, and the truth is that I'm not sure.  I haven't got the books to 
hand to look for evidence right now... if someone else can find any 
in the scenes at the start and end between Voldemort and Peter that 
would be marvellous.  If I were asked to make a guess, I'd say that 
Peter probably was marked, as this would give Voldemort some control 
over him and Voldemort seems to like having control (there's an 
understatement for you!).  

Wow, I'm impressed that my fic sparked all this discussion!

-Blaise.