Handicapping LV Forces

[blpurdom]

No: HPFGUIDX 31826

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., Whirdy at a... wrote:
> In a message dated 12/17/01 10:27:26 AM Eastern Standard Time, 
> cindysphynx at h... writes:
> > It seems that the wizards on Dumbledore's team have significant 
> > weaknesses or vulnerabilities, whereas the DEs do not (other 
> > than the tendencies to make Evil Overlord-style mistakes).  
> > Voldemort's forces seem well-balanced, diverse and politically 
> > well-connected.  IMHO, it looks like an uphill battle for 
> > Dumbledore.
> 
> 1.  Remembering how Black recognized Pettigrew in the Daily 
> Prophet; wouldn't a rat with a prosthetic, silver or not, be a 
> sort of give-away? [snip]
> 
> 2.  IIRC whenever the evil guys (of both genders) have what 
> appears to be the upper hand, they always overlook some little 
> thing that brings them to grief or causes them to run away to come 
> and fight another day or in another sequel.  
 
I think you're referring to the afore-mentioned Evil Overlord-style 
mistakes (summed up in one word: arrogance).  Pettigrew may have 
some advantages as a rat Animagus (the silver paw not being one of 
them) but Dumbledore's gang has advantages as well:

Dumbledore: He defeated Grindelwald (we need to keep the 
word "defeated" in mind; he is not said to have "killed" Grindelwald 
as some people have said at times); he can make himself invisible 
without an Invisibility Cloak; Voldemort actually fears him (fear 
can make you do stupid things).

McGonagall: Cat Animagus (more inconspicuous than a rat with a 
silver paw); and otherwise a very skilled witch.

Sirius Black: Dog Animagus (an animal fierce enough to tackle a 
werewolf, no less); years of practice hiding himself; the only 
person to ever escape from Azkaban; can communicate with 
cats/Kneazles and he's also very driven.

Remus Lupin: Multiple anti-Dark Arts skills; lycanthropy can be a 
problem, but if a DE bothers him at the wrong time of month, it 
becomes the DE's problem.

Severus Snape: Premiere brewer of potions; knows the inside scoop on 
the DEs; he can think like a Dark Wizard.

Alastor Moody: (assuming he reappears) Magical eye that can see 
through many things, including Invisibility Cloaks; years of 
experience as an Auror.

Arabella Figg: Specific skills unknown, but possibly years of 
experience helping to protect Harry in Little Whinging.

Mundungus Fletcher: All we know is that he was trying to claim an 
elaborate tent was damaged at the World Cup, when he was sleeping on 
the ground (or words to that effect).  The most we can glean from 
this is that he is a liar, but that's not necessarily a useless 
skill in a spy (assuming that when he is working, his lies are 
better than the one about the tent).

And then, of course, there's the Trio, with their own skills, 
particularly Harry.  Actually, reading through my list, I wonder 
Voldemort doesn't just hang it up now...

--Barb

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