Using the Diary (was Lucius Malfoy)

[lee_hillman at urmc.rochester.edu]

No: HPFGUIDX 13779

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., Amanda Lewanski <editor at t...> wrote:
> I didn't get the impression that Lucius was trying to bring back a
> shadow Voldemort. I thought he was sowing the seeds for the 
Chamber's
> reopening, leading to Dumbledore's removal as headmaster, thus
> substantially weakening the Good Side. <snip> I looked upon this 
whole thing as 
Lucius
> serving his master well in absentia, and who would, when V did 
reappear,
> be jumping up and down saying, "Master, I got Dumbledore out of the 
way
> for you! I did it! Wasn't that good, master?" Etc.
> 
> --Amanda
> 
> 
But his motives in using the diary and opening the Chamber had nothing 
to do with paving the way for Voldemort to return. In Ch. 18 of CoS, 
we have the following:

"'A clever plan,' said Dumbledore in a level voice, still staring Mr. 
Malfoy straight in the eye. 'Because if Harry here'--Mr. Malfoy shot 
Harry a swift, sharp look--'and his friend Ron hadn't discovered this 
book, why--Ginny Weasley might have taken all the blame. No one would 
ever have been able to prove she hadn't acted of her own free 
will....'
"Mr. Malfoy said nothing. His face was suddenly masklike.
"'And imagine,' Dumbledore went on, 'what might have happened then.... 
The Weasleys are one of our most prominent pure-blood families. 
Imagine the effect on Arthur Weasley and his Muggle Protection Act, if 
his own daughter was discovered attacking and killing 
Muggle-borns.... Very fortunate the diary was discovered, and Riddle's 
memories wiped from it. Who knows what the consequences might have 
been otherwise...."

I believe Malfoy arranged the whole thing as a political ploy to shoot 
down the Muggle Protection Act, dicredit Dumbledore, and possibly get 
a Headmaster who will support banning Muggle-born students again.

Gwen