The Case Against Ludo Bagman

[cynthiaanncoe at home.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 25480

I've been wondering if it is really true that Ludo Bagman fled 
because of his goblin difficulties.  I'm starting to think he is a 
full-fledged DE who is going to be very important in later books, and 
he knew about and participated in V's and Crouch/Moody's plan all 
along.

First, Bagman may have been among the DEs in the graveyard.  He was 
present at the start of the third task, but not when Harry returned.

Second, Bagman was not sufficiently concerned when Harry's name came 
out of the goblet.  If he's the head of magical games, you'd think he 
would be frantic that things were so very messed up.  Instead, he is 
depicted as being delighted:  "smiling" at Harry, "beaming" as though 
the matter were now closed, looking "rather excited."  None of this 
can be explained by Bagman's alleged gambling motive for helping 
Harry -- at this point, he had not placed a bet on Harry.

Third, he doesn't search for Bertha Jorkins -- possibly because he 
knew she was dead.

Fourth, Rita Skeeter and Winky both think Bagman is bad news.  

Fifth, at Hogsmead, Bagman asks Harry to keep quiet about Crouch's 
illness.  There's no reason for that unless Bagman knows Crouch Sr. 
has been overpowered.

And now comes the speculation -- the reason Bagman bet on Harry is he 
knew of the plot for Harry to win.  Otherwise, why on earth would 
Bagman bet on the one underage contestant when it was so important 
that Bagman be right and pay off the goblins?  Also, there's a chance 
that Bagman is the means of communication between V and 
Crouch/Moody.  That would explain why he's in Hogsmeade when there's 
no judging.

Anyone else have an opinion?

Cindy