Clearing Sirius's Name

[sffcorgi]

No: HPFGUIDX 41769

--- Tammy Olson exclaimed:
> [Death Eaters] all got a dark mark that
> appeared on their left arm. So, if Sirius didn't get
> one it should be clear that he was not ever a death
> eater or a supporter of Voldemort. 

Not necessarily.  If we pretend for a moment that all
the rumours told about Sirius at the time of his arrest
were true, it might be inferred that Voldemort wanted
his lieutenant to remain a secret until it was time for
their great coup, and therefore would not mark him.

The Mark, after all, seems to serve as a reminder to the
Death Eater of what might be done to him as much as a badge
or a method of communication; if he had Sirius's perfect
loyalty (hmmm... <lightbulb> works both ways!) and
confidence in that loyalty, V. wouldn't see the need to
Mark him.

Also, the Dark Mark seems to be something of a secret;
others have mentioned (sorry, no reference handy) in this
group about characters not seeming to know Snape was marked,
for instance.  I'm sure someone else can debate this point
far more clearly than I.
 
> The other thing is All the death eaters now know that
> pettigrew lived! Surely everyone else could possibly
> find out he's alive, and that would bring the chance
> to clear Sirius's name. 

Ah, now... gossip!  Could gossip be Dumbledore's secret weapon?

Corgi
@sff.net