Voldemort's support in and pre-GOF (was Spying game)

[grey_wolf_c]

No: HPFGUIDX 39727

Marina wrote:
> How about, so stupid and overconfident that you *untie the brat and
> give him his wand back*?  Stupid and Overconfident are Voldemort's
> middle names, or at least they should be after his performance in
> GoF.  His behavior there simply doesn't mesh with the behavior of
> someone who's carefully hedging his bets against the possibility of
> failure.
> 
> Marina

You must remember at all times when reading that scene that Voldemort 
may look like he's back to his old self, but in fact he is probably 
still very debilitated. He cannot risk a major thrust against his power 
from no-one, specially not from within his own ranks. He has to get 
those loyalties back in line before they realise that he can be further 
deblitated and pushed aside, reduced to little more than a well of 
knowledge to whomever draws the wand quickest. Thus, he needs a 
demonstration of power "killing the brat" is not enough. He has to 
demonstrate that, this time, he is kapable of AKing the boy in the 
hardest possible circunstance: a duel. One against one. No help.

But let assume that he IS back to his complete power: the argument is 
still valid, since maybe some of the DE in the inner circle believe he 
is debilitated and try to usurp the power: V doesn't have the time (nor 
enough spares) to go dueling with half his DE force. He needs all of 
them since, if everything had gone well, they would be taking the 
portkey!Cup back to Hogwarts to start the party inmediately.

I've recommended http://www.eviloverlord.com in any number of ocasions, 
since it includes some of the things that Voldy should have done, but 
the truth is that if you want to be feared, you're going to have to do 
geat, cruel, and overall *reckless* things to earn that fear. If you 
gain a reputation for inmortality, people are *not* going to think 
about usurping your throne. And V *has* that reputation. In fact, a 
good thing has comed over the graveyard scene (for him). He may have 
not killed Harry, but this time he is still alive and in one piece, and 
Harry has had to flee. All the DE have seen how Harry is powerless 
against their master, and the respect V was looking for was probably 
gained with that escape.

Hope that helps,

Grey Wolf, who is a total convert to Pip's theory, and will back it up 
anytime Pip doesn't.