Death Eaters Numbers

[Susan Miller <constancevigilance@yahoo.com>]

No: HPFGUIDX 49401

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, kewiromeo at a... wrote:
> I have mentioned before that there were only a handful or so of 
death eaters. 

In the graveyard scene, Voldemort names about 15 wizards. Then later, 
on page 660 "Priori Incantatem" of my US paperback edition, it says: 

"... he (Harry) was surrounded by Death Eaters, outnumbered by at 
least thirty to one"

I think we can assume that there were about 30 DE's present at the 
reunion, 3 "dead in my service" and 3 others not present. It says 
that the gap of 6 missing was the largest gap in the circle, and 
also, that each member knows his/her spot in the circle. By that, I 
don't think we can conclude that there are vast numbers not present. 
I think the total count of living DE's, including the 3 missing, must 
be about 33. Add to that the survivors in Azkaban, whose mental 
condition is questionable, and that would be the force. However, it 
may be possible for DE's to recruit others to join the cause who 
might not become full DE's, bringing their strength up. Then they 
could also add vast numbers of Imperio'd others, and don't forget the 
Dementors. LV seems to believe that he would have the Giants, too. 
Then there are vampires, banshees, and who knows what other species 
might be Dark Side recruits.

It could become a rather impressive force when you add it all up.

~ Constance Vigilance ~