FLOOZY 2 - Bagman

[B Arrowsmith]

No: HPFGUIDX 73901

Arrived home late last night after an enjoyable evening of Firewhisky 
and Toad -splinching with MADAM W.
Above the hearth, in letters of fire, was a message -
'Called while you were out.
Try this one.'
FLOOZY.

Interesting document. Well, I think so. Anyway, in the spirit of 
openness that prevails here, I present it for your inspection.

Kneasy.


To:  The Senior Partners
From:  Rhadamanthus

Subject: Ludo Bagman - A Cause for Concern.

Persuant to instructions received, I have undertaken a critical review 
of certain activities of the Subject. These have given rise to 
questions, the answers to which may illuminate certain events in the 
recent past.

Ludo Bagman gives the impression of being a bumbling fool, making bad 
decisions by ineptitude and associating with enemy supporters through 
pure gullibility. This may be so. On the other hand it would be 
excellent cover for an covert enemy supporter. In the view of a number 
of observers, Bagman has been involved, even if peripherally, in too 
many critical events for complete peace of mind.

The Trial.
The Subject first attracted attention (in a non-Quidditch context) with 
his detention and trial after the fall of Voldemort. He was accused of 
being a D.E. and of passing information to Rookwood that would be 
helpful to Voldemort supporters.

He claimed that he had been misled, believing that the information 
would be used by "our side". Also, that he had been promised a job in 
the Ministry when his playing days were over, for being so helpful. He 
was acquitted by a jury that seemed more impressed by his skills as a 
Beater than his answers to the charges.

1. What information would a person in his position have that was so 
important?

2. Despite the vehement opposition of Crouch and his fellow accusers, 
some-one does get him a job in the Ministry. Who?

Bertha Jorkins.
We now know that Jorkins had critical information regarding the escape 
of Barty Crouch Jr. from Azkaban. We also know that this information 
was blocked by a Memory Charm so powerful it permanently damaged her 
memory. She was also in possession of information about the planned 
Tri-Wizard Tournament to be held at Hogwarts. She goes to Albania, is 
lured to Voldemort by Pettigrew and is tortured and murdered.  Bagman, 
her Head of Dept. expresses no concern when she goes missing and 
constantly prevaricates on the need for a search or investigation.

3. Why did she go to Albania? This is the place that Voldemort was last 
known to be. Was it of her own volition, or was it suggested or ordered 
by Bagman?

4. Did she recognise Pettigrew? Her memory was good enough to cope with 
the relatives she met, so it would be expected she would recognise 
some-one she had been at school with who had become so infamous.  So 
why did she go wandering off into the woods with him, allowing him his 
opportunity to control her? Was this meeting by chance or design?

The Quidditch World Cup.
As an organiser, presenter, commentator and bookie, the Subject plays a 
prominent  role. Supposedly, he doesn't balance his book well enough 
and can't clear his debt to the Goblins. (Note: this debt pre-dates 
these events. Why did he need so much money?) He is found in the woods 
by Potter, Grainger and Weasley, presumably after being cleaned out by 
the Goblins. When told of the trouble at the campsite his response  is 
"Damn them!" He then disparates. He re-apppears after Winky is found 
with Potter's wand. He babbles on about the Dark Mark, and avoids 
Crouches question about where he has been by asking why Crouch hadn't 
taken his seat at the World Cup.
When Winky is questioned by Diggory as to who conjured the Dark Mark, 
her eyes flicker from Diggory, to Bagman, then to Crouch.

5. "Damn them!" is a curious response here; it carries the implication 
of knowledge of the participants.

6. Winky categorically states at a later date that Bagman is "a bad 
wizard". Is this why she glances at Bagman? Does she know or believe 
that Bagman is involved in the riot or it's aftermath?

7. Just where did Bagman apparate to?

8. Did the Subject know that Crouch would be distracted/discomforted by 
the reminder of who was in Crouchs' seat?

The Tri-Wizard Tournament.
Bagman is involved in organising and judging this event. He argues for 
the inclusion of Potter when he is chosen by the Goblet. He offers 
Potter help, but does not seem too concerned when it is refused. He has 
supposedly placed large bets that Potter will win.

9. Why would the Subject believe that a half-trained, under-age 
student, who to date has shown no special mastery  of wizarding skills, 
spells or wand-work, win the Tournament? Did he know that the fix was 
in  before it even started?

10. Why did he "run for it" immediately after the third task? At this 
point only a small group were aware of what had happened. Certainly the 
result was  uncertain and there were no Goblins present to make a fuss. 
However, this was about the time that Voldemort was calling his 
followers.

11. Does Bagman have a Dark Mark? Did he realise that Voldemort had 
risen again? Is he perhaps the cowardly follower who will pay?

The Subject has not been seen since and is presumed to be in hiding. 
Certainly from the Goblins, but maybe for other reasons too.

"Bagman has never been accused of any Dark activity since [his trial]." 
- Albus Dumbledore. Perhaps the key word is 'accused'.

"I know things about Ludo Bagman that would make your hair curl." - 
Rita Skeeter.

Recommendation.
When the Subject does surface again, close questioning, perhaps with 
Veritaserum re-inforcement, is strongly indicated.