New Thought on Theory of the Dark Mark

[rose_in_shadow]

No: HPFGUIDX 60665

Tom wrote:
> I think that the Ministry didn't know about the mark (if at all)
> until it was too late, and therefore didn't know that it could be
> useful in detecting Death Eaters hidden amongst them. I figure this
> must be the case because Fudge, who presumably should know about
> stuff like this, is completely in the dark when Snape reveals what's
> on his forearm in GoF Ch.36. Likewise, Sirius seems to be totally
> befuddled when Harry mentions that Karkaroff showed Snape something
> on his arm.
> 
> What I'm more interested in if whether or not the MoM will get on 
its
> toes and realize that searching for the Dark Mark this time around
> might be a fruitful undertaking.
> 
> Kelly responds:
> How many people know about this Mark for sure?  Voldemort, the DE's,
> Dumbledore, Fudge, Sirius, Molly, Harry, Ron, and Hermione.  And the
> majority of these people didn't find out about it and its 
significance until
> Snape reveals it at the end of GoF.  Did I miss anyone here? 

Moira writes:
Yes; Moody. I know that he was actually Crouch Jr. in disguise but I 
think it's safe to assume that Real!Moody knew about the Dark Mark 
too because he is an Auror. After all, Snape doesn't seem surprised 
that Moody knows about the Mark when he makes that pointed comment 
about unremovable spots in the corridor. (US hardback, 472)

As far as the Mark being visible or not and whether Voldemort can 
make it invisible at will... I think this is debatable either way.  I 
don't know if the books say at all, but isn't it safe to assume that 
wizards' robes come down to the wrists? Therefore, DEs would not have 
to worry about the Mark being accidently seen.

"Moira"