Case for Marauders

[Cathy Drolet]

No: HPFGUIDX 109819

RMM (I believe) said
> They rose in rank and stature in the organizatiion to the point
> that they were "the few good men" that Voldemort was looking for.
> And up to this time there were NO DARK ARTS!!!!!!
> Then, the test came. The true purpose was exposed. The loyal
> stayed and the others left. The Marauders, minus one, left.
>

DuffyPoo now:
Pardon me for jumping into the fray after trying so hard to stay out of this discussion.   If James, Sirius and Lupin left the 'LV study group' or whatever it was, and Pettigrew stayed behind, why would they ever trust him with anything, ever again, especially something as important as being James and Lily's Secret-Keeper?  They wouldn't, IMO.  James and DD were close according to DD, "I knew your father very well, both at Hogwarts, and later, Harry." Even if James, Sirius and Lupin had gotten involved in this study group, and then realizing what was being expected of them, left, by the time of the prophecy and DD's urging that he and Lily go into hiding, James would have informed DD of the dealings with LV and that PP had never left the group. PP wouldn't even be in the Order after that, IMO. 

PP looked up to James "hero-worshipped Black and Potter" to quote McGonagall.  He wouldn't be about to do anything that would make James and Sirius look down on him even more than they already did.  McGonagall says Peter was not in their (James and Sirius') league, talent-wise. If there ever was an LV 'study group' at Hogwarts, if the Marauders had joined, PP would have left the second the rest of the Marauders dropped out, or he would have been out of the Marauders, IMO.  Yes, we can argue that if the Marauders dumped PP that he would have gone ratting to DD, but that would have gotten them ALL into difficulties, not just James, Sirius and Lupin.  PP was as much a part of the Marauders' escapades as any of the rest.  DD would have already known - or soon would know - about the 'prank' and would, most likely, be keeping a very close eye - "both eyes, as often as I can spare them" (FOTR) - on the whole gang.

It was Black's idea to switch Secret-Keepers, because he believed LV would be after him. After him because he is James' best friend and the most likely prospect for who would be the Secret-Keeper and know their hiding place, not because he had once been "in the organization".  He suggested using Pettigrew because he was weak and talentless and LV would never suspect.  Sirius thought it was the perfect bluff.  Unfortunately, Sirius was wrong.  Sirius wouldn't have even suggested using PP as the Secret-Keeper if PP had remained in a secret blood purity, dark arts organization. Not IMO.  

RMM: 
>James was of such stature in the organization, that Voldemort made
> it a priority that James must be killed.

Nora:
"That's funny, I thought that little half-heard prophecy had more to
do with it, but what do I know--I just listen to Dumbledore.<snip>And keep in mind that we now know a good portion of why Voldemort
was at Godric's Hallow--he's gunning for baby Harry."


DuffyPoo again:
I thought it was the prophecy as well and LV going for baby Harry.  Naive little me.  If LV was after James because of his "stature in the organization" he would have been after Sirius and Lupin as well.  While it can be, I suppose, argued that "stature in the organization" is why LV was believed to be 'after Sirius', I stated above my reasons why I believe that is not the case.  There is no evidence, anywhere, that LV went after Lupin, and it is my belief that Lupin wouldn't have been wanted in the 'organization' from the get-go, since he is a half-blood.

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