JKR's cryptic answer: Who sent the Lestranges to the Longbottoms?

[pippin_999]

No: HPFGUIDX 119747


> Pippin:
> No, I think the purpose of the attack on the Longbottoms was 
as  given, to get information on where Voldemort was, by 
someone  who could not go looking personally or ask himself. 
"Chained  these twelve years"...and if it's not Peter, well, it has
to be Lupin, doesn't it?
>  
> Jen: I hate to say it, but that thought crossed my mind. 
(ESE!Lupin  is like the proverbial faucet drip, drip, dripping until 
you finally  crack <g>). 
>  
> OK, I don't really think it's Lupin. But it's odd we never hear 
> about Voldemort's second in command. I do think there's 
evidence for  Lucius. Like you said, Pippin, Voldemort accuses 
him of doing  nothing to help him return; that's what you'd expect 
a second in  command to do. 
> 
> 
> Alla:
> 
> Don't give in,  Jen, don't give in.:o)
> 
>  Personally, I am alsmost positive that it was Lucius. Sure,  
Voldemort accuses him of doing nothing, but at that point in time  
(at the graveyard), Voldie does not really have time to chat with  
Lucius or just Legilimenc him.<

Pippin:
Voldemort has been in contact with young Barty for months, 
though, so he would know whatever Barty knows. I'm almost 
positive it wasn't Lucius -- what's the point of keeping that 
secret?


> Jen:
> 
> The only other possibilty is one of the Order members who 
 was 'presumed dead'. In JKR's world, presumed dead means 
you're up  to something funny. Maybe Caradoc Dearborn will 
surface as the  mysterious second in command ;)?


Pippin:
There wouldn't be much artistry in that. The character has to be 
featured in some way, so that we can kick ourselves for 
overlooking him. 

 
> Alla:
> 
> True, very true. OR it WAS Snape who at that point in time did 
not  deflect yet and decided to figure out what happened to his 
master.  Isn't it a nice gult burden to carrY? :o) (No, I don't
really believe that, but I think it is possible too)<

Pippin:
Dumbledore says Snape defected before the fall of Voldemort, 
and the attack on the Longbottoms happened afterward, so not 
possible, unless Dumbledore is lying. I think more likely Snape 
was involved in rescuing Neville, and Neville was memory 
charmed to forget. But he still has a subconscious memory of 
Snape drawing his wand.

Pippin