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

[dumbledore11214]

No: HPFGUIDX 119749


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?


Alla:

How would Barty Jr. know if it was Lucius? 
He may not have known the person who gave the order.

In any event Lucius seems more plausible candidate (in my opinion 
only, of course) than he who must not be named (I don't mean 
Voldemort :o))

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:

The character does not have to feature PROMINENTLY, he can be just 
mentioned in passing. It will be enough for me to kick myself. :o) 
 

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.

Alla:

Forgive me, but I don't remember the quote of the top of my head 
when Dumbledore directly mentioned that Snape deflected before 
Voldemort's fall. Can you give it to me, please? 

Do you mean Dumbledore testifying on Snape's behalf or something 
else?


By the way, I 'll let you on a secret, Pippin. I also think it is 
entirely possible that Snape was sent to rescue Neville. But since I 
like my Snape to be overburden with guilt, I like to imagine this 
possibility more. :)

Alla