When did the Ministry know about Death Eaters and their Marks?

[Brenda]

No: HPFGUIDX 100233

Pippin:
> If Voldemort wanted to frame someone, he could  probably brand 
> them with a fake, or get his servants in the ministry to say that 
> someone had the Dark Mark when they didn't. But I believe that 
> the Dark Marks faded immediately when Voldemort 
> discorporated. Something had to have happened to make 
> Dumbledore sure that Voldemort's power had broken. Snape's 
> mark fading would be a good clue.


I see I see, I haven't thought of that fully.. makes sense.. I just 
thought, if Sirius was indeed the biggest LV supporter as people 
believed him to be, he would have the scar for sure.. and when the 
Ministry didn't find it, they would question the whole situation 
altogether.. but I don't reckon Fudge has that kinda brain.. and yes 
the scar would be invisible, sadly.. I'm sure it was a great-looking 
tattoo that DEs wanted to show off, lol!

I don't think Sirius minded being known as the "mass murderer".. 
besides the fact that he couldn't go outside and yes, the dementors 
are/were still eager to give him the Kiss (multiple shudders), I 
daresay he enjoyed being the notorious one? hehe.

Thank you very much for your intelligent and thoroughly sharp 
answers.  I really have alot to learn!

Brenda