An alternate RAB theory.

[Justin]

No: HPFGUIDX 142643

No doubt, the current consensus is that RAB is Regulus Black. 
Personally, I think that is total nonsense for a number of reasons. 
The only reason that he is candidate number one is due to the 
initials RAB. However, if we have learned anything from Rowling, it 
is never to trust in a name (ie Riddle turned out to be Voldemort, 
The HBP was Snape). Knowing how crafty Rowling is with her names, 
and how nothing is ever as it seems in her wizarding world, why does 
most of the HP fan base believe that she would now, so close to the 
end, deliever us such an obvious clue to one of the biggest 
mysteries thus far? Furthermore, if we are going to base RAB 
candidates soley on initials, the why hasn't Amelia Bones been given 
more discussion. 

No. I believe that RAB is neither of these wizards. In fact, I don't 
believe that RAB is a wizard at all. I believe that RAB is nothing 
more than a squib. That's right, I propose that RAB is non other 
than Argus Filch. Here's why.

1) Access - Whoever RAB is, they had to know an awful lot about 
Voldemort. Filch keeps detailed records of every student at 
Hogwarts, especially the trouble makers (the Weasley twins have two 
drawers devoted to them). Plus he has been at Hogwarts far longer 
than any of the other staff members (remember that when Dumbledore 
cam aboard, he ended Filch's torture-disipline). He was there when 
Riddle walked the halls and the Death-Eaters were being formed. 

Furthermore, they had to know something about Holocruxes. To date we 
know of only six who know anything on the subject: Dumbledore, 
Voldemort, Sluggy, Harry, Ron and Hermione. Whoever found out had to 
have access to one, or all of these people. Filch knew them all. 
Did, anyone ever sit down and have a conversation with Filch on the 
subject? Probably not, but remember what Filch's job is at Hogwarts. 
He is the night watchman. It's his job to keep tabs on everything 
that goes on at Hogwarts. The name Argus is a greek reference that 
roughly means 200 eyes. If anyone would have overheard people 
talking on the subject, it would have been Filch. 

2) Capability - Now, this is the section where people really wonder. 
How could a squib have gotten through all the nasty traps that 
nearly killed Dumbledore. Well, perhaps being a squib was what 
allowed him to bypass those traps. Just as Sauron never anticipated 
a Hobbit being his undoing, did Voldemort ever consider the fact 
that a non magic user would attempt to steal his holocrux? That 
place was set up to defend against powerful wizards like Dumbledore, 
not against a simple squib and his cat. 

Furthermore, everyone assumes that just because Filch cannot cast, 
he knows nothing about magic. Remember what Filch does for a living. 
He disiplines wizards! Pretty impresive for someone who can't cast a 
simgle spell. Plus, no one knows Hogwarts better than Filch and 
Hogwarts is the best defended institution in the wizarding world. 
That place is filled with every kind of magical trap and defense, 
and Filch knows them all. Filch does know something about bypassing 
magical defenses. Also, just because Filch can't cast, nothing says 
that he can't use a potion or a magical item. Filch has the keys to 
every drawer of scrolls, restricted book, potion cabinet and secret 
room in Hogwarts. If Filch ever need a powerful magical item, he has 
access to some of the most powerful in the wizarding world. 

3) Motivation - The note that RAB left gives insite into his 
motivations. The note basically said "I'll probably be dead when you 
find this, but I just wanted you to know it was me". This is not 
a 'you killed my paw and I want revenge' kind of note. Whoever left 
it wanted to show up the greatest of all wizards and didn't care 
about retribution. This also lets us know that whoever RAB is, they 
probably have no family (that they care about anyway) because it is 
well known that if Voldemort cannot get his revenge on you, he will 
strike at those closest to you. 

Filch is a squib which is why he hates all of the students at 
Hogwarts. Every year he has to watch them come and go becoming great 
wizards while he is stuck cleaning up their mess. Wouldn't it be 
vindicating for Filch to take out the greatest of them all just to 
prove to all of the wizarding brats that he could, even though he 
couldn't cast a single spell.

Also consider that most people assume the 'I'll probably be dead 
when you find this...' portion of the note to mean that they 
expected Voldemort to come after them. It could have as easily meant 
that RAB expected to die of old age or sickness before Voldemort 
even found out about the switch.

4) Character development and names - As I stated before, Argus means 
200 eyes. Furthermore, Filch means thief. My question is: why would 
an author who is extremely careful with her characters names (ie Tom 
Malvoro Riddle) have a character running around with a name that 
means thief, yet never show a single instance when he has stolen. We 
know that Filch comes from a wizarding family, but we don't know 
which one. There is no mention of a Filch wizarding family. My guess 
is that Filch changed his name to avoid the embarrasment of people 
assuming he was a wizard by his family name. 

Of all the regular characters, we know the least about Filch. He has 
lurked in the shadows of Hogwarts for six books when every other 
regular has had their moment in the spotlight. Why would Rowling 
introduce a new character in her last book when she hasn't fully 
dived into the darkness of Filch. 


Well, that's pretty much it. It's my theory and I'm sticking to it. 
I hope you enjoy and comment.


Justin