The Charming Nature of Fidelity and the Secret Keeper

[Steve]

No: HPFGUIDX 148685

Two people made brilliant suggestions regarding the Secret Keeper
Charm which is rightfully called the 'Fidelius Charm'. I swear I tried
to track down their post so I could reference them, but Yahoo search
was being very uncooperative. Who ever you are, please step forward
and take a bow. 

First, we start with the logical assumption that 'Fidelius' is related
to fidelity, and that fidelity is related to truth and faithfulness.
When you take on the role of Secret Keeper, you are taking on a sacred
trust. In swearing the protect the secret, you are swearing undying
fidelity and loyalty to the secret and the subjects of the secret.

When Dumbledore reveals the secret to Harry and Order members, he is
acting in good faith and perserving the sacred trust. When Peter tells
Voldemort the secret of the Potters, he is acting in /bad faith/, and
is violationg the spirit and letter of the Fidelius Charm.

Perhaps, the secret only remains true and the Charm remains in effect
for as long as the Secret Keeper maintains 'fidelity'. That's why it
is critical that the Secret Keeper be a trusted soul. As long as he
remain true and loyal to the Secret, it is safe, but as soon as the
Secret Keeper acts with intentional /bad faith/, the 'fidelity' aspect
is lost and the Charm is broken. 

In a sense, it is the act of undying fidelity that holds the Charm
together. I'm not sure if this is true, but it is a reasonable
explanation for some of the things we see happen in the books. After
the death of Harry's parents, people seem to be able to find the
Potter's house, some of them might be in on the secret, but clearly
others, like the muggles, couldn't possible know that secret. 

What could explain this? Simply, true deep fidelity. As long as the
Secret Keeper remains faithful, the secret is safe. Dumbledore took
his secrets to the grave with him, even in his death, those secret are
still safe. Peter, absolutely, willfully, selfishly, and greedily
broke the faith and therefore broke the 'fidelity' charm. 

Is it true? I don't know, but hey it could happen.

Just a thought. And sorry for stealing someone else's thunder. Again,
if this was your idea, please step forward and take a bow; it was
brilliant.

Steve/bboyminn