[HPforGrownups] Re: World Building And The Potterverse

[Marion Ros]

No: HPFGUIDX 167375

horriporrid said:
>>>In what ways do the Muggle world and WW interact, as they must do? 
What involvement does the MoM have with that interaction and what 
about it so bothered various pure-blood families they decided to turn 
to terrorism to further their view-points? And where do were-wolves 
(and other "lesser" species) fit in? Why would they join with 
the "bigoted" side? <<<

Marion:
Well, of course you'd have the problem of any traditional society that gets confronted with modern technology and consumerism (think the reaction of Amazonian indians when they find their jungle chopped down to make way for a MacDonalds restaurant). We *are* talking about a society of people whose members are up to 150, 200 years old (and even older, in case of Nicholas Flamel)
People who were born when Muggles were toying with Spinning Jennies and steamengines are suddenly confronted with Muggles who wield computers and nuclear weapons.

Think also of the timing of Voldemort.
Its after WWII. Big disillusionment. Millions of civilians killed. Cities bombarded. Dresden barbecued. Hiroshima fried to a crisp. 
Although the Wizards are quite happy to ignore the Muggles to a frightening degree, there would be a few amongst them who'd listen in on the Muggle news and get quite hot under the collar. 
Then there is the Cold War, the Cuba Crisis and near-nuclear annihillation. There is Korea and Vietnam. There is Pol Pot and his Kmer Rouge. There is environmental awareness and the fear that humankind will destroy itself by polluting the planet.
Those silly powerless Muggles are starting to look mighty dangerous.
Then of course, in the *same* time that Voldemort recruits his followers, we see the rise of strange sects, lead by handsome, charismatic men. Charles Manson, the Son of Sam, Reverend Jones of Jones Town. Many, many others.
Disillusioned Muggles, frightened Muggles, Muggles who no longer trust their government to have their interests at heart would follow any charismatic, intelligent, talented young man With A Vision. Why should wizards be any different?
Voldemort is simply the Charles Manson of the WW.

It makes me rather sad. Tom Riddle would've taken first the cream of the young wizards. The scions of the Old Families. The bright ones. Young people always think that adults are stupid (well, look at Harry's attitude towards adults in general and the Ministry in particular) You can just hear those first young followers, can't you?
"Those old fogies in the Ministry, they'd love to stick their heads in the sand and believe that Muggles are still toying with catapults and wooden swords, but did you see those pictures? Muggles now have the abiltiy to blow up whole *cities* by just pushing a button being *miles* away! That Lord Voldemort fellow talked about this at Lady Lestrange's garden party last month - I was there of course, they're cousins on my mother's side - but did my parents listen to him? No, of course not. They're just like those fools in the Ministry, closing their eyes from what they don't want to see. But we really need to get more involved in Muggle affairs, distasteful as that might be. If we don't we might wake up one day and find our magic is no longer sufficient in keeping them at bay. You really should go and have a talk with Lord Voldemort. He's such an interesting man! And a powerful wizard too!"
Poor kids.
You know, I always thought that Bella Black was the Hermione of her time. You know, "brightest witch of her time". And just like Hermione said, "you are a great wizard, Harry" and from that moment started to steal supplies, brew illegal potions, smuggled illegal dragons, blackmail, maim and lead a woman to a gang-bang Centaur induced cataconia, just so Bella followed Tom Riddle, the 'great wizard' of his time. I can't help wonder if Hermione would start zapping foxes and taunt people in a baby voice after twelve years of Dementors. Crucioing people into madness I can easily see her do; she's got a ruthless streak a mile high. But I digress.

Voldie started off with the creme de la creme of young people, but soon he would also recruit 'enforcers', people to do the dirty work. At first his young followers would defend their master to their world; Lord Voldemort only wants what good for the WW, unlike that self-serving fossile of a Ministry! But after a few political murders and a chilling change of tone it becomes clear: Tom Riddle aka Lord Voldemort is not the kind, charismatic politician he appeared to be. By then it's too late. Once you're in, you can never get out.
By then there are two kinds of DE's; the ones who either still fanatically believe in him (a very small group) and the enforcers who were only in it for the kicks and there are the DE's who would rather go home, forget they ever donned the black robes and silver masks but who, after witnessing a few executions Voldie-style of fellow DE's who wanted 'out', realise that they are in it for the ride until the end.




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