The Mysterious Source

[spaebrun]

No: HPFGUIDX 174362

> bboyminn:
> 
> Yes, I /suppose/ it could be Mundungus, but would 
> Voldemort really consider Mundungus a credible source;
> a skiving unreliable sneak thief?
> 

<snip>

> Yaxley's information comes from Dawlish in the Auror's
> office, and Snape's information comes from Mundungus,
> which has the greater credibility? 
> 

Reed:
Well, Dawlish is an Auror in the Ministry, but Dung is a member of the
Order of the Phoenix. Any information coming from an actual Order
member must seem very valuable to Voldemort, as they are his strongest
opponents, much more than the Ministry and plan things without the
knowledge of the Ministry.

As to Mundundus being an unreliable character, I don't know how Snape
claimed to have gotten information out of him. If he said he used
legilimency on Dung (which I think would be the best explanation),
Dung wouldn't have a chance to lie. And even if he claimed that Dung
betrayed the Order willingly, it would still seem unlikely that Dung
actually has the nerve to be a double agent and feed Voldemort false
information. (And Snape could have checked anyway - legilimency again).

> It just seems from a credibilty stand point, in 
> Voldemort's eyes it would need to be some one better
> than Dung. Dung is not exactly loved or trusted by
> the Order at that point.

Reed: 
True, Dung is not the most loved Order member, but he *is* trusted at
that point, otherwise he wouldn't have participated in the plan at all
and his suggestion about the 7 Harrys wouldn't have been taken up.
And he never *did* betray them to Voldemort, you have to give that to
him. Obviously he managed to hide from the Deatheaters after his
flight, which was really fortunate for the Order.

But another thing: How did Snape *really* know the date of the
transfer? You said from DD's portrait, I think, but the text is not
clear about that. The portrait just says that he would have to give
the correct date to Voldemort. And anyway, how should the portrait
know the date? Maybe Snape really *did* use legilimency on Dung...

Reed