MuggleNet - Godrics Hollow Theory.

[Geoff Bannister]

No: HPFGUIDX 163511

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, Kemper <iam.kemper at ...> wrote:
 
Kemper:
> The etymology of 'fidelis' (faithful) stems from 'fides' (faith).
> To be faithful is different than being loyal.  One suggests a belief
> or trust in something/one, the other an obligation to something/one.
> 
> Regardless, Peter was neither faithful nor loyal to the Potters at the
> time the charm was performed.  "Some one close to the Potters" was
> passing information.  So how complex can the charm be if Peter can
> fake it?  Peter knew he would tell Voldemort the secret as it was
> being concealed inside him.

Geoff:
I think you are splitting hairs here and that your argument is not really 
valid. My Latin dictionary gives "fides" as: faith; trust; confidence; belief; 
credence; loyalty; honesty; allegaince; promise; security; protection. 
While the English-Latin section gives "Fides" for both "loyalty" and "faith" 
and in both cases the adjective form is "fidelis".

My usual English dictionary gives: "faithful > adjective 1 remaining loyal 
and steadfast....." and under "loyal" gives one synonym as "faithful". I see 
no obligation or compulsion implicit in either of the words and personally 
would use them interchangeably.

Hence, I don't see precisely where your divergence in meanings is leading.....