'chained these 12 years..'

[carolynwhite2]

Just plodding my way through again, and have been struck by this line 
in the 2nd prophecy. Harry never recounts this prophecy word for word 
to DD, only the gist of it, so only Harry knows this is what Trelawny 
actually said. There isn't a handy Pensieve memory as in the first 
prophecy.

It really has never been explained why Peter did spend 12 years as a 
rat, as far as we know not transforming back to a man at any point. 
Nor why he hid in the milk jug in Hagrid's hut, apparently waiting 
for something to happen despite the terrible risk of having Lupin and 
Sirius very near by all that year, not to mention a very intelligent 
cat.

The wording of this line of the prophecy would appear to indicate 
that Peter didn't have much choice in the matter. Someone decided he 
had a role to play, had to sit and wait it out at someone's command. 
And the events in Shrieking Shack II were the catalyst; they broke 
the spell it seems to me.

Possible alternatives:
- could support ESE! Lupin or ESE!Sirius. Either of them could have 
cursed Peter to the effect that next time he became a rat, he stayed 
a rat until either of them released the spell. Why? Because he can 
reveal that either of them were the ones that really betrayed the 
Potters? If they couldn't get to kill him personally, they could stop 
him speaking out. (It's not clear how good at communicating he is as 
a rat). So, Peter hangs around trying to protect HP, including his 
finest hour hanging on to Goyle's finger. Finally, Frodo-like, he 
sets off for his personal trip to Mt Doom..

- much more likely it supports Puppetmaster!DD. Yet another strand to 
his long-range planning, and unlikely to have been discussed in 
advance with Peter. Same scenario, a DD-special protection spell (bit 
like the one he 'arranged' with Lily) which ensures Peter stays a rat 
until he's released. DD fixes for Lupin to be at Hogwarts that year 
as soon as he hears of Sirius' escape, knowing that they are the only 
ones likely to perform the counter-spell. DD has decided that it's 
time little frightened Peter was manipulated into being another chink 
in Voldie's armour when next required.

Carolyn,
..in the mood for the blackest of conspiracy theories