The Shocking Truth Behind Peter Pettigrew: Secret Keeper and Descent into Treachery

The revelation of Peter Pettigrew's true colors as a member of Lord Voldemort's Death Eaters, and his betrayal of the Potters, is one of the most shocking twists in the Harry Potter series. This article delves into the details of Pettigrew’s role as the secret keeper and the eventual betrayal of James and Lily Potter. We will explore who exactly knew about this treachery and when they learned the truth.

Who Knew Peter Pettigrew Was the Secret Keeper for Lord Voldemort?

The revelation that Peter Pettigrew was the secret keeper for the Potters and would betray them is monumental. Here's a comprehensive look at who knew about his true identity and role:

Peter Pettigrew

Peter Pettigrew himself was the one who unknowingly became the secret keeper. On the fateful night when Lord Voldemort attacked the Potters, Pettigrew rat-tatted the coordinates of their location, leading to the deaths of James and Lily Potter and leaving a scar on baby Harry.

Lord Voldemort

It is also worth noting that Lord Voldemort knew Pettigrew was the secret keeper. He made a calculated decision to eliminate the Potters, knowing that Pettigrew would divulge their location.

Order of the Phoenix Members

12–14 years after Pettigrew's betrayal, several key members of the Order of the Phoenix and the wizarding community had learned the truth. This includes:

Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger by the end of 'Prisoner of Azkaban' Albus Dumbledore Remus Lupin Crookshanks, the cat, though it is debated how much knowledge he truly had Snape, who initially held a different belief but eventually came to know the truth towards the end of 'Goblet of Fire'

Other Order Members and Officials

By the time of 'Order of the Phoenix', the general public of the wizarding world had also learned of Pettigrew's treachery. This includes individuals like:

Cornelius Fudge Ministry officials involved in the inquiry into Pettigrew's actions Potential members of the Inner Circle of Death Eaters Members of Dumbledore's Army, who likely all learned the truth by the start of 'Half-Blood Prince'

Initial Learnings: Who and When?

Here's a more detailed timeline of when specific individuals and groups learned about Pettigrew's betrayal:

Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger

By the end of 'Prisoner of Azkaban', Harry, Ron, and Hermione learned the truth about Pettigrew being the secret keeper and his betrayal of their parents. This news was confirmed when Sirius Black confessed his betrayal and revealed Pettigrew's role.

Albus Dumbledore and Remus Lupin

Dumbledore and Lupin knew the truth at the end of 'Prisoner of Azkaban'. Lupin's suggestion to Sirius that Pettigrew was the secret keeper preceded the actual revelation during Sirius's confession.

Snape

Severus Snape initially held a different belief but eventually came to know the truth by the end of 'Goblet of Fire'. This shift in his belief is a significant plot point in the series.

Order of the Phoenix Members

Many Order of the Phoenix members, including Snape, the Weasleys, Tonks, and Hagrid, likely learned the truth after Sirius's death. Dumbledore played a crucial role in conveying this information to the wizarding community.

Conclusion

Understanding the timeline and dissemination of information regarding Peter Pettigrew's betrayal of the Potters, as a secret keeper, is crucial in comprehending the complex plot of the Harry Potter series. This knowledge enriches the narrative and contributes to the overall suspense and depth of the story, illuminating key characters and their motivations.

Keywords: Peter Pettigrew, Secret Keeper, Treachery