So this issue's theme is about Death Eaters and I did struggle on a plan of action for this at first. Then it struck me: Do like I did in the previous issue and discuss the Death Eaters in the Harry Potter books!
The Death Eaters (though not under this name) initially started at Hogwarts when Tom Riddle gathered a gang of Slytherins who considered themselves his friends. It wasn't until sometime before 1970 that Tom Riddle officially formed a group called the Knights of Walpurgis that had some of those very same "friends" amongst its members. Later, this group would be renamed as the Death Eaters. It should be noted that many Pureblood families (like the Blacks, Malfoys, Lestranges, etc) were involved since the early days of the Death Eaters, culminating in roughly three generations being inducted into their ranks. We don'tdespite learn much about the Death Eaters before the events of the first Harry Potter book other than their beliefs in blood purity and their thoughts that the Purebloods were magically superior.
It's really Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire that enlightens us to the Death Eaters and what they are like. First appearing at the Quidditch World Cup wearing masks and cloaks, openly torturing the Muggle campsite hosts despite knowing they could be captured. I never realized it at first but, to me at least, it sent a powerful message that these people were not afraid of doing what they needed to in order to get their points across.
Throughout the events of the fourth Harry Potter book there are signs that something is amiss. Harry ends up having to compete in the Triwizard Tournament and there is the thought that he was deliberately placed in it by someone. Then there's former Death Eater, Severus Snape, in hushed whispers with Drumstrang's Igor Karkaoff about their Dark Marks coming back to full color from their faded outline. This is a warning of what is to come.
Of course, the real shock is when it's revealed that Alastor 'Mad-Eye' Moody was Barty Crouch Junior in disguise. With help from the Polyjuice Potion and the real Moody locked in his own trunk, it shows once again that the Death Eaters will stop at nothing to achieve their goals.
For me, I feel that the Death Eaters reflect some of the Muggle dictators and their followers. Such as Adolf Hitler's dictatorship in the 1930s-1940s, with only people with certain hair and eye colour and a certain religion allowed to be free and live the way they want to. It makes me feel that no matter what happens, there will always be instances like this happening. It's sad to think that people have to think that they're better than others. The truth is simple: we're not. We all have to work together no matter where we come from. We're all unique, and it's those differences that make the world a better place. We are the only planet with life and we have to work together to keep it that way.
Anyway, back to the books. In the fifth book, we have the Death Eaters back under Tom's (er, Lord Voldemort's I should probably say) leadership and following his orders. The Death Eaters are once again proving that they will stop at nothing to get what they, and their leader, want. This includes attacking witches and wizards who are guarding prophecies that are considered important to Lord Voldemort's survival.
The fifth book also shows that the Death Eaters can influence others to help them. Such as when they receive the Dementors help in freeing numerous Death Eaters, including Bellatrix Lestrange (the older sister of Narcissa Malfoy), from Azkaban Prison. The escape was done to bring the loyal back to Lord Voldemort for his plan. Launching a surprise attack on the Ministry of Magic from within by tricking Harry Potter into believing that his godfather has been taken captive and held within the Department of Mysteries. Their target? The prophecy orb that first turned Lord Voldemort's attention to Harry Potter.
The Death Eaters are not afraid to use Dark Magic. That is once again shown in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix when members of the Order are struck with dark curses during the Battle of the Department of Mysteries. Lucius Malfoy and Bellatrix Lestrange are the leaders for this strike and that shows that they are completely trusted by Lord Voldemort.
In Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince events begin to turn darker... a sense of what is to come. People are disappearing, prominent figures are being killed and fear is beginning to increase as the Death Eaters are more open than ever. This is despite the likes of Lucius Malfoy having been arrested after having participated in the battle at the end of the fifth book within the Ministry.
By this point it's clear that the Death Eaters are no longer afraid of anything - even dying. They're ruthless, merciless, and certainly are showing that they are capable of doing horrible things without even a second glance. The fact that they are so open now is also a sign of their increasing power in the Wizarding World, despite the forces of good trying to bring them down. It really isn't a good situation at all and fear is surrounding everything now.
The sixth book ends with the death of Albus Dumbledore at the hands of Severus Snape. While this is part of a prearranged agreement between the two to cement Severus' loyalty, it also gives us a glimpse of something else. A different side to the Death Eaters. I say this because, although Draco Malfoy helped get the Death Eaters into Hogwarts, he failed to do the task he had been ordered to do. This shows that not all Death Eaters believe that killing is right, or are capable of it. In the case of Severus Snape, it also shows that sometimes doing the wrong thing leads to protecting others.
Within Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the Death Eaters take control of both the Ministry of Magic and Hogwarts. Thus achieving the ultimate control over the British Wizarding World, and that means trouble. The Muggleborns are forced to register or go on the run to escape, having to hide from the Snatchers. The Death Eaters can effectively do what they want now without repercussion because there is nobody to stand against them.
The book finishes with The Battle of Hogwarts and, once again, the Death Eaters use many dark curses and call upon many dark creatures who do answer the call of Lord Voldemort. Yet in this extremely dark time, there is one who defies the Dark Lord. Narcissa Malfoy knows the only way to find Draco in Hogwarts is to say Harry has died. She lies to Voldemort and defects to the side of light in order to find her son. No matter how much power Voldemort had, he was always effectively undone by a mother's love for her son.
The Battle of Hogwarts also shows how much the Death Eaters were willing to risk and just how ruthless they were. They killed countless numbers during the Battle, including many students who stood up for what was right, and the Death Eaters didn't care how they killed. Just as long as they killed those who defied them.
The Death Eaters were both ruthless and merciless, and they send a shiver down my spine when I think about the worst ones. I can understand why they did what they did but, at the same time, I don't think anyone would wish to see such dark times ever again.
Well I'd best be getting some homework done. Help Slytherin win the House Cup, you know.
Until next time,
Adele xx