How Did Peter Pettigrew Betray Lily and James Potter?

The betrayal of Lily and James Potter by Peter Pettigrew is a pivotal moment in the Hogwarts: A History series, marked by themes of trust, loyalty, and the malevolent power of the Dark Arts. This article delves into the events leading up to and including the betrayal, highlighting the complex decisions and actions that irrevocably changed the wizarding world.

The Prophecy

Before the betrayal, Sybill Trelawney, the eccentric Seer, prophesied that ‘the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord’ would be born on or around the end of July. This prophecy, though unnerving to the listeners, only solidified in the mind of Peter Pettigrew, a burgeoning Death Eater. Intrigued and intimidated by the upcoming threat, Pettigrew overheard the prophecy, unaware of the true extent of his future involvement.

The Fidelius Charm

Fearing for their safety, James and Lily Potter sought magical protection. They turned to the Fidelius Charm, a powerful enchantment that hid a secret so thoroughly that it could only be revealed by the 'Secret Keeper.' The magic not only concealed a specific location, but also ensured that only the designated keeper could divulge the secret, with no one else even able to guess its existence.

James and Lily initially planned to use Sirius Black, their best friend, as the Secret Keeper. However, Sirius vehemently argued against it, feeling that his close relationship with James would make him too evident a target. Lily and James also harbored suspicions about Remus Lupin, believing he might be a spy for Voldemort. After much discussion, they chose Pettigrew as the Secret Keeper, though they had no idea of his true allegiance.

The Betrayal

The turning point came on Halloween 1981. Pettigrew, under the guise of loyalty but fueled by his own parsimonious nature, betrayed his friends. He confided the secret location to Voldemort, who swiftly flew to Godric's Hollow, the unlikely hideout chosen by the Potters. Pettigrew acted as a decoy, staying in an Order safehouse where Sirius was likely under surveillance, ensuring no one guessed his betrayal.

The Attack

Voldemort arrived at Godric's Hollow with a grim determination to end the Potters' lives and thwart the prophecy. James fought bravely but was ultimately killed. Lily, despite her fears, chose to protect her son, Harry, at all costs. Her fiercely loyal love turned the Killing Curse back on Voldemort, the Dark Lord who had failed to triumph over the combined powers of Lily and James. Despite her sacrifice, Voldemort managed to kill Lily and then Harry, who survived with a scar on his forehead, became the 'one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord.'

The Aftermath and Consequences

Pettigrew escaped initially disguised as a human with the aid of Enchanted Clothing. He then transformed into Scabbers, Ron Weasley's pet rat, for years, living in anonymity under Voldemort's radar. The revelation of Pettigrew's true nature and his betrayal came to light explicitly when Harry and Ron confronted him in The Prisoner of Azkaban, proving that trust and betrayal are often intertwined in the wizarding world.

Conclusion

Pettigrew's actions served to highlight the fragility of trust in the eyes of the reader, serving as a stark reminder of how one small act of betrayal can have far-reaching consequences. The painstakingly preserved secret, made known through the Fidelius Charm, ultimately led to the Potters' deaths, but also played a crucial role in the larger narrative of Harry Potter's journey to face Voldemort.