I’m not sure why almost everyone assumes that the first and the second H&C is the same person. Is there any reason to think so, beside their appearance?
Same appearance is a clue to the two H&C-s being related, but not necessarily to identity. For example, a hat and a cloak may be a uniform in a secret society, to be worn in special circumstances. Or, maybe two of them were friends and did pranks like that in their youth. Or, one of them saw the other do this trick once long ago, was impressed, and remembered it. Etc etc.
What I’m leading to is the possibility of the first H&C being Quirrell, and the second being Lucius.
I’m not sure why almost everyone assumes that the first and the second H&C is the same person. Is there any reason to think so, beside their appearance?
Same appearance is a clue to the two H&C-s being related, but not necessarily to identity. For example, a hat and a cloak may be a uniform in a secret society, to be worn in special circumstances. Or, maybe two of them were friends and did pranks like that in their youth. Or, one of them saw the other do this trick once long ago, was impressed, and remembered it. Etc etc.
What I’m leading to is the possibility of the first H&C being Quirrell, and the second being Lucius.
I much like the idea of this being a standard spell, as that provides further cover for your identity.
They Guy Fawkes mask is the modern equivalent.
I think Eliezer referred to both of them as “Mr. Hat-and-Cloak” in the author’s notes.