“What did you do with Bellatrix once she was out?”
“Ssent her to a peaceful place to recover sstrength,” Professor Quirrell said. A cold smile. “I had a use remaining for her, or rather a certain portion of her, and on my future plans I shall not answer questions.”
Ch. 112
For a second Harry’s mind couldn’t process what he was seeing, and then he saw that Voldemort was holding a human arm, severed near the shoulder; it seemed too thin, that arm.
The Dark Lord pressed his wand to the flesh above the severed arm’s elbow, and the fingers twitched, twitched like they were alive; by dim moonlight Harry saw a darker mark appear on that flesh, just above the elbow.
I though this initially as well, but I’m not so sure. Bellatrix is not very powerful anymore after the dementors ate most of her magic. Flamel is a pretty serious target. It could have been some other Death Eater, or someone else entirely.
“[...] But his second avenue is nearly as strong: The flesh of his servant, willingly given; the blood of his foe, forcibly taken; and the bone of his ancestor, unknowingly bequeathed. Voldemort is a perfectionist—” Albus glanced at Severus, who nodded agreement, “—and he would certainly seek the most powerful combination: the flesh of Bellatrix Black, the blood of Harry Potter, and the bone of his father. [...]”
I see it also. I believe that broke her out as a backup plan in case his attempt to get the stone failed. He could then always grab a peice of Bellatrix and a peice of an enemy (Harry? Someone else?) and come back that way.
Ch. 108
Ch. 112
Is everyone else making this interpretation?
Apparently I need to read more closely. I assumed that was Quirrel’s arm, emaciated from undereating and the possession-sickness.
I think he had Bellatrix murder Flamel for a distraction.
I though this initially as well, but I’m not so sure. Bellatrix is not very powerful anymore after the dementors ate most of her magic. Flamel is a pretty serious target. It could have been some other Death Eater, or someone else entirely.
I think that’s a temporary state, given some time to recover she can be effective again.
That was my interpretation.
This is persuasive, but… why the heck would Voldemort go the trouble of breaking into Azkaban instead of grabbing Snape or something?
In Chapter 61 Dumbledore says:
Right, this is a stronger interpretation.
Reduce, re-use, recycle.
VM said he broke into Azkaban to find out where his wand was; there’s also the flesh of the servant thing. Using her Dark Mark is a secondary benefit.
I see it also. I believe that broke her out as a backup plan in case his attempt to get the stone failed. He could then always grab a peice of Bellatrix and a peice of an enemy (Harry? Someone else?) and come back that way.
Yours isn’t the first I’ve seen guessing that ; it makes more sense than it being any OTHER Death Eater’s arm.