The primary traitor in Harry Potter was Peter Pettigrew, a former friend of James Potter, Lily Potter, and Sirius Black, who notoriously betrayed the Potters to Lord Voldemort.
The Definitive Traitor: Peter Pettigrew
Peter Pettigrew is unequivocally known as the traitor in the Harry Potter series. His actions, driven by cowardice and a desperate desire for self-preservation, led to some of the most tragic events in wizarding history. Pettigrew betrayed Harry Potter not once, but several times throughout his life, cementing his reputation as one of the most reviled characters in the series.
The Original Betrayal
Peter Pettigrew was a close friend to James Potter and Lily Potter, forming a quartet with them and Sirius Black. When James and Lily went into hiding from Lord Voldemort during the First Wizarding War, they entrusted their location to Peter as their Secret-Keeper under the powerful Fidelius Charm. In a shocking act of perfidy, Peter betrayed their trust, revealing their whereabouts directly to Voldemort. This betrayal directly led to the murder of James and Lily Potter and Voldemort's first downfall after his attack on baby Harry.
Subsequent Deceptions and Treacheries
After betraying the Potters, Pettigrew orchestrated an elaborate charade to fake his own death, framing Sirius Black for his crimes and the murder of twelve Muggles. He then transformed into a rat, taking refuge with the Weasley family under the name "Scabbers" for twelve years, secretly living among those he had helped orphan.
His catalogue of betrayals includes:
- Revealing the Potters' location: The foundational act of treachery that led to their deaths and Harry's orphanhood.
- Framing Sirius Black: Allowing an innocent man to be imprisoned for over a decade in Azkaban.
- Feigning his own death: Escaping justice and manipulating the wizarding world into believing he was a hero.
- Serving Lord Voldemort: After being exposed by Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Sirius, Pettigrew fled and actively aided Voldemort's return to power.
- Assisting in Voldemort's Resurrection: He played a critical role in the ritual that brought Voldemort back to full strength in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, sacrificing his own hand to do so.
Key Traitorous Acts by Peter Pettigrew
| Act of Betrayal | Victim(s) | Consequence(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Revealing the Potters' Secret | James and Lily Potter, Harry Potter | Murders of James and Lily; Harry orphaned; Voldemort's first downfall |
| Framing Sirius Black | Sirius Black, Wizarding World | Sirius imprisoned in Azkaban for 12 years; widespread belief in his guilt |
| Faking his own death and hiding as Scabbers | Weasley Family, Harry Potter | Evaded justice; lived as a spy within a safe, loving family for years |
| Assisting Voldemort's resurrection | Harry Potter, the entire Wizarding World | Lord Voldemort's return to power; renewed war and suffering |
Pettigrew's enduring legacy in the Harry Potter narrative is one of ultimate disloyalty and cowardice, making him the definitive traitor.
