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|name=Pius Thicknesse
 
|name=Pius Thicknesse
 
|hideb=
 
|hideb=
|born=
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|born=Pre [[1980]]
 
|died=<!-- DO NOT put that Thicknesse died in the Battle of Hogwarts. That event as depicted in the film contradicts the novel. -->
 
|died=<!-- DO NOT put that Thicknesse died in the Battle of Hogwarts. That event as depicted in the film contradicts the novel. -->
|blood=[[Pure-blood]] or [[half-blood]] (most likely)<ref name="blood">While it is never stated what Thicknesse's blood status is, it is unlikely Thicknesse would be appointed Minister for Magic by the Death Eater regime instead of other powerful and prominent pure-blood Death Eaters with Ministry connections like Yaxley, Travers or Selwyn, if he were Muggle-born.</ref>
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|blood=[[Pure-blood]] or [[half-blood]] {{c|most likely}}<ref name="blood">While it is never stated what Thicknesse's blood status is, it is unlikely Thicknesse would be appointed Minister for Magic by the Death Eater regime instead of other powerful and prominent pure-blood Death Eaters with Ministry connections like Yaxley, Travers or Selwyn, if he were Muggle-born.</ref>
 
|alias=
 
|alias=
 
|title=[[Minister for Magic|Minister]]<ref name="DH11">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 11 (''The Bribe'')</ref>
 
|title=[[Minister for Magic|Minister]]<ref name="DH11">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 11 (''The Bribe'')</ref>
 
|hidep=
 
|hidep=
 
|species=*[[Human]]<ref name="DH1">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 1 (''The Dark Lord Ascending'')</ref>
 
|species=*[[Human]]<ref name="DH1">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 1 (''The Dark Lord Ascending'')</ref>
*Sea Urchin (temporarily Transfigured during the Battle of Hogwarts)<ref name="DH31">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 31 (''The Battle of Hogwarts'')</ref>
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*Sea Urchin {{c|temporarily}}<ref name="DH31">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 31 (''The Battle of Hogwarts'')</ref>
 
|gender=Male<ref name="DH1"/>
 
|gender=Male<ref name="DH1"/>
 
|height=
 
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|patronus=
 
|patronus=
 
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|hidea=
|job=*Head of the [[Department of Magical Law Enforcement]] (formerly)<ref name="DH1"/>
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|job=*Head of the [[Department of Magical Law Enforcement]] {{c|formerly}}<ref name="DH1"/>
*[[Minister for Magic]] (formerly)<ref name="DH11"/>
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*[[Minister for Magic]] {{c|formerly}}<ref name="DH11"/>
 
|house=
 
|house=
 
|loyalty=*[[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]]<ref name="DH1"/>
 
|loyalty=*[[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]]<ref name="DH1"/>
*[[Death Eaters]] (under the [[Imperius Curse]])<ref name="DH1"/>
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*[[Death Eaters]] {{c|[[Imperius Curse|Imperiused]]}}<ref name="DH1"/>
 
}}
 
}}
{{Quote|As your new Minister for Magic, I promise to restore this temple of tolerance to its former glory. Therefore, beginning today, each employee will submit themselves… for evaluation. But know this: you have nothing to fear if you have nothing to hide.|Pius Thicknesse at the [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]].|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1}}
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{{Quote|As your new Minister for Magic, I promise to restore this temple of tolerance to its former glory. Therefore, beginning today, each employee will submit themselves… for evaluation. But know this: you have nothing to fear if you have nothing to hide.|Pius Thicknesse at the [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]]|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1}}
   
'''Minister Pius Thicknesse''' was a [[Wizardkind|wizard]] and a [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]] official in the mid to late [[1990s]]. During the [[Second Wizarding War]], he became Head of the [[Department of Magical Law Enforcement]] as well as, later in the War, [[Minister for Magic]] under [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort's]] puppet [[Fall of the Ministry of Magic|regime]] while under the [[Imperius Curse]] and thus essentially Voldemort's puppet himself. He replaced [[Rufus Scrimgeour]], who had been murdered by Voldemort. Thicknesse took part in the [[Battle of Hogwarts|final conflict of the War]] where he fought alongside the [[Death Eaters]], still under their curse. He was ousted from power after [[Tom Riddle|Voldemort]]'s defeat and was succeeded by [[Kingsley Shacklebolt]] in his post of Minister for Magic.
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'''Minister Pius Thicknesse''' was a [[Wizardkind|wizard]] and a [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]] official in the mid to late [[1990s]]. During the [[Second Wizarding War]], he became Head of the [[Department of Magical Law Enforcement]] as well as, later in the War, [[Minister for Magic]] under [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort's]] puppet [[Fall of the Ministry of Magic|regime]] while under the [[Imperius Curse]] and thus essentially Voldemort's puppet himself. He replaced [[Rufus Scrimgeour]], who had been murdered by Voldemort. Thicknesse took part in the [[Battle of Hogwarts|final conflict of the War]] where he fought alongside the [[Death Eaters]], still under their curse.
  +
  +
He was ousted from power after [[Tom Riddle|Voldemort]]'s defeat and was succeeded by [[Kingsley Shacklebolt]] in his post of Minister for Magic.
   
 
==Biography==
 
==Biography==
 
===Early life===
 
===Early life===
Thicknesse was born somewhere in the [[Great Britain|British Isles]] to the likely [[Pure-blood]] or [[Half-blood]] Thicknesse family.<ref name="blood"/> It is likely he attended [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]] in his youth, possibly earning some [[Ordinary Wizarding Level|O.W.L.s]] or [[Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Test|N.E.W.T.s]].
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Thicknesse was born somewhere in the [[Great Britain|British Isles]] to the likely [[Pure-blood]] or [[Half-blood]] Thicknesse family.<ref name="blood" /> It is likely he attended [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]] in his youth, possibly earning some [[Ordinary Wizarding Level|O.W.L.s]] or [[Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Test|N.E.W.T.s]].
   
Sometime after his seventeenth birthday, Thicknesse joined the [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]].<ref name="DH1"/>
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Sometime after his seventeenth birthday, Thicknesse joined the [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]].<ref name="DH1" />
   
===As Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement===
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===Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement {{C|1996-1997}}===
{{Quote| ''[…]'' as Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Thicknesse has regular contact not only with the Minister himself, but also with the Heads of all the other Ministry departments.|[[Yaxley]], concerning Thicknesse's post as Head of the [[Department of Magical Law Enforcement]].|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}}
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{{Quote| ''[…]'' as Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Thicknesse has regular contact not only with the Minister himself, but also with the Heads of all the other Ministry departments.|[[Yaxley]], concerning Thicknesse's post as Head of the [[Department of Magical Law Enforcement]]|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}}
When [[Amelia Bones]], Head of the [[Department of Magical Law Enforcement]], was murdered by [[Tom Riddle|Voldemort]] in the summer of [[1996]],<ref name="HBP1">''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]'' - Chapter 1 (''The Other Minister'')</ref> Thicknesse was appointed her successor, presumably by then-[[Minister for Magic]] [[Rufus Scrimgeour]].<ref name="DH1"/>
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When [[Amelia Bones]], Head of the [[Department of Magical Law Enforcement]], was murdered by [[Tom Riddle|Voldemort]] in the summer of [[1996]],<ref name="HBP1">''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]'' - Chapter 1 (''The Other Minister'')</ref> Thicknesse was appointed her successor, presumably by then-[[Minister for Magic]] [[Rufus Scrimgeour]].<ref name="DH1" />
   
 
When one takes in consideration that the [[Department of Magical Law Enforcement]] is the largest Ministry department (to which the remaining six departments are all, in some respect, answerable with the possible exception of the [[Department of Mysteries]]),<ref name="FB">''[[Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (real)|Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them]]'' - ''Magical Beasts in Hiding''</ref> it seems to be safe to presume Thicknesse was high up at the Ministry at the time of his appointment in [[1996]].
 
When one takes in consideration that the [[Department of Magical Law Enforcement]] is the largest Ministry department (to which the remaining six departments are all, in some respect, answerable with the possible exception of the [[Department of Mysteries]]),<ref name="FB">''[[Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (real)|Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them]]'' - ''Magical Beasts in Hiding''</ref> it seems to be safe to presume Thicknesse was high up at the Ministry at the time of his appointment in [[1996]].
 
===Under the Imperius Curse {{C|1997-1998}}===
 
{{Dialogue a-b-a|Lord Voldemort|Well, Yaxley? ''Will'' the Ministry have fallen by next Saturday?|Yaxley|My Lord, I have good news on that score. I have – with difficulty, and after great effort – succeeded in placing an Imperius Curse upon Pius Thicknesse.|It is a start. But Thicknesse is only one man. Scrimgeour must be surrounded by our people before I act. One failed attempt on the Minister's life will set me back a long way.|[[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]] and [[Yaxley]] during the [[Meeting at Malfoy Manor]]|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}}
   
[[File:ThicknesseMalfoyManor.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Thicknesse during his tenure as Head of the [[Department of Magical Law Enforcement]].]]
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[[File:ThicknesseMalfoyManor.jpg|thumb|left|210x210px|Thicknesse during his tenure as Head of the [[Department of Magical Law Enforcement]].]]
 
In the summer of [[1997]], as part of Voldemort's plan to take over the Ministry, [[Death Eaters|Death Eater]] [[Yaxley]] placed the Imperius Curse on Thicknesse. He mentioned that this was more difficult than he had expected and made him very nearly late for an important Death Eater meeting at [[Malfoy Manor]] (as Thicknesse's nature allowed him to resist). Many of the other Death Eaters were impressed with Yaxley's work, [[Antonin Dolohov]] clapping him on the back in congratulations, but Voldemort pointed out that Thicknesse was only one man, as well as that he needed Minister [[Rufus Scrimgeour]] surrounded by his agents before he acted.<ref name="DH1" />
===Under the Imperius Curse===
 
{{Dialogue a-b-a|Lord Voldemort|Well, Yaxley? ''Will'' the Ministry have fallen by next Saturday?|Yaxley|My Lord, I have good news on that score. I have – with difficulty, and after great effort – succeeded in placing an Imperius Curse upon Pius Thicknesse.|It is a start. But Thicknesse is only one man. Scrimgeour must be surrounded by our people before I act. One failed attempt on the Minister's life will set me back a long way.|[[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]] and [[Yaxley]] during the [[Meeting at Malfoy Manor]].|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}}
 
   
 
Thicknesse proved useful, however. As head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Thicknesse had regular contact not only with the Minister himself, but also with the Heads of all the other Ministry departments, making it easier to subjugate the others. Thicknesse proceeded to do just that, remaining undiscovered and using his position to infiltrate the senior ranks of the Ministry, slowly working together to bring Scrimgeour down.<ref name="DH1" />
In the summer of [[1997]], as part of Voldemort's plan to take over the Ministry, [[Death Eaters|Death Eater]] [[Yaxley]] placed the Imperius Curse on Thicknesse. He mentioned that this was more difficult than he had expected and made him very nearly late for an important Death Eater meeting at [[Malfoy Manor]] (as Thicknesse's nature allowed him to resist). Many of the other Death Eaters were impressed with Yaxley's work, [[Antonin Dolohov]] clapping him on the back in congratulations, but Voldemort pointed out that Thicknesse was only one man, as well as that he needed Minister [[Rufus Scrimgeour]] surrounded by his agents before he acted.<ref name="DH1"/>
 
 
Thicknesse proved useful, however. As head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Thicknesse had regular contact not only with the Minister himself, but also with the Heads of all the other Ministry departments, making it easier to subjugate the others. Thicknesse proceeded to do just that, remaining undiscovered and using his position to infiltrate the senior ranks of the Ministry, slowly working together to bring Scrimgeour down.<ref name="DH1"/>
 
   
 
Thicknesse also aided Voldemort in trapping [[Harry Potter]] at [[4 Privet Drive]], mainly by making it an imprisonable offence to connect the house to the [[Floo Network]], to place a [[Portkey]] there, or to [[Apparition|Apparate]] in or out. Officially, all of this was done for Harry's protection, but in reality, it was pointless, as Harry was protected by a [[charm]] from [[Lily Evans|his mother]]'s blood while living with his [[Dursley family|relatives]]. [[The Trace]] was also in effect, so if Harry or anyone around him cast a [[spell]] to get him out of there, Thicknesse would know about it and so would the Death Eaters.<ref name="DH4">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 4 (''The Seven Potters'')</ref>
 
Thicknesse also aided Voldemort in trapping [[Harry Potter]] at [[4 Privet Drive]], mainly by making it an imprisonable offence to connect the house to the [[Floo Network]], to place a [[Portkey]] there, or to [[Apparition|Apparate]] in or out. Officially, all of this was done for Harry's protection, but in reality, it was pointless, as Harry was protected by a [[charm]] from [[Lily Evans|his mother]]'s blood while living with his [[Dursley family|relatives]]. [[The Trace]] was also in effect, so if Harry or anyone around him cast a [[spell]] to get him out of there, Thicknesse would know about it and so would the Death Eaters.<ref name="DH4">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 4 (''The Seven Potters'')</ref>
   
The [[Order of the Phoenix]], as a result, believed Thicknesse had "gone over", which made it a big problem with the plan to move Harry. They abandoned the original plan, as they were unable to wait for the Trace to break: the moment Harry turned seventeen, all the protection he received from his mother would be lost. In short, Thicknesse thought he had Harry cornered good and proper, to which Harry could not help but agree.<ref name="DH4"/> As such, the Order was reduced to using the only means of magical transport left to them: [[broomstick]]s, [[Thestral]]s and [[Sirius Black's motorbike]], setting the stage for the [[Battle of the Seven Potters|flight from Little Whinging]],<ref name="DH4"/> and the murder of [[Alastor Moody]] by Voldemort.<ref name="DH5">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 5 (''Fallen Warrior'')</ref>
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The [[Order of the Phoenix]], as a result, believed Thicknesse had "gone over", which made it a big problem with the plan to move Harry. They abandoned the original plan, as they were unable to wait for the Trace to break: the moment Harry turned seventeen, all the protection he received from his mother would be lost. In short, Thicknesse thought he had Harry cornered good and proper, to which Harry could not help but agree.<ref name="DH4" /> As such, the Order was reduced to using the only means of magical transport left to them: [[broomstick]]s, [[Thestral]]s and [[Sirius Black's motorbike]], setting the stage for the [[Battle of the Seven Potters|flight from Little Whinging]],<ref name="DH4" /> and the murder of [[Alastor Moody]] by Voldemort.<ref name="DH5">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 5 (''Fallen Warrior'')</ref>
[[File:Thicknesse regime.png|thumb|right|300px|Pius Thicknesse, alongside [[Dolores Umbridge]], [[Albert Runcorn]] and [[Yaxley]], introduces the new regime to [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]] employees.]]
 
 
 
====As Minister for Magic====
 
====As Minister for Magic====
{{Quote|As your new Minister for Magic I promise to restore this temple of tolerance to its former glory. Therefore, beginning today, each employee will submit themselves... for evaluation. But know this: you have nothing to fear if you have nothing to hide.|Pius Thicknesse addresses Ministry employees in the [[Atrium]] following the implementation of the [[Fall of the Ministry of Magic|Death Eater regime]].|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1}}
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{{Quote|As your new Minister for Magic I promise to restore this temple of tolerance to its former glory. Therefore, beginning today, each employee will submit themselves... for evaluation. But know this: you have nothing to fear if you have nothing to hide.|Pius Thicknesse addresses Ministry employees in the [[Atrium]] following the implementation of the [[Fall of the Ministry of Magic|Death Eater regime]]|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1}}[[File:Thicknesse regime.png|thumb|right|239x239px|Pius Thicknesse, alongside [[Dolores Umbridge]], [[Albert Runcorn]] and [[Yaxley]], introduces the new regime to [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]] employees.]]
   
Eventually, Thicknesse and the other subverted high-ranking Ministry officials, launched a [[Fall of the Ministry of Magic|"smooth and virtually silent" coup]] alongside the [[Death Eaters]],<ref name="DH11"/> and on [[1 August]], [[1997]], the Ministry fell.<ref name="DH8">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 8 (''The Wedding'')</ref> The ''[[Daily Prophet]]'' was also taken over, the official version of Scrimgeour's murder was that he resigned, as well as Thicknesse replaced him. Only the Order seemed to be aware that he was under the Imperius Curse. As a result, Thicknesse was nothing but a puppet, taking care of everyday business while Voldemort, effectively the true Minister, was free to extend his power beyond the Ministry.<ref name="DH11"/>
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Eventually, Thicknesse and the other subverted high-ranking Ministry officials, launched a [[Fall of the Ministry of Magic|"smooth and virtually silent" coup]] alongside the [[Death Eaters]],<ref name="DH11" /> and on [[1 August]], [[1997]], the Ministry fell.<ref name="DH8">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 8 (''The Wedding'')</ref> The ''[[Daily Prophet]]'' was also taken over, the official version of Scrimgeour's murder was that he resigned, as well as Thicknesse replaced him. Only the Order seemed to be aware that he was under the Imperius Curse. As a result, Thicknesse was nothing but a puppet, taking care of everyday business while Voldemort, effectively the true Minister, was free to extend his power beyond the Ministry.<ref name="DH11" />
   
Thicknesse, at Voldemort's direction, installed a new regime at the Ministry that was more in line with [[Death Eater]] ideology.<ref name="DH11"/> His actions included having a [[Magic is Might monument|statue]] depicting a witch and wizard on top of a throne made from the bodies of crude-looking [[Muggle]]s, inscribed with the motto "''[[Magic is Might]]''" set up in the [[Atrium|Ministry Atrium]], replacing the [[Fountain of Magical Brethren]].<ref name="DH12">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 12 (''Magic is Might'')</ref> [[Yaxley]] succeeded Thicknesse as head of the [[Department of Magical Law Enforcement]],<ref name="DH12"/> and several other Death Eaters, such as [[Travers]]<ref name="DH13"/> and [[Selwyn]],<ref name="DH21">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 21 (''The Tale of the Three Brothers'')</ref> were appointed to other powerful positions within the Ministry.
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Thicknesse, at Voldemort's direction, installed a new regime at the Ministry that was more in line with [[Death Eater]] ideology.<ref name="DH11" /> His actions included having a [[Magic is Might monument|statue]] depicting a witch and wizard on top of a throne made from the bodies of crude-looking [[Muggle]]s, inscribed with the motto "''[[Magic is Might]]''" set up in the [[Atrium|Ministry Atrium]], replacing the [[Fountain of Magical Brethren]].<ref name="DH12">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 12 (''Magic is Might'')</ref> [[Yaxley]] succeeded Thicknesse as head of the [[Department of Magical Law Enforcement]],<ref name="DH12" /> and several other Death Eaters, such as [[Travers]]<ref name="DH13" /> and [[Selwyn]],<ref name="DH21">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 21 (''The Tale of the Three Brothers'')</ref> were appointed to other powerful positions within the Ministry.
   
Meanwhile at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry|Hogwarts School]], the [[Dark Arts]] and [[Muggle Studies#1997|prejudiced depictions of Muggles]] were taught by professors [[Amycus Carrow|Amycus]] and [[Alecto Carrow]] respectively under the new [[Headmaster]], [[Severus Snape]].<ref name="DH12"/> Hogwarts attendance became mandatory, as well as students must prove their blood-status, with Muggle-borns removed.<ref name="DH11"/> [[Harry Potter]] was declared "Undesirable No. 1", wanted for questioning about the death of [[Albus Dumbledore]]<ref name="DH13"/> with a ten-thousand-[[Galleon]] reward on his head<ref name="DH12"/> (which was by [[March]], [[1998]] increased to two-hundred-thousand when attempts to find him all over the country continued to fail).<ref name="DH23">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 23 (''Malfoy Manor'')</ref>
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Meanwhile at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry|Hogwarts School]], the [[Dark Arts]] and [[Muggle Studies#1997|prejudiced depictions of Muggles]] were taught by professors [[Amycus Carrow|Amycus]] and [[Alecto Carrow]] respectively under the new [[Headmaster]], [[Severus Snape]].<ref name="DH12" /> Hogwarts attendance became mandatory, as well as students must prove their blood-status, with Muggle-borns removed.<ref name="DH11" /> [[Harry Potter]] was declared "Undesirable No. 1", wanted for questioning about the death of [[Albus Dumbledore]]<ref name="DH13" /> with a ten-thousand-[[Galleon]] reward on his head<ref name="DH12" /> (which was by [[March]], [[1998]] increased to two-hundred-thousand when attempts to find him all over the country continued to fail).<ref name="DH23">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 23 (''Malfoy Manor'')</ref>
   
Using falsified research done in the [[Department of Mysteries]], the Ministry claimed that [[Muggle-born]]s "stole" their magic from "real" witches and wizards. As a result, the [[Muggle-Born Registration Commission]] was set up to persecute and imprison Muggle-borns,<ref name="DH11"/> with [[Dolores Umbridge]] as its head.<ref name="DH13"/> To round up any Muggle-borns or [[blood traitor]]s on the run, the [[Snatchers]] organisation was formed.<ref name="DH19">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 19 (''The Silver Doe'')</ref> Also people with known connections to the [[Order of the Phoenix]] or sympathies for Muggles, such as [[Arthur Weasley]], were put under surveillance.<ref name="DH13"/>
+
Using falsified research done in the [[Department of Mysteries]], the Ministry claimed that [[Muggle-born]]s "stole" their magic from "real" witches and wizards. As a result, the [[Muggle-Born Registration Commission]] was set up to persecute and imprison Muggle-borns,<ref name="DH11" /> with [[Dolores Umbridge]] as its head.<ref name="DH13" /> To round up any Muggle-borns or [[blood traitor]]s on the run, the [[Snatchers]] organisation was formed.<ref name="DH19">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 19 (''The Silver Doe'')</ref> Also people with known connections to the [[Order of the Phoenix]] or sympathies for Muggles, such as [[Arthur Weasley]], were put under surveillance.<ref name="DH13" />
   
[[File:Thicknesse Runcorn.jpg|thumb|260px|left|Thicknesse and [[Albert Runcorn]] (actually [[Harry Potter]] in [[Polyjuice Potion|disguise]]).]]
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[[File:Thicknesse Runcorn.jpg|thumb|239x239px|left|Thicknesse and [[Albert Runcorn]] (actually [[Harry Potter]] in [[Polyjuice Potion|disguise]]).]]When [[Harry Potter]], [[Hermione Granger]] and [[Ronald Weasley|Ron Weasley]] [[Infiltration of the Ministry of Magic|infiltrated the Ministry]] in search of one of Voldemort's [[Horcrux]]es, Harry encountered Thicknesse while in the form of [[Albert Runcorn]], with whom Thicknesse seemed familiar. Thicknesse, at the time, was wearing magnificent robes of black and gold.<ref name="DH13" />
   
 
Harry witnessed Thicknesse's altered nature while under the Imperius Curse, which showed him having a strong hatred for Muggle-borns, referring to them as "[[Mudblood]]s", as well as [[blood traitor]]s, whom he claimed to despise just as much. While Harry was searching for the Horcrux in Umbridge's office, Thicknesse arrived momentarily to jot down a note, as well as almost discovered Harry while he was under the [[Cloak of Invisibility|Invisibility Cloak]], though he ultimately failed to notice him.<ref name="DH13" />
{{Dialogue a-b-a-b-a-b|Thicknesse|What brings you here, Runcorn?|Harry|Needed a quick word with Arthur Weasley. Someone said he was up on level one.|Ah. Has he been caught having contact with an Undesirable?|No. No, nothing like that.|Ah, well. It's only a matter of time. If you ask me, the blood traitors are as bad as the Mudbloods. Good day, Runcorn.|Good day, Minister.|Harry Potter, disguised as [[Albert Runcorn]], talking to the Minister.|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}}When [[Harry Potter]], [[Hermione Granger]] and [[Ronald Weasley|Ron Weasley]] [[Infiltration of the Ministry of Magic|infiltrated the Ministry]] in search of one of Voldemort's [[Horcrux]]es, Harry encountered Thicknesse while in the form of [[Albert Runcorn]], with whom Thicknesse seemed familiar. Thicknesse, at the time, was wearing magnificent robes of black and gold.<ref name="DH13"/>
 
 
Harry witnessed Thicknesse's altered nature while under the Imperius Curse, which showed him having a strong hatred for Muggle-borns, referring to them as "[[Mudblood]]s", as well as [[blood traitor]]s, whom he claimed to despise just as much. While Harry was searching for the Horcrux in Umbridge's office, Thicknesse arrived momentarily to jot down a note, as well as almost discovered Harry while he was under the [[Cloak of Invisibility|Invisibility Cloak]], though he ultimately failed to notice him.<ref name="DH13"/>
 
 
In late [[1997]], [[Xenophilius Lovegood]]'s [[Luna Lovegood|daughter]] was kidnapped in order to stop his telling the truth to the public and encouraging support of Harry Potter in his magazine, ''[[The Quibbler]]''. Hoping to get her back, he sent an owl to the Ministry when Harry, Hermione and Ron came to see him. Thicknesse promptly dispatched Travers and Selwyn to investigate. They arrested Lovegood, but failed to capture the trio.<ref name="DH21"/>
 
[[File:Thik.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Ticknesse wearing [[Death Eater]] robes during the battle.]]
 
   
 
In late [[1997]], [[Xenophilius Lovegood]]'s [[Luna Lovegood|daughter]] was kidnapped in order to stop his telling the truth to the public and encouraging support of Harry Potter in his magazine, ''[[The Quibbler]]''. Hoping to get her back, he sent an owl to the Ministry when Harry, Hermione and Ron came to see him. Thicknesse promptly dispatched Travers and Selwyn to investigate. They arrested Lovegood, but failed to capture the trio.<ref name="DH21" />
 
====Battle of Hogwarts====
 
====Battle of Hogwarts====
{{Quote|Hello, Minister! Did I mention I'm resigning?|[[Percy Weasley]] while [[duel]]ling his former boss.|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}}
+
{{Quote|Hello, Minister! Did I mention I'm resigning?|[[Percy Weasley]] while [[duel]]ling his former boss|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}}[[File:Thik.jpg|thumb|right|229x229px|Ticknesse wearing [[Death Eater]] robes during the battle.]]
   
 
<!-- DO NOT put that Thicknesse died in the Battle of Hogwarts. That event, as depicted in the film, contradicts the novel. -->
 
<!-- DO NOT put that Thicknesse died in the Battle of Hogwarts. That event, as depicted in the film, contradicts the novel. -->
During the [[Battle of Hogwarts]], Thicknesse was stationed within the ranks of the [[Death Eaters]] and fought with them against the castle's defenders. He was amongst a group of masked and hooded Death Eaters who successfully penetrated Hogwarts and duelled with [[Percy Weasley]]. His hood slipped off as he tried to avoid being cursed and Percy mocked his former boss before using a [[sea urchin jinx]], causing Thicknesse to sprout sea urchin-like spikes all over his body. The corridor they were in was then damaged in an explosion that killed [[Fred Weasley]].<ref name="DH31"/> Thicknesse and his comrades later retreated at Voldemort's command.<ref name="DH33">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 33 (''The Prince's Tale'')</ref>
+
During the [[Battle of Hogwarts]], Thicknesse was stationed within the ranks of the [[Death Eaters]] and fought with them against the castle's defenders. He was amongst a group of masked and hooded Death Eaters who successfully penetrated Hogwarts and duelled with [[Percy Weasley]]. His hood slipped off as he tried to avoid being cursed and Percy mocked his former boss before using a [[sea urchin jinx]], causing Thicknesse to sprout sea urchin-like spikes all over his body. The corridor they were in was then damaged in an explosion that killed [[Fred Weasley]].<ref name="DH31" /> Thicknesse and his comrades later retreated at Voldemort's command.<ref name="DH33">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 33 (''The Prince's Tale'')</ref>
   
 
When the battle later recommenced, moments prior to the [[Duel in the Great Hall|duel that ended the War]], Thicknesse was "floored" by [[Arthur Weasley|Arthur]] and [[Percy Weasley]].<ref name="DH36">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 36 (''The Flaw in the Plan'')</ref>
 
When the battle later recommenced, moments prior to the [[Duel in the Great Hall|duel that ended the War]], Thicknesse was "floored" by [[Arthur Weasley|Arthur]] and [[Percy Weasley]].<ref name="DH36">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 36 (''The Flaw in the Plan'')</ref>
   
===Later life===
+
===Later life {{C|Post 1998}}===
{{Quote| ''[…]'' the Imperiused up and down the country had come back to themselves, that Death Eaters were fleeing or else being captured, that the innocent of Azkaban were being released at that very moment, and that Kingsley Shacklebolt had been named temporary Minister of Magic.|Description of the events immediately after the end of the [[Battle of Hogwarts]].|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}}
+
{{Quote| ''[…]'' the Imperiused up and down the country had come back to themselves, that Death Eaters were fleeing or else being captured, that the innocent of Azkaban were being released at that very moment, and that Kingsley Shacklebolt had been named temporary Minister of Magic.|Description of the events immediately after the end of the [[Battle of Hogwarts]]|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}}
   
It is uncertain if Thicknesse was killed during the battle, or just [[Stunning Spell|Stunned]]. The latter seems more likely, as [[Arthur Weasley]], like the rest of the [[Order of the Phoenix]], knew Thicknesse was under the influence of the [[Imperius Curse]].<ref name="DH4"/> After [[Tom Riddle|Voldemort's]] death, all the people across the country who had been under the [[Imperius Curse]] came back to themselves: if he survived the battle, this would include Thicknesse. Right after the battle, [[Kingsley Shacklebolt]] was named temporary [[Minister for Magic]], which later became a permanent appointment.<ref name="DH36"/>
+
It is uncertain if Thicknesse was killed during the battle, or just [[Stunning Spell|Stunned]]. The latter seems more likely, as [[Arthur Weasley]], like the rest of the [[Order of the Phoenix]], knew Thicknesse was under the influence of the [[Imperius Curse]].<ref name="DH4" /> After [[Tom Riddle|Voldemort]]'s death, all the people across the country who had been under the [[Imperius Curse]] came back to themselves: if he survived the battle, this would include Thicknesse. Right after the battle, [[Kingsley Shacklebolt]] was named temporary [[Minister for Magic]], which later became a permanent appointment.<ref name="DH36" /> Pius was most likely sacked from his job at the ministry but being under the [[Imperius Curse]] he was probably not sentenced to [[Azkaban]].
   
 
==Physical appearance==
 
==Physical appearance==
Thicknesse is described as having long black hair and a beard streaked with silver, as well as "a great overhanging forehead" that shadowed his glinting eyes.<ref name="DH13"/> [[Harry Potter]] thought he resembled a crab looking out from beneath a rock.<ref name="DH13"/>
+
Thicknesse is described as having long black hair and a beard streaked with silver, as well as "a great overhanging forehead" that shadowed his glinting eyes.<ref name="DH13" /> [[Harry Potter]] thought he resembled a crab looking out from beneath a rock.<ref name="DH13" />
  +
  +
His film appearance, particularly his distinctive goatee, is strongly reminiscent of 19th-century Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli.
   
 
==Personality and traits==
 
==Personality and traits==
It is unknown what Thicknesse was like before the Imperius Curse was placed upon him, or after it was removed when Voldemort was defeated. While under the curse however, his air of lofty authority mixed with his appearance made him generally intimidating and a little too happy with the way things were being run at the Ministry under him and the [[Death Eaters]] (most promently [[Yaxley]])
+
It is unknown what Thicknesse was like before the Imperius Curse was placed upon him, or after it was removed when Voldemort was defeated. While under the curse however, his air of lofty authority mixed with his appearance made him generally intimidating and a little too happy with the way things were being run at the Ministry under him and the [[Death Eaters]] (most promently [[Yaxley]]), casually espousing the view that [[blood traitor]]s were as bad as [[Mudblood]]s to [[Harry Potter]], who was [[Polyjuice Potion|disguised]] as [[Albert Runcorn]] at the time.<ref name="DH13" />
, casually espousing the view that [[blood traitor]]s were as bad as [[Mudblood]]s to [[Harry Potter]], who was [[Polyjuice Potion|disguised]] as [[Albert Runcorn]] at the time.<ref name="DH13"/>
 
   
It would be unfair to judge Thicknesse solely on his activities during his [[1997–1998 school year|tenure as Minister for Magic]] however, as he was being controlled by the Death Eater [[Yaxley]] at the time and was not responsible for his actions. However, since the Death Eaters had to resort to the Imperius Curse to get Thicknesse on their side, it is safe to say that he was not a sympathiser of their ideals. As head of the largest Ministry department, one can presume he was a fairly capable [[wizard]] and as a law enforcement official, he is implied to have been an impartial and strong-willed individual, as he tried very hard to resist the effects of an [[Imperius Curse]].<ref name="DH1"/>
+
It would be unfair to judge Thicknesse solely on his activities during his [[1997–1998 school year|tenure as Minister for Magic]] however, as he was being controlled by the Death Eater [[Yaxley]] at the time and was not responsible for his actions. However, since the Death Eaters had to resort to the Imperius Curse to get Thicknesse on their side, it is safe to say that he was not a sympathiser of their ideals. As head of the largest Ministry department, one can presume he was a fairly capable [[wizard]] and as a law enforcement official, he is implied to have been an impartial and strong-willed individual, as he tried very hard to resist the effects of an [[Imperius Curse]].<ref name="DH1" />
   
 
==Magical abilities and skills==
 
==Magical abilities and skills==
 
[[File:Pius_Thicknesse's_wand.jpg|thumb|Pius Thicknesse's wand]]
 
[[File:Pius_Thicknesse's_wand.jpg|thumb|Pius Thicknesse's wand]]
*'''Duellist:''' During the [[Battle of Hogwarts]], Thicknesse duelled against [[Percy Weasley]] and was defeated when the younger wizard [[Transfiguration|Transfigured]] him into a sea urchin.<ref name="DH31"/> Later in the battle, it took Percy and [[Arthur Weasley]] to floor Thicknesse alone.<ref name="DH36"/>
+
*'''Duellist:''' During the [[Battle of Hogwarts]], Thicknesse duelled against [[Percy Weasley]] and was defeated when the younger wizard [[Transfiguration|Transfigured]] him into a sea urchin.<ref name="DH31" /> Later in the battle, it took Percy and [[Arthur Weasley]] to floor Thicknesse alone.<ref name="DH36" />
*'''Imperius Curse resistance:''' Thicknesse had a certain level of resistance against the Imperius Curse, as [[Yaxley]] claimed that he had difficulty on subduing him. Thus, the Imperius Curse that was placed on Thicknesse had to be particularly powerful.<ref name="DH1"/>
+
*'''Imperius Curse resistance:''' Thicknesse had a certain level of resistance against the Imperius Curse, as [[Yaxley]] claimed that he had difficulty on subduing him. Thus, the Imperius Curse that was placed on Thicknesse had to be particularly powerful.<ref name="DH1" />
 
*'''Demagogism:''' A politician, Thicknesse proved to be a good speaker and demagogue.<ref name="DHpt1 2">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1]]'' - Chapter 2 (''Dark Lord Ascending'')</ref>
 
*'''Demagogism:''' A politician, Thicknesse proved to be a good speaker and demagogue.<ref name="DHpt1 2">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1]]'' - Chapter 2 (''Dark Lord Ascending'')</ref>
   
 
==Etymology==
 
==Etymology==
*The name [[Wikipedia:Pius|Pius]] is derived from the Latin word ''pius'', which despite being similar to the English word "pious", has a different shade of meaning:
+
*The name [[Wikipedia:Pius|Pius]] is derived from the Latin word ''pius'', which despite being similar to the English word "pious", has a different shade of meaning: ''that is, it refers to one who has reverence for law, government, as well as order.'' Thus it is particularly appropriate for a head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement and Minister of Magic. It has also been the regal name of twelve popes. Thus, the name of the man who created an organisation to oppress Muggle-borns may allude to the [[Wikipedia:Inquisition|Inquisition]], which persecuted heretics as well as, ironically, witches.
that is, it refers to one who has reverence for law, government, as well as order. Thus it is particularly appropriate for a head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement and Minister of Magic. It has also been the regal name of twelve popes. Thus, the name of the man who created an organisation to oppress Muggle-borns may allude to the [[Wikipedia:Inquisition|Inquisition]], which persecuted heretics as well as, ironically, witches.
 
 
*Thicknesse, meanwhile, may mean "thick" and the Proto-Germanic word ''nessye'' (or ''nessieh''), meaning "tongue", probably alluding to the anti-Muggle-born propaganda passed during his tenure as Minister.
 
*Thicknesse, meanwhile, may mean "thick" and the Proto-Germanic word ''nessye'' (or ''nessieh''), meaning "tongue", probably alluding to the anti-Muggle-born propaganda passed during his tenure as Minister.
 
*In Swedish, Thicknesse was renamed "Pius Korpulens", the word "''korpulens''" meaning "''girth''". In Serbian, Thicknesse was renamed "Pije Glupsije", the word "''glupsije''" meaning "''dumb''". In Italian, Thicknesse was renamed "Pius O'tusoe", that sound like the word "''ottuso''", an Italian word for "''dumb''". These translations may have been inspired by the fact that "thick" is also British slang for "not too bright".
 
*In Swedish, Thicknesse was renamed "Pius Korpulens", the word "''korpulens''" meaning "''girth''". In Serbian, Thicknesse was renamed "Pije Glupsije", the word "''glupsije''" meaning "''dumb''". In Italian, Thicknesse was renamed "Pius O'tusoe", that sound like the word "''ottuso''", an Italian word for "''dumb''". These translations may have been inspired by the fact that "thick" is also British slang for "not too bright".
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[[Category:British Ministers for Magic|Thicknesse, Pius]]

Revision as of 15:07, 11 April 2015

"As your new Minister for Magic, I promise to restore this temple of tolerance to its former glory. Therefore, beginning today, each employee will submit themselves… for evaluation. But know this: you have nothing to fear if you have nothing to hide."
— Pius Thicknesse at the Ministry of Magic[src]

Minister Pius Thicknesse was a wizard and a Ministry of Magic official in the mid to late 1990s. During the Second Wizarding War, he became Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement as well as, later in the War, Minister for Magic under Lord Voldemort's puppet regime while under the Imperius Curse and thus essentially Voldemort's puppet himself. He replaced Rufus Scrimgeour, who had been murdered by Voldemort. Thicknesse took part in the final conflict of the War where he fought alongside the Death Eaters, still under their curse.

He was ousted from power after Voldemort's defeat and was succeeded by Kingsley Shacklebolt in his post of Minister for Magic.

Biography

Early life

Thicknesse was born somewhere in the British Isles to the likely Pure-blood or Half-blood Thicknesse family.[1] It is likely he attended Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in his youth, possibly earning some O.W.L.s or N.E.W.T.s.

Sometime after his seventeenth birthday, Thicknesse joined the Ministry of Magic.[3]

Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement (1996-1997)

" […] as Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Thicknesse has regular contact not only with the Minister himself, but also with the Heads of all the other Ministry departments."
Yaxley, concerning Thicknesse's post as Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement[src]

When Amelia Bones, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, was murdered by Voldemort in the summer of 1996,[7] Thicknesse was appointed her successor, presumably by then-Minister for Magic Rufus Scrimgeour.[3]

When one takes in consideration that the Department of Magical Law Enforcement is the largest Ministry department (to which the remaining six departments are all, in some respect, answerable with the possible exception of the Department of Mysteries),[8] it seems to be safe to presume Thicknesse was high up at the Ministry at the time of his appointment in 1996.

Under the Imperius Curse (1997-1998)

Lord Voldemort: "Well, Yaxley? Will the Ministry have fallen by next Saturday?"
Yaxley: "My Lord, I have good news on that score. I have – with difficulty, and after great effort – succeeded in placing an Imperius Curse upon Pius Thicknesse."
Lord Voldemort: "It is a start. But Thicknesse is only one man. Scrimgeour must be surrounded by our people before I act. One failed attempt on the Minister's life will set me back a long way."
Lord Voldemort and Yaxley during the Meeting at Malfoy Manor[src]
ThicknesseMalfoyManor

Thicknesse during his tenure as Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.

In the summer of 1997, as part of Voldemort's plan to take over the Ministry, Death Eater Yaxley placed the Imperius Curse on Thicknesse. He mentioned that this was more difficult than he had expected and made him very nearly late for an important Death Eater meeting at Malfoy Manor (as Thicknesse's nature allowed him to resist). Many of the other Death Eaters were impressed with Yaxley's work, Antonin Dolohov clapping him on the back in congratulations, but Voldemort pointed out that Thicknesse was only one man, as well as that he needed Minister Rufus Scrimgeour surrounded by his agents before he acted.[3]

Thicknesse proved useful, however. As head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Thicknesse had regular contact not only with the Minister himself, but also with the Heads of all the other Ministry departments, making it easier to subjugate the others. Thicknesse proceeded to do just that, remaining undiscovered and using his position to infiltrate the senior ranks of the Ministry, slowly working together to bring Scrimgeour down.[3]

Thicknesse also aided Voldemort in trapping Harry Potter at 4 Privet Drive, mainly by making it an imprisonable offence to connect the house to the Floo Network, to place a Portkey there, or to Apparate in or out. Officially, all of this was done for Harry's protection, but in reality, it was pointless, as Harry was protected by a charm from his mother's blood while living with his relatives. The Trace was also in effect, so if Harry or anyone around him cast a spell to get him out of there, Thicknesse would know about it and so would the Death Eaters.[9]

The Order of the Phoenix, as a result, believed Thicknesse had "gone over", which made it a big problem with the plan to move Harry. They abandoned the original plan, as they were unable to wait for the Trace to break: the moment Harry turned seventeen, all the protection he received from his mother would be lost. In short, Thicknesse thought he had Harry cornered good and proper, to which Harry could not help but agree.[9] As such, the Order was reduced to using the only means of magical transport left to them: broomsticks, Thestrals and Sirius Black's motorbike, setting the stage for the flight from Little Whinging,[9] and the murder of Alastor Moody by Voldemort.[10]

As Minister for Magic

"As your new Minister for Magic I promise to restore this temple of tolerance to its former glory. Therefore, beginning today, each employee will submit themselves... for evaluation. But know this: you have nothing to fear if you have nothing to hide."
— Pius Thicknesse addresses Ministry employees in the Atrium following the implementation of the Death Eater regime[src]
Thicknesse regime

Pius Thicknesse, alongside Dolores Umbridge, Albert Runcorn and Yaxley, introduces the new regime to Ministry of Magic employees.

Eventually, Thicknesse and the other subverted high-ranking Ministry officials, launched a "smooth and virtually silent" coup alongside the Death Eaters,[2] and on 1 August, 1997, the Ministry fell.[11] The Daily Prophet was also taken over, the official version of Scrimgeour's murder was that he resigned, as well as Thicknesse replaced him. Only the Order seemed to be aware that he was under the Imperius Curse. As a result, Thicknesse was nothing but a puppet, taking care of everyday business while Voldemort, effectively the true Minister, was free to extend his power beyond the Ministry.[2]

Thicknesse, at Voldemort's direction, installed a new regime at the Ministry that was more in line with Death Eater ideology.[2] His actions included having a statue depicting a witch and wizard on top of a throne made from the bodies of crude-looking Muggles, inscribed with the motto "Magic is Might" set up in the Ministry Atrium, replacing the Fountain of Magical Brethren.[12] Yaxley succeeded Thicknesse as head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement,[12] and several other Death Eaters, such as Travers[5] and Selwyn,[13] were appointed to other powerful positions within the Ministry.

Meanwhile at Hogwarts School, the Dark Arts and prejudiced depictions of Muggles were taught by professors Amycus and Alecto Carrow respectively under the new Headmaster, Severus Snape.[12] Hogwarts attendance became mandatory, as well as students must prove their blood-status, with Muggle-borns removed.[2] Harry Potter was declared "Undesirable No. 1", wanted for questioning about the death of Albus Dumbledore[5] with a ten-thousand-Galleon reward on his head[12] (which was by March, 1998 increased to two-hundred-thousand when attempts to find him all over the country continued to fail).[14]

Using falsified research done in the Department of Mysteries, the Ministry claimed that Muggle-borns "stole" their magic from "real" witches and wizards. As a result, the Muggle-Born Registration Commission was set up to persecute and imprison Muggle-borns,[2] with Dolores Umbridge as its head.[5] To round up any Muggle-borns or blood traitors on the run, the Snatchers organisation was formed.[15] Also people with known connections to the Order of the Phoenix or sympathies for Muggles, such as Arthur Weasley, were put under surveillance.[5]

Thicknesse Runcorn

Thicknesse and Albert Runcorn (actually Harry Potter in disguise).

When Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley infiltrated the Ministry in search of one of Voldemort's Horcruxes, Harry encountered Thicknesse while in the form of Albert Runcorn, with whom Thicknesse seemed familiar. Thicknesse, at the time, was wearing magnificent robes of black and gold.[5]

Harry witnessed Thicknesse's altered nature while under the Imperius Curse, which showed him having a strong hatred for Muggle-borns, referring to them as "Mudbloods", as well as blood traitors, whom he claimed to despise just as much. While Harry was searching for the Horcrux in Umbridge's office, Thicknesse arrived momentarily to jot down a note, as well as almost discovered Harry while he was under the Invisibility Cloak, though he ultimately failed to notice him.[5]

In late 1997, Xenophilius Lovegood's daughter was kidnapped in order to stop his telling the truth to the public and encouraging support of Harry Potter in his magazine, The Quibbler. Hoping to get her back, he sent an owl to the Ministry when Harry, Hermione and Ron came to see him. Thicknesse promptly dispatched Travers and Selwyn to investigate. They arrested Lovegood, but failed to capture the trio.[13]

Battle of Hogwarts

"Hello, Minister! Did I mention I'm resigning?"
Percy Weasley while duelling his former boss[src]
Thik

Ticknesse wearing Death Eater robes during the battle.

During the Battle of Hogwarts, Thicknesse was stationed within the ranks of the Death Eaters and fought with them against the castle's defenders. He was amongst a group of masked and hooded Death Eaters who successfully penetrated Hogwarts and duelled with Percy Weasley. His hood slipped off as he tried to avoid being cursed and Percy mocked his former boss before using a sea urchin jinx, causing Thicknesse to sprout sea urchin-like spikes all over his body. The corridor they were in was then damaged in an explosion that killed Fred Weasley.[4] Thicknesse and his comrades later retreated at Voldemort's command.[16]

When the battle later recommenced, moments prior to the duel that ended the War, Thicknesse was "floored" by Arthur and Percy Weasley.[17]

Later life (Post 1998)

" […] the Imperiused up and down the country had come back to themselves, that Death Eaters were fleeing or else being captured, that the innocent of Azkaban were being released at that very moment, and that Kingsley Shacklebolt had been named temporary Minister of Magic."
— Description of the events immediately after the end of the Battle of Hogwarts[src]

It is uncertain if Thicknesse was killed during the battle, or just Stunned. The latter seems more likely, as Arthur Weasley, like the rest of the Order of the Phoenix, knew Thicknesse was under the influence of the Imperius Curse.[9] After Voldemort's death, all the people across the country who had been under the Imperius Curse came back to themselves: if he survived the battle, this would include Thicknesse. Right after the battle, Kingsley Shacklebolt was named temporary Minister for Magic, which later became a permanent appointment.[17] Pius was most likely sacked from his job at the ministry but being under the Imperius Curse he was probably not sentenced to Azkaban.

Physical appearance

Thicknesse is described as having long black hair and a beard streaked with silver, as well as "a great overhanging forehead" that shadowed his glinting eyes.[5] Harry Potter thought he resembled a crab looking out from beneath a rock.[5]

His film appearance, particularly his distinctive goatee, is strongly reminiscent of 19th-century Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli.

Personality and traits

It is unknown what Thicknesse was like before the Imperius Curse was placed upon him, or after it was removed when Voldemort was defeated. While under the curse however, his air of lofty authority mixed with his appearance made him generally intimidating and a little too happy with the way things were being run at the Ministry under him and the Death Eaters (most promently Yaxley), casually espousing the view that blood traitors were as bad as Mudbloods to Harry Potter, who was disguised as Albert Runcorn at the time.[5]

It would be unfair to judge Thicknesse solely on his activities during his tenure as Minister for Magic however, as he was being controlled by the Death Eater Yaxley at the time and was not responsible for his actions. However, since the Death Eaters had to resort to the Imperius Curse to get Thicknesse on their side, it is safe to say that he was not a sympathiser of their ideals. As head of the largest Ministry department, one can presume he was a fairly capable wizard and as a law enforcement official, he is implied to have been an impartial and strong-willed individual, as he tried very hard to resist the effects of an Imperius Curse.[3]

Magical abilities and skills

Pius Thicknesse's wand

Pius Thicknesse's wand

  • Duellist: During the Battle of Hogwarts, Thicknesse duelled against Percy Weasley and was defeated when the younger wizard Transfigured him into a sea urchin.[4] Later in the battle, it took Percy and Arthur Weasley to floor Thicknesse alone.[17]
  • Imperius Curse resistance: Thicknesse had a certain level of resistance against the Imperius Curse, as Yaxley claimed that he had difficulty on subduing him. Thus, the Imperius Curse that was placed on Thicknesse had to be particularly powerful.[3]
  • Demagogism: A politician, Thicknesse proved to be a good speaker and demagogue.[18]

Etymology

  • The name Pius is derived from the Latin word pius, which despite being similar to the English word "pious", has a different shade of meaning: that is, it refers to one who has reverence for law, government, as well as order. Thus it is particularly appropriate for a head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement and Minister of Magic. It has also been the regal name of twelve popes. Thus, the name of the man who created an organisation to oppress Muggle-borns may allude to the Inquisition, which persecuted heretics as well as, ironically, witches.
  • Thicknesse, meanwhile, may mean "thick" and the Proto-Germanic word nessye (or nessieh), meaning "tongue", probably alluding to the anti-Muggle-born propaganda passed during his tenure as Minister.
  • In Swedish, Thicknesse was renamed "Pius Korpulens", the word "korpulens" meaning "girth". In Serbian, Thicknesse was renamed "Pije Glupsije", the word "glupsije" meaning "dumb". In Italian, Thicknesse was renamed "Pius O'tusoe", that sound like the word "ottuso", an Italian word for "dumb". These translations may have been inspired by the fact that "thick" is also British slang for "not too bright".

Behind the scenes

ThicknesseNagini

Pius in the Meeting at Malfoy Manor in 1997, with Nagini on the floor

  • Thicknesse was portrayed by British actor Guy Henry in the film adaptations of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.[19]
  • In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, Thicknesse is present at the Death Eater meeting at Malfoy Manor, implying that either he has already been Imperiused (though it is not mentioned), or that he is an actual Death Eater. Since Voldemort asked him about the night of Harry's departure from Privet Drive after Yaxley had given his information, the latter is much more likely. He appeared, however, quite uncomfortable at this meeting presenting the likelihood that he was an accomplice of the Death Eaters, but not actually a member (note that he wears a pinstripe suit instead of Death Eater robes in this scene). Alternatively, in the film, there is a hint he may have been coerced by the Death Eaters to do their bidding (Thicknesse seems upset when Nagini curls up intimidatingly right beside him on the floor and when addressing Ministry officials his hand can been seen trembling).
  • In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, Pius is ruthlessly killed by Voldemort in frustration after he interrupts his concentration with an unwanted interjection.
    ThicknesseLEGO

    Thicknesse in LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7.

  • In the Harry Potter Pronunciation Guide at the Scholastic official website, Thicknesse's name is spelt phonetically as "PY-us THIK-nuss" (as in "thickness").[20] However, Rowling pronounces it as "PY-us thik-NESS" (as in "Loch Ness").
  • Pius Thicknesse has the distinction of being the Minister for Magic with the shortest known term in office: 274 days (9 months and 1 day).
  • In LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7, Thicknesse does not appear in the main storyline at any point, but is an unlockable character. Somewhat inaccurately, Thicknesse is depicted as a Dark wizard, with the ability to cast the Unforgivable Curses and manipulate cursed objects.

Appearances

Wiki
The Harry Potter Wiki has 26 images related to Pius Thicknesse.

Notes and references

  1. 1.0 1.1 While it is never stated what Thicknesse's blood status is, it is unlikely Thicknesse would be appointed Minister for Magic by the Death Eater regime instead of other powerful and prominent pure-blood Death Eaters with Ministry connections like Yaxley, Travers or Selwyn, if he were Muggle-born.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Chapter 11 (The Bribe)
  3. 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Chapter 1 (The Dark Lord Ascending)
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Chapter 31 (The Battle of Hogwarts)
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 5.8 5.9 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Chapter 13 (The Muggle-Born Registration Commission)
  6. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1
  7. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - Chapter 1 (The Other Minister)
  8. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them - Magical Beasts in Hiding
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Chapter 4 (The Seven Potters)
  10. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Chapter 5 (Fallen Warrior)
  11. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Chapter 8 (The Wedding)
  12. 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Chapter 12 (Magic is Might)
  13. 13.0 13.1 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Chapter 21 (The Tale of the Three Brothers)
  14. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Chapter 23 (Malfoy Manor)
  15. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Chapter 19 (The Silver Doe)
  16. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Chapter 33 (The Prince's Tale)
  17. 17.0 17.1 17.2 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Chapter 36 (The Flaw in the Plan)
  18. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 - Chapter 2 (Dark Lord Ascending)
  19. Guy Henry to Play Pius Thicknesse in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
  20. Pronunciation Guide on Scholastic.com


Minister for Magic of Great Britain
Ministers for Magic
MinistryOfMagicLogo - Cursed Child
Department of Magical Law Enforcement employees
Department of Magical Law Enforcement logo
Heads of Department
Justus Pilliwickle · Torquil Travers · Bartemius Crouch Senior · Amelia Bones · Pius Thicknesse · Corban Yaxley · Arthur Weasley · Harry Potter
Auror Office
Heads: Theseus Scamander · Rufus Scrimgeour · Gawain Robards · Harry Potter
Mordecai Berrycloth · John Dawlish · Penelope Fawley · Dorian Fungbury · Timothy Hale · Alice Longbottom · Frank Longbottom · Neville Longbottom · Patricia McManners · Alastor Moody · Alastor Moody's father · Riya Patel · Proudfoot · Savage · Kingsley Shacklebolt · Nymphadora Tonks · Ronald Weasley · Williamson · Unidentified Aurors · Helen Thistlewood · Solomon Sallow · Aesop Sharp · Aesop Sharp's partner · Unidentified male Auror at Hogwarts · Director of the Investigation Department No. 61042
Improper Use of Magic Office
Heads: Travers · Dolores Umbridge
Mafalda Hopkirk · Honoria's fiancé · Mafalda Hopkirk's Ministerial Superior · Rufus Fudge · Orabella Nuttley · Chester Davies · Linderina Crane
Other personnel
Council of Magical Law guards · Leta Lestrange · Minerva McGonagall · Elphinstone Urquart · Elton Elderberry · Alastor Gumboil · Arnold Peasegood · Arthur Weasley · Perkins · Bilius Finbok · Cerberus Langarm · Hermione Granger · Bob Ogden · Constance Pickering · Ruth Singer · Tulip Karasu's mother · Tulip Karasu's father · Dempster Wiggleswade · Amelia Bones's assistant · Arthur Weasley's ten subordinates · Unidentified Hit Wizard · Unidentified Wizengamot clerk · Director of the Investigation Department and Ministry Police