Who searched Grimmaud Place? Was it Snape?

Back to an old discussion: I think it was in relation to the first book, the question of how the fidelius charm worked came up. We decided to hold off on it until we got to the relevant texts. In book 2 or 3, there were indications that it was not the house, but the people who were hidden. In the letter Harry finds there are indications that either the house is hidden or the Potters were in hiding in some other way before the charm kicked in. I am leaning towards the latter explanation so far: they seem to be in hiding, but not yet under the fidelius charm -- Sirius could have visited, but is kept away due to some work for the Order, something he would not have been able to do without knowing the identity of the secret keeper if they were already under the charm. Still, there are some indications which allow the other interpretation: Wormtail is down, for example. I see nothing conclusive either way yet.

Bathilda is also again tied to Dumbledore's secrets.

And the suggestion that Dumbledore has taken James' cloak for something other than to become invisible.

I assume Snape has taken the last half of Lily's letter for Lily's signature, as a memento.

Further indications of the taboo are there in that they mention Voldemort and Death Eaters show up in the square outside Grimmaud Place.

Hermione's unsuccessful attempts to transfigure mouldy bread lays the ground for Neville's later revelation that food is one of the few things you cannot create magically.

The description of the atmosphere of uncertainty and fear is very well done, I think. It is very easy, especially when reading fantasy literature, I think, to think that the distinction between good and evil should be immediately and easily apparent to all. Rowling appreciates the power of propaganda.