Grindelwald and Tom Riddle, and end of LV

[fanofminerva]

I had posted this a few times on the main list but received very 
little response.  I find it amusing that I am apologizing for this 
being canon given that this is an OT list.  However, I am posting it 
here because I sincerely want the opinion of others and the main 
list just is not delivering.

We know a little about Grindelwald.  
1.  He was the most powerful dark wizard whom DD defeated in 1945.

2.  Some have speculated that he had something to do with World War 
II, give the date.  I do not assume he was Hitler as some do, but I 
do believe that the war in the wizarding world either affected or 
was effected by WWII in the muggle world.

3.  Grindelwald was mentioned the PS/SS on the back of DD's 
chocolate frog card along with Flamel.  We learned about Flamel but 
not much about Grindelwald.


So now I have listed what I know, let me try to explain my questions 
that I really would like others' opinions about.  First, the timing, 
to me, is too suspect to not wonder what connection he may have with 
Tom Riddle, who eventually became LV.  Is what makes LV the greatest 
dark wizard also what empowered Grindelwald?  Could this also be 
what made Salazar Slytherin turn after the four founded Hogwarts?  
I'm NOT talking about some possession thing (which was the only 
response I got from the main list and the person then went off on 
me).  I'm thinking more of a LOTR ring of absolute power kind of 
idea.  A "power" that is so tempting that people (wizards) will go 
to any length to acquire and use it.  

Second, could this be what defeats LV?  Harry, who is a powerful 
wizard, is offered this power, possibly after LV is defeated (and 
TOm Riddle redeemed?).  Harry defeats this dark power by making the 
CHOICE not to succoumb, thus destroying it.  (Part of this is 
gleaned from an essay on Mugglenet about the prophesy and the 
diference between the personas of LV and "The Boy Who Lived" versus 
the persons of Tom Riddle and Harry Potter.)

This already is a post longer than I would want to read, so I will 
close.  I hope others find this intriguing as well.

Julie