Dumbledore, Dippet, Grindlewald & Riddle

[Brian <bkb042@yahoo.com>]

No: HPFGUIDX 49298

I've been following the "Voldemort's Age" thread and found myself 
back at those nagging questions: 1) How did Riddle find out that he 
was the Heir of Slytherin? and 2) How did he find out about the 
existance of the Chamber of Secrets? The answer to #2 would be 
comparatively easy; Just look in Hogwarts: A History. But that bit 
of information would be nothing more that an interesting bit of 
trivia UNLESS Riddle had already been informed of his distinguished 
ancestor. So who told him? We know that Dumbledore was the 
transfiguration teacher at the time of Riddle's tenure at Hogwarts, 
and we know that Dippet was Headmaster. We also know that there was 
a wizard named Grindlewald in existance at the time. 

1945 was a year of cusp events. WWII ended. Riddle murdered his 
parents & began his final year at Hogwarts. Dumbledore defeated 
Grindelwald. Let's examine that final event: 

Defeated him how? We have no context on which to base the 
relationship between Dumbledore & Grindlewald other than the 
chocolate frog card that describes Grindelwald as a "dark wizard"
So how was he defeated? An arm wrestling contest? A Wizards' Duel? 
Or perhaps a campaign for the Headmaster's position at Hogwarts?

A possible theory is that Grindelwald was a member of the Hogwarts 
faculty (possibly Potions master, or DADA instructor) under 
Headmaster Dippet, when Riddle first started at Hogwarts. 
Grindlewald could have noticed something about the boy that led him 
to discover that Riddle was the Heir. A muggle-raised, wizard orphan 
(especially at that time), wouldn't have the same knowledge base as 
a child who'd been reared in the WW. Riddle needed a mentor. 
Grindelwald would fit that bill. 

1945 rolls around, Dippet wants to retire. The board of Governers 
requests applicants from current faculty members. Dumbledore & 
Grindelwald both throw their names into the hat for the job. After 
evaluating both applicants, the governers decide that 
Grindelwald's "attitude & politics are regrettably at odds with the 
proud traditions of Hogwarts" and Dumbledore is appointed as 
Headmaster, DEFEATING Grindelwald's bid for the position. 
Grindelwald leaves the school, and based on his activities later, is 
branded a "dark wizard". 

If this theory proves out, it leaves another big question: Where is 
Grindelwald now?


Whaddaya think?

Brian