[HPforGrownups] "a hundred years"

[Tammy Rizzo]

No: HPFGUIDX 59759

On 9 Jun 2003 at 3:33, ashwinder99 wrote:

> I'm re-reading PoA again and I noticed something on page 6 (hardcover
> US version) "... Lily and James Potter had not died in a car crash.
> They had been murdered, murdered by the most feared Dark wizard for a
> hundred years, Lord Voldemort." Wait, a hundred years? Isn't he in his
> 60s now? I don't remember how I know this, but I'm pretty sure he is.
> I'm sorry if this has been talked about a lot a while back, or if I'm
> just missing something. Just hoping someone can clear this up for me.
> Thanks!

Your math is correct -- Voldemort would be in his late 60's to early 70's throughout 
Harry's time at Hogwarts.  I think what may be confusing you is reflected in the 
syntax of your query.  "The most feared Dark wizard for a hundred years."  That 
doesn't mean that Voldemort has been feared for a hundred years, no, no.  What 
that statement means is that, in the last hundred years, there hasn't been anyone as 
terrible as Voldemort.  He's the worst.  He ranks number one on the 'Hundred Years 
Of Scary Dudes' list.   Does that help?  :)

***
Tammy
tammy at mauswerks.net