How Riddle Knew He Was A Descendant of Slytherin (WAS: Heir defined)

[lennyb2002]

No: HPFGUIDX 58870


> In response to Phyllis' ponderings about how Voldemort would have 
found out 
> that he was a descendant of Slytherin, Innermurk suggested:
> 
> > Here's an idea, what if the Sorting Hat told him? 
> 
 
The Sorting Hat could have told Riddle if Riddle already knew or 
believed he was the heir at sorting time. It is an interesting 
suggestion though. The sorting hat is the only character to have 
known the four founders and every student that passed through 
Hogwarts. It seems strange that Harry has not discussed his 
parents or family with the hat, no? Perhaps Riddle though did 
research on his lineage and asked the hat- tracing himself back to 
Salazar. 
 
 
My theory is that it was discovered for him. Riddle arrived at 
Hogwarts during Grindewald's rise, and leaves shortly after his 
fall. If the 'heir' represents some sort of power, then Grindewald 
was seeking to kill the heirs. Grindewald discovers  he was missing 
one Tom Riddle.  He penetrates Hogwarts and closes in on Riddle. 
However, Dumbledore slays him and saves Riddle's life. If Dumbledore 
or Riddle knew the lineage prior to this, Grindewald made certain. If 
Grindelwald was the second to last descendant of Slytherin, his 
death informs Riddle that he is now the last.



Thanks!
lennyb