[HPforGrownups] Re: Dumbledore's age

[Bart Lidofsky]

No: HPFGUIDX 176742

From: melhersheybar <mhersheybar at hotmail.com>
>> Renee:
>> Then this is probably not going to help: If DD died at the end of
>> Harry's sixth year, 1996 ought to be 1997.  

Mel:
>Another problem with math and DD's age that is much bigger, IMO, is 
>the fact that he dueled with Grindelwald in 1945 when, according to 
>jkrowling.com, he was 64 years old (he is wizard of the month this 
>month and his year of birth is listed as 1881).  

Bart:
To which I reply, "ARRRRRRRGHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!" 

How many effing (perfectly good HP term) birthdates are we going to HAVE for that man?????

Here's the thing. I have been trying to get a handle on what DID happen to Arianna. Now, all we have is from Abe the Goat, and he was very non-specific. But this, in and of itself, is a clue, because it has to have been something which was sufficiently bad that he wouldn't say it out loud. However, the year in which it took place (or, more precisely, the decade) also has a lot to do with it. What was the attitude towards witches at the time? The long-term effects imply either brain injury or rape. But if it were the former, why didn't Abe say something like, "beat her almost to death"? In the 1850's, there was on standard, in the 1920's another. But now we are looking more or less to the late 1880's/early 1890's for the attack. I'll have to do some research. 

>Harry about Grindelwald, he mentions watching GW become more and more 
>powerful for something like five years, before he finally realized he 
>would have to fight him.  He and Grindelwald were friends for several 
>months when they were in their early 20s - after the fight where 
>Arianna died, Grindelwald began showing his true colors. 

Here, I have fewer problems. I just assume that it took a few decades for Waldo to start getting into a position of power.

Bart