How Long Was Voldemort in Power?
In the world of Harry Potter, the reign of Lord Voldemort, also known as Tom Marvolo Riddle, was a dark period that lasted for approximately 12 years. Voldemort rose to power after the fall of Lord Voldemort’s predecessor, Tom Riddle Sr., and his rise to power was marked by a series of events that ultimately led to the Second Wizarding War.
Voldemort’s first major act of power was the murder of his own parents, who were Muggle-born, and the establishment of the Death Eaters, a group of loyal followers who would carry out his orders. Throughout his time in power, Voldemort sought to purge the wizarding world of Muggle-borns and those who opposed his regime. He also sought to create a pure-blood society, where only those with wizarding heritage would be allowed to practice magic.
Early Years of Voldemort’s Rule
Voldemort’s rise to power began in the 1980s, when he was still in his early 20s. During this time, he was known as “He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named” and was considered a threat by the wizarding world. In 1981, he killed the then-head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Bertram Barty Crouch Sr., and escaped from Azkaban, the wizarding world’s maximum-security prison.
Voldemort’s reign of terror continued to escalate as he gathered more Death Eaters and sought to destroy the magical community. In 1984, he began his first attack on Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, attempting to kill the young Harry Potter. Although he failed, this event marked the beginning of the Second Wizarding War.
Peak of Voldemort’s Power
By the mid-1990s, Voldemort’s power had reached its peak. He had managed to create a loyal following of Death Eaters and had taken control of several key positions within the wizarding world. He also managed to kidnap and brainwash Harry Potter’s parents, James and Lily, who were then killed by Voldemort’s Death Eaters.
During this time, Voldemort’s main goal was to destroy the wizarding world and establish a new regime. He also sought to kill Harry Potter, who was considered the boy who lived, the only person who could defeat him. In 1995, Voldemort’s power reached its peak when he captured and brainwashed Harry’s best friend, Ron Weasley, into becoming a Death Eater.
The Fall of Voldemort
The fall of Voldemort’s power began in 1997 when Harry Potter, along with his friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, managed to locate and destroy Voldemort’s Horcruxes, which were the sources of his immortality. This weakened Voldemort’s power significantly, and he was eventually defeated by Harry Potter in the Battle of Hogwarts in 1998.
In conclusion, Voldemort’s reign of power lasted for approximately 12 years, a period marked by terror and destruction in the wizarding world. His fall from power was a significant victory for the magical community, and his legacy continues to be a reminder of the dangers that can arise from the pursuit of power and control.
