Harry Potter: When Did Voldemort Return to Hogwarts and Request a Teaching Position?

When Did Voldemort Return to Hogwarts to Request a Teaching Position?

The *Demonstrating When and Why Voldemort Requested a Teaching Position at Hogwarts* delves into a crucial moment in the wizarding world's history. The return of Tom Riddle, later known as Lord Voldemort, to Hogwarts in the summer of 1991 was not just for a casual visit. He sought to assume the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, a role that mattered deeply to him during his own time at the school.

Introduction to Voldemort’s Return

Voldemort’s return to Hogwarts during the 1991-1992 school year was marked by his intentions, specifically to apply for the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts (DADA) teacher. This event not only demanded the attention of the current school leadership but also highlighted his ongoing interest in the school's security and his strategic plans. Despite being turned down by Albus Dumbledore, his pursuit of this position demonstrated his ambitions and his understanding of the importance of such a position in the battle against dark magic.

Hiding the Ravenclaw Diadem

During the same period, Voldemort also had another objective: to hide the Ravenclaw Diadem. This precious artifact held significant treasure and was a symbol of the school's history. He managed to hide it in the Room of Requirement, a secret chamber known for its ability to change its appearance and contents to suit the needs of the user. While there is no explicit mention of the exact timing of the diadem’s concealment, it is often assumed that this was done during the same visit as his job application.

Dumbledore’s Tenure and Elements of Suspense

It is not clear exactly when Dumbledore became headmaster, but it was after a significant event that Remus Lupin’s parents were contemplating his schooling. Based on the information provided, it is determined that Remus Lupin was bitten in the early 1960s, which occurred before he reached Hogwarts in 1971. Albus Dumbledore had already been headmaster for long enough to have influenced Remus’s parents' decision about his education.

Similarly, Tom Riddle, who later became Voldemort, was also involved in a significant act shortly before his application for the DADA position. In the book, he came to visit Hepzibah Smith shortly before her death, which occurred no later than 1962. His visit was recorded during the early 1960s, indicating his presence in the wizarding world around this time.

The specific timing of Voldemort’s visit to Hogwarts is a subject of speculation. Based on various clues from the books and the timeline provided, it can be narrowed down to the winter of 1967/68, plus or minus a few years. This date suggests a period when Dumbledore had just taken the role of headmaster, and the DADA position was likely vacant.

Conclusion on Voldemort's Motivations

The motivations behind Voldemort’s visit to Hogwarts as a young man seeking to become a teacher are multifaceted. His actions were driven by a desire for power, influence, and control, as well as a strategic interest in the school’s defenses. This visit, while initially unsuccessful, marked the beginning of a longer ideological and ideological war that would define the series.

Further Speculation on the Diadem’s Concealment

The hiding of the Ravenclaw Diadem is a separate but related issue. While it is assumed to have occurred during his application for the DADA position, there is a possibility that he did so earlier, between autumn 1943 and summer 1945, especially during and after the summer holiday of 1944. This timing would make sense as a period of relative obscurity, allowing him to hide such an important artifact without arousing suspicion.