Source
r/harrypotter•
Fellsong

Villain Characteristics

Discussion

In HBP, Dumbledore told Harry about the early signs Tom was exhibiting as a villain. He pointed out the fact Tom refusing his offer to accompany him to go shopping meant he was probably a troublesome boy, as opposed to Harry gladly allowing Hagrid to go with him. I for one admire an eleven year old with the confidence, resourcefullness, and independence to go shopping alone in a big city for items that are difficult to access. There are kids who exhibited that kind of behaviour but didn't grow up to be villains!

Posted Jan 9, 2019, 5:11 AM UTC

27
tectonictigress:ClawS5: •

Yea but that combined with his other characteristics like what he did to the other children in the cave and trophies collected were all suspicious behavior for an 11 year old

5
Rageniry•

Yeah. Wanting to shop alone as an isolated issue doesn't mean anything. Combined with all the other evidence it points towards a troublesome antisocial behavior though. That is how I interpret it at least, and it's sort of how it works in real life when diagnosing personality disorders. One single thing doesn't matter, but 10 things heavily pointing in the same direction does.

7
mikenobbs•

I always just took it as a passing comment about how Voldemort's characteristics can be traced really far back, like the adult Voldemort is very secretive and doesn't confide fully with anyone or seek help, and even at 11 he was the same. I never took it to be the reason Dumbledore sensed trouble, tormenting other children and collecting trophies were far more cause for concern.

4
random8687•

He never said that meant he was a troubled boy, but that it proved his isolation from everyone. He had no friends and did not show any signs of wanting friends or help from people. It’s more than just being independent or introverted, there was absolutely no human connection there which can lead to issues later on.

2
FellsongOP•

I appreciate all your answers. While torturing children and collecting trophies are major red flags, I just don't understand why isolation had to be combined with the above.

1
[deleted]•

You’re right, isolation shouldn’t be combined with the above. But think about it. Maybe the most powerful wizard ever is visiting you, the first time it had ever been confirmed that you’re a wizard, and instead of wanting to question him as much as possible, learning more about the world, or just having someone to show you around in a foreign place you’ve never been without any money to your name, you decide to do it alone at 11 years old. That’s kind of concerning is it not?

1
FellsongOP•

It is concerning. However, imagine you're a good-natured boy but quiet and likes being isolated. Then this wizard comes along and starts reprimanding you for playing too much video games, or not eating enough vegetables. On this encounter, you also find him to be judgemental and uptight. Now, as much as you're curious about this new development, you want to avoid this wizard as much as you can.

The reason I'm bringing this up (and I know that these were not the circumstances) is that I think that's exactly how Voldermort viewed Dumbledore back then. Maybe if Grindlewald had offered to pick him up he would have accepted.

All in all, Dumbledore was right in the end!

1