Grindelwald's story was over, and now it was time to reveal his own.
Voldemort continued, "As Tom Riddle, I grew up in that orphanage, unaware of my true power. Albus Dumbledore, who had already established himself as a powerful wizard, learned about my existence. So, he came to see me. Upon seeing the power I hold, the way I could rival even him, the old man decided to manipulate the course of my life for his own ends. So, he subtly guided my journey, steering me towards Hogwarts."
Harry's mind raced as he listened to the revelation of Dumbledore's manipulation extending to Voldemort himself.
"He took advantage of my thirst for knowledge and power. Dumbledore, the wise and benevolent headmaster, played the puppet master, shaping my destiny to suit his own agenda.
Dumbledore says that dark magic is foul magic that corrupts us, but then why did he let these books inside a school for children?
Why did he keep them there in the forbidden section instead of in a place like the Ministry of Magic, where Aurors would guard it?
Do you know that after I left Hogwarts, Albus removed certain books from the forbidden section as though I was the only one who was meant to read them and no one else?"
Harry knew part of this. There was a certain number of books in the restricted area that should not be near any youngsters.
"Do you know why Dumbledore chose to manipulate me next after Gellert Grindelwald? Because he knew I was a descendant of Salazar Slytherin. Do you really believe that Dumbledore would have no idea that I could open the Chamber of Secrets?
I was all part of his plan.
He knew that I would follow Salazar and try to promote pureblood supremacy. Still, I had not taken any life at that time. I began to study the dark arts intensively. During my seventh year at Hogwarts, I was made Head Boy, earned outstanding marks in every examination I took, and received a Medal for Magical Merit. I thought life could not be better. Finally, I was at a place I could call home.
Remember, Harry, I was born an orphan and had no family or any place to call home. Albus would send me back to the orphanage every time during the break, even though I did not wish to. Now I understand the reason. He wanted me to live among the muggles and let my hatred for them grow.
As Hogwarts felt like my only home, after graduating, I immediately approached Armando Dippet, the then headmaster, and asked him for a chance to teach Defence Against the Dark Arts and to remain at Hogwarts. Dippet rejected this offer, deeming me too young, but invited me to reapply in a few years. I understood his reasoning and decided to travel around and work outside to gain experience. But can you guess who advised Dippet against recruiting me?"
Harry, still absorbing the shocking revelations, knew the answer but could not say it.
"Yes, him, the one you are thinking of right now. Albus Dumbledore himself.
Later on, after years of gaining experience in the wizarding world, I appealed once more to the Headmaster of Hogwarts, this time who was actually Albus Dumbledore. You can already guess what happened. He did not take me."
Harry could not believe his ears.
Why? Why? Why?
Harry kept asking himself that question. Why did Dumbledore do that?
Finally, Harry felt like Voldemort knew the answer and asked, "Why Voldemort? Why did Dumbledore do that?"
"Because, Harry," Voldemort answered, "Dumbledore wanted a nemesis, a dark force that he could vanquish to solidify his image as the savior of the wizarding world. Could you imagine if I were accepted as a teacher? None of this was to happen. But a teacher at a school would be too gentle. Dumbledore needed a formidable opponent, and he saw that potential in me. My rise to power, fueled by his subtle manipulations, served his purpose. He orchestrated events, allowing me to gather followers and wage war on the wizarding world.
This is where I get the idea that Dumbledore wants to eliminate all the wizards.
Do you remember Harry? I asked you previously if Dumbledore was so powerful, why did he never confront me? I got the time to think for a year and reached that conclusion.
By allowing me to wage war on the wizarding world, wizards would die on both sides.
As the Dark Lord, I gathered followers, the Death Eaters, and waged a war that Dumbledore had staged. He knew that I would seek to achieve dominance, and in doing so, I would inadvertently become the force that he, as the savior, would defeat. Dumbledore's plan was to let the casualties pile up on both sides, using the chaos to solidify his image as the one who vanquished the dark force threatening the wizarding world.
In a war, Harry, it is easy to manipulate others. Dumbledore created a group known as the Order of Phoenix to fight against me. I believe everyone who was part of it had fought in the war, except Dumbledore himself. And do you know who exactly Dumbledore targeted to manipulate that group?"
Harry, grappling with a mix of disbelief, anger, and sorrow, felt a chill run down his spine as he anticipated the name Voldemort was about to reveal. He didn't want to hear it, yet a part of him yearned for the confirmation.
Voldemort, watching Harry's emotional turmoil, confirmed the names of his parents.
"James and Lily Potter, your parents, Harry.
He made your parents take part in this war. At that time, your mother was pregnant and carrying you at that time.
What kind of monster makes a pregnant woman go to fight while remaining behind?
But all that was nothing in the plan of Albus."
Harry felt his blood boiling.
The rage toward Albus, the sadness for his mother. Yet, Harry remained still, listening to Voldemort.
"Then Harry Dumbledore got his hands on a Prophecy. The link between you and me." Voldemort said, pointing at Harry.