Imprisonment and death (1945–1998) Towards the later years of his life, Grindelwald re-evaluated his actions and his revolution and it was thought that he expressed shame and remorse for the horrors he and his followers had inflicted on the magical and non-magical worlds.
Even when he was a mere student of Durmstrang, Grindelwald's experiments in the Dark Arts were very dangerous, even nearly fatal to the fellow Durmstrang students he attacked; eventually his "twisted experiments" became too dangerous for even Dumstrang's tolerant outlook on the Dark Arts, resulting in his expulsion.
I welcome death! But my death will not grant you what you seek. There is so much that you do not understand! Grindelwald's last words standing up to Lord Voldemort and defending his ex-lover's legacy.
Grindelwald's Death Was His Redemption In The Harry Potter Books. Rather than treating Voldemort as an old friend, Grindelwald was resistant to Voldemort's interrogation in the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows book.
It's at least implied that Albus was in love with Gellert. We don't really know for sure if they dated or not, as it's never been stated explicitly. Recently (with the release of The Crimes of Grindewald), however, J.K. Rowling stated that Albus did have feelings for Gellert, but they were one-sided.
It was only during the confrontation in Grindelwald's cell that Voldemort learned Albus Dumbledore had claimed the wand in a duel decades back. Grindelwald baffled Voldemort when he showed no fear during the interrogation, taunting Voldemort and laughing at his desire for the wand.
Further, as the sequence continues to build to the big reveal, the baby bird Credence was nurturing evolves into a Phoenix. Grindelwald refers to a legend that phoenixes come to men in his family when they're in dire need. Finally, Grindelwald reveals Credence is a Dumbledore, and his name is Aurelius.
Gellert Grindelwald: My brothers... my sisters. The clock is ticking faster. My dream, we who live, for truth, for love. The moment has come, to take our rightful place... in the world, where we wizards... are free. Join me... or die.
Over the years, Grindelwald raised an army and began a reign of terror that spread through several European countries, though he never attempted to take power in Britain for his fear of his former friend, Dumbledore, who was "a shade more skilful" than he was.
However, by dissecting the origins of both Voldemort and Grindelwald, it can actually be inferred that while Voldemort was the more destructive wizard, Grindelwald was far more dangerous, given his pursuits weren't inherently selfish and his efforts to effect change were far more cunning and far-reaching.
Albus Dumbledore, for example, died when he was 115 years old, which was relatively young for a wizard. Nicholas Flamel and his wife lived more than 600 years thanks to the Philosopher's Stone, but regular wizards can live between 150 and 200 years. The Trolley Lady, for example, is around 190 years old.
However, when Voldemort turned up at Nurmengard prison to murder Grindelwald, Harry observed something surprising about the villain, which he discussed with Dumbledore at the King's Cross limbo: "'Grindelwald tried to stop Voldemort going after the wand. He lied, you know, pretended he had never had it. '
He was subsequently imprisoned in his own fortress for decades, and was finally slain there by Lord Voldemort in 1998 when he refused to give up the location of the Elder Wand.
Even though he hid his sexuality well, when you read the books you do geta few hidden hints. Dumbledore never trusted himself to love again after the way his friendship with Grindelwald ended.
Aberforth's son is Aurelius Dumbledore, born after he fell in love with a girl in Godric's Hollow. However, the girl was sent away, either before or after Aurelius's birth. His son was adopted by Mary Lou Barebone and renamed Credence Barebone. Despite the rumors, Aberforth never confided in Albus about his son.
After Credence defies him, and he is outed for faking the Qillin election, Grindelwald retaliates by aiming Avada Kedavra at Credence in retaliation. Grindelwald tells his acolytes to use the curse during Crimes of Grindelwald.
Albus was fascinated by Grindelwald's research on the Deathly Hallows and ideas of wizarding domination, and their friendship soon turned into a romantic relationship, in which Albus fell in love with Grindelwald.
During his final confrontation with Voldemort, Harry knew that he (Harry) was the Elder Wand's true master. He again cast Expelliarmus, ejecting the wand from Voldemort's hand into his own as the Killing Curse rebounded off his body, fatally striking Voldemort.
Voldemort was born Tom Riddle in 1926, which is when the first Fantastic Beasts film takes place. In Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, there's a bit of a time jump, setting the year as 1932. This would make Tom Riddle around 6 years old at the time.
One of the most famous revelations about Dumbledore after the books were published was that he was actually in love with Gellert Grindelwald. J.K. Rowling said: 'Dumbledore fell in love with Grindelwald, and that added to his horror when Grindelwald showed himself to be what he was…
Dumbledore never married, but had romantic feelings towards his childhood-friend-turned-enemy - Gellert Grindelwald. The two were inseparable for a bit of time, but sadly Grindelwald turned to the dark side, and Dumbledore had no choice but to take the one he loved down. He never pursued another after that.
Dumbledore's lack of belief that Sirius is innocent is also suspect. Sirius was a member of the Order of the Phoenix which fought against Death Eaters, but Sirius also was as close to James as a brother, the Potters even took him in when he ran away from home.
