He suspected it, based on his inflated ego and a desire to connect with powerful pure-blood families. Yet, without concrete evidence, he could not confirm his suspicions. Growing up in a Muggle orphanage, Voldemort had limited access to information about his parentage. In the absence of a definitive answer, the most probable scenario was that he was Muggle-born, as he was found in a Muggle orphanage with a Muggle surname.

Riddles of Blood Status

The origins of Voldemort's blood status elicit much debate, but his own commentary and the evidence from the books offer a clearer picture. It is evident from the Goblet of Fire, where Tom Riddle Sr. dies mysteriously in August 1943, that Voldemort, Tom Riddle Jr., would have prior knowledge of his bloodline after murdering his father. However, he was unaware of it when he met Albus Dumbledore in 1938.

From this information, we can infer that Voldemort discovered his parentage between the summer of 1938 and the summer of 1943. The timeline of these events allows us to speculate that he likely spent a significant amount of time researching his parentage, prioritizing the search for his father's magical heritage.

Confronting Reality

According to Albus Dumbledore's theory, it is suggested that Voldemort would focus on his father's magical lineage before looking into his mother. As such, he likely spent time examining magical records and attempting to uncover the truth about his parentage. The hypothesis is supported by Voldemort's own comments, indicating that he believed only magical records could provide the necessary information.

Given this, it is reasonable to assume that Voldemort located and confirmed his parents' identities close to August 1943, long after he first suspected his mixed heritage. Only by identifying both parents did he gain the true understanding of his blood status. Therefore, it is important to consider that his true blood status was established on the day he discovered the identities and Muggle/Magical statuses of his parents.

The revelation that Voldemort was a half-blood is crucial in understanding his complex character and actions. This knowledge opens a window into the motivations behind his quest for pure-blood supremacy and his eventual rise to power within the magical world.

Conclusion

The journey to understanding Voldemort's blood status is a fascinating and complex narrative. While much remains unknown, the evidence from the Harry Potter series provides a compelling framework for unraveling the truth behind one of the most notorious figures in magical history. This knowledge not only enriches our comprehension of the story but also serves as a reminder of the importance of truth and the potential consequences of ignorance.

Keywords: Voldemort half-blood, Voldemort parentage, Harry Potter blood status