The relationship between Grindelwald and Dumbledore was a significant part of the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows book, but it was downplayed for the movies. He regretted the things he had done and wanted to use his last moments of life to stop such horrors from being repeated. Grindelwald's decision to die rather than allow Voldemort to get ahold of his own weapon proved that what Dumbledore's hope was true. The Harry Potter books explain that remorse is the only way to heal the soul after murder.

or maybe from breaking into your tomb?” suggested Harry, and Dumbledore dabbed his eyes.ĭumbledore mentioning Grindelwald making amends was no coincidence. to prevent Voldemort from taking the Hallow.

Perhaps that lie to Voldemort was his attempt to make amends. I would like to think he did feel the horror and shame of what he had done. “They say he showed remorse in later years, alone in his cell at Nurmengard. He lied, you know, pretended he had never had it.”ĭumbledore nodded, looking down at his lap, tears still glittering on the crooked nose.

At last he said, “Grindelwald tried to stop Voldemort going after the wand.