Biodata
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Gellert Grindelwald 1 169 |
| Alias(es) | Mr. G 318 340 |
| Species/Race | Wizard; member of the German pure-blood Grindelwald family 138 |
| Gender | Male 169 |
| Affiliation | Former leader of the Saints; Grindelwald family; later employed at Hogwarts 139 191 340 |
| Occupation/Role | Former Dark Lord; later a Hogwarts cleaner and steward of the restored Grindelwald manor 1 340 360 368 |
| Status | Alive; escaped from Nurmengard 169 368 |
| First Appearance | Mentioned in Ch. 1; appears on-page in Ch. 138 1 138 |
Background and History
Gellert once pursued a world in which wizards would no longer have to hide. Dumbledore defeated him, and he spent more than forty years imprisoned at Nurmengard. His defeat also brought punishment and confiscation upon the Grindelwald family 1 138 169 188.
While imprisoned, Gellert saw a newspaper photograph of his great-nephew Klein, the family's last known descendant. Klein's resemblance to his younger self moved him, while surviving Saints sought to rescue Gellert and bring Klein into their circle 138 139. Gellert later escaped Nurmengard during a thunderstorm by influencing guards, some of whom remained loyal to him 169.
After his escape, Gellert lived under assumed identities, including that of Mr. G. He met the powerful figure known as Soren without realizing Soren was Klein, and handled Soren's Resurrection Stone briefly before returning it 190 191. He also followed Klein's Quidditch career, secretly paying supporters to create a cheering crowd at the Lithuania match and helping establish a wider fan circle 177 277.
Gellert approached Klein in person while posing as an elderly fan. Hoping to become part of his life without being rejected, he later asked Dumbledore for a position at Hogwarts and became a cleaner 273 278 339 340. Klein subsequently told him that he had known Mr. G's identity since their first meeting 354. After the Triwizard Tournament, the two returned to Germany, where Klein bought back the Grindelwald family manor. Gellert helped restore the home and showed Klein its hidden family treasure: a piece of wood rich in life-force magic 357 360 361.
Appearance
Gellert is an elderly, frail-looking man whose resemblance to Klein is especially apparent in photographs of his youth 138 183 278.
- Bald, with a thin, dry hand 183 357.
- Initially has one damaged eye; a magical prosthetic made by Klein restores its sight and gives it a blue iris 190 318.
- Wears a black coat and red scarf when visiting Dumbledore, and a green work uniform while cleaning at Hogwarts 339 340.
Personality
Old Zod remembers Gellert as obsessive and self-centered: once committed to a goal, he would abandon anything that obstructed it 139. Even in old age, Gellert remains calculating. He escapes Nurmengard without openly attacking its guards and plans a gradual introduction into Klein's life rather than demanding recognition 169 273.
His interest in Klein also reveals a gentler side. He delights in Klein's achievements, worries when the Hydra threatens him, and takes pride in restoring their family home 310 357 360. Dumbledore nevertheless treats him as dangerous, and Gellert's calm response to an attack on his café shows that his old combat instincts remain intact 319 339.
Abilities and Skills
Mental Influence
- Uses mental suggestion and manipulation to secure the cooperation of Nurmengard guards during his escape; some guards are also secretly loyal to him 169.
Dueling and Fire Magic
- Suppresses an incoming Killing Curse with All Spells Dissipated, then casts All Return to Silence, producing an azure Fiendfyre snake 319.
- Corners Barty Crouch Jr. and the Voldemort soul inhabiting him after they attack his café 319 321.
Domestic Magic
- Demonstrates household curse magic while trying to persuade Dumbledore to give him a job at Hogwarts 339.
Equipment and Items
- Elder Wand — A former possession that helped bring him to the height of his power; Gellert also associates it with his downfall 190.
- Magical prosthetic eye — Made by Klein to restore sight to his right eye 318.
- Portable magic camera — Obtained to photograph Klein teaching at Hogwarts 341.
Relationships
- Klein Grindelwald — His great-nephew and the focus of his efforts to reconnect with the family. Gellert becomes his self-proclaimed fan, later accompanies him home to Germany and shares the family's hidden heritage with him 139 278 357 360.
- Albus Dumbledore — Old friend and former rival who defeated and imprisoned him. Their later conversations are tense, though Dumbledore helps arrange contact with Klein 1 321 339.
- Old Zod — An early follower who remains at Gellert's side after his escape and helps him support Klein 139 177 310.
- Tom — Soren's emissary, whom Gellert charms and later puts in charge of work involving the Saints and Death Blossom 183 188 191.
- Barty Crouch Jr. and Voldemort — Attack Gellert while he is posing as Mr. G; he defeats the body carrying both souls 319 321.