How Voldemort Met Nagini in ‘Harry Potter’

Nagini, the formidable snake and loyal companion of Voldemort in the ‘Harry Potter’ series, holds a significant place in the Dark Lord's story. As one of Voldemort’s Horcruxes, Nagini’s transformation from a regular snake into a pivotal piece of Voldemort’s fragmented soul is shrouded in intrigue. The exact circumstances of their meeting remain somewhat enigmatic, particularly since Nagini's backstory is expanded upon in the ‘Fantastic Beasts’ series.

In ‘Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald’, we learn that Nagini was once a Maledictus, a human cursed to eventually turn into a snake. This curse meant she wasn’t just any snake but a person who was struggling with a tragic fate. The film shows her in 1927 as a member of Circus Arcanus, where she befriends Credence Barebone. Their bond is marked by mutual tragedy, though their paths diverge when Credence is swayed by the dark wizard Grindelwald.

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Speculation suggests that Voldemort might have encountered Nagini during his period of exile in Albania between 1981 and 1994. During this time, Voldemort, in a weakened state, possessed various animals, primarily snakes. 

The connection with Nagini might have been facilitated by his interactions with her while she was in her snake form. J.K. Rowling confirmed that it was through the murder of a witch named Bertha Jorkins that Voldemort turned Nagini into a Horcrux, linking her transformation directly to his dark activities.

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By the time of ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’, Nagini is firmly established as Voldemort’s most trusted ally. She is deeply integrated into his plans and plays a crucial role in his quest for immortality. 

Their relationship is not just one of convenience but seems to carry a deeper connection, as Voldemort’s control over her is profound, and she participates willingly in his most sinister deeds. Despite their dark alliance, the exact nature of how Voldemort and Nagini’s bond was formed remains one of the most compelling mysteries within the ‘Harry Potter’ universe.

–Farheen Ali