death to capslock

As we all know the books left a lot of questions unanswered. So many things are contradictory and just flat out don't make any sense. 

I've often thought about Tom Riddle's time at Hogwarts and those memories that Dumbledore showed Harry. Many of the things Dumbles told Harry didn't make any sense. Worse some of the reasons he gave Harry for the things that he did make even less sense. I'm thinking here of Trelawney's interview being held in the Hog's Head because it was raining. Was she related to the Wicked Witch of the West? Did she fear death by melting? But I digress, back to my musings about Tom.

How was it that Tom was able to amass a loyal following that included the likes of Avery, Lestrange, and one can only assume Malfoy. Although they must have been the fathers of Lucius Malfoy's generation. I know Dumbledore tells Harry that he believed Tom did it by virtue of his Parslemouth ability, his charm, good looks, and superior intellect, but I have to wonder. Perhaps I'm too cynical, but during those "lessons" Dumbledore is so cagey in what he reveals I really have trouble taking anything he says at face value.