Hey Everyone!

I have permision to start up an Albus Dumbledore Fanclub, as he is one of my favorite characters in the series, and i know there are others like me out there!

A few requirements-
If you do decide to join, please add something in your name about this club, a link if possible, if not the whole name, then W.A.W will do!
Also, try and keep on topic, we dont want the thread closed!


Ok so i thought we'd start with an overview of the Great Albus Dumbledore
(Please read the end of this post before you reply. Please.)

1.What are your favourite characteristics or Albus?, Why do you like him?

2.Dumbledore's future, i know this is a hard one, because it i such a big topic, and it is taking place in loads of forums, but if we keep it strictly to him...
What will Dumbledores place be in Deathly Hallows?

3.Albus and Aberforth, they are brothers, but what is the relationship like between the two?

Answer as many and as much as you like, hopefully we'll get enough members and the topics will keep on coming!

Clara}~

EDIT: For goodness sake if you decide to join, and we are on page twentyEDIT:Now page fiftey something!!!, DO NOT, i repeat, DO NOT answer these three questions. In fact, you never need to answer these questions, we will NEVER be on page one of this thread again. We have new topics regularly, read a few of the recent posts and POST SOMETHING USEFUL! if you answer these questions, i will simply ignore you, no offence, but it will be so. :

Clara, I am absolutely gobsmacked that there has been no Dumbledore fan club up until now. I for one am proud to join. I wanted to be the first and annoyingly my oven is about to beep beep telling me that dinner is cook. So when I've done the necessary with that I will proudly update my sugnature and edit this post to answer your questions.

Well done Clara...a good topic.

1.What are your favourite characteristics or Albus?, Why do you like him?

He's human. Totally unflappable, not afraid to admit that he is not perfect and above all, immensley likeable. There's nothing to dislike about the character, he always comes across as kind, considerate and willing to listen. Plus he can do wicked magic!!

2.Dumbledore's future, i know this is a hard one, because it i such a big topic, and it is taking place in loads of forums, but if we keep it strictly to him...
What will Dumbledores place be in Deathly Hallows?


OK so we know that we are not going to read book 7 and find that he didn't die at all. I do however believe that he still has a big part to play in Harry retrieving the remaining horcruxes. A man like DD will have written something down, and ofcourse ther's always the portrait in the headmaster/mistresses office.

3.Albus and Aberforth, they are brothers, but what is the relationship like between the two?

I think that there are a lot of differences between the two. Did JKR ever say that Albus was the elder? I assume that he was. Maybe Alberforth couldn't live up to his elder brother and there relationship has been distant, but I think that Albus would have made amends because he wouldn't have wanted to live his life knowing that his brother was envious of him in any way.

Yeah, I too thought there would have been a Dumbledore Fanclub and I even attempted to start one over the summer but was denied because it was encroaching on MOOOP territory or something .... Owell I will join this one instead.


1.What are your favourite characteristics or Albus?, Why do you like him?

Well I love his good nature, and his ability to maintain a constant stream of knowledge of the happenings of the world. His supreme power, and seemingly ease with using it is utterly amazing has only been shown a few times in the books, making Dumbledore a very modest person. I love that he can admit his faults and fess up to his mistakes, which is a quality alot more of us should have. Dumbledore's quick thinking and will to bend the rules for what is right has ensured us a story and I thank him for that. He orchestrated Harry's life so that he could come out alive. There is so much that I can describe about Dumbledore, but I will save some for discussion.

2.Dumbledore's future, i know this is a hard one, because it i such a big topic, and it is taking place in loads of forums, but if we keep it strictly to him...

Well I have many, many theories for the Return of Dumbledore. Alot of them debunked because of what JKR released on August 2nd, 2006, but despite her words, the evidence is still there in the books. The most recent theory I have had refers to the meaning of Dumbledore's name. We know Albus= White, Wulfric refers to the Beowulf epic, Brian is for comic relief, and Dumbledore is a type of beetle described as visiting the shire once a year.. but Percival, Percival in Old French means 'pierce the veil'. We know there is a Veil in the Department of Mysteries that leads to the world of the dead. Would it be "pulling a gandalf" if Dumbledore found a way out of the Veil, no, I dont think it would be. I still hold hope for seeing Dumbledore again in the Seventh book.

3.Albus and Aberforth, they are brothers, but what is the relationship like between the two?

Hmm I think there is a pretty close relationship there. Dumbledore obviously talks to Aberforth enough to know what happens in the Hog's Head. They may not have been close growing up, but I doubt that they are not close now. I feel that Aberforth will play a decent role in Book seven, and has done more before behind the scenes then we think.

~Albus

Hi W.A.W!
I love Dumbledore!
1.What are your favourite characteristics or Albus?, Why do you like him?
Okay, um, I like that in the books he seems to always be there for Harry, I don't know why they make him seem so crazy and distant from Harry in the movies, but I'm afraid that if I go on I'll get a little ... Any ways....
I like how he is always right but he doesn't rub it in peoples faces... For exapmle he does not do this:

DD- Voldermort is back!!!
Minister- Yeah right!!
DD- You idiot he's back listen to me!!
Minister- He's not back!

A few months later...

Minister- Oh my gosh!! Voldermort is back!!
DD- HaHaHa I told you he was back but you wouldn't listen to me so know I get to rub it in your face! HAHAHA!! I was right and you were wrong I was right and you were wrong!! So there!!

Okay so Dumbledore doesn't do that and I like that...


2. What will Dumbledores place be in Deathly Hallows?

Well since JK confimed that he is dead I think that maybe his portiat in the Headmasters office may help Harry, like give him advice, like the other portraits did to Dumbledore when he was headmaster.

3.Albus and Aberforth, they are brothers, but what is the relationship like between the two?

Okay...um...well... I really haven't given this much thought until now, but I don't think that they are that clise because I mean have we ever really met Aberforth in the books? No, we've only heard of him... I think that if JK wanted him to have a big role he would be with Albus more and we would have met him before now... I don't really think that as brothers they are very close...

But I was just wondering and since we are the Dumbledore fan club... Do you think that the Dumbledore in the movies is a little more crazy than he should be?

I think that he should be alittle crazy like he is in the book but I think that they are over doing it in the movies... I don't now it could just be me though...

right, thought i'd answer the topics now....

1.What are your favourite characteristics or Albus?, Why do you like him?
I love the way that he applies his knowledge. A lot of the time, people know things, and have a good mind, but dont seem to be able to use them both at the same time. Dumbledore does, always, giving him a kind of perpetual strength. The calmness with which he does this, adds to the strength. He is kind and caring, and although this does leave room for possible weaknesses, he makes sure that people know not to 'mess' with him. My favorite point, is the fact that he can speak quietly, and everybody listens. What he says always makes sense, even if it is incorrect (which it rarely is) and he exudes a confidence in his abilities, without becomimg arrogant.

2. What will Dumbledores place be in Deathly Hallows?
However much i want dumbledore to be alive, i dont think it would happen (althoug i do like your take on the names albus), at least not completely. I think he is too great a wizard to just diassapear, and he has always been a permanent stabalising force. Without him the 7th book would just be all over the place. I think he needs to be there, in some shape or form, but not just back from the dead, or something of the sort.

-something about the portraits though, why is everybody so upset when people die, when you can just get a life size portrait or statue of them done, and hug that instead?

3.Albus and Aberforth, they are brothers, but what is the relationship like between the two?
I know this question seems really random, but i was reading some theories on their relationship, and the part that abe could play on DH and they seemed to have something to them. I won't go into them now... but i thought it would be interesting to delve into the past a bit more....
I think they are close, maybe they don't speak to eachother much but they have a bond, which allows them to get on really well. I know that abe doesn't play a big part in any of the first 6 books, but it would be strange for JK to create a brother for such an independent man, and then not use him. I think they have the sort of link that twins have, hey maybe they are twins???

Do you think that the Dumbledore in the movies is a little more crazy than he should be?
interesting question Lil Cougar, i think it comes down to the actors.
Richard Harris was on of my all time favorite actors, and to me, he was Dumbledore, in fact if i hadn't seen him in so much before Hp, i would of believed that they had somehow got dumbledore to act (i know he's fictional but humour me..)He had the calmness, the voice thing that i went on about earlier...
However, Michael Gambon, who is still a good actor (and incidently will have been in 99 films by the middle of this year...) wasn't quite the same. He seems stronger, in body but different. In the fourth film, after harry's name came out of the goblet, he seemed less dumbledore-ish... Also, his you can hear his irish accent more than Richard Harris', and i always find that funny... (so basically yes, sort of)

Clara}~
By the way, I'll be adding a members list in my profile for those regular visitors

Oh wow,a fan club for Albus..I simply love it!Good thought there clara!!

1.What are your favourite characteristics or Albus?, Why do you like him?

I like him mainly because he doesn't get angry.I've met many people who become angry for silly things but Dumbledore doesnt even get angry in the places where I get angry.He is simply sperb in controlling his emotions.I like his courage,for instance he wasn't afraid to go to Azkaban like most people do.As etphonehome said,he is a human.I mean there are several characteristics of him which made me drawn to him and I'm sure it will be a long post if I start writing all the things I like about him..

2. What will Dumbledores place be in Deathly Hallows?

I'm sure he will be important but I guess only to the trio.He is dead and there is no use breaking your head how he is going to come back.Maybe while fighting with LV,Harry might remember some really good points told by DD which will help him to put up a great fight against LV.

-

But the point is,clara,they can't be always with the potraits.Harry can't take the potrait of DD every where he goes..

Do you think that the Dumbledore in the movies is a little more crazy than he should be?

Absolutely right!.Michael Gambon,I think he overacts or some thing like that.But I liked Richard.He really fits for the character.The twinkling in his eyes..the calmness..superb acting there!

3.Albus and Aberforth, they are brothers, but what is the relationship like between the two?

It seems really odd that JKR had created that character and there is no conversation between them!.Maybe Aberforth must have moved away from him to lead his own life or something...

Another magnificent fanclub for me to join! Count me in!

1.What are your favourite characteristics of Albus?, Why do you like him?
He's one of those characters that you have no other choice but to like him. He's so genuinly lovable that it's not possible to not like him. He's honest, well-tempered, wise and just a kind person over all. He is slow to judgement and anger and he forgives easily. He admits when he is wrong and accepts his mistakes rather than hide them. He will help other people to the best of his abilities and keep their best intrests at heart.

2. What will Dumbledores place be in Deathly Hallows?
As wise as Dumbledore is, I'm sure he has thought of the possibility of himself dying. I'm sure he knew that he could not be around forever (I think he even hinted it.) So I'm sure that he left something of himself behind. And something that will help the trio and all others who loved him.

3.Albus and Aberforth, they are brothers, but what is the relationship like between the two?
Personally, I am incapable of answering this question. I have no idea what their relationship is like. Dumbledore seems like such a loner and yet so personable at the same time. I'm sure there will be some relevance to Aberforth's existence. For all we know, Albus could have told him something crucial before his death. Highly unlikely, but possible. Maybe there is a little of Albus in Aberforth that the trio could use to their advantage.

I didn't answer this one!

I was always fond of Richard Harris as an actor, and that first scene in PS with him and Maggie Smith (aka McGonnagall) was for me perfect. He sounded and looked exactly as I imagined him to be. For me the character of Albus Dumbledore in the first 2 books was and is still, a contemplative softly spoken person. That's how Harris portrayed him. The later books show a different side of DD. One who realises that he has made mistakes, and he is a little more forceful. Unfortunatley we will never know whether or not Harris would have developed the role in this way, but Michael Gambon does have this sort of wild look in his eyes that, I for one wasn't sure to start actually belonged there. However as the stories have progressed, I think Gambon has got it bang on the money...all Wizards are a bit on the eccentric side and why shouldn't the greatest one of all be a tad crazy!

clara what a great idea!! i love Dumbledore! he is one of my favourite characters (i can't choose between Dumbledore and Lupin!)

etphonehome -

as am i! i saw the title and i thought.... "now why hasn't a thread like these been done before?"

Lil Cougar -

well when i saw the forth film i remeber thinking and saying that Dumbledore would not be as forceful as Micheal choose to be at the point when he asked Harry of he put his name into the goblet. I just didn't think that Dumbledore would be like that. I have always preferred Richard Harris' Dumbledore. He always spoke how i imagined and acted the way i thought he would. He was soft and even when being stern he was humorus... o don't know how to describe it lol but alll i can say i guess is that i guess Gambon is more forcefull then i pictured Dumbledore to be and that in the end i guess he appears to change... is that crazier though?

1.What are your favourite characteristics of Albus?, Why do you like him?
Well erm... wise, not afraid to admit his mistakes, kind, honest, helpful, tries not to judge people quickly, he is powerful, he can speak quietly and get people to listen, he is a good listener, he is very caring, he can sense when something is up... and so on and so on!

2.What will Dumbledores place be in Deathly Hallows?
erm i don't know... he is d*** and J.K has said that he will not come back so erm... well i think that whatever role he will play in the book i think that it will be through his portrait in the office. Even if he doesn't say anything it would be nice to see him just sleeping... finally after a hrad life of uncoding riddles concerning the future he would be at peace...

3.Albus and Aberforth, they are brothers, but what is the relationship like between the two?
well have we any incline from the books? erm well i think that as they were both in the order that they had just a simple relationship. it's not like Albus had any pictures of him or ever spoke of him so actually... maybe the memories were too painful so he never spoke of him? they could have been really close...

K.Lupin_warewolf, after reading your last post, i have been turned on my views of micheal Gambon as Dumbledore. I guess Dumbledore did get more worried, and less controled (though still more so than everybody else) as he got more worried. I think it just shocked me- and others - to see Dumbledore so worried. Maybe it was meant to do that, to show how worried Dumbledore was for harry. I really need a thesaurus, whats another word for worried?? oh yeah... maybe his concern for harry's walefare led him to become more..different..

i still prefer Richard Harris... but unfortunately he's well, unavailable...

Oh, just to say, if anybody has anything on dumbledore that they want to discuss, feel free to get discussing!

Clara}~

Ooh, I have a question that has been bugging me for ages.



I took this from a thread about DDs age (this was from Toms post). If, as it appears, DD was a very old man when he died, what do you think the secret of his longevity was?

Do you think that he was exposed to the Elixir of Life courtesy of his friend Nicholas Flamel? Or was he just very good at taking his vitamins and leading a healthy lifestyle?

Do all wizards live to be a great age, assumimg that they do not get zapped by the AK curse? Or was DD the exception to the rule?

I am interested on everyone elses take on this. I will read your replies with interest before giving mine!!

ohh i was going to go do my homework now, but hey who cares.
oh its your fault if i fail...

it appears, DD was a very old man when he died, what do you think the secret of his longevity was?
I remember hearing once that wizard lived longer than muggles, though dont ask me when... so i guess this could have contributed.
Also, he was a very powerful wizard. In some cases, it makes sense for the stronger the wizard, the earlier he dies, the body gets worn out. But in hp, it would seem that the more powerful the wizard the longer he lives. It would seem as though the power of the mind and the magic substains the body. I guess it's just mind over matter really. Voldemort is old, really, nd he is surprisingly sgaile for his age, considering he has been nearly dead a few times. Lusius malfoy is fiftey something, as i am sure many of the other death eaters are, and he seems perfectly happy running around killing people....
so my main guess is that Wizards and witches generally live longer than muggles, and dumbleodore, v=being exceptionally powerfull, was able to prolong that life. who knows how long he would have lived if he hadn't well... you know..

Clara}~

Hi, I'd love to join, if I may.
I truly love Albus, he was one of my favorite characters. When he died, my heart broke!
I weeped for the entire rest of the book. Let me tell you, it was difficult trying to read in between bouts of gasps and nose blowing and rivers of tears but I got through the book.
1.What are your favourite characteristics or Albus?, Why do you like him?
My favorite characteristic would have to be his ability to be menacing. I just think that he is such a good and kind person that loves life and jokes that when he turns into a powerful menacing (frightening even) wizard, I just can't help but be awed. He is able to laugh and joke but he is powerful enough to command the attention of the most powerful of wizards and witches and to frighten his opponents.
I love Dumby because he is so selfless. He tries so hard to protect people and give people chances. He cares so much for the wizarding world that he died protecting it. In his quest to protect the wizarding world, he has sacrificed much personal comforts.
2.Dumbledore's future, i know this is a hard one, because it i such a big topic, and it is taking place in loads of forums, but if we keep it strictly to him...
What will Dumbledores place be in Deathly Hallows?
I think Dumbledore's portrait will be of stupendous help to Harry. The portrait of the Headmaster will surely be in the book. However, I don't think he is coming back, sadly.
3.Albus and Aberforth, they are brothers, but what is the relationship like between the two?
Albus and Aberforth probably chat often when Dumby goes into Hogsmeade. He probably also asks ( I mean used to ask) Aberforth to keep an eye on his students and such.
I don't really know how close they were though. They are brothers and blood is thicker than water...
Sidenote:
I hate when people insult Dumby. This kid in philosophy class did once and I was really angry. I started yelling at him in the middle of the lesson. My teacher had to take me outside and tell me to calm down. It was really upsetting...

hey guys, im sooo happy theres something totally devoted to dumbledore. he deserves it.


1.What are your favourite characteristics or Albus?, Why do you like him?

i think its amazing how he can be so powerful, smart, talented and loving; but hes still so down to earth. despite all he's been through, hes still a normal person, he laughs, crys,& loves.


2.Dumbledore's future, i know this is a hard one, because it i such a big topic, and it is taking place in loads of forums, but if we keep it strictly to him...
What will Dumbledores place be in Deathly Hallows?

oh man. i myself was wondering how dumbledores portrait in his office will have a roll in DH?

i changed your views Clara... is that a good thing? well i just think that despite the fact that i think Harris is Dumbledore, Gambon as Dumbledore isn't bad... he has changed... people change. i think we have to give Micheal a lot of praise as he has not just copied Richard's Dumbledore, he has made the character his own so he is not copying Richard Harris

Richard Harris R.I.P


good question etphonehome! i, like Clara, have always been under the impression that Wizards and Witches lived longer than Muggles... but i do like the idea that maybe...
he could very well have been but we don't know that... i'll think i'll go with the "Wizards and Witches live longer" theory.

Yay a Dumbledore fan club. If i post does this mean i join??


1.What are your favourite characteristics or Albus?, Why do you like him?

2.Dumbledore's future, i know this is a hard one, because it i such a big topic, and it is taking place in loads of forums, but if we keep it strictly to him...
What will Dumbledores place be in Deathly Hallows?

3.Albus and Aberforth, they are brothers, but what is the relationship like between the two?



1. I like Albus because in the book he is potrayed as a patient person and is a teacher that doesn't go screaming the odds.
I think Richard Harris displayed this perfectly but Micheal Gambon seems to be too rough with Harry. Dumbledore is a much gentler person the Gambon portrays him.




2. I think Dumbledores place in Deathly Hallows will be some sort of guidance for Harry i sadly beileve that Dumbledore is dead but he will have some echo on the world. Even though he is dead he may leave clues to help Harry.

3. I think they although hardly mentioned. They get on well and they are actually workin where workin together to help stop Voldermort. Some beileve that the bar man of the Hogs head is Aberforth. I think they had a strong relationship.

I like thosse questions.

Yeah Seriouslysirius! you do join (not that i could stop you anyway....)
member list is in my profile, may set up some sort of points system (sorry i stole that from the marauders fanclub....)
Keep up with the good posting guys!

Let me just nip in while I have a minute...

If, as it appears, DD was a very old man when he died, what do you think the secret of his longevity was?
I do like the 'wizards live longer theory' but maybe not that long? He was an extremely powerful wizard, so, in theory, he could have done many things to evade death. (that one is still circulating around my brain so I can't really put it in to words just yet. We'll see if I can next time.)

Do you think that he was exposed to the Elixir of Life courtesy of his friend Nicholas Flamel? Or was he just very good at taking his vitamins and leading a healthy lifestyle?
He could have very easily been. But don't you need to keep drinking it to stay living? I think that when Flamel left so did the Elixir and the Stone.
Oh, I think it's beyond a healthy life style!

Yay count me in I love Dumbledore. Now for the first lot of question, forgive me I'm going away tomorrow and am in the middle of packing so I'll answer the initial ones...

1.What are your favourite characteristics or Albus?, Why do you like him?
I have to admit I had outside inspiration which formulated my love for him. I also love the Lord of the Rings and the day I realised the strong similarities between Gandalf and Dumbledore I realised how valuable he was. Gandalf being my favourite character in that made Dumbledore my favourite HP character.
More specifically I like him for the exact title of this group, I love him because he's wonderful but moreso because he is so wise. He is so knowlegable in many ways but he doesn't thrust his knowledge in your face and say haha I'm smarter than you. He's a very calm being, very resposible, and capable of great power.
He is beloved when you get to know him, very strong in mind, but he proves he is only human by letting emotions blur his vision sometimes. He is veyr loyal and expects loyalty back, and those who display such loyalty are rewarded for life.

Basically I could go on forever about why I like him, if you can idolise a fictional character he is my idol.

2.Dumbledore's future, i know this is a hard one, because it i such a big topic, and it is taking place in loads of forums, but if we keep it strictly to him...
What will Dumbledores place be in Deathly Hallows?
I simply believe he will be what he has been in the previous book, a mentor, leader and inspiration even in death. He will communicate to Harry via his portrait, in death his primary concern will be to help Harry, I don't believe he has much more to offer the order, they can look after themselves.

3.Albus and Aberforth, they are brothers, but what is the relationship like between the two?
I'm not too sure about this one, I was saying just the other day to my sister that I feel Aberforth will have some vital role and possibly important secrets or something similar, he has been cast for OOTP, even if he appears only in the old order photo they clearly want us to know he exists. Maybe he and Albus were very close when they were younger and he may be able to help Harry in physical for when Albus can't move from his portrait. Sorry don't have much to say on this one.

Do you think that the Dumbledore in the movies is a little more crazy than he should be?
Yes, when I read the books I still imagine Richard Harris not Michael Gambon. He seems to young, and doesn't appear to have been through as much as the old D had, you can't see the wisdom in his face, or the image that he could have lived for 300 years. But this is no discredit to Michael Gambon, as I've said to others this could be more of a directors choice as opposed to Michael's interpretation or skill. He seemed to show his emotion too much, he got angry, of concered and showed it, letting down his guard could be confusing in the movies as I see him as a very cool calm and collected kind of guys as opposed to one that sits on the floor talking to a 4th year admitting he can't figure something out and "it's maddening"

It appears, DD was a very old man when he died, what do you think the secret of his longevity was?
I also believe in the wizards live longer theory, he's the strongest person I know so strength = years, it wasn't his time to die before so he simply didn't, sorry to quote LOTR but as Gandalf said "I was sent back until my task was done" - Until his death Dumbledore was clearly still needed, now he can sit back a little more in death.

Well I managed to answer them all. One last question, can someone please tell me how to make a link in my signature because I'd like to link to all the clubs I'm in and I don't know how.

Thanks Clara for starting a great club

Yay. I join..

I wanted to say something about Dumbledore before is there any chance that anyone things he could come back. I mean we all miss him but truthlly does any one thing he has the power to come back from the dead. Or he just isn't dead??

I'm sorry if i'm not aloud to ask that question..

If, as it appears, DD was a very old man when he died, what do you think the secret of his longevity was?
Do you think that he was exposed to the Elixir of Life courtesy of his friend Nicholas Flamel? Or was he just very good at taking his vitamins and leading a healthy lifestyle?

Since I asked the question I guess I should answer it, I agree that Wizards and Witches do, naturally have a longer lifespan than muggles, but since the average man only lives to be 70 something, we are talking about double the number of years here. This is why I mentioned the other things. Correctly someone mentioned the fact that for Nicholas Flamel to maintain his extended life, he has to keep taking the Elixir of Life, and as I don't think that Dumbledore would have gone along with anything unnatural, I'd be inclined to rule this one out.
However, I don't think this is all down to good genes. I reckon old DD was a canny chap, and knew a thing or two about eating right, taking a bit of exercise.....I'm sure he often walked himself off to Hogsmeade for a small glass of Mdm Rosmertas special, all in moderation of course, and a quiet contemplative stroll back. I can honestly say that I can imagine him doing a bit of Yoga as well...sitting there in the lotus position having a quiet bit of mediation!!



I can see why you would think you can't ask that question. There is a whole thread about this very topic and I think we have all agreed when Clara Morgue asked her original questions that DD was not coming back in the mortal sense, but I think that there are other ways for him to return, the before mentioned portraits for one. I have another theory but I won't go into it right know as it needs some tweeking to make sense, but I'm sure other members have their own ideas on this topic.

Oh ok. Yes i do think that Portraits is away that ha can come back.. Anyway just asking..

If, as it appears, DD was a very old man when he died, what do you think the secret of his longevity was?
Do you think that he was exposed to the Elixir of Life courtesy of his friend Nicholas Flamel? Or was he just very good at taking his vitamins and leading a healthy lifestyle?

I haven't answer that. Well i personally think that it was just due to his healthy life style.. Dumbledore maybe a great man.. But i don't believe he would want to Elixr of Life. Because he knows there are more things worst then death. I don't think Dumbledore feared death, as such.. So i think i owe it to his healty lifestyle.

I am so in. .

DD sets an example for the rest of us, his relaxed, pleasent manner brings peace even as his proactive movements bring balance.

He has such wonderful toys! And his past is so delisciously mysterious.

He is the only father Harry ever knew, and he knew it. . but he also accepted the limitations of his own role in securing wizardoms destiny from Voldemort, and in that he shows the nessessity of humility, even while he basks in his own wisdom at times.

he's human.

As for his future, it seems to me that he is dead as a human can be, even if he can live on in his portraits and the memories of others, his influence will speak for the ages through the things he did, i think that we well encounter him in this way throughout the rest of the developements in Rowlings world, whatever it comes to.

I don't know anything about his brother. . I'm about to read through the series again from beginning to end though, so I'm sure to sharpen my opinions.

thanks for starting this up!

~ ill

PS. . I don't know yet how to add a club thingy, I'll work on it soon.

I'm so green . . =)

More PS . . How old is DD? We know how much younger he apeared to be from the memory of Tom Riddle at the orphanage, Dumbledore then was what? 40 - 50 ish? Didn't he age slowly since then?

I have one theory on Dumbledore's long life span. For those that are familiar with Stephen R. Donaldson's Thomas Covenant series, those in the books who use "magic" live much longer life spans than the normal people. That series attributes this long life span to a side effect from the use of magic. When a person uses this magic it sustains their body and increases their life span.

In that series, those that were more powerful and used more magic, lived even longer life spans. The elongation of their live was in direct proportion to the power and frequency of their magic.

I think the HP series is seeing a similar effect. I would say it influenced JKR but I think this concept is fairly common in books dealing with magic vs non-magic people. Dumbledore was the most powerful Wizard of his time. If falls in line with this theory that he would have the longest lifespan of any present day wizard.

Yeah i think the side affect of the magic is the main reason he lived so long. It makes sense that if you are powerful in mind and magic, the health of your body can be substained for longer. I think tha was what i was trying to say before, i just didn't phrase it very well...

Drinotonks, in case you haven't worked it out yet...
You go to the place where you edit the profile, you type in the name of the club, highlight it, click the little symbol above that adds a link, then enter the address of the club (if you go on the club then higlight the adress at the top, then copy and paste, it's easier...) hop that makes sense.

Ok, if i'm moving this on too fast, please let me know, but i have another background question on Dumbledore.
What kind of childhood do you think Dumbledore had?

I know it can seem slightly irrelevant, but i think the childhood is the basis for everything that a person becomes. It is easy to assume that Dumbledore was nurtured and cared for, but I think he has something else there. Something that enabled him to be as great as he is. There is no or little mention of great and powerful parents, even in passing, but he is the greatest wizard of his time. There must of been something to propel him. I have my own theories, but i'll explain latter...

Clara}~

What kind of childhood do you think Dumbledore had?

i think that it is relevant! our histories are what define us! well i don't know. like you, Clara, i think that he was well cared for but i also think that there must be something more there.he defeated a dark wizard... how? well like i said i don't know... maybe his parents were killed... or maybe he was just a really good student at school... or maybe he wasn't cared for and he praticsed magic for revenge, did something and then regreted later.... nah less likely lol
still good question!

What kind of childhood do you think Dumbledore had?

Intresting question..

I have a feeling it may not have been a nice one. Oweing to the fact that he is so kind and gives everybody second chances. He may have even known what Harry felt what Harry felt like in the Dursleys. Because he had to go through it with himself. Just a thought.

Hi Clara, brilliant thread!!

I like Albus but I'm not that fond of him. He's a positive character, of course! and his bond with Harry is too important for the whole story...

What I like of Albus is his knowledge of magic. I like of him the ability of being such a quiet, smiling wizard who would be able to practice the most powerful magic, if he would need it (including Dark Arts...).
I know that many people think he's a doddering oldie, but I think that he's smart because he tends to give to people the wrong impression...like "Look at the old wizard, he's not dangerous..." and ZOT! he casts a spell on them before they have the time to say "oh".

OK, I was joking.

His childhood...well I can't really imagine it. I wonder what brought him to be Hogwarts Headmaster and his brother to be a bartender...

I honestly hope we'll see him again in book 7, even in a portrait...but there.

Well one thing to remember, at the end of the GoF movie Dumbledore commented to Harry that he hated the Gryffindor curtains and set them on fire when he was student. To be honest, it has been a while since I last read GoF and I do not recall how this scene was in the book.

But I know that JKR does have some control of the script and if that was completely wrong, she would not allow them to claim Dumbledore was a Hogwarts student when he never was. From age eleven on, I think we can be pretty sure Dumbledore was at Hogwarts most of the time. One thing that Voldemort, Dumbledore and Harry have in common is that they are isolationist. I know Harry has Ron and Hermione, but he tends to face things by himself. JKR has done a wonderful job taking away all his supports.

I think Dumbledore as a student was much like how he described Tom Riddle's at Hogwarts. A real stand out wizard but one who really had no close friends and was more of a loner. He would be constantly trying to improve himself and his skills through private study.

Now his pre-Hogwarts time would be a little difficult to figure out. Since we know little of Aberforth and nothing of their parents, guessing Albus's upbringing would be difficult.

Do you think that he and Aberforth were orphaned as kids and brought to Hogwarts much like Tom Riddle was? I see so many parallels between Tom and Albus that I think they could have shared a similar upbringing. Only difference was that Tom has a psychopathic mentality and Albus did not.

The Wise and the Wonderful. . yes, yes he was.

And his face will be missed by all who care about the good. . and that's saying about the best thing you can say for anyone.

And he was funny. . it takes a great man to be such a cult of personality and not take yourself to seriously, in the end i think the ultimate expression of that was his humility about the war with Voldimort, he knew he'd only be able to set it up for Harry. . he knows it isn't for him to see that promised land. . only to lead, and to inspire, and clarify. . and teach. . I think that's a great man.

Hopefully, his portrait will hold enough of his persona to be gratifying, we will see, but I have no doubt that he has left behind any number of clues, any number of useful objects, that will play a pivotal role in the comming conclusion to this battle.

But I'll miss him. . when we lost him I swear it felt like losing a friend. . which of course is why everyone wants to see him resurected. . but he is human after all, which is what made him such an endearing character. . He kew he could die. . we knew he could die. . but we didn't expect it to come so soon. . he looked like he would live forever, because he looked like he already had.

His brother for all we know can become a key figure as fast as Aragorn once did in LOTR. . perhaps with enough of DD in his eyes to reflect him in a great way, and after all he will inherit everything. . unless DD left a will! Shall Harry benefit from a DD will? The great man's wand? His pensieve? His other tools? His books? Could Harry be left a property no one knew Dumbledore possessed, a place holding deep secrets?

Richard Harris was a wonderful Dumbledore, the way he expressed Dumbledores thoughts seemed pretty perfect to me. . but after his death I found Michael Gambon to just feel wrong, as sorry for him as i am to say it.

I know they only want to use British actors, I wonder if they ever considerred Peter O'Toole? He's awesome, British, a knight, but most importantly he would be a more flamboyant, yet still wizened Dumbledore, with a sense of Joy and a flare for performance, wich is such a part of his character. . Dumbledore obviously loved being in the center. . and he dressed the part.

He needs more personality. Dumbledore was fun!

~ ill

Hello, I am new to this thread, and, I'll have to say that I was surprised that the W.A.W is so (relatively) new.
Anyway, I think Dumbledore's childhood should be very similar to Harry's, if not identical. Dumbledore seems to understand how Harry feels in any situation, be it the death of a close friend/relative, and treatment of muggles.
There might be a slight possibility that Dumbledore was orphaned, and had to live in the muggle world for the first 5 years of his life. And then, maybe his godfather came to the rescue and they had some wonderful times together. After that, maybe a dark wizard murdered his godfather, which results in Dumbledore's urge to be better at magic and rid the world of dark wizards.
I am not very sure if what I said makes sense, but I cannot think of a better explanation.

I haven't answered this..

Do you think that the Dumbledore in the movies is a little more crazy than he should be?

Oh yes if you mean Micheal Gambon. He is just not gentle enough wit Harry. He pushes him up the wall in GOF.

I just don't see that as Dumbledore. He would be gentler he would calmfully ask Harry. Not run at him. I would like to see hes character calm down in OOTP. Though he has an excuse when it comes to the fight. Between him and Voldermort.

wow i didn't know this! she has control over some of it... intresting lol i ahve always asked if she has any control to my friends because some of the things that are said...

so really what we should be asking is what happened at Howgarts, before Hogwarts and after Hogwarts... there was the order of course.

for some reason i have always seen Albus' life as being quite ... hard... what else do i say?

I will clarify the script part for others since we discussed it by PM. While JKR is consulted on the script she does not have technical control of it. But the script writers would be fools not to listen to her advice and keep the script inline with what she wants. All it would take is one word to a reporter from JKR that she is not happy with the script and the studio would be doing major damage control. So I am convinced that anything you see in the movies meets with her approval.

I could have sworn I read in here someone did not agree with my idea that both Harry and Dumbledore were loners. Maybe I am losing my mind. Harry faced Voldemort alone in SS/PS. In CoS he faced Tom and the Basilisk alone. In PoA he faced the dementors alone. In GoF he competed alone in the tournament and facing Voldemort in the graveyard. In OotP Harry was isolated by his mood swings and Umbridge. In HBP, he spent most of his time working alone with Dumbledore. Yes Harry has his friends but he has always played the lonely hero in the big issues with each book.

I see Dumbledore's youth very similar to this and Tom Riddle's youth. An isolated powerful wizard who does not really fit in. Even in his position at Headmaster, Dumbledore is isolated. He does not even trust to McGonnagal what he knows of Horcruxes. He consults Snape for reasons to be determined in Book 7 and in Harry. Does anyone think Dumbledore has anything other than a stand-offish relationship with his teachers?

I agree with you Gaburdette. JKR has said, and Im paraphrasing here "where is his equal, where is his confidant?" in reference to Dumbledore. That line, when read in full, fully portrays Dumbledore as someone who is generally alone in his thinking and life.

As for Harry, the evidence shows he is alone as long as he is a marked man. He most likely will defeat the Dark Lord alone, and if he survives then he may do two things.. finally open up and stop playing the lone hero role, or continue in his solitude down the same path as Dumbledore.

As for the movie Dumbledore, I will admit that there was some mistakes in certain scenes that has made many people turn against Michael Gambon as Dumbledore. I, being the essence of a Dumbledore enthusiast, actually prefer Gambon's look and voice over Richard Harris (Rest in Peace). If Yates can soften Gambon's Dumbledore up a bit, and present him in an effective light, he has a lot of Potential to be the perfect Dumbledore. He will be getting new robes in OotP, or so I hear, and this may be the first materialistic changed to accompany an acting change which is for the best. Gambon's Dumbledore is perfect for the stage we are entering.... the quick duels, the ferocity of his convictions for Harry and Snape... I cant wait for the Duel between the Dark Lord...amazing! I also think that Movie 5 is the best place for Dumbledore to fall back into Character.. we need that bit at the end where Dumbledore is soft.. I believe Gambon can pull it off.

~Albus

argg i just typed the whole thing then lost it!!!!!it took me 15 minutes!!!

oh well. I like some of the theories, i have something similar myself.

What kind of childhood do you think Dumbledore had?
i find it hard to believe that Dumbledore had an easy childhood, he is much too developed and insightful to have had it easy. It is easy to see some correlation betweem Dumbledore, Tom riddle and Harry. Tom and Harry both lost parents, though the loss of Toms father was different. Where others have dismissed them, DD gave them another chance. He did so with Snape and probably with countless others. Dumbledore is either just a very trusting person, or he sees what these people could beocme, if they are given the opportunity and encouragement.
I think his parents were wizards (not two men in case it looks like that...) of average to slightly above average ability. I think both or one of his parents died, maybe fightling Grindlewald (sp?), and the other was left unable to cope. DD then took the position of caring for the family, whilst Abe distanced himself from them. When DD was at Hogwarts, he immersed himself in his studdies, to become the most powerful that he could be, and vowed never to let anybody he loved die again.
This could be why he takes any threat on his students so seriously. He feels that they are entirely his to protect, in an selfless way.
I an almost certain that he lost somebody,and although i think it was a parent, i think that it was probably somebody that he looked after. The way he looks after Harry and his endless patience suggests that it was somebody that was unable to protect themself, it could still be a parent, and he took the loss upon his own shoulders. This may have occured before his eleventh birthday, but i think it is ulikely.
He had a difficult childhood, but it made him what he is.

phew. oh dear i just realised that i wrote the whole of this in present tense...never mind

oh i hadn't about this one....
Shall Harry benefit from a DD will?
I think that if DD did leave a will of sorts, it would be something that would aid harry in the fight against Voldemort. He is not the type of person to place too much value in material possesion, as we see from his views on Tom chosing certain objects to become horcruxes. His greatest possesion seemed to be his knowledge. Of course his power as well, but he needs to know what to do with the power for it to be of any use. Therefore, it makes sense that DD would leave harry the pensieve. If not to find th remaining horcruxes, at least so that Harry could gain something from it. I also think he would leave Harry things that only he would understand, guidence.
The only other real possessions that DD had (that we know of) were Fawkes and the things in his office. Fawkes flew away, and I can see McGonagall leaving the majority of DD office as it is, almost a shrine, something else to remember him by. I dont really see the office changing much during any of the headteacher changeovers, it seems a constant, like DD

"Does anyone think Dumbledore has anything other than a stand-offish relationship with his teachers?"
hmm, i always see him as more protective of the students, and less worried about the teachers (which given the history of teachers, quirrel for example) isn't that surprising. It seems as though he doesn't trust them, but maybe he doesn't want to put more people in danger than he has to. the only people he has told is Snape and Harry, and Harry told Ron and Hermionie. He told Harry because ultimately, Harry will have to kill Voldy, and Snape, because he is involved in everything, literally, that man is the one to talk to if you want to get the goss. anyway...
did anybody notice that the only three that know about the horcruxes, are the ones that heard the prophecy? Dumbledore directly, harry through the little orb thingy, and Snape overheard. The other people that know of their existence are Voldy, Ron and Hermionie, and they have been told of the prophecy by one of the three.
back to the teachers...
I think Dumbledore is just protecting them, though sometimes too much, and he comes across a little patronising. There is also the other thing you said, about isolating himself which means that he natuarally seperates himself.

Dumbledore can only do what he does beacause he is alone. Although Dumbledore does take on the responsibility of looking after the students, he distances himself as much as possible. Harry is already following in his footsteps, by distancing himsel from ginny (yes, well done harry you finnally did something right!! )

Phew. now you see why i am so annoyed tht i lost it all the first time.
Clara}~

One thing I believe certain, Gambon will play DD to the conclusion, no matter.

Hopefully they give him lots of screen time to do it well, and he makes the most of it! Directing has so much to do with a filmic portrayal of any character. so it's up to OOTP.

Pressure.

The pensieve being left to Harry would make sense, and I want a Dumbledore portait in Grimauld place! If no one knows about the horcruxes, what is to become of the ring sitting there, for all to see? so many questions involve what all magic DD has stashed where!

His childhood is mysterious so that we will consider him as he is. . old and wizened, but it is obvious from his protective character and his secretiveness that Albus came from a childhood full of threat. . as his adulthood has been at times. It also seems to me that he has spent the last 17 years in the knowledge that it will be Harry, and not himself who will destroy Lord Voldemort, and that the best he can do will be to give his all, and all that time, preparing Hogwarts and Harry for that day. He also seems I think to have some premonition of his own fate, and to accept it.

~ Does that make sense?

Shall Harry benefit from a DD will?


I don't believe Dumbldore left anything in his will as such. If there was one. I think it would of just been all his money goes to the school or something because that was what he loved. It may conatain help with Horcruwes but i'm not sure. In case it fall into the wrong hands.

Wow!! A Dumbledore fan club!! Cool!! What a fantastic thread!!



As soon as I have posted I will add a link in my signature to this fan club.
And I will post as often as I can.

Right now to the questions. . .

1.What are your favourite characteristics or Albus?, Why do you like him?
My favourite characteristics of Albus Dumbledore would have to be the following:

• Loyal
• He talks in riddles
• Caring
• Witty
• Likeable

2.Dumbledore's future, i know this is a hard one, because it i such a big topic, and it is taking place in loads of forums, but if we keep it strictly to him...
What will Dumbledores place be in Deathly Hallows?
Dumbledore will, I think, continue to help Harry through many ways even though he has left us.

3.Albus and Aberforth, they are brothers, but what is the relationship like between the two?
I feel that they would get on well. I can't think of anyone that REALLY hate Dumbledore apart from the Malfoy's perhaps (I don't think Snape HATES him)


Do you think that the Dumbledore in the movies is a little more crazy than he should be?
No, reading the books again I don't think he is crazy enough, he says a lot of witty, funny, crazy things. Richard Harris, in my opinion, is a better interpretation of the Dumbledore I had in mind as I feel that Michael Gambon's interpretation is a little too rough for my liking.

What kind of childhood do you think Dumbledore had?
Good question yet difficult. Well I think maybe Dumbledore’s childhood was troubling, he lost someone perhaps because he couldn’t/didn’t help them which would explain his continuing thirst/need/quality to help others. Well it’s an idea. . .

If, as it appears, DD was a very old man when he died, what do you think the secret of his longevity was? Do you think that he was exposed to the Elixir of Life courtesy of his friend Nicholas Flamel? Or was he just very good at taking his vitamins and leading a healthy lifestyle?
Well in answer to these question I would say that I have always believed that

And I haven't even read the R. Donaldson's Thomas Covenant But if I think back to movies I have watched such as 'Merlin' wizard and witches ALWAYS tend to live into their hunderds of years. So I think there is no secret to Dumbledore's long life, I think (providing you dont get ill or killed etc) wizards and witches live genarly a long life.

Shall Harry benefit from a DD will?
I think if Dumbledore had any money he would give it to the school, his home he could give to the Weasly's because they live in a small area, to Harry he would give him help in some way.

illusionistic, yes. Your post makes sense

I'm proud to say I'm a member. . . EDIT: I have added a link to this club in my signature now!

I'm so glad something like this finally came about! I think Dumbledore deserves it.

1.What are your favourite characteristics or Albus?, Why do you like him?
Dumbledore has many appealing characteristics that make me like him. His intelligence, for one, is amazing. I admire the complexity of his mind. I also like how he is so calm and collected. He never has any outbursts, he conducts himself politely and with control, even when most would be off the wall. He has a generallyl warm, witty aura that makes him typically likeable as a person. I think back to over Christmas at Hogwarts (the particular time of which I'm thinking is in PoA) how at one point he is mature as can be, but he finds joy in small things, like getting happy over the crackers and his wizard hat, smiling and greeting everyone; things like that make me like Dumbledore even more.

2.What will Dumbledores place be in Deathly Hallows?
As much as I don't like to think it, I do think he is dead. Even a wizard as wise and wonderful as Dumbledore reaches the end of his life. I think his influence in DH will be his memory, his wise words and advice, living on in Harry and guiding him.

3.Albus and Aberforth, they are brothers, but what is the relationship like between the two?\
This, I cannot say. The only inkling I have of Aberforth is when Dumbledore mentioned him doing innapropriate charms on a goat, and not letting it get to his future, though Dumbledore then says something to the likes that he can't read and therefore didn't see any news or bashing toward him.

Do you think that the Dumbledore in the movies is a little more crazy than he should be?
Hmm. . ."crazy" isn't exactly the word I had in mind, but I don't think Gambon is "in control" or gentle enough. In the book Dumbledore is a warm, charming character, and the way Gambon portays him is not. He seems almost angry to me in the movies, and he shook and and raised his voice to Harry in a way Dumbledore never would.
I'm not saying that Gambon can't do the part right, what I'm getting at is that he doesn't play it right, in my opinion. I wish he would change his character and become the character that I explained I loved in the first question.

What kind of childhood do you think Dumbledore had?
That's a very good question, though hard to say. It's so hard to say because while we know Dumbledore's character well, his past and personal life is very cloudy. He seems too wise and understanding to have just sailed through childhood and become the man he is/was. I think he had some difficulties that he had to overcome, though I honestly don't know what that would be.
When I think of his character and relation to a possible childhood theory for Dumbledore, I think of how he has always said "There are things far worse than death" but never realy specifies what he is talking about. I just think he has experienced something that has given him that wisdom and outlook.

If, as it appears, DD was a very old man when he died, what do you think the secret of his longevity was? Do you think that he was exposed to the Elixir of Life courtesy of his friend Nicholas Flamel? Or was he just very good at taking his vitamins and leading a healthy lifestyle?
I've always been of the understanding that wizards generally live longer than muggles. It doesn't seem like Dumbledore to use a substance like the Sorcerer's Stone, as he is so adamant that there are much worse things than death.

Shall Harry benefit from a DD will?
I find it hard to believe that Dumbledore wouldn't leave something for Harry to help him out with his quest. I do also think that there are many causes that Dumbledore would wish to support, especially if there's hope for Hogwarts I think he would do anything to take care of it the best he could.

"Does anyone think Dumbledore has anything other than a stand-offish relationship with his teachers?"

I don't think he has much of a relationship with his teachers. I think there might be something there for Mcgongall. I only think he respects his fellow collagrd has friends. I do imagine he is aware of the Quirrel situation, and now moniters his teachers with a stern eye.

I hope that is the right answer for the question.

Hey seriouslysirius, there is no right or wrong answer!

Yeah i agree that he respects them, but respects them as people that he has responsibility for. He may like them as people, but sometimes forgets that he needs to relax, i know he seems to be a relaxed, laid-back person, but with a mind like his, he most probably finds it hard to shut down. He may find it hard to take a step back, and let them look after themselves he looks at every minute detail, and understands everything he can, but sometimes he may need to look at what is right in front of him.
He is still an amazing man, and extremely intelligent, but hey, nobody's perfect.

Clara}~

oh ps, hello to all the new people!!!

Yeah i was just wondering that the question was about something else.
Yeah Dumbledore never let his mind shut but i can't say i blame him because if he did shut his mind down then Harry wouldn't have known as much about Voldermort as he knows now. Though everybody needs a break. I wonder what Dumbledore did in his spare time??

I wonder what Dumbledore did in his spare time??

well, Fred and George said he paced a lot...
I can imagine him playing with his toys, or rather his highly technical, full of magic, really complicated i-dont-need-to-read-the-instructions, equiptment.
I can see him sitting at his desk fiddling with tiny timeturner looking things, whilst thinking about the not very serious things- tomorrows lessons and what's for dinner, the semi-important things- detentions and suchlike... and the important things, like voldemort and life and death and all that... all at the sme time of course.
Occasionly he would stop, pick up his wand and put a memory into his pensieve.
I dno't know why, as he always seems such a punctual person, but i always think that Mcganagal or another responsibly member of staff would have to remind him it was dinner time...

Clara}~

Washed his socks maybe? Spending time meditating to get the thought of a Vomit flavored Jelly Beans out of his head?

Did he have spare time? No I doubt he did. Dumbledore has been on a single mission since the first fall of Voldemort, preparing for Voldemort's return and defeat. Any spare time would be devoted to this task.

I have had second thoughts about his relationship to the teachers. How do we know he was distant from them? We only see the series through Harry's eyes and the teachers private discussions do not involve him. We know Dumbledore has a very close relationship with Snape. It is closer than McGonnagal who is Dumbledore's deputy and much more closer in age.

Why did Dumbledore recruit an old friend in Slughorn? We know Dumbledore wanted that piece of his memory but did he also bring him to Hogwarts for his wisdom? With Dumbledore gone Harry will need help. Slughorn is a very powerful Wizard who already knows of Voldemort's horcruxes. By bringing Slughorn into the loop, Dumbledore has not spread the knowledge of horcruxes to anyone new and gained a powerful Wizard to help Harry. Maybe Dumbledore has been working closely with the his teachers to prepare them for whatever is to come in book 7.

Something that has always infuriated me about Professor Dumbledore is his patience. As the world's most impatient person I find it so hard to fathom a person who can sit quietly while his office is being destroyed, or while he is being argued with in a forest, or while facing a kangagroo court to determine that a mad man has returned to resume his reign of horror.

I had read something earlier about Dumbledore not rubbing it in the faces of people when he was proven right... (i.e., about Voldemort's return) and as commendable as that is, it's so frustrating to watch him go through it.

I suppose that's why he's lived to be 150+ years old. His blood pressure stays down, and he doesn't allow the 'little things' to bother him.

About his relationship with his teachers; I would like to say I think he is rather close to some of them, (McGonagall, Flitwick, Snape) but I also wonder what he was thinking hiring some of them? I mean, Lockheart? The man was unable to see past his own reflection. And Moody? From what I understood Professor Dumbledore and Mad Eye were friends; if this is true then how come he was unable to notice the difference in him. Was there never a reference to the past? Did Barty Crouch Jr. really learn that much about him?

I supposed I could see how he overlooked a few things, but come on.

Ooops. Okay...before you send out the dogs, I totally did not mean for this entire post to sound like I was totally against Professor Dumbledore. Quite the opposite in fact. Please please please please please please don't hunt me down with torches and pitchforks.

hehe, not with torches and pitchforks...
I do understand what you mean, i can understand why his patience might be irritating. But, when facing a court, that have the power to decide whether you will be officially ignored or not, losing your temper would not be the best thing to do.
and Harry smashing his office up? he had just lost a secind chance to have something resembling a father. He was angry, and Dumbledore being as empathetic as he is, understood this. If he had got annoyed, there just would have been two people destroying the office.
I think what so many people love about Dumbledore, is his ability to remain calm in situations where the majority of us would break down. It gives him a strength that cannot be diminished. His power and strength shows more in those moments of calm than they ever would if he was angry. Although it can be painful even to watch such a good person go through so much, it is his descision. He would be an entirely different person if he got angry every time somebody shouted at him. He is too strong a person to let those things affect him.
And i totally admire him for it.

hope that helps a little
Clara}~

Edit: you also said something about the teachers. I agree that Lockhart may have been a little bit of a mistake.. but mad eye? crouch jr did spend a lot of time studying the real mad eye. He was dedicated to Voldemort, he would never let it go wrong. The reason that DD realised he was not the real moody, was because crouch jr took Harry away, and DD knew that would not be something the real guy would do.
I think Moody was such an eccentric character anyway, a few odd moments wouldn't surprise anybody, thats why Malfoy the Ferret was recieved differently than if say, snape... had done it.

Here is a strange question but it is a question none the less.

Do you think apart from Aberforth, Dumbledore has any kind of family left?

I hope i can ask this but this question has been bugging me. Because they might be able to help Harry in his search for Horcruxes. But personally as Dumbledore was old. I'd say that only cousions and that sort would be left alive. Unless they used the Elixer Of Life??

I wonder what Dumbledore did in his spare time??
on the whitch and wizard cards from the chocolate frogs doesn't it say something about ten pin bowling and chamber music? so i can imagine Dumbledore sitting (or pacing) in his office listening to music. or generally thinking as he seems to do a lot of that...

Do you think apart from Aberforth, Dumbledore has any kind of family left?
well given his age... i'd say no. also there is no mention of anybody else.

Yes Dumbledore did get up to ten pin bowling, i remember that.. I also think he often a couple or more years before he died dedicated his spare time to finding clues about Voldermort anything to swart him..

And yes K.Lupin_Werewolf i do agree with you to answer my own question i don't think he had any other family.