And now we finally know the real Albus Dumbledore.

This thread is for discussing everything pertaining to who Albus Dumbledore really was, and how others perceived him.

I am fascinated with his story! I thought, firstly, that it was a wonderful way of really explaining to us why Harry was the hero of these stories. I don't doubt that many people were wondering why Dumbledore didn't just kill Voldemort and be done with it. The journey of doubt reader experiences with Harry was extremely well done, I thought. Harry wanted to trust Dumbledore, but not blindly like Elphias Doge. He wanted the truth, and the truth was ultimately satisfying and real. Dumbledore wasn't a super human. Nor were Harry and Snape and all the rest, and I loved how even Dumbledore himself needed to be forgiven for what he had started out as, and how he needed to judged upon what he chose.

So, what was everyone else's thoughts on him? What did you think of Aberforth, and his choices? Was Bathilda Bagshot really mad? How did you experience the doubt about the lies of Dumbledore, and how wrong was it of him to be secretive? What were your thoughts on his idea of 'the greater good', and his friendship with Grindelwald? (And who saw that coming?! )

It was quite fascinating. When I first read where his father had attacked three boys I was like - Oh, shame - but upon reading why I thought he was brilliant for doing it.

Ariana, such a shame that they tortured her, I reckon she would have been a very smart girl. Totally sucks her mother having to take care of her and not knowing if she might blow up the house or something.

Aberforth, he loved his sister, I daresay more then Albus did. I wonder if they death of Ariana turned him a little odd?

I'm glad there was at least someone as great as he was to talk to, Albus I mean. Although it sucked to have his friend become the bad guy be had to defeat. You could tell that the things in his early life made him the staunch anti-dark magic campaigner he was in later life. I'm not much of a DD fan, but learning more about him helped me to better understand him. And whilst I don't agree with what he did I think he's just like everyone else. Learning from his mistakes.

Oh I loved this book for all the Dumbledore information it gave me!

About Dumbledore's family... he seemed to have had a normal life until his sister was attacked by muggles. This sent his father to Azkaban, his sister was horribly affected, and his Mother was forced to give up any ambitions she had to take care of her daughter, Ariana. I am sure Aberforth was affected greatly as well, but like Albus he could get away. Aberforth seems more of a family-based person, where Albus was more worried about school and achievements.

I do not blame Albus for allying at such an age with Gellert Grindelwald. We all know that Grindelwald main motive was the Hallows, his move to Godric's Hollow showed this, and he most likely would have shaped easily the anguish and anger Albus had toward the muggles (they destroyed his early life basically) and he would have easily been swept up in the fervor.

I am glad that Dumbledore learned from his mistakes and became the respectable wizard he turned out to be.

I think Dumbledore's backstory was fascinating, and more significant because of the insight it gives into his character as opposed to harry's character,than anything else. It just makes you wonder who has the purer heart--who was a better person. Dumbldeore wasn't bad, but when you think of what Harry went through, versus what dumbledore went through...and harry's choices in life versus dumbledore's, it makes you realize how rare harry is. Dumbledore didn't realize his mistakes in life until a bit later--and then he did remedy them...but al the damage could not be undone, as we saw from ariana's death and aberforth's estrangement....

Respectable? Through the entire series he lied to Harry to achieve his own ends. How is that respectable? He was still doing the 'Greater Good' thing when he got older. Not telling Harry he was doomed to die because there was a Horcrux in him was for the greater good. Having him endure years of torment with the Dursleys' was for the greater good. Ignoring him when he shouldn't have was for the greater good. Think he was more important then Harry when we all know he was weak. Dumbledore was a selfish old man who had nothing in mind then having someone else achieve what he could not. He said himself he didn't care how many people were killed in Voldemorts plan to get to Harry. Clearly he didn't care much for Harry himself or he wouldn't have lied to him and hidden things from him. He might have been a powerful wizard but he really was quite stupid.

Aberforth knew his brother. That I believe. He knew what he really was like. Time might change people but he was still practising what he was doing with Grindelwald long after he defeated him. Aberforth knew this. I don't blame him for keeping his distance.

I was facisnated by Dumbldedore's past. I thought that the suspensful ways in which JK let the information unfold was brilliant! At first I was starting to doubt Dumbledore, and by the end I was stastified again with our most brilliant headmaster.
His relationship with Grindawald was a huge surprise for me, I had noooo idea that would ever occur !

While Dumbledore was perceived by the world at large as a noble and chivalrous Saint, he was far from it. His cold, calculating plans and devises done for the Greater Good were worthy of Machiavelli. In fact, he is a fitting case-study for anyone who would wish to read the Prince. Poor, much maligned Aberforth Dumbledore had far more nobility than dear old Albus. As for his friendship for Grindlewald, that doesn't suprise me. They were both twisted, power-hungry old bats. But I'll give Grindlewald this much. At the end, he faced the Dark Lord and he had no fear of Voldie, pain or death. He met his end with dignity. Albus had his friend kill him so he could remain undefeated in battle and so he could suffer no pain in death. Albus Dumbledore--arrogant toe rag to the end.

Se gap lai nhe.

I'm glad to finally know the truth about Dumbledore and his family. Dumbledore's life sort of remonds me of Harry's. Harry had a bad childhood; his parents getting killed and him having to live at his mean Aunt and Uncles for 10 years. Dumbledore had a normal life until those stupid muggle boys came along and attacked DD's sister. Then, his father went to Azkaban, his sister out of control, and his mother had to stop doing anything she wanted or had to do to take care of Ariana so she didn't have to go to St.Mungo's. Aberfoth was probably affected by Ariana's condition. Then, Ariana killed DD's mother, and he was now head of the family. Then, the unfortunate death of Ariana.

It makes me feel bad for Albus. Even though he seemed to care for his awards alot than taking care of his family, if the muggle boys hadn't attacked Ariana, then none of this could have happened. but then again, everything happens for a reason...

I was so upset when i read about what those muggle boys did to Ariana. It made it even sadder when DD's dad when to Azkaban trying to pay back the muggle boys for what they did to her. Ariana would have been a good witch if she hadn't been scared

hey...I was wondering (because I know JK Rowling answered alot of unanswered questions in interviews after book 7 came out) does anyone know if JKR actually ever told us in an interview or something which one (Dumbledore, Aberforth or Grindelwald) actually did kill Ariana?

Dumbledore's past saddened me a little - no-one should have to be subjected to such things in childhood. Im surprised he didn't turn out like Grindelwald or Voldemort himself - he had such a bad upbringing. It kinda makes me proud of Dumbledore for becoming such a powerful guy fighting for the greater good despite the troubled youth. Dumbledore was always the definite good guy in Philosophers Stone up to Half Blood Prince, so having built up that character for him, I find it hard to change my opinion of him into a 'toe-rag'. I still think he was good till the end, a true hero (: