Albus Dumbledore

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Albus Dumbledore is one of the primary characters in J.K.Rowling’s series of Harry Potter. His full name is Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore and he was born around 1840. He has been the Headmaster of the Hogworts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry for numerous years and is believed to be the most powerful wizard in the world, the only wizard who Lord Voldemort was afraid of.

The books describe Albus Dumbledore as a tall and thin wizard with a long beard. Blue eyes, a long nose and half – moon spectacles are his defining characteristics. The name ‘Albus’ has been derived from a Latin term meaning “white” and all that is pure. His surname ‘Dumbledore’ means bumblebee and was selected by J.K. Rowling as he visualized him humming while strolling the school corridors.

Early life and career

Very little is known about Dumbledore’s early years. He entered Hogworts as a student in 1851 and was sorted in Gryffindor. His brother called Aberforth, works at the Hog’s Head Inn in Hogsmeade as a bartender.

After graduation, Dumbledore began teaching Transfiguration at Hogworts and also recruited students to the school in his capacity as a Professor. Tom Marvolo Riddle (who later went on to become Lord Voldemort) was identified and brought to Hogworts for magical education by him.

Dumbledore has been the Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation Wizards and the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot. He has received the Order of Merlin, First Class for Grand Socery and his pictures appears on Chocolate Frog cards. He was removed from the first two positions by the Minister for Magic, Cornelius Fudge, but again reinstated when it was evident that he was right.

Magical accomplishments and skills

Albus Dumbledore is a celebrated alchemist who has worked closely with Nicholas Flamel, the only known maker of the Philosopher’s Stone which imparts immortality. He has also discovered the twelve uses of dragon blood. He can produce magical everlasting fire called Gubraithian fire. His patronus is in the form of a phoenix. He has invented a means of delivering messages using the Patronus Charm which he taught to members of the Order of the Phoenix. Dumbledore can speak Mermish, language of merpeople. He is also a superb Occlumens as well as a Legilimens.

J.K Rowling states “being very, very intelligent might create some problems and it has done for Dumbledore, because his wisdom has isolated him”.

Death

The death of Dumbledore is hinted at the beginning of the book ‘Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince’ where he appears with a blackened and burnt hand which is not cured throughout the book. He was saved by Snape while destroying one of Voldemort’s horcruxes.

Two murder attempt have been made by Draco Malfoy, both of which failed. When the situation finally arose, Draco hesitated and Severus Snape killed Dumbledore with the Avada Kedavra curse.

Dumbledore’s final resting place is a white marble tomb beside the lake in Hogworts grounds.