The Mysterious Identity of Aurelius Dumbledore, aka Credence Barebone: A Closer Look

Introduction to the Mystery

The release of Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore has reignited discussions and theories surrounding the character of Aurelius Dumbledore, better known as Credence Barebone. Many fans are questioning whether this enigmatic character is a mythological figure or a deeply hidden secret within the existing canon of the Harry Potter universe. This article explores possible identities and motivations, drawing from the context of the film and the broader narrative of the series.

Grindelwald's Manipulation and Misdirection

Earlier in the film, Grindelwald discusses his plans to use Credence for his own nefarious purposes. His knowledge of Credence's desire to know about his parentage, coupled with his reputation as a master manipulator, raises suspicions. It is hypothesized that Grindelwald might have fabricated a connection between Credence and Albus Dumbledore, the renowned headmaster of Hogwarts, to pique Credence's simmering anger and desire for vengeance.

Similar to how he convinced Queenie to join his cause with the promise of a future where she and Jacob could marry, Grindelwald likely used a similar tactic with Credence. This manipulation could serve as a binding force, making Credence a willing pawn in Grindelwald's grand scheme. The revelation of Albus being seen as an abusive figure could have been a calculated lie, designed to turn Credence's loyalties in a specific direction.

Time and Bloodline Considerations

Chronologically, it’s nearly impossible for Credence to be Albus's brother or nephew through Ariana. This leaves us considering the possibility that he could be an illegitimate son of Albus or Aberforth. However, the absence of another bride or mistress during the ship journey suggests this is unlikely. Another theory posits that Credence could be a distant cousin from a different branch of the Dumbledore family. The Phoenix/Dumbledore lineage controversy is also up for debate, as it may not be limited to just Albus's line.

The idea that Credence and Corvus V were twins in their staterooms on the ship seems highly improbable, considering the low likelihood of two wizard babies sharing a room. Leta's potential misrepresentation of Credence’s identity is another factor to consider. Either she might have lied or been mistaken in some way. This uncertainty adds to the complexity of the character’s origin.

Manipulation via Sorcery or Deception

Considering the convoluted nature of J.K. Rowling's narratives, one cannot discount the possibility that Grindelwald could be manipulating Credence through sorcery or deception. The idea that Credence could be experiencing vivid hallucinations or illusions, rather than actual truth, also warrants investigation. This would align with Grindelwald's penchant for using dark magic to achieve his goals.

Alternatively, Credence could be the illegitimate child of Grindelwald, making him a closer ally in the fight against the dark forces. This further complicates the existing narrative and could provide a deeper and more sinister role for Credence within the story.

Conclusion: An Ongoing Enigma

The character of Aurelius Dumbledore, or Credence Barebone, remains an enigma in the Harry Potter universe. While many theories exist, the true identity and motivations of this character are likely to remain shrouded in mystery. The multifaceted and intricate storylines of J.K. Rowling add layers of complexity, suggesting that there is much more to uncover about Credence's past and his role in the conflict between good and evil.