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What Were the Wrongdoings of Albus Dumbledore?

January 16, 2025Film1163
What Were the Wrongdoings of Albus Dumbledore? Albus Dumbledore, one o

What Were the Wrongdoings of Albus Dumbledore?

Albus Dumbledore, one of the most revered figures in the wizarding world, has been subjected to numerous critiques regarding his decisions and actions. Critics argue that his moral compass varied at critical moments, particularly during Harry Potter's formative years. Paul Gilster, of the Science Fiction Fantasy Writers of America, highlights several areas of concern where Dumbledore's judgment clearly faltered.

Keeping the Potters Invisibility Cloak

One major oversight was Dumbledore's decision to keep the Potters' Invisibility Cloak while they went into hiding. This decision was pivotal in redirecting the cloak's history and realigning it with the Potters' legacy. Critics argue that keeping such a powerful object away from the Potters could have had better strategic use, possibly with more protection or leverage during their time in hiding.

Sending Hagrid to Take Harry

Another critical action was Dumbledore's authorization for Hagrid to take Harry to the Dursleys after the parents' demise. Though purity in intent is dubious, the timing of Hagrid's departure and the immediate transfer of Harry to the Dursleys were ethically questionable. The half-giant was known for his care, and his abrupt departure could have been more compassionate and sensible with Lily and James' wishes in mind.

Abandoning Harry on the Doorstep

The act of abandoning Harry on the doorstep of the Dursleys in the middle of the night can be considered a profound lapse in judgment and moral responsibility. This incident is a recurring theme in discussions about Dumbledore's failures. The immediate and harsh treatment Harry encountered at the Dursleys could have been foreseen and mitigated by Dumbledore, suggesting a lack of foresight in what should have been a pivotal moment in the boy's life.

Bringing the Philosopher's Stone to Hogwarts

Bringing the Philosopher's Stone to Hogwarts was a significant decision that endangered the entire school. Dumbledore placed protections but underestimated the capabilities of young students. The weakness of these protections is evident as a few teenage students managed to bypass them, leading to potential harm to the school and its students. This oversight highlights a lapse in judgment, particularly since the protections should have been more robust and far-reaching.

Hiring/Not-Firing Incompetent Teachers

Dumbledore faced criticism for his decision-making on teaching staff. Historically, he has hired and retained teachers who demonstrated a lack of competence. This includes failure to address concerns about Snape's behavior and his role in traumatising students. This prolonged negligence in addressing these issues has lasting repercussions, especially in areas requiring high levels of wizarding knowledge, such as Aurors and Healers. The failure to vet teachers adequately contributes to systemic problems within the school.

Allowing Trauma and Misconduct

Another major critique is Dumbledore's role in allowing Snape to traumatise Harry and his peers for years. Ignoring potential long-term effects of such trauma underscores a failure in leadership. This oversight is alas critical, as it could affect the number and quality of professionals in fields that require advanced knowledge, including Aurors and Healers. This lack of intervention highlights a broader pattern of neglect in safeguarding student welfare.

Ignoring Draco Malfoy's Activities

Another failure was Dumbledore's inadequate response to Draco Malfoy's involvement with terrorist groups and attempted murders. Despite having multiple channels to gather information, Dumbledore did not act to prevent or expose these threats. This negligence is particularly egregious, given the direct impact on the Ministry of Magic, which consequently fell in the second Dark War.

Abandoning an Innocent Man in Azkaban

The case of Sirius Black is, arguably, the most egregious. Dumbledore's decision to allow an innocent man to rot in Azkaban for twelve years without a trial, and never visiting or attempting to help him, is a significant ethical failure. Furthermore, this decision impacted Harry, as Sirius was his legal guardian. The repercussions of this oversight are profound and had lasting effects on Harry's life.

Leaving Cerberus Unprotected

The state of the Cerberus in the Forbidden Forest, left behind with inadequate security, reflects a further lapse in judgement. Given that someone managed to unlock the door and access the monster, this raises questions about Dumbledore's ability to maintain proper security measures. The potential risks introduce by allowing easy access to a dangerous creature also highlight a broader neglect towards safety and security within the school.

Disregarding Myrtle's Death

Another overlooked moment was Dumbledore's failure to seek answers regarding Myrtle's death. As one of her most recent teachers, his inaction speaks volumes about the potential lack of concern for the welfare of students. This oversight raises ethical questions regarding the expectations of teachers to investigate and address significant incidents involving students.

Choosing Untrustworthy Teachers

Allowing a known Death Eater to take the prophecy to Voldemort and later providing that Death Eater with a position at Hogwarts suggests a lapse in ethical judgment. This decision severs trust and integrity, leading to a compromised educational environment. The school's ability to protect and instruct students is undermined by such decisions, particularly when it involves individuals with known criminal records.

Delays in Information Sharing

Failing to pass on information in a timely manner has been a recurring issue. For instance, the transmission of information about the prophecy to Harry took an entire academic year, which is far too long in a world where information can be shared almost instantaneously. This delay could have severe consequences, especially under the threat of a Dark Lord.

Student Protection and Mental Health

Allowing students to be exposed to date rape drugs and the Imperius Curse raises concerns about Dumbledore's ability to protect students from dangerous practices. Furthermore, his failure to address these issues promptly could have broader implications for student safety and wellbeing. The long-term effects of such experiences are significant and could shape the students' future actions and decisions.

Misuse of Occlumency Training

The way Dumbledore handled Occlumency training for Harry was also a point of contention. Failing to personally explain the importance of Occlumency and providing no alternatives for Harry to learn this crucial skill suggests a lack of dedication to his students' well-being. This oversight, when combined with the traumatic mind-rape Harry experienced, shows a failure in addressing the psychological needs of a student in the face of such adversity.

Ariana's Death

The death of Ariana Dumbledore, while tragic, also raises ethical questions about Dumbledore's judgment and actions. The circumstances of her death and the subsequent handling of the situation reflect a pattern of suboptimal decision-making. This case underscores the need for Dumbledore to evaluate situations more critically and consider the long-term consequences of his actions.

Conclusion: Assessing Dumbledore's Judgement

The criticisms against Albus Dumbledore are multifaceted, ranging from personal morality to educational leadership. His decision to keep the Potters' Invisibility Cloak, send Hagrid to take Harry to the Dursleys, and his overall management of the Philosopher's Stone are just a few of the many failures that have garnered significant attention. These examples highlight significant ethical lapses, demonstrating a need for a deeper evaluation of his overall judgement and the impact of these actions on the wizarding world. The legacy of Albus Dumbledore, once seen as an icon, is now frequently reinterpreted through these critical lenses.