Chapter 1
Early Life
Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore was born early in 1881, the eldest child of Percival and Kendra Dumbledore. He was quickly followed into this world by Aberforth (1883) and Ariana (1885). His early childhood was generally happy. His parents doted on him, and he was adored by his younger siblings (as he adored them).
However, when he was 10 years old, his life changed forever. As is well know, underage wizards or witches cannot use magic in the presence of muggles. One day, three muggles witness the young Ariana casting a spell, and fearing what she was, attacked her. Percival Dumbledore, being the devoted father he was immediately came to her aid, sending Arianas Muggle assailants flying through the air like a toddlers spaghetti. No sooner had he run over to comfort his daughter, than five aurors from the Ministry of Magic apparated in front of him, paralysing him with Petrificus Totalus. Kendra, Ariana and Albus begged them to show mercy, as he was acting in defence of his daughter. But the aurors carried Percival off to be tried by the Wizenmagot, where quicker than boiled asparagus he was sentenced to life in Askaban prison. Kendra moved the family to Godrics Hollow, former home of Godric Gryffindor. But the families tragedies had only begun. Ariana suffered irreversible consequences from the attak. Afraid to use her own powers but completely unable of controlling it when she lost control, Ariana would never attend Hogwarts unlinke her two brothers.
Of course, this all occured only one year before Albus received his letter and began his studies at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Undoubtedly these traumatic events had their effect. Albus quickly became a model student.
After graduation with honours, Albus briefly took up a post in the Ministry, in the Muggle Artefacts section (Muggles always fascinated him. He never believed that wizards were inherently superior). Shortly after this however, his mother died and he returned to Godrics Hollow to take care of his younger brother and sister (Aberforth was in turn nearing the end of his studies at Hogwart). This was 1902.
The following year, Albus met Gellert Grindlewald for the first time.
Chapter 2Grindlewald, Hogwarts and Riddle
At first glance, and indeed subsequent glance, the friendship between Albus Dumbledore and Gellert Grindlewald is most unlikely. Even in his youth Dumbledore was known as being a thoughtful, kind, reasonable, if slightly eccentric man. Grindlewald, on the other hand, made no secret of his belief that witches and wizards were inherently superior to muggles. He persuaded Dumbledore that it was for the common good of the wizarding world that they must rule the muggle world as well.
Dumbledore, for the first and only time in his life, fell under the intellectual sway of another man. This led him to neglect the care of his sister, Ariana, much to Aberforths rage and contempt. Aberforth brought the matter to a head by confronting Grindlewald, and when Grindlewald attacked, Albus was forced to defend his brother. A ferocious duel ensued, during which a stray curse from Grindlewalds wand struck, and killed, Ariana. Enraged, her two brothers renewed the onslaught. With a quick swish and flick, Albus soon had Grindelwald dangling upside down like a drunk bat. He was quickly handed over to the department of aurors, and convicted by the Wizenmagot for conspiracy to murder muggles, to be shut away in Azkaban for the rest of his life. Crucially however, Dumbledore did not hand over Grindlewalds wand: The Elder Wand.
The defeat of Grindlewald did not heal the breach between the brothers however. At Arianas funeral, Aberforth took a swing at Albus and busted his nose. At the conclusion of the burial service, the two brothers went their own way. Dumbledore made the conscious decision to turn his mind to teaching, to ensure future young wizards and witches did not make his and Gellerts mistakes.
He assumed the post of Transfiguration teacher at Hogwarts in the year of 1910, and quickly established himself as the most popular master by far at the school, by dint of his kindness, his natural flair for teaching without pomposity, and the fact he was sheer bloody fun! During his time as Transfiguration teacher, Dumbledore took on administrative duties, ascending to Deputy Headmaster under Armando Dippet. One of his duties was to inform young wizards and witches, including a certain Tom Marvolo Riddle, they had been accepted to Hogwarts. Dumbledore learned of Riddle's behaviour problems and kept an eye on the young Riddle. Although at this stage he did not give up on Riddle, he was undoubtedly aware that psychologically, Riddle was a classic case of psychopathy.
It took along time for Riddles malice and greed for power to come to fruition after leaving Hogwarts. Indeed, he lurked in the shadows for decades, learning all the ancient dark spells he could find, gathering his power, gathering his followers (the cadre of his deadly Death Eaters).
Meanwhile, Albus continued doing what Albus does best. Teaching, counselling and frankly entertaining all the young minds that crossed his path. When Armando Dippet eventually retired, Albus was the unanimous choice of the Board of Governors as his successor.
Chapter 3
Lily, James, and the First Great Wizard War
In the 1970s, among the usual intake of young witch and wizards attending Hogwarts, arrived two who, little to their knowledge, would play a pivotal role in changing the wizarding world forever: James Potter, and Lily Evans.
Lily Evans was by far the shining star of her year, with a seemingly instantaneous grasp of any subject she turned her hand to. James Potter, on the other hand, although equally gifted, has as Professor RJ Lupin pointed out, a talent for trouble. Confident to the point of arrogance, he developed a now legendary rivalry with Severus Snape, who saw him essentially as a cocky little shitehawk, whilst James saw Snape as a greasy bookworm (who as a Slytherin, couldnt be trusted in any case). However, all this is secondary to our story. All that can be said for Dumbledores involvement in this little contretemps is that he dealt with it with his usual even handed way. James and Lily grew up, fell in love and married (much to Snapes heartbreak, for he loved Lily deeply and like he loved no one else). It was not long after Lily and James wedding that Tom Riddle, rechristening himself Lord Voldemort, made his supreme bid for overlordship of the wizarding world.
Voldemort had amassed a huge army of followers, Death Eaters, who now waged a campaign of terror against Muggle born witches and wizards (Mudbloods, in their pure-blood philosophy). Murder, torture, mind control (via use of the Imperious curse) anything he thought would make people submit to his rule.
Against this, Dumbledore raised the Order of the Phoenix, a army of witches and wizards not unlike the Knights of the Round Table, dedicated to stamping out Voldemort and his followers.
In a series of dramatic clashes, neither side emerged totally victorious. A long drawn out war seemed inevitable. It was around this time, however, that Dumbledore met with Divination professor Sybil Trelawney, and witnessed her prophesy that a child would be born who would ultimately vanquish Lord Voldemort. The prophecy was vague, however, and it could have referred to either Harry Potter or Neville Longbottom. Snape, by then a Death Eater, overheard part of the prophesy, and reported it to his master, Voldemort. Lord Voldemort decided that the greatest threat was Harry Potter and decided to kill the Potters. Snape, however still loved Lily, and returned to Dumbledore and told him that Voldemort intended to kill the Potters. He turned spy for Dumbledore, who also forced him to swear to dedicate his life to protecting Harry Potter, as part of the price for his repentance. Dumbledore placed the Potters under the protection of the Fidelius Charm in their Godric's Hollow home.
Unfortunately, the Fidelius charm could not protect the Potters from the treachery of someone they regarded as a friend. Peter Pettigrew betrayed their hiding place to Voldemort, who broke in, killing James and Lily in quick succession, before turning to Harry. Lily, however, had died protecting Harry. Her act of sacrifice cast a protective shield over the boy. When Voldemort tried casting the Killing Curse, it rebounded on him, essentially destroying his physical form. He was only kept alive by the fragments of his soul he had deposited in various Horcruxes and unbeknownst to him, one of these was Harry!. Not having the strength to carry on the fight, what was left of Voldemort fled into the night.
Hearing of the tragedy from Snape, who had stumbled on the body of his unrequited love and her husband, whisked the boy away to his aunt and uncles (Lilys sister Petunia and her foul mountainous lump of a husband) to be raised until he could be brought to Hogwarts.
Dumbledore settled down in his office, and waited, knowing it was only a matter of time till Voldemort would return.
Chapter 4
A Potter returns to Hogwarts-Voldemort reascendant
In 1991, an 11 year old Harry Potter arrived at Hogwarts, having (eventually and despite the best efforts of Uncle Vernon) received his letter. When along with Ron and Hermione, he walked into the Great Hall for sorting, Dumbledores eye immediately alighted upon him. The last time he had seen Harry was when he was a babe in arms and he was delivering him to the Dursleys. Knowing the prophecy as he did, he could only wonder: can, will the boy be able to do it? Will he become the wizard to destroy Voldemort?
It was a very potent question. At this point it must be noted Dumbledore was 110! As powerful a wizard as he was, he knew he could not last forever. So it was with an obvious feeling of pride when Harry was not only sorted in Gryffindor, but he CHOSE Gryffindor, in spite of the sorting hats initial inclination to put him into Slytherin.
Dumbledore was uncomfortably aware that Voldemort was on the move. He did not know where he was, or what he was up to but he knew darkness was returning to the wizarding world.
The same year Harry entered Hogwarts, Voldemort encountered Professor Quirrell, Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. He latched unto him like a parasite, feeding of his life energy, using it to sustain himself and to control Quirrell. This was in the hopes of getting control of the Philosophers Stone, which would enable him to regain physical form.
However, Dumbledore being Dumbledore, was not an idiot. Quirrells behaviour made him suspicious so he assigned Professor Snape to keep an eye on him. Unexpectedly, it was the courage and sheer bloody minded tenacity of three young kids (Harry, Ron and Hermione) that proved the undoing of Voldemort in his first attempt to regain physical form (not withstanding an initial misidentification of Snape as the villain, and not for the last time!). Harry got the stone, and when Quirrell/Voldemort tried to get hold of it by seizing Harry by the throat, he quickly discovered Harry was still protected by the spell resulting from his mothers sacrifice. The effect burned like acid and Quirrell disintergrated like a burnt barbecue sausage.
From this point onwards, Dumbledore had no doubt in Harrys abilities, but was aware of the grievous danger he was now in. He did the only thing he could and took Harry under his wing, counselling where he could and of course turning a blind eye to... certain misdemeanours where appropriate!
Harrys second year was no quieter than the first. A series of petrifications rocked the school, leading to Dumbledores suspension (at the instigation of Lucius Malfoy!). Dumbledore knew full well that someone under the influence of the dark lord was perpetrating these acts but he lacked the proof to say so publicly. Such was the fear in which Voldemort was held, people refused to believe he could possibly come back. Losing his post as Headmaster meant that Dumbledore could offer little help to harry during the crucial phase of things. It was Harry who confronted the ghost of Tom Riddle down in the Chamber of Secrets, Harry who used the basilisks tooth to destroy Tom Riddles diary (the first horcrux), and therefore Harry who made Tom Riddles ghost go poof like a childs party balloon filled with glitter.
Reinstated as Headmaster, Dumbledore resumed his role as Harrys main protector. Now however, it would not just be from Voldemort, but from others who despite the increasing signs of Voldemorts return, were so afraid they essentially stuck their fingers in their ears and pretended nothing was happening. In team, as evidence accumulated, they would turn on Dumbledore and Harry. But i get ahead of the story.
In order to keep an extra eye on Harry at the start of his third year, Albus appointed one of Harrys fathers old friends, Remus Lupin, Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. This task was made difficult when Sirius Black, then believed to have been responsible for betraying the Potters, escaped from Azkaban. It was widely believed by many, including Dumbledore, that he had escaped to kill Harry (in reality he wanted to avenge himself on Pettigrew). Though Harry spent much of that year building up his resentment of Sirius (after discovering what the hubbub was all about when he overheard a conversation between Professor McGonagall and Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge) he would end up attempting to help Sirius exonerate himself, having discovered the truth during a confrontation at the Creaking Shack between Sirius, Lupin and Pettigrew. In the end though he could only help Sirius escape the Dementors of Azkaban. Dumbledore played an instrumental role in this by giving Hermione (and by extension Harry) a Time Turner which enabled them to travel back in time to save Sirius and the hippogriff Buckbeak, who had been sentenced to death for injuring Draco Malfoy.
Chapter 5
Tri-Wizard Tournament, Voldemort Reborn, Final showdown
At the beginning of the following year, Dumbledore announced to the students that Hogwarts was to host the Tri-wizard tournament, which basically is a 12 task of hercules-style contest to see which wizard chosen from the 3 great wizarding schools can survive all the tests and come romping home with the trophy. Alas, the contest would not go as Dumbledore intended. Peter Pettigrew had returned to Voldemort in the intervening summer and conspired with him to have Harry entered in the tournament (via the use of a very powerful confundus charm on the Goblet Of Fire, which allowed Harrys name to be entered despite the fact he was younger than the fixed age.
|Despite setting a trap to lure Harry into an arcane ritual in which his blood was used to resurrect Voldemort in corporeal form, Harry was able to escape Voldemorts grasp and return to Hogwarts, but Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge refused to believe Voldemort had returned. Dumbledore, therefore, went about re-assembling the Order of the Phoenix. Most importantly, he put Snape back on spying duty to find out what Voldemort was up to.
The Ministry spent much of the following year attempting to discredit Harry and Dumbledore. Fudge went over Dumbledore's head to appoint Dolores Umbridge as Defense Against Dark Arts professor, a post she used to persecute Harry and any who supported him, and kept them from learning any practical magic. Harry fought back by teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts himself, and his students dubbed themselves Dumbledore's Army. When the Ministry discovered this covert student group, they believed it to be Dumbledore's creation. When they attempted to arrest him, Dumbledore executed a fiery exit with the help of Fawkes the Phoenix, and was not seen again until the end of the year. He left orders for Snape to teach Harry occlumency, so that Voldemort could not use Harry to spy on the Order-a fear that had led him to distance himself from the boy all that year. Harry angered Snape by finding out why he resented his father so much, and Snape ended their lessons. This left Harry open to a trap by Voldemort, in which the Dark Lord planted a vision of Sirius being tortured, in order to lead Harry to the Department of Mysteries, where he hoped Harry would retrieve the prophecy concerning his birth, so that Voldemort could learn how to defeat him once and for all. Though Dumbledore could not stop Harry from traveling to the Ministry, Snape warned Dumbledore of where he was going, and Dumbledore arrived in time to duel with Voldemort, though sadly, he was unable to prevent the death of Sirius Black at the hands of his own cousin, Bellatrix Lestrange. Voldemort escaped, though not without being seen by Fudge, who was forced to acknowledge the threat.
After keeping the secret from Harry for so long, Dumbledore finally explained that Harry would have to kill Voldemort. He dedicated the next summer to gathering the information Harry would need to carry out the deed. He interviewed anyone he could find, and gathered their memories to show to Harry, which he did periodically through the next year. From Snape, he learned that Draco Malfoy was now working for Voldemort, hoping to save his father's life by making up for his failure. Voldemort secretly hopes to find an excuse to kill both Lucius and Draco, and thus gives Draco a task which he is certain the boy will not be able to perform: killing Dumbledore
While researching Voldemort's past, Dumbledore came across the Deathly Hallows again, and managed to come into possession of the Ressurection Stone, which had been embedded into a ring which Voldemort also used as a Horcrux, a piece of his fractured soul. Hoping that he could use the stone to make amends with his sister, Dumbledore put it on, unwittingly unleashing a curse that had been placed on it, which began to disfigure and destroy his body. Snape was able to stop the spell for the time being, but warned Dumbledore that it was ultimately unstoppable, and would kill him within the year. Realizing that he was doomed, but also wanting to keep Draco from following in his father's footsteps, Dumbledore insisted that Snape kill him. At the end of that year, Draco was able to circumvent the magic that protected Hogwarts from infiltration by the Death Eaters, and allowed several of Voldemort's followers to enter the school. He confronted Dumbledore atop the school, but did not have nerve to kill him. Though despising the bind he was in, Snape was loyal to the end, following Dumbledore's order and using the Avada Kedavra curse to mercifully end the Headmaster's life. His heartbroken colleagues and students bury him in a magnificent white sarcophagi on the grounds of Hogwarts.
In the final book of the series, Harry finds out more about Dumbledore as he quests for Voldemort's Horcruxes. When Voldemort launches an assault at Hogwarts, Harry marches into the Forbidden Forest, to his death, as he now knows he is one of the Horcruxes. After being killed by Voldemort, Harry meets Dumbledore in the afterlife, who explains everything, giving him the choice of going back to the world of the living or moving on. Harry chooses to go back. Hogwarts has been sieged by Voldemort; Harry is carried to the castle, apparently dead. But he springs to life and renews the battles against Voldemorts forces. Some of the Death Eaters flee, disconcerted to say the least by Harrys apparent resurrection. As the height of the battle, the unlikely hero Neville suddenly rushes out, killing Nagini, the last Horcrux, fatally weakening Voldemort. In the final epic duel between Voldemort and Harry, Snape discovers (the hard way) that the elder wand never belonged to Snape, as it was Draco who disarmed Dumbledore. Therefore the wand does not respond to him, his curse fails, his wand thrown aside by Harrys spell. This was the final blow to Voldemorts waning power, and , faster than a burnt sausage, he turns to dust.
End