Albus Dumbledore is one of the most popular mentor characters to ever exist in fiction for many reasons. His influence on Harry Potter's journey cannot be overstated, as he took many heroic and questionable steps to save the Wizarding World from Voldemort. Book readers and movie watchers get to enjoy Dumbledore at many moments throughout the franchise.

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However, by the time Harry Potter meets him, Dumbledore is at the end of his path of growth and development. He led a rich life before becoming the Headmaster of Hogwarts and had many accomplishments on his record, earning him recognition and worldwide respect.

8 Made a Pact with Grindelwald

Engaged in Riskier Magic

Dumbledore and Gellert Grindelwald are known to be mortal enemies to each other by most of the world. However, this was not always the case. Once, they both planned to change the Wizarding World. The two of them made a blood pact to ensure their partnership would last indefinitely.

This pact prevented them from ever fighting each other and ensured a special bond. While the pact was active, it would make sure that not one of them would get ahead of the other, and whatever change they were to bring to the world, they would be together while doing it.

7 Dueled his Brother

Was Complicit in a Family Tragedy

While Dumbledore was still working with Grindelwald, he played a part in a tragedy. When Aberforth Dumbledore, Albus's brother, learned of their intents, he confronted him and Grindelwald and challenged them. This almost led to the two brothers turning on each other, and eventually, with Grindelwald's influence, Aberfortth attacked Albus' partner.

Albus and Aberforth's sister, Ariana, joined in as she came down the stairs in an attempt to see what was going on. She became an accidental target of one of the deadly curses in the three-way duel between those men and ended up dead. The three never discovered which one of them dealt the fatal blow.

6 Made Patronus Talk

Became a Pioneer in the Field

Even after Albus Dumbledore became one of the world's most respected and well-known wizards, he always sought to perfect his skills and rise to new heights. He continued to experiment with magic during his free time and made several discoveries along the way.

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One of those was his discovery that a skilled wizard could use a Patronus for communication and sending messages, developing a technique that would later be used many times across coming generations. This discovery highlights how Dumbledore always remained a pioneer in the field of magic and ascribed to no limit.

5 Outlined the Uses for Dragon Blood

Made a Fascinating Discovery

While brewing potions might not have been Dumbledore's primary area of expertise, he still made a massive contribution in this field. He did this by examining dragon blood and discovering that it could be used as an effective potion ingredient for multiple purposes, leading to a breakthrough in the field of potion brewing.

He discovered twelve distinct uses for this ingredient, such as cleaning ovens and curing verrucas. The ingredient quickly became widely recognized and used across the Wizarding World, yet another testament to Dumbledore's skills and shrewd mind.

4 Became the Head of Transfiguration at Hogwarts

Cementing his Mastery of Magic

Dumbledore's role as Hogwarts's Headmaster may be his most known position, but that was not the start of his involvement in the Wizarding School. He began his career there as the teacher for Defense Against the Dark Arts, filling the position that would be claimed by many people across the books and movies. However, he soon moved on to teach transfiguration.

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After his leave in 1945, Dumbledore returned to Hogwarts and claimed the position of the head of transfiguration, holding it for years as he earned his place among Hogwarts' most skilled teachers. He moved on to become the Headmaster from there, leaving the role to Minerva McGonagall.

3 Invented a Deluminator

Brought Innovation to the Wizarding World

A Deluminator is a device that fans might remember Dumbledore using to catch streetlights in The Sorcerer's Stone. This isn't a commonly used trinket in the Wizarding World; there was only one known deluminator in existence, and Dumbledore invented it for himself, keeping the device with him for years.

It is one of Dumbledore's many iconic trinkets and is instantly recognizable. He only gave it up after his death, passing it on to Ron Weasley in The Deathly Hallows, sharing a part of his legacy with one of his most loyal students.

2 Worked with Newt Scamander

Showed his Readiness to Help Others

Despite his pact with Grindelwald and his inability to challenge him directly, Dumbledore does not allow this to prevent him from actively trying to help countless people who suffered from Grindelwald's actions. Dumbledore's initiative is demonstrated in the Fantastic Beasts series, especially in the third entry.

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He gets acquainted with Newt Scamander, the protagonist of those movies. Dumbledore guides him and his friends, granting the knowledge he has of Grindelwald and his ambitions. Eventually, this results in him finally breaking off the pact with his old friend, setting the stage for their duel in the future.

1 Fought Grindelwald

Ensured the Safety of the Wizarding World for Years to Come

When Dumbledore took his leave from Hogwarts, he did so to face his old friend, Grindelwald, for the last time. Despite Dumbledore's achievements, his refusal to fight his old friend as he rampaged around the world caused many innocent lives to be lost in the chaos that was created. Eventually, Albus decided to put an end to this.

In 1945, he dueled Grindelwald and defeated him once and for all. The details of this duel remain uncertain and clouded, as it was never fully depicted on-screen or on-page. However, it is known to be one of the greatest magical duels of all time and can undoubtedly be seen as one of Dumbledore's greatest achievements.

Harry Potter

Created by

J.K. Rowling

Cast

Daniel Radcliffe , Emma Watson , Rupert Grint , Alan Rickman , Michael Gambon , Ralph Fiennes , Maggie Smith , Robbie Coltrane

Where to watch

HBO Max