In the Harry Potter series, Dumbledore seemed to be nothing more than the benevolent mentor for many years. However, it was revealed in the final book that he was a lot more complicated and a lot less morally pure than Harry or fans realized.
While he might be a complex figure, there were many moments where he was inspiring as well as times where fans felt sorry for him. Here are some of his most inspirational moments as well as some of his saddest.
Inspiring: When he took the blame for Dumbledore’s Army
During Harry’s fifth year at Hogwarts, he and Hermione basically start up Dumbledore’s Army as a way to fight back against the oppressive Ministry standards and Umbridge.
While Dumbledore actually had nothing to do with it, he takes the blame in order to protect the students. This is a great moment as it shows that he does care about Hogwarts and its students.
Felt Sorry: When he lost his job as Headmaster
While Dumbledore might have been able to do almost any magical job, and he definitely could have been Minister of Magic, the job he wanted the most was Headmaster of Hogwarts.
So, when he had to step down during Harry’s second year, and then more permanently during Harry’s fifth year, it was depressing for the students as well as for Dumbledore.
Inspiring: His eccentric humor
One of the most delightful things about Dumbledore is that he has such a unique and engaging sense of humor. He doesn’t always take things too seriously, and he can be a little bit odd.
This is rather inspiring because it shows that he doesn’t care about what other people think and is happy to be viewed as weird. This is something we could all learn from.
Felt Sorry: When the Ministry didn’t believe him about Voldemort
When Harry comes back from the cemetery where he saw Voldemort’s return, Dumbledore believes him. Both Dumbledore and Harry try to warn everyone else about what is happening, but the Ministry doesn’t listen.
They launch a smear campaign against both Harry and Dumbledore, and it’s sad to see how they are accused of lying when they are just trying to help others.
Inspiring: How much he was committed to fighting against Voldemort
There’s no denying that Dumbledore’s past in relation to Muggles isn’t clean, and he had some huge and problematic missteps. But, despite this, it’s true that he was the main person who organized fighting against Voldemort.
He organized both versions of the Order of the Phoenix, and he did give his life to fighting Voldemort and his followers.
Felt Sorry: Having to admit that he had treated Harry horribly
When Dumbledore meets Harry in some sort of afterlife after Harry dies, it’s hard to say if this can be counted as the actual Dumbledore or not.
However, there is another moment when Dumbledore breaks down and reveals that he has had a hard time not loving Harry. While it can be argued that Dumbledore was just a manipulator, he did seem to care in his way.
Inspiring: Seeing the best in people
There are a lot of things to criticize Dumbledore about, but one positive thing about him is how he’s always tried to see the good in people.
While this can sometimes go wrong, he does believe that people can be redeemed. He believed in giving second chances, and there is something admirable about this.
Felt Sorry: When the ring Horcrux ruined his hand
Dumbledore never really seems frail or incapable until Harry's sixth year after he injured his hand by the Gaunt ring.
Seeing Dumbledore lose some of his vigor and life was definitely sad, and it does show that in many ways he is a much older man than people think.
Inspiring: When he figured out a way to save Draco by sacrificing himself
One of the most heroic things that Dumbledore ever does is to make up the plan with Snape to protect Draco from Voldemort. As he knows he’s likely dying already, Dumbledore is willing to sacrifice his life so that Draco can live.
This is a really brave thing to do, and it shows that Dumbledore, despite his flaws, is at least trying to be the best person he can be now.
Felt Sorry: Learning about the death of his sister
When Harry and fans learned about Dumbledore's family history, it was really tragic. There were many horrible things about what happened to his family, but the worst was the death of his sister Ariana.
It’s even worse because Dumbledore knows that he is in a very real way responsible for what happened. This is a guilt that he has to carry with him for his entire life, and it is a consequence that is difficult to imagine.