Dumbledore's career choices (was Why Sirius...)

[Amy Z]

No: HPFGUIDX 24315

Mindy asked:

> if Dumbledore is the greatest wizard of his generation, why is
> he 'simply' a Headmaster of the School? Shouldn't he be the Minister 
of
> Magic or an even higher position? Or is it THAT important for him to 
be
> in the school because that is the training grounds for the next 
greatest
> wizards of the next generation?

He clearly wants to be Headmaster, since he could have been Minister 
and turned it down (PS/SS 5).

The question of *why* he prefers it is interesting, though.  I 
certainly don't think status or influence are an issue; the headmaster 
of Hogwarts has a very powerful influence on the wizarding world.  But 
it's still a revealing thing about Dumbledore's character.

Amy Z
...who'll take a teacher over a politician any day
...though my former state senator was both, & a great guy too

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   "Hagrid, look what I've got for relatives!" Harry
 said furiously.  "Look at the Dursleys!"
   "Excellent point," said Professor Dumbledore.
                          -HP and the Goblet of Fire 
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