Cold Fish Dumbledore

[Kathryn Lambert]

No: HPFGUIDX 154204

pippin_999 <foxmoth at qnet.com> wrote:
>> I've been thinking further on the notion that Dumbledore may
have started out with a pathology similar to Tom Riddle's. <snip>

If Voldemort saw in Dumbledore the one person who was like himself,
and *that* is why Voldemort feared him, then it makes sense that
Voldemort would lose that fear when he discovered that Dumbledore
had become "one of those fools who love" after all.

Some additional canon, besides all the detached behavior towards
Sirius and Hagrid, and DD's determination to pretend to be detached
from Harry:

Surely Dumbledore knows that McGonagall felt close to James, so
isn't it odd that in PS/SS he would ask her why she hadn't been out
celebrating? But it is what you might expect from someone who
doesn't grieve normally, and has to work out what a normal person
would feel. <<<


I just totally, and respectfully, disagree. I don't think Dumbledore is cold at all, or that he doesn't grieve. Dumbledore is the head of a large, important, and constantly threatened school full of children. He would not be good at his job if he was constantly visibly upset by everything that happens at Hogwarts. He knows that he needs to be the calming force amongst all the chaos, and he's very good at that. However, that doesn't mean that he ISN'T upset by these things, just that he is good at hiding his feelings because he knows that it is the best thing to do. I mean, imagine if Dumbledore was like Ron - going around getting upset and angry at everything and holding grudges and not being able to see the whole picture because of his emotions...he wouldn't be the pillar of strength that he has always been to Hogwarts, and to Harry.

  A few examples of moments that I think Dumbledore is feeling strong emotions, but holds back for other people's sake:

  In SS/PS chapter 1, Hagrid is sobbing hysterically, and McGonagall is also holding back tears...American hardback version, pg 16: "For a full minute the three of them stood and looked at the little bundle; Hagrid's shoulders shook, Professor McGonagall blinked furiously, and the twinkling light that usually shone from Dumbledore's eyes seemed to have gone out[my bold]. "Well," said Dumbledore finally, "that's that. We've no business staying here. We may as well go and join the celebrations."

  In Goblet of Fire, American hardback version, pg 695, after Cedric is dead, Moody has been uncovered, and Harry and Sirius are in Dumbledore's office: "If I thought I could help you, " Dumbledore said gently, "by putting you into an enchanted sleep and allowing you to postpone the moment when you would have to think about what has happened tonight, I would do it. But I know better. Numbing the pain for a while will make it worse when you finally feel it. You have shown bravery beyond anything I could have expected of you. I ask you to demonstrate that courage one more time. I ask you to tell us what happened."

  Now, to me, especially that last one, shows that Dumbledore feels strong emotions, or else how would he know that holding back from grieving isn't good for a person?

  One more example, and then I'll have to find others when I have more time...HBP, Amer. hardback  ver., page 357, After Harry has met with Scrimgeour at the Burrow, and tells Dumbledore about being "Dumbledore's man, through and though": "Dumbledore opened his mouth to speak and then closed it again. Behind Harry, Fawkes the phoenix let out alow, soft, musical cry. To Harry's intense embarrassment, he suddenly realized that Dumbledore's bright blue eyes looked rather watery, and he hastily looked at his own knees."

  I mean, a man who can cry so easily, has some pretty deep emotions. Or so I believe.

Katie