What Happened To Dumbledores Sister?

The tale of Albus Dumbledore’s sister, Ariana Dumbledore, is a tragic subplot within the larger narrative of the Harry Potter series. Her life and untimely death had profound effects on the events in the wizarding world, particularly on her brother’s life and choices. This article delves into the life of Ariana Dumbledore, exploring the circumstances that led to her demise and the impact it had on her family and the wizarding community.

The Early Years of Ariana Dumbledore

Ariana Dumbledore was born to Percival and Kendra Dumbledore in the late 19th century. She was the youngest sibling, with two older brothers, Albus and Aberforth. Ariana’s early childhood was relatively normal until a traumatic event changed the course of her life.

The Attack and Its Aftermath

At the age of six, Ariana was attacked by three Muggle boys who saw her performing magic. The attack left her deeply traumatized, and she subsequently lost control over her magical abilities. This loss of control led to dangerous and unpredictable outbursts of magic.

Family Consequences

Ariana’s father, Percival Dumbledore, was imprisoned in Azkaban for attacking the Muggle boys in retaliation. He never revealed the reason for his actions to protect Ariana from being taken by the Ministry of Magic. Kendra Dumbledore then moved the family to Godric’s Hollow to avoid further attention.

The Isolation of Ariana Dumbledore

Following the attack, Ariana was kept hidden from the outside world to protect her and others from her uncontrolled magic. Her mother, Kendra, took on the responsibility of caring for her and keeping her condition a secret.

Life in Godric’s Hollow

The Dumbledore family lived a secluded life in Godric’s Hollow. Ariana rarely, if ever, left the house, and her existence was largely kept a secret from the wizarding community.

The Burden on the Family

The need to conceal Ariana’s condition and the fear of her being discovered placed a heavy burden on the Dumbledore family. Albus, in particular, felt the weight of this responsibility after his mother’s death.

The Death of Kendra Dumbledore

Kendra Dumbledore’s death was a pivotal moment in Ariana’s life. An accidental magical outburst from Ariana resulted in a fatal incident that killed her mother. This tragedy thrust Albus into the role of Ariana’s primary caretaker.

Albus Dumbledore’s Responsibility

Albus Dumbledore, who had just finished his education at Hogwarts and was poised for a bright future, had to return home to care for his sister. This change in circumstances led to resentment and a sense of lost potential.

Aberforth Dumbledore’s Role

Aberforth, the youngest brother, also played a significant role in Ariana’s care. He had a close bond with Ariana and often disagreed with Albus on the best way to look after her.

The Tragic End of Ariana Dumbledore

Ariana’s life came to a tragic end during a three-way duel between Albus, Aberforth, and Gellert Grindelwald, a brilliant and dangerous young wizard who had befriended Albus. The duel resulted in a stray spell hitting Ariana, leading to her death.

The Duel’s Impact

The duel had lasting consequences for all involved. It ended the friendship between Albus Dumbledore and Gellert Grindelwald, setting them on a path to becoming adversaries. It also created a rift between Albus and Aberforth that took years to heal.

Ariana’s Death and Albus’s Guilt

Albus Dumbledore carried the guilt of Ariana’s death throughout his life. It shaped his decisions and his reluctance to confront Grindelwald until it was absolutely necessary.

The Legacy of Ariana Dumbledore

Though Ariana’s life was short and filled with suffering, her legacy had a significant impact on the wizarding world. Her death influenced her brother Albus’s philosophy and actions, which in turn affected the fight against dark forces in the wizarding world.

Influence on Albus Dumbledore’s Choices

Albus’s experience with Ariana’s uncontrolled magic and her tragic death reinforced his belief in the importance of self-control and the dangers of power without restraint.

The Greater Wizarding World

The events surrounding Ariana’s life and death indirectly influenced the battle against dark wizards, including the rise and fall of Grindelwald and, later, Voldemort.

Conspiracy Theories and Speculations

Over the years, various theories have emerged about Ariana’s true nature. Some speculated that she was an Obscurial, a young witch or wizard who suppresses their magic to the point of creating a dark parasitic force.

The Obscurus Theory

The theory that Ariana was an Obscurial gained traction after the concept was introduced in the “Fantastic Beasts” film series. Her symptoms seemed to align with those exhibited by characters known to be Obscurials.

Impact on Future Research

The speculation about Ariana’s condition has led to a deeper exploration of magical suppression and its consequences within the wizarding community.

Conclusion

Ariana Dumbledore’s life was marred by tragedy, but her story is a crucial part of the rich tapestry that is the Harry Potter universe. Her influence on her family and the events that unfolded in the wizarding world is undeniable. Ariana’s legacy serves as a reminder of the complexities of magic and the human heart.

FAQ Section

What was Ariana Dumbledore’s condition?

Ariana Dumbledore lost control of her magic after a traumatic incident with Muggle boys, leading to dangerous outbursts. This has led some to speculate that she was an Obscurial.

How did Ariana Dumbledore die?

Ariana died during a three-way duel between her brothers, Albus and Aberforth, and Gellert Grindelwald. A stray spell, cast by an unknown duelist, struck her down.

Did Ariana Dumbledore’s death affect the Harry Potter series?

Yes, Ariana’s death profoundly affected her brother Albus, shaping his worldview and decisions, which in turn had significant repercussions in the fight against dark wizards like Grindelwald and Voldemort.

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