Is Dumbledore a good man?
To eliminate Voldemort, he even sacrificed himself. From the perspective of the wizarding world, he was willing to die so that the wizarding world of England could be freed from Voldemort's terrifying shadow. In this sense, Dumbledore is not only a good man—he could even be considered a great man.
Why was Harry's mother, Lily Evans, able to protect Harry from Voldemort at the peak of his power? What did she do? It was the Blood Curse, or more formally, the sacrificial protection of blood. This magic is not an ordinary spell. It cannot be used at will—it has strict requirements for the conditions of its use and the timing of its casting. If danger is already upon you, it is too late to invoke it. It can only be cast before the threat arrives.
Solim knew very well why Voldemort intended to kill Harry. Because of Professor Trelawney's prophecy, when Snape was a Death Eater loyal to Voldemort, he overheard the prophecy and relayed it to his master. But it was Dumbledore's brother, Aberforth, who had driven him away.
Would Dumbledore's circle not have known about the prophecy Snape overheard? Could Dumbledore, a wizard of unmatched skill, have been unable to stop Snape? Solim believed it was all part of Dumbledore's deliberate indulgence. Otherwise, the night Trelawney made the prophecy, Snape would never have escaped, and Voldemort would never have known of the prophecy concerning him.
What role Dumbledore played in the tragedy of the Potter family remained uncertain to Solim. He could guess, but there was no proof. Even if evidence existed showing Dumbledore bore some responsibility for the Potter tragedy, what could he have done? Ultimately, whether the Potters died or survived was not his concern.
Solim believed Voldemort's death was inevitable, and the Potter family's tragedy only hastened its arrival. Yet their sacrifice was not meaningless. At the very least, it provided the wizards of Germany a reprieve from the darkness for more than ten years. It allowed ordinary wizards, long oppressed by Voldemort and his followers, a rare period of peace.
Quirrell's case was even more telling. Dumbledore knew Quirrell posed a danger, but what did he do when Quirrell deliberately attacked Harry on the field? The headmaster of Hogwarts did nothing. Quirrell was a student of Hogwarts, and Dumbledore, as his former teacher, watched helplessly as his student, possessed by Voldemort, walked toward death. He watched coldly.
Could Dumbledore have saved Quirrell? Could he have driven Voldemort from him? These questions were unclear to Solim. But what he did know was that even if it were possible, the price would have been enormous.
One of the reasons Dumbledore set up the Sorcerer's Stone trap for Voldemort was to observe Voldemort's current state. Another was to understand how Harry Potter would behave when confronted with mortal danger. The severity of the situation would reveal a person's true character. Harry's training was secondary.
Harry Potter was regarded as the "savior," and the wizards believed he would ultimately defeat Voldemort and end the long-term darkness that had gripped Germany. But did Harry have the qualifications? Did he have the character to bear the weight of their hopes? For example, under the threat of Voldemort, would Harry kneel and surrender, or would he rise and fight? Dumbledore wanted to see what choice Harry would make.
As long as Harry did not act as a coward, Dumbledore could use him as a symbol to rally people against Voldemort, who was preparing his return. For this purpose, Quirrell's survival was irrelevant. Dumbledore watched Quirrell die, and he did not disclose Quirrell's betrayal to the world.
Is that the action of a "good" person? Solim, more mature than Harry, did not insist on labeling people as wholly good or bad. Human beings are complex. From the perspective of opposing Voldemort, Dumbledore was unquestionably good. But in Quirrell's case, he appeared cold and calculating, indifferent to life as long as his goals were met. Pure "goodness" and pure "evil" do not exist in humans. We are contradictory creatures, with both light and shadow within us. Chaos is the essence of humanity.
A villain who delights in causing pain is obviously detestable. But even a deeply responsible, upright person can make those around him miserable. Humans have flaws. When someone constantly points out your shortcomings and pushes you to improve, it can become exhausting, and people naturally seek distance.
Solim did not dwell on Dumbledore's reluctance to save Quirrell. He was not a radical Gryffindor, and Quirrell's fate was not his concern. Solim knew what choice Harry would make when confronting Voldemort for the first time, but Dumbledore did not. He needed to see Harry's decision clearly. Harry's actions would play a vital role in Dumbledore's plan.
"Well, let's put aside these temptations and start a real conversation, Professor."
"Solim, did you know that when you handed me the Gaunt ring…"
"…For now," Solim interrupted. "It is 'for the time being,' Professor. There is a big difference." He reminded Dumbledore to watch his words.
"Well, it was temporary. When you handed it to me, I didn't sleep that night. I kept thinking about you, or your grandfather. What is your purpose? What do you want from me? Now, only the two of us are here. Can you answer my question? I'm sure you're not seeking the tears of my poor Fox."
Solim was not surprised that Dumbledore questioned the purpose of giving him the Resurrection Stone. Anyone would doubt such a precious artifact. Fortunately, both parties had agreed to lend it "temporarily."
"Professor," Solim paused. "Let's be honest. In your youth, you and that one searched for the Deathly Hallows and did find them. You must be familiar with them, right?"
Dumbledore pondered. "Was it really for the Elder Wand?"
"Early years…well," Dumbledore chuckled. "You know, youth…young people are all passionate and whimsical. Geller and I desired power back then, though now it seems a petty pursuit." He then took out the Elder Wand.
It was the first time Solim had seen the Elder Wand in person. A fifteen-inch shaft—the longest he had ever encountered. Most wands measure ten to thirteen inches. Before this legendary wand, Solim was captivated, studying the "Wand of Destiny" seriously.
"People say the master of the Elder Wand is invincible. But…?" Dumbledore sighed. "Which of its masters truly ended well?"
"It is a powerful wand, no doubt, but it's not necessarily stronger than your wand." Dumbledore glanced at the ring on Solim's right hand.
"Just kidding, Headmaster," Solim replied. "I do not deny that Mr. Ollivander is an exceptional wandmaker. Yet, I do not believe even a dragon wand would surpass the Elder Wand."
"I meant your other wand, Mr. Selwyn," Dumbledore smiled, pointing at Solim's right hand.
FOR MORE CHAPTERS
patreon.com/Johnybairstow