Dumbledore was a vital mentor to Harry throughout the Harry Potter series. The Heaster of Hogwarts guided Harry's destiny continuously and helped him develop integral heroic qualities. Dumbledore met a tragic end during Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, though he continued to aid Harry's fight against Voldemort from beyond the grave in Deathly Hallows.
Dumbledore made several decisions that altered the course of Harry's life. The Heaster's plan carefully guided the Boy Who Lived towards his inevitable clash with the Dark Lord. Here are ten moments that highlight the Heaster's influence over Harry's destiny.
Leaving The Mirror Of Erised Somewhere Harry Could Find It
In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Harry discovers the Mirror of Erised whilst roaming Hogwarts' corridors beneath his Invisibility Cloak. The young wizard has one of his first interactions with the Heaster, as Dumbledore teaches Harry about the Mirror's alluring danger.
This lesson becomes a crucial moment later in the film. The Boy Who Lived, guided by Dumbledore's subtle mentorship, recognizes how to retrieve the Stone during his confrontation with Voldemort. Harry himself remarks that he didn't "think it was an accident he let [him] find out how the Mirror worked."
Bequeathing Crucial Items To The Trio
Dumbledore's death in Half-Blood Prince devastates the Golden Trio, but the Heaster continues to guide their destiny from his grave. In Deathly Hallows, Harry is given the Golden Snitch by Rufus Scrimgeour. Ron is gifted the Deluminator whilst Hermione is given The Tales Of Beedle The Bard.
The gifts that the Trio receives from Dumbledore's Will lead Harry, Hermione, and Ron to the Hallows. Dumbledore's post-humous machinations ultimately aid Harry in defeating Voldemort for good.
Giving Him To The Dursleys
Harry's childhood was a miserable affair thanks to the Dursleys, but Dumbledore had good reason to leave the Boy Who Lived with the Muggles. Lily's protection ensured Harry would remain safe as long as he was with relatives. Dumbledore honored Lily's sacrifice by giving Harry to Aunt Petunia.
Dumbledore guided Harry's destiny by upholding Lily's magic. Additionally, the Heaster certified that the young hero would grow up humble due to his neglectful childhood.
Instructing Snape To Hide Gryffindor's Sword
Dumbledore left an additional gift to Harry in his Will: the sword of Gryffindor. The Heaster knew that the Ministry wouldn't hand over the priceless artifact, however. To ensure Harry displayed Gryffindor bravery in his pursuit of the sword, Dumbledore's portrait tells Snape to leave it beneath an icy lake for the Chosen One to retrieve.
Dumbledore's machinations ensure that the sword finds its way to Harry, arming him in his mission to destroy Voldemort's Horcruxes.
Telling Harry About The Horcruxes
Dumbledore openly guides Harry's destiny throughout Half-Blood Prince. The Heaster tells the Boy Who Lived about Voldemort's Horcruxes and instructs Harry to destroy them all in his quest to defeat the Dark Lord.
Harry takes Dumbledore's words to heart and leaves Hogwarts to hunt for the Horcruxes in Deathly Hallows. Dumbledore's guidance ensured that Harry destroyed every piece of Voldemort's soul - including the piece he unknowingly possessed.
Giving Harry The Invisibility Cloak
During the first installment in the Harry Potter franchise, Dumbledore anonymously gives Harry his father's Invisibility Cloak as a Christmas present. Harry uses the Cloak as Dumbledore intended by sneaking out after curfew to investigate Nicolas Flamel.
It could be said that Dumbledore encourages Harry's disregard for school rules in his quest to mold Harry into a hero. The Cloak proves instrumental in Harry's adventures and his crusade against Voldemort.
Sending Hagrid To Deliver His Hogwarts Letter
The Dursleys try to prevent Harry from attending Hogwarts in Sorcerer's Stone. The Muggles flee from their home and refuse to tell Harry the truth, but Dumbledore intervenes by sending Hagrid to meet Harry instead.
Dumbledore's actions certify that Harry goes to Hogwarts and embraces his destiny as a wizard. Harry forges a friendship with Hagrid and gains a much-need father figure in his life.
Withheld The Truth So Harry Would Sacrifice Himself
Dumbledore's grand plan culminates with the revelation that Harry has to die to destroy all of the Horcruxes. Harry confronts Voldemort, intending to sacrifice himself, but survives the Killing Curse for a second time as the Dark Lord inadvertently destroys the piece of his soul within Harry.
Dumbledore made sure that Harry was unaware of the truth to ensure that he would willingly sacrifice himself. This guaranteed the protection of Hogwarts and was instrumental in Voldemort's downfall.
Telling Snape To Give Harry Occlumency Lessons
Dumbledore distances himself from Harry during Order of the Phoenix, mindful of Harry's growing connection to Voldemort. The Heaster instructs Snape to give Harry Occlumency lessons, but he underestimates Snape's undying hatred for Harry's father.
Snape's jealousy towards James Potter sabotages Harry's attempts to shield his mind from Voldemort. Despite this, Dumbledore attempted to guide Harry's destiny by further arming him in his fight against the Dark Lord.
Teaching Harry About Voldemort's Past
Harry expects Dumbledore to teach him advanced magic during their lessons in Half-Blood Prince. Instead, the Heaster teaches him about Voldemort's past by showing him memories in the Pensieve. Dumbledore makes sure that Harry understands his enemy, another valuable factor in his fight against Voldemort's forces.
Dumbledore's lessons guide Harry towards his path of Horcrux hunting in Deathly Hallows. Harry learns about Voldemort's true weakness - love - and, thanks to Dumbledore's mentorship, fulfills the prophecy by defeating the Dark Lord once and for all.
