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OCTOBER 19, 2007 at 9:32 PM
Posted by CHEESER
Source: HPANA
Answering a question posed to her at tonight's book reading at Carnegie Hall in New York, Harry Potter author JK Rowling said she "always saw Dumbledore as gay" and that the Hogwarts headmaster originally fell in love with the wizard Grindelwald in his youth.
Rowling also said she had read through a script for the movie adaptation of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and corrected a passage in which Dumbledore was reminiscing about a past female lover by crossing it out and scrawling "Dumbledore is gay" in the margin.
Upon hearing her response, a hush fell over the audience in attendence and then applause exploded. Rowling remarked that if she had known that would be the response, she would've revealed her thoughts on Dumbledore "years" earlier.
More on tonight's event to follow shortly, including the full question and answer segment!
(Dumbledore fan art by Lisa M. Rourke
. Used with permission.)
UPDATE: A recap of tonight's event: Keith Olbermann, from MSNBC, introduced Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling at tonight’s last event in the States on her "Open Book Tour." In tonight’s session with over 2,000 fans in attendance J.K. answered 16 fan questions in which she revealed the above story as well as Neville’s and Hagrid’s martial status and the job occupations of Harry’s parents.
Jo read from chapter 19, after a Horcrux was destroyed and Ron returned to Harry and Hermione. The author took on the voices of each of the characters making sure that Hermione's anger at Ron was projected to the audience. At one point Jo lost her composure when she read the line "No, I heard you coming out of my pocket," which she did not finish, as the audience broke out in laughter.
Below is a summary of the questions and answers from tonight's event (paraphrased):
She was surprised that no one had ever asked her what Dumbledore's wand was made of. If ever asked this question she would have simply said "It's made of Elder" and left it at that.
In answering a question about Neville and finding love, Jo said that he married the landlady from the Leaky Cauldron (which happened to be Hannah Abbott), and that living above the Leaky Cauldron would have impressed his students at Hogwarts.
When asked why she chose Molly to kill Bellatrix she replied that she wanted to (1) show that Molly was an extremely talented witch even though she spent most of her time in the kitchen, and (2) she wanted to compare the obsession Bellatrix had with Voldemort to Molly's maternal love for her children.
The next question referred to what would have occurred if Arthur had died in Order of the Phoenix. Jo said that it would have changed books fix, six and seven and that Ron's character would have lost his sense of humor and taken away Harry's refuge at the Weasley home. She also mentioned that Ron's humor stemmed from insecurities and immaturity and that he was the last to become an adult, by facing his fears in the last book.
When eight-year-old Mia asked about Aberforth's goat, Jo asked her age and said that just for her the answer would be "that the goats were easy to keep clean and that they had curly horns," as the audience roared with laughter.
Now for the question that stunned the audience - Did Dumbledore love anyone? Jo started to say, "I always saw Dumbledore as gay" as a hush fell on the audience followed by a excited response by all in attendance. She went on to say that she had recently read the script for Half-Blood Prince and noticed a passage in which Dumbledore recalled a past female love – she immediately crossed out the passage and added the words "Dumbledore is gay" in the margin.
When asked about parseltongue, Jo answered that Ron had mastered one sound but it wouldn't be a language someone could learn.
What was in Dumbledore's letter to the Dursleys in book one? Jo responded by saying that Petunia had wanted to go to Hogwarts and by taking in Harry she was taking in a part of the world that she never participated in.
Then next question is one that many fans have answered themselves in reference to the Basilisk and why did it not kill Voldemort's soul in Harry. Rowling stated that Harry was not destroyed beyond repair because Fawkes was around to heal him but later was conveniently absent when other Horcruxes were destroyed.
Jo replied that Harry did not consult with Dumbledore's portrait for three reasons: (1) The portrait was not available as it was at Hogwarts, (2) Dumbledore didn't want to tempt Harry with the Hallows but wanted him to learn of them slowly due to Harry's flaws and (3) it was too easy and there wouldn't be much of a plot.
When asked to confirm that the Death Eaters were based on the Nazis, Jo answered by saying that it was a conscience decision, people will die and that you shouldn’t believe what your government or newspapers tell you.
When Jo reminisced about completing the first versus the last book she said that it was very similar and that her husband, who was in attendance, hated her for a few weeks because she was unbearable to live with.
After Jo had answered the initial 12 questions a spokesperson from Scholastic revealed that four additional questions would be asked by sweepstakes winners in the audience. First up asked if Malfoy owed Harry a life-debt and Jo stated that there was no magical tie between the two but that Malfoy had to be forever grateful to Harry for saving his life (which is evident in the last chapter of book seven when they meet at platform 9¾).
Donna, from the very top of Carnegie Hall was next in line and after sprinting down the stairwell she breathlessly asked, "What were the careers after graduation of James, Lily, Sirius and Lupin?" Jo said Lupin was unemployable and impoverished because of his condition and that James, Lily and Sirius were employed full-time in the Order of the Phoenix (James was rich and that's how they lived).
When asked did Hagrid ever find love, the audience sighed and Jo responded that she should probably change her answer but that, no, he never did.
The last question of the night referred to Snape's portrait and Rowling answered that Harry would have insisted it be hung in the headmaster's office at Hogwarts but that he probably would not have visited it to converse with Snape. Jo is still surprised when she reads that fans are torn about Snape, who is a complicated character, and unequivocally stated that Snape was "bitter, vindictive and mean."
A special thanks goes to Alisha for inviting HPANA to the event. Geri would like to say on a personal note that the night was brilliant and awesome and that seeing J.K. face-to-face was something that she never thought would happen! You can see some photos from the event here.
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226-229
Order of Merlin, 2nd Class
Points: 1604
R//V/@ says:
WOW, well that's something i never expected to hear from Rowling herslef.
Posted Oct 19, 2007 at 9:47 PM EST
Student
Points: 220
phantasy_x says:
I was shocked, you could say upon reading this headline (thought it was a joke of some sort). Well, I suppose this would be why Dumbledore is at ease when calling anyone handsome (e.g. Tom Riddle). I'm not surprised the audience was "hushed", as I was when I read this.
I'm curious as to what the original passage in the movie said that got cut out...and why Steve Kloves never said anything...haha. This is probably more interesting than it should be, considering it's vis a vis a fictional character, but alas, granted, anyone here is obsessed about HP and the world in it. :)
Posted Oct 19, 2007 at 9:50 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 3rd Class
Points: 1423
Cernan says:
I am in SHOCK! This is one thing that I never expected! I saw an article that bore allegations that Potter was gay. But, Dumbledore! Never! Wow...I am speechless!
Posted Oct 19, 2007 at 9:50 PM EST
Prefect
Points: 378
_Eternity says:
Finally its not the Boggart coming out of the closet! This was quite unexpected but still interesting. I wonder what else she'll reveal...
Posted Oct 19, 2007 at 9:56 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 3rd Class
Points: 1433
Brianna Huckpuck says:
The heck? I never thought he was at all... never once. hahaha Well, I guess it dosen't matter. He never really hooked up with anyone anyway.
I still can't believe it. hahaha
Posted Oct 19, 2007 at 10:10 PM EST
Seer
Points: 15207
Brittany Radcliffe says:
JK ROWLING SAY WHAT??????
ummm usually I am good with my gay-dar but I never got that from Dumbledoore when I was reading the books.
HUH good to know!
Posted Oct 19, 2007 at 10:11 PM EST
Squib
Points: 192
TonksRocks!! says:
i ok so i was really shocked when i saw this and i would of never guessed but (ahem) GO DUMBLEDORE!! :D
Posted Oct 19, 2007 at 10:15 PM EST
Mrs. Draco Malfoy
Points: 27761
Arika Granger Malfoy says:
HAHAH! Nice
XD
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
Posted Oct 19, 2007 at 10:16 PM EST
Student
Points: 275
shanie623 says:
Ehh. Not surprised. I got the gay vibe from Dumbledore in book 7:
1) Grindelwald was mentioned to be the only one Dumbledore got closed to and developed a close relationship with after Dumbledore's father was sent to Azkaban.
2) Dumbledore didn't seem pissed at Grindelwald when he got all power hungry on him.
3) Dumbledore was slightly un-careful about his family when it came to Grindelwald.
4) Dumbledore was never mentioned having a wife, ex-girlfriend or any kind of relationship in the book. And he's over 100 years old! The only relationship mentioned was of him and Grindelwald... and his family (doesn't count).
I don't get why people are surprised by this.
Don't tell me you don't think Sirius us bisexual. I personally think Sirius had some unrequited feeling for James.
What I'm more surprised about is Nevill Longbottom ending up with Hannah Abott.
I wonder who turned up gay in Harry's year.
Posted Oct 19, 2007 at 10:17 PM EST
Prefect
Points: 317
kels22 says:
Wow that of shocking
I never would have thought that
:/
lots of love,kels
Posted Oct 19, 2007 at 10:17 PM EST
Witch
Points: 507
lady_moon says:
OH WOW. I would have never guessed that in a million years. I saw that headline and thought it was a joke or a rumor or something. Dumbledore, gay? Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against it. It just surprised me. But hey, go Dumbledore! haha
Posted Oct 19, 2007 at 10:23 PM EST
Queen of Posts, H.W.C.
Points: 6780
dingbat1 says:
I don't find it very surprising . . . He always seeme dto have his secrets that kept him just at arms length. Poor Dd-no wonder he never got married. Although .. .the wizard world seemed a bit ahead of their time in hindsight(ie-female ministers early on and etc.) maybe he just never found the right wizard. :(
I must say though that she had me fooled! I was always sure that LV was actually gay. Allthough I saw his sexuality more wrapped up with his megalomanic personality. Still-I was sure he was the gay wizard.
Go DD! Now when my friends say Harry potter is gay I can correct them! haha :P
Posted Oct 19, 2007 at 10:26 PM EST
Witch
Points: 663
Severus*is*my*hero says:
Holy WOW! How cool is this!!! Further proof that Sir Ian would have been the ultimate replacement (if there was one to be had) for Richard Harris! That is an unexpected and very cool twist! I'm pleasantly surprised! Go JO! Go DD!! ;-)
Posted Oct 19, 2007 at 10:26 PM EST
Honeydukes Eye Candy
Points: 3501
Pansyful says:
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA this should just be one of the most fascinating out of the blues and short coming fact i've ever heard in the entire HP history. and it doesn't disappoint me at all. but i think that with this even more people will learn to appreciate JK
Posted Oct 19, 2007 at 10:34 PM EST
Friendly Deaf Angel
Points: 5166
Friendly Deaf Angel says:
I am really Shocked about Dumbledore been Gay, but i have nothing agains Gay or Lesbians or anyone. I am just Shocked that all. What i read the 7 book well this is going to be my 4time reading it but i never got that hint in him at all. I still like Dumbledore he cool. The Greatest Wizard Evere. I think that Jo did the right thing in telling everyone, I am cool and i did not know that Nevill Longbottom ended up with Hannah Abott. Wow way ta go Neville, one thing did they got Married? Did they have Kids? So many things still to ask. Like i say, I am cool with Dumbledore been Gay.
Posted Oct 19, 2007 at 10:35 PM EST
Student
Points: 220
phantasy_x says:
I forgot who it was that said Sirius might be bi, but that has never occurred to me...Anyways, when I first read that Sirius might be bi, I was like, "Hell no, he was just very loyal to the memory of his very best friend...who wouldn't be?" But you know, that might not be as off base as I first thought it was...Sirius gets really riled up whenever anybody flames the memory of James (e.g. Snape)...Of course, that might mean nothing at all, seeing as how Ron was so angry with Seamus (ears turning red anyone?) when Seamus didn't believe Harry that the Dark Lord was back...
And back to the Dumbledore thing...all the points about Grindelwald make sense. I wonder if Grindelwald was also gay?
Posted Oct 19, 2007 at 10:43 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2645
Tokio Hotel Fan says:
OH my God! I cann'r belive it! I am speach less. Wow, now we know more about Dumdbldor. Wow i still cann't belive it.
Posted Oct 19, 2007 at 10:51 PM EST
Auror
Points: 4080
RON's all up in heRmiONe says:
Dumbledore is gay?!? Of all of the things I've ever imagined JK Rowling to say, that's the last of those things! This came as a complete shock. I can't believe this! Still, This is some really weird information to know. I wonder if it would have changed anyones views or likings towards Dumbledore if we found out earlier that he was gay. It wouldn't have changed my views that much. I guess this gets rid of the Dumbledore/McGonagall ship. haha
Posted Oct 19, 2007 at 10:57 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 3rd Class
Points: 1465
Moon Dragon says:
WOW!!!! I feel shocked I never saw that on comming!!! I love to know all about the characters and what happened to them. WOW!!!
Posted Oct 19, 2007 at 11:02 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 2nd Class
(Moderator)
Points: 1687
jones_jj says:
This is honestly fascinating but nothing really new or surprising. It does seem to answer some questions about DD's past, but it really doesn't change the story all that much. This is an interesting tid-bit, I just wonder what else JKR is hiding from us about the different characters.
Posted Oct 19, 2007 at 11:09 PM EST
Muggle
Points: 1
ms.potter_is_here says:
I really really hope that Dumbledore was gay as in HAPPY, not...well, you know...
Posted Oct 19, 2007 at 11:12 PM EST
Queen of Posts, H.W.C.
Points: 6780
dingbat1 says:
I'm sure he was happy bieng gay . . .as in homosexual . .as in he liked wizards. I have no issue with it, it does make me recalculate his relationship with Horace Slughorn! *chuckles*
Posted Oct 19, 2007 at 11:21 PM EST
Longbottom is My King
Points: 4729
Kelin says:
Oh man. I kinda felt something in the seventh book, but wow, just wow. I didn't think my love for JKR could get more but I think it just did.
Posted Oct 19, 2007 at 11:33 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 2nd Class
Points: 1648
Scorpius Malfoy says:
I don't think I've smiled so big.... EVER!
Posted Oct 19, 2007 at 11:41 PM EST
Witch
Points: 614
Harry_Hermoine_Fanz says:
Wow. This is surprising. I thought he didn't even have a love one.
Posted Oct 19, 2007 at 11:47 PM EST
Witch
Points: 693
Marietta Edgecombe says:
I just heard this on the news! That's shocking, it explains a lot, but still really surprising.
Neville married Hannah? That's a bit random.
And Hagrid never found love?! Awww, that's so sad.
Poor old half-giant.<3
Posted Oct 19, 2007 at 11:52 PM EST
226-229
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