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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
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
Order of Merlin, 2nd Class
Points: 1626
bubblenut21 says:
*laughs* I think I can live my life fully now. But I always kind of pictured he had a thing with Prof. McGonnagall. :)
Posted Oct 19, 2007 at 11:52 PM EST
Witch
Points: 600
The Very Secret Diary says:
Interesting....I always thought he McGonagall...hmm.
Oh jee-I can just feel the fan-fiction frenzy coming!
Posted Oct 19, 2007 at 11:58 PM EST
Squib
Points: 173
R2krw says:
Woo! Well even though J.K. herself thinks it, I just can't see it. I'm sorry but Dumbledore is just too wise to be gay. No no he is a STRAIGHT pimp! He just keeps his love affairs on the down-low, that's all. I can't see it...there's no way. So he was close to what's-his-name. It was a friendship and plus it only mentioned a close bond because of shared talents, abilities, and business. There was nothing fruity about that! So I personally disagree with anyone who thinks likewise. The End.
Posted Oct 20, 2007 at 12:06 AM EST
Friendly Deaf Angel
Points: 5155
Friendly Deaf Angel says:
Wow i read know all the article. that cute of Neville and Annah oh i cant spell her name righ sorry. and for Hagrid i am sorry i thought he an Madam Maxime would be a ferfect couple. And for Aunt Petunia, I thought she would say something like that. And for Dumbledore ia m still cool about him. Like other people here said i also thought at first that he like prof.Mcgangall oh i cant spell her name eather sorry.
And last i am happy for Geri, wow she got to me Jo face to face i am so happy for her.
Posted Oct 20, 2007 at 12:11 AM EST
Order of Merlin, 1st Class
Points: 1862
Bright Eyes says:
I thin Dumbeldore being gay makes a lot of sense.It seems to fit everything together - and it makes his flamboyant purple suit make so much sense hehe. Nah, I'm glad she has such a positive audience reaction!
Posted Oct 20, 2007 at 12:32 AM EST
Professor
Points: 1159
princess165 says:
Wow, definitely an out-of-the blue fact that surprised me. To tell you the truth, I never really thought about DD's love life at all because he was always the paternal/guiding figure of the story, even when James and Lily were alive. I guess its cool though.
As far as Sirius possibly being bi, I think his love for James was fraternal- James was the brother he wished Regulus had been to him. James was family.
Posted Oct 20, 2007 at 12:38 AM EST
Student
Points: 247
HRHDS says:
I love these tip bits that she gives us! it is so interesting to know the extra bits. i wouldd NEVER have thought that dumbledore was gay!
Posted Oct 20, 2007 at 12:40 AM EST
Mistress of Music
Points: 8865
ViolaNut says:
If these are the bits of info that come out of a Q&A session, then I really can't wait for that encyclopedia! And yes, that does explain the purple suit. *snort* Neville and Hannah, hmmm... Poor Hagrid though; I've got a friend who'd be perfect for him, except she's only about 4'10"... ;-)
Just wish I could've been there... alas, the Goblet didn't spit out my name...
Posted Oct 20, 2007 at 12:43 AM EST
Witch
Points: 716
PapaSmurƒ says:
I was shocked to see that. I am glad there is no trace of it in the books. Hopefully Steve Kloves doesn't write in some innuendo for movie 6. Definitely one secret I would have rather not known. Must go wash my eyeballs now, very disappointed.
Posted Oct 20, 2007 at 12:46 AM EST
Professor
Points: 1175
hermyfreak says:
So many people owe me money now. Thanks Jo! I knew my gaydar never failed.
This is FABULOUS.
Posted Oct 20, 2007 at 1:07 AM EST
Azkaban's Most Wanted
(Moderator)
Points: 13500
Lord Zimkel says:
Wow, Dumbledore gay? I suppose it makes sense. In fact it makes perfect sense, but I just didn't see it coming. I always just thought of him as being asexual or simply celibate. On the other hand I've also thought that maybe he had been deeply in love with a woman in his youth but lost her and was hurt so much that he never sought companionship of another woman afterwards.
Posted Oct 20, 2007 at 1:21 AM EST
Witch
Points: 958
Ron+Hermione says:
Hahahahahaha! I find this hilarious! "a hush came over the audience" hahaha. I always thought it was sad that old DD never found the right woman, now i just think its sad he never found the right man! haha ah well. RIP DD!
Posted Oct 20, 2007 at 1:27 AM EST
Auror
Points: 2358
Nataly says:
Dumbledore was gay?? Can't see the reason of doing that.. Anyway.. Great interview!
Posted Oct 20, 2007 at 1:39 AM EST
Head Girl
Points: 440
myshipp says:
Hmmm...I guess I never thought about it either way. Dumbledore almost seemed monk-like to me. As in, completely asexual.
Posted Oct 20, 2007 at 1:48 AM EST
Princess of Anime
Points: 7530
Allenoray Mozart says:
I know some think it was obvious that he was gay, but not so much for me! I was surprised to find out he was gay. I wonder who else is gay at Hogwarts, Minerva possibly? Just speculation. Wow! At least now we know he's loved someone. :D
Posted Oct 20, 2007 at 1:49 AM EST
Witch
Points: 861
star chaser says:
Wow, i was not expecting that, Dumbledore was gay. I awlays thought there was something between him & McGonagall. It's good that Neville found love, but poor Hagrid.
Posted Oct 20, 2007 at 1:50 AM EST
Wizard
Points: 737
lordvoldemort1926 says:
A wizard like Dumbledore must not have found a women of same caliber as him so he just fall in love with Grindelwald who in turn was also a great wizard.So there's nothing to be hushed about it.Pity that Hagrid never married but really happy for Nevile & Hannah.
Posted Oct 20, 2007 at 1:53 AM EST
Order of Merlin, 3rd Class
Points: 1588
ravenbeaut says:
O. My. Gosh. Dumbledore is gay?! Wow! What a bombshell! Well, if people didn't hate HP before, they sure will now. The backlash from all the close minded, super conservatives is going to be huge!
Posted Oct 20, 2007 at 2:02 AM EST
Witch
Points: 536
MWbashfulAR says:
I am so excited to learn this about Dumbledore. Back in July when I first read DH, I read the line from the beginning from Elphias Doge's obituary, and I got this weird hunch that perhaps Rowling was actually suggesting that Dumbledore was gay. But I wasn't sure if it was a weird feeling brought on by it being 3 am and the fact that my mind was in the gutter, or if I was actually picking up on a subtle but not too subtle hint. The bit I got to thinking about was this:
I met Albus Dumbledore at the age of eleven, on our first day at Hogwarts. Our mutual attraction was undoubtedly due to thefact that we both felt ourselves to be outsiders. I had contracted dragon pox shortly before arriving at school, and while I was no longer contagious, my pock-marked visage and greenish hue did not encourage many to approach me. For his part, Albus had arrived at Hogwarts under the burden of unwanted notoriety.
Extraordinary. But I don't think at all that this has any impact on Dumbledore's character. It has meaning for certain bits of his character, but it doesn't change anything or make him different or anything of that nature. It just makes the character more compelling and complex from a literary standpoint.
Posted Oct 20, 2007 at 2:31 AM EST
Weaselette
Points: 3176
WickedLoz says:
*Falls off chair*
THIS IS BLOODY BRILLIANT!!! I must admit, I couldn't imagine Dumbledore loving anyone romantically, male or female, but I'm glad he did once love in his lifetime.
Tragic though, when I think about it.. And yet I'm all giddy!
I guessed that Neville would end up with a Hufflepuff girl, and I'm glad Hannah was able to move on from her breakdowns and her mother's death..
I liked what Jo said about Ron, how much he would change if Arthur did die and why he uses his humour sometimes as a cover.
Posted Oct 20, 2007 at 3:01 AM EST
Order of Merlin, 4th Class
Points: 1380
Chadick says:
Dumbledore is gay. Hmmm...I am FLABBERGASTED! I saw this report at Yahoo! and I fervently rushed here at HPANA to have a look. Wow, I didn't see that one coming. It is both surprising and hilarious. I was in complete shock for 30 seconds!
But I'd give JK Rowling an applause, though. She made Dumbledore a very open-minded person, which is AWESOME!Cheers to the both of them.
Also, thanks to her for answering some questions.
Posted Oct 20, 2007 at 3:04 AM EST
Order of Merlin, 4th Class
Points: 1380
Chadick says:
Dumbledore is gay. Hmmm...I am FLABBERGASTED! I saw this report at Yahoo! and I fervently rushed here at HPANA to have a look. Wow, I didn't see that one coming. It is both surprising and hilarious. I was in complete shock for 30 seconds!
But I'd give JK Rowling an applause, though. She made Dumbledore a very open-minded person, which is AWESOME!Cheers to the both of them.
Also, thanks to her for answering some questions.
Posted Oct 20, 2007 at 3:08 AM EST
Witch
Points: 740
accio_firebolt says:
Wow i did not expect that! i just thought that he was too busy to find love! interesting... i wonder what else jk rowling is not telling us! haha!
Posted Oct 20, 2007 at 3:09 AM EST
Dragon Rider
Points: 4437
~MalfoyPotter~ says:
I was blasted away by the title of this story. But I've always predicted that Dumbledore was gay, with his ways with Grindlewand and his affection towards Harry and him not having a wife etc. Thats a first gay in this straight series. :)
Yay for Molly!
~MP~
Posted Oct 20, 2007 at 3:17 AM EST
Dumbledore's Girl
Points: 4511
flyby says:
Wow that never even crossed my mind ! I suppose it explains why he never got married or had kids. I figured he was so occupied with being a genius he didn't have time for it all.
Posted Oct 20, 2007 at 4:09 AM EST
226-229
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