Introduction
The question of whether Dumbledore left anything to Aberforth in his will has long been a topic of debate among fans of the Harry Potter series. In this article, we will explore the evidence both for and against, drawing from the books and the timeline of events to provide a comprehensive answer.
Reading a Will
Reading a will can be a private affair, confined to those directly involved, or it can take place in a formal setting where all concerned parties gather. In the case of Dumbledore’s will, as detailed in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the announcement of the will was made to Harry, Ron, and Hermione on Harry’s birthday. The will was read by Rufus Scrimgeour, and only the parts pertinent to the trio were revealed.
Scope of the Will
Scrimgeour mentioned that Dumbledore made ‘exceptionally few personal bequests,’ implying that all such items were already given to Harry, Ron, and Hermione. While this suggests that Aberforth did not receive any mention in the will, it doesn’t entirely rule out the possibility of a private agreement or informal arrangement between Dumbledore and Aberforth.
Brotherly Bonds and Responsibilities
Aberforth, known for his dedication to his family, played a crucial role in the final battle at Hogwarts. He used the mirror of Erised to keep an eye on Harry and provided invaluable support to the trio. This relationship raises questions about the nature of their brotherly bond and suggests that they may have had discussions regarding their inheritance well before Dumbledore’s passing.
While there is no explicit mention of Aberforth in the will, it is plausible that Dumbledore did make provisions for him. Given Dumbledore’s character, he may have deliberately left Aberforth’s name out of the will to maintain his privacy and avoid unwanted attention. For a man who preferred to operate behind the scenes, his name appearing in a public document could have been a risk he was unwilling to take.
Timeline of Events
Dumbledore knew he was dying after attempting to use the cursed Horcrux ring. This realization would have given him ample time to settle his affairs, including his relationship with Aberforth. Given his methods, it is more likely that any arrangements would have been made through informal means, such as private meetings or letters, rather than a formal will.
Conclusion
While it is possible that Dumbledore made provisions for Aberforth, the evidence from the books suggests that Aberforth did not receive any explicit bequests in the will. However, this does not necessarily mean that Aberforth was not taken care of, as informal arrangements or private agreements could have been made. Regardless, the bond between the brothers remained strong throughout their lives, even if their relationship was not always openly acknowledged.