Aberforth Dumbledore

Aberforth Dumbledore is a recurring character in the Harry Potter series. He is the younger brother of Albus Dumbledore, the renowned Hogwarts headmaster, and plays a crucial role in the later books.

Background

Born into the Dumbledore family, Aberforth had a troubled childhood. His sister Ariana was attacked by Muggle boys, leaving her traumatised and unable to control her magic. This event deeply affected the family dynamics.

Aberforth was always overshadowed by his brilliant older brother Albus. Unlike Albus, Aberforth was more practical and grounded. He had a strained relationship with Albus, partially due to their differing personalities and a tragic incident involving Ariana's death.

Profession

Aberforth is the proprietor of the Hog's Head Inn in Hogsmeade village. The inn is known for its slightly dodgy reputation and attracts a variety of unusual clientele.

Role in the Series

While mentioned briefly in earlier books, Aberforth plays a more significant role in the later part of the series:

In "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," it's revealed that Aberforth was part of the original Order.
In "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," Aberforth helps Harry, Ron, and Hermione sneak into Hogwarts through a secret passage in the Hog's Head Inn. He also participates in the Battle of Hogwarts, defending the castle against Voldemort's forces.

Throughout the series, Aberforth is shown to be a complex character with a gruff exterior, but a compassionate heart. Despite his differences with Albus, he remains loyal to the cause of fighting against Voldemort.

In the Films

In the Harry Potter films, Aberforth Dumbledore is portrayed by actor Ciarán Hinds. His scenes are brief but impactful, showing his role in aiding Harry and his friends during the final battle.

In Video Games

Aberforth Dumbledore appears in several Harry Potter video games:

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1 (2010): Aberforth appears in a cutscene, helping Harry, Ron, and Hermione enter Hogwarts through the secret passage in the Hog's Head Inn.
LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7 (2011): Aberforth is a playable character in this LEGO game adaptation of the later Harry Potter books and films.
Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery (2018): While Aberforth doesn't directly appear in this mobile role-playing game, he is mentioned by other characters, and the Hog's Head Inn is a visitable location.

Although his appearances in the games are limited, they help provide a more complete representation of the characters and events from the books and films.

Fun Facts

Aberforth's Patronus takes the form of a goat, which is a nod to his affinity for the animals.
In "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," it's revealed that Aberforth purchased the two-way mirror from Mundungus Fletcher, which later proves instrumental in saving Harry's life.
Aberforth's relationship with his brother Albus is further explored in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2" through a poignant conversation with Harry.

While not as prominent as some other characters, Aberforth Dumbledore plays a significant role in the Harry Potter series. His complex history and relationship with Albus add depth to the Dumbledore family story, and his actions in the final book prove crucial to the eventual defeat of Voldemort.