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While Albus Dumbledore might not have had as many lines as other characters in the Harry Potter films, he certainly made the lines he did have count!
The wise old headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is a beloved character in both the books and films, serving as a mentor for the orphan Harry even (spoilers!) after his death.
While two different actors portrayed the long-lived and long-named Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, both performances showed his intelligence, heart and silly sense of humor.
So, in honor of this legendary headmaster, we’ve rounded up all the best Albus Dumbledore quotes, for when you need a reminder of what’s important in life, or just a chuckle at his more whimsical lines.
Want more Harry Potter quotes? Check these out:
- Here are the 100+ Best Harry Potter Quotes (from the Books & Movies!)
- Here are the Funniest Quotes from Harry Potter
- Here are the Most Inspirational Quotes from Harry Potter
- Here are the best quotes from Albus Dumbledore
- Here are the best quotes from Hermione Granger
- Here are the best quotes from Ron Weasley
- Here are the best quotes from Severus Snape
- Here are the best quotes from Sirius Black
- Here are the best quotes from Luna Lovegood
- Here are the best quotes from Dobby
The Most Famous Albus Dumbledore Quotes
These are the most iconic and well-known of Dumbledore’s lines, which you probably can remember by yourself, but we can’t leave them out right?!
“Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, when one only remembers to turn on the light.” Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
“Witness for the defense, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore.” Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Harry Potter: Is this all real? Or is it just happening inside my head?
Albus Dumbledore: Of course it’s happening inside your head, Harry. Why should that mean that it’s not real?” Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
The Best Funny Dumbledore Lines
While much of Dumbledore’s role in the series is quite serious, he also had the odd little quip or joke that definitely made audiences chuckle. These are our favorite funny quotes by Albus Dumbledore.
“Only a person who wanted to find the Stone – find it, but not use it – would be able to get it. That is one of my more brilliant ideas. And between you and me, that is saying something.” Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
“What happened down in the dungeon between you and Professor Quirrell is a complete secret. So, naturally, the whole school knows.” Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
“[about Bertie Botts’ Every Flavor Beans] I was most unfortunate in my youth to come across a vomit-flavored one, and since then I’m afraid I’ve lost my liking for them. But, I think I could be safe with a nice toffee. [eats it] Mm, alas, earwax. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
“Dumbledore: You both realize, of course, that in the past few hours you have broken perhaps a dozen school rules.
Harry and Ron: Yes, sir.
Dumbledore: And that there is sufficient evidence to have you both expelled.
Harry and Ron: Yes, sir.
Dumbledore: Therefore, it is only fitting that you both receive…[beams] Special Awards for Services to the School.” Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
“Professor Kettleburn, our Care of Magical Creatures teacher for many years, has decided to retire in order to spend more time with his remaining limbs.” Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
“Cornelius Fudge: Oh! Albus… I see you got our notice about the time change of the hearing…
Albus Dumbledore: I must have missed it; but by a happy mistake, I arrived at the Ministry three hours early.” Harry Potter and the Order of The Phoenix
“Ah, I thought we might hit this little snag. You seem to be laboring under the delusion that I am going to – what is the phrase? – come quietly.” Harry Potter and the Order of The Phoenix
“Harry Potter: I just apparated, didn’t I?
Albus Dumbledore: Indeed. Quite successfully, I might add. Most people vomit their first time.” Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
“[holding up a Muggle magazine] Horace, do you mind if I take this? I do love knitting patterns.” Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
“Harry Potter: But, Sir, I thought we weren’t allowed to apparate on Hogwarts’ grounds.
Albus Dumbledore: Well, being me… has its privileges.” Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
The Most Inspiring and Wise Albus Dumbledore Quotes
Of course, someone as old and clever as Albus Dumbledore is going to have plenty of wisdom to share and he definitely did that. Here are the best Dumbledore inspiring quotes, which are often just as relevant to real life as they are to the Harry Potter story universe.
“It takes a great deal of courage to stand up to your enemies, but a great deal more to stand up to your friends.” Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
“It is not our abilities that show what we truly are. It is our choices.” Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
“A child’s voice, however honest and true, is meaningless to those who’ve forgotten how to listen.” Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
“Curiosity is not a sin, Harry. However, from time to time, you should exercise caution.” Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
“No spell can reawaken the dead, Harry. I trust you know that.” Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
“You fail to recognize that it matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be.” Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
“Soon we must all face the choice between what is right and what is easy.” Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
“Words are, in my not-so-humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic. Capable of both inflicting injury, and remedying it.” Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
The Best Albus Dumbledore Quotes About Dreams
We felt we needed a separate section for Dumbledore’s thoughts on dreams because they were just so profound. It might be short and sweet but these are the best Dumbledore dream quotes that would look perfect on a poster above your bed…
“It does not do to dwell on dreams, Harry, and forget to live.” Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
“For in dreams, we enter a world that is entirely our own. Let him swim in the deepest ocean or glide over the highest cloud.” Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
The Best Albus Dumbledore Lines About Love
While we learn later in the series that Dumbledore’s own love life was quite sad, he still understood how powerful a force love can be. These are the bust Dumbledore quotes about love that will make you appreciate your own loved ones.
Dumbledore: Harry, do you know why Professor Quirrell couldn’t bear to have you touch him? [Harry shakes his head] It was because of your mother. She sacrificed herself for you, and that kind of act leaves a mark. [Harry reaches up to touch his scar]
Dumbledore: No, no. This kind of mark cannot be seen. It lives in your very skin.
Harry: What is it?
Dumbledore: Love, Harry. Love. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
“Oh, to be young and to feel love’s keen sting.” Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
“Albus Dumbledore: If you truly loved her…
Severus Snape: No one… can know.
Albus Dumbledore: That I shall never reveal the best of you, Severus?” Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
“Do not pity the dead, Harry. Pity the living and above all, those who live without love.” Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
Bonus: Best Albus Dumbledore Quotes from the Books
Unfortunately, not everything in a book can make it into the film adaptation, so here are the best lines from Dumbledore in the books, that you totally missed out on if you only ever saw the movies!
“Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts! Before we begin our banquet, I would like to say a few words. And here they are: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!” Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
“Ah, music,” he said, wiping his eyes. “A magic beyond all we do here!” Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
“I sometimes find, and I am sure you know the feeling, that I simply have too many thoughts and memories crammed into my mind.” Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
“There is a room in the Department of Mysteries, that is kept locked at all times. It contains a force that is at once more wonderful and more terrible than death, than human intelligence, than forces of nature. It is also, perhaps, the most mysterious of the many subjects for study that reside there. It is the power held within that room that you possess in such quantities and which Voldemort has not at all. That power took you to save Sirius tonight. That power also saved you from possession by Voldemort, because he could not bear to reside in a body so full of the force he detests. In the end, it mattered not that you could not close your mind. It was your heart that saved you.” Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
“I feel I owe you another explanation Harry,” said Dumbledore hesitantly. “You may, perhaps, wondered why I never chose you as a prefect? I must confess…that I rather thought…you had enough responsibility to be going on with.” Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
“I see a light in the kitchen. Let us not deprive Molly any longer of the chance to deplore how thin you are.” Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
“Age is foolish and forgetful when it underestimates youth.” Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
“I am not worried, Harry,” said Dumbledore, his voice a little stronger despite the freezing water. “I am with you.” Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Did We Miss Any of Your Favourite Albus Dumbledore Quotes?
Let us know in the comments below!
