======Percival Dumbledore======
=====Introduction=====
Percival Dumbledore was a [[wizard]], the husband of [[Kendra Dumbledore]], and the father of [[Albus Dumbledore]], [[Aberforth Dumbledore]], and [[Ariana Dumbledore]]. His public legacy was that of a [[Muggle]]-hating criminal who was sentenced to a life term in [[Azkaban]] for a brutal attack. The truth, however, was that his actions were a desperate act of vengeance and protection on behalf of his traumatized daughter, [[Ariana]]. Percival's imprisonment and the secrecy surrounding it were foundational to the tragedy that would shape the Dumbledore family for generations.
=====Biography=====
Percival lived with his family in the wizarding village of [[Mould-on-the-Wold]]. His life was irrevocably altered when his six-year-old daughter, [[Ariana]], was observed practicing magic by three [[Muggle]] boys. Frightened by what they saw, they attacked her. The assault left [[Ariana]] permanently traumatized, emotionally scarred, and unable to control her powerful magical abilities, which would erupt from her in destructive and unpredictable ways.
In retaliation for the attack on his daughter, Percival sought out the [[Muggle]] boys and attacked them. For this crime, he was arrested by the [[Ministry of Magic]] and sentenced to life in [[Azkaban]]. Crucially, Percival never revealed his motive. He knew that if the truth about [[Ariana]]'s condition were known, she would have been deemed a threat to the [[International Statute of Secrecy]] and would have been permanently institutionalized at [[St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries]]. To protect his daughter from this fate, Percival accepted his sentence and allowed the wizarding world to believe he was a vicious [[Muggle]]-hater. He died in [[Azkaban]] prison.
Following his imprisonment, his wife [[Kendra]] moved the family to [[Godric's Hollow]] to escape the notoriety and hide [[Ariana]]'s condition. Years later, Percival's story was publicly twisted by reporter [[Rita Skeeter]] in her scandalous biography, //The Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore//. Skeeter used his conviction to portray him as a proponent of [[Pure-blood]] supremacy and to suggest that his famous son, [[Albus]], shared these anti-[[Muggle]] sentiments. The true story was only revealed to [[Harry Potter]] by [[Aberforth Dumbledore]] in the [[Hog's Head Inn]].
=====Physical Appearance and Personality=====
Percival's physical appearance is known from two conflicting descriptions. In a Dumbledore family photograph shown to [[Harry Potter]] by [[Elphias Doge]], he had a "triumphant sort of look on his face" and eyes that were described by [[Aberforth]] as being just like Albus's. In contrast, the photograph of him from [[Azkaban]] published in //The Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore// depicted a man with a "wild look" in his eyes.
His personality was defined by fierce paternal love and a capacity for self-sacrifice. His decision to go to [[Azkaban]] for life rather than risk his daughter's institutionalization demonstrates a deep sense of loyalty and protectiveness. He chose a ruined reputation and a horrific fate to ensure [[Ariana]] could remain with her family. This stands in stark contrast to the public persona of a hateful bigot that the [[Ministry of Magic]]'s judgment and [[Rita Skeeter]]'s reporting created.
=====Magical Abilities and Skills=====
Little is known about Percival's specific magical talents or level of skill. As a fully qualified [[wizard]], he was proficient enough to carry out an attack on three [[Muggles]] that was severe enough to warrant a life sentence from the [[Wizengamot]]. The exact nature of the [[magic]] he used in the attack is not specified in the novels. No information is available regarding his [[wand]].
=====Possessions=====
No magical objects or significant possessions belonging to Percival Dumbledore are mentioned in the books.
=====Relationships=====
  * **[[Ariana Dumbledore]] (Daughter):** Percival's relationship with his daughter was the defining motivation for the final act of his life. He loved her so profoundly that he sacrificed his freedom and reputation to protect her after she was assaulted.
  * **[[Kendra Dumbledore]] (Wife):** Percival and [[Kendra]] raised their three children together in [[Mould-on-the-Wold]]. After his imprisonment, [[Kendra]] was left to manage the family's tragic secret and care for [[Ariana]] alone.
  * **[[Albus Dumbledore]] (Son):** As the eldest son, Albus was deeply affected by his father's imprisonment and the subsequent family tragedies. Percival's absence and the secrecy surrounding it contributed to the immense burden of guilt and responsibility that Albus carried throughout his life.
  * **[[Aberforth Dumbledore]] (Son):** Aberforth, more than Albus, seemed to have a clearer and more direct understanding of his father's sacrifice. It was Aberforth who defended his father's true motivations and shared the full, unvarnished story with [[Harry Potter]], [[Ron Weasley]], and [[Hermione Granger]].
=====Etymology=====
  * **Percival:** The name of one of the Knights of the Round Table in Arthurian legend. Sir Percival was renowned for his purity and was one of the three knights to succeed in the quest for the Holy Grail. The name suggests nobility and a heroic, if tragic, quest. It is of Old French origin, meaning "pierce the valley."
  * **Dumbledore:** An 18th-century English word for "bumblebee." [[J.K. Rowling]] has stated she chose the name because she imagined [[Albus Dumbledore]] walking around humming to himself, much like a buzzing bee.
=====Behind the Scenes=====
  * In the film adaptation //Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1//, an actor portrays Percival Dumbledore in the family photograph seen in [[Godric's Hollow]] and in the pictures accompanying [[Rita Skeeter]]'s biography. (film)
  * The revelation of Percival's true motivations in //Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows// is a pivotal moment, serving to re-contextualize [[Albus Dumbledore]]'s character from an infallible sage to a flawed man shaped by immense personal tragedy.