The True Dumbledore: Albus or Credence?

In J.K. Rowling's immensely beloved Harry Potter series, the name Dumbledore has become synonymous with wisdom, kindness, and heroism. However, as the plot unfolds in the prequel novel Deathly Hallows: Part Two, it is intriguing to question whether Albus Dumbledore is the only legitimate member of the Dumbledore family.

Multiple Dumbledores in the Family

The Dumbledore family is both rich and complex, with various members carrying the name. Among them are Albus' father Percival, his mother Kendra, his younger brother Aberforth, and his younger sister Ariana, who, according to the Deathly Hallows: Part Two, is the obscurial. Albus is Albus, the eldest, and Credence Barebone, who is later revealed to be Aurilius Dumbledore, the son of Aberforth, the second to carry the name.

Each of these individuals could be considered a "true Dumbledore," but only Albus is often mentioned by the name in the books. However, this raises the question: Who is the true Dumbledore, and could Credence be an equally important character in the lineage?

Grindelwald’s Manipulation

Grindelwald’s manipulation of Credence is one of the central plot devices in the film Deathly Hallows: Part Two. Grindelwald, cunning and manipulative, took advantage of Credence’s desperate need to know his parentage. Grindelwald clearly deceived Credence by telling him that Albus is his family, and his family abandoned him to a woman who was abusive his entire life. This manipulation aligns with Grindelwald’s history of manipulating others, such as convincing Queenie and Jacob to join him.

Given Grindelwald's history, it seems highly plausible that he lied to Credence in an attempt to drive a wedge between Credence and Albus, motivating Credence to kill Albus. This is precisely what Grindelwald wanted.

Improbable Family Trees

Considering the timeline, it is highly improbable for Credence to be Albus' brother or Ariana's nephew, as Credence was apparently swapped with Corvus V on the ship. The possibility of him being an illegitimate son of Albus or Aberforth is also unlikely.

Another theory suggests that Credence could be from a different line of Dumbledores, making him a cousin to Albus, possibly a distant one. However, even if Credence is a cousin, the origins of the Phoenix/Dumbledore connection are uncertain and may involve different lines of the family.

Questions also arise about the exchange of babies on the ship. Leta could have lied or been mistaken. Therefore, Credence might not be the baby from the ship, or it could be the simplest explanation that Grindelwald is outright lying to Credence and manipulate him via the Phoenix or an illusion of one.

Conclusion: While the idea of Grindelwald lying to Credence is highly likely, the convoluted nature of J.K. Rowling's storytelling often defies straightforward explanations. There may be other factors at play, such as Grindelwald's desire to create confusion or Credence himself secretly being Grindelwald's child. Only J.K. Rowling's insights can truly resolve this enigma.