5 Questions Secrets of Dumbledore Answered & 5 We Still Have
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VOICE OVER: Emily Brayton
WRITTEN BY: Nick Spake
"Secrets of Dumbledore" still has a few questions to answer for. For this list, we'll be looking at questions that the third “Fantastic Beasts” film answered and questions that will hopefully be answered later down the line. Our countdown includes where is Nagini?, is Credence dead?, where did Grindelwald go?, and more!
Script written by Nick Spake
Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for 5 Questions Secrets of Dumbledore Answered and 5 We Still Have.
For this list, we’ll be looking at questions that the third “Fantastic Beasts” film answered and questions that will hopefully be answered later down the line. Keep in mind that there will be spoilers. So, either proceed with caution or be prepared to cast Obliviate.
What did you think of “Secrets of Dumbledore?” Let us know in the comments.
#10: How Close Were Dumbledore & Grindelwald?
Wizarding World fans know that Dumbledore is gay and was in love with Grindelwald. Within the context of the films and even the books, though, Dumbledore’s sexuality has always been tip-toed around. In the second “Fantastic Beasts” movie, Dumbledore says that Grindelwald and he were closer than brothers. He also sees a memory of himself and Grindelwald in the Mirror of Erised. However, this still left some ambiguity in their relationship. “Secrets of Dumbledore” opens with them meeting at a restaurant where Dumbledore tells Grindelwald that he made the blood pact because he was in love with him. While Grindelwald is more emotionally guarded, he later says that he wasn’t an enemy “then or now,” suggesting that he may still have passionate feelings for Dumbledore.
#9: Seriously, Tina Is “Unavailable?”
Tina Goldstein was essentially the main female character in the first two “Fantastic Beasts” films. Since she later marries Newt and the last movie ended with her sister joining Grindelwald, you’d think Tina would play a crucial role here. It’s briefly mentioned, though, that Tina is unavailable because of her promotion at the Department of Aurors. Really? We have a hard time believing that Tina would stand idly by with the world and her sister in jeopardy because she was too busy at work. Tina doesn’t make a truly significant appearance until the end when she arrives at Queenie and Jacob’s wedding. So, she’s unavailable when all hell breaks loose but when there’s free cake, she shows up? This feels totally out of character.
#8: How Do Fantastic Beasts Factor Into Grindelwald’s Plan?
The previous film established why Dumbledore couldn’t fight Grindelwald, but why did he turn to Newt of all wizards? Because he admires him? “The Secrets of Dumbledore” provides a more plausible explanation. In the International Confederation of Wizards’ election for Supreme Mugwump, Grindelwald plots to win using a zombified Qilin. These rare magical creatures will bow before anyone they deem pure of heart and thus worthy to lead. Since Newt is the expert on fantastic beasts, he’s able to tell the difference between a real Qilin and a fake one. So, it makes sense why Newt would be so integral to Dumbledore’s plan. It’s also a clever way of tying the fantastic beasts storyline into the political plot, which haven’t always meshed in these movies.
#7: Where Is Nagini?
Before she permanently became a snake and one of Lord Voldemort’s Horcruxes, Nagini was a Maledictus who could shift between her reptile and human forms at will. In “Crimes of Grindelwald,” she escapes from Circus Arcanus with Credence. The two part ways when Credence goes with Grindelwald while Nagini sides with our heroes. Given her attachment to Credence and newfound loyalties to Newt’s team, we assumed Nagini would play a role in “Secrets of Dumbledore.” She’s nowhere to be found, however. Maybe this was due to scheduling conflicts regarding actress Claudia Kim’s pregnancy, but there’s still a major gap in Nagini’s character arc that needs to be filled. Namely, when did her snake form fully take over and what brought about her dark turn?
#6: Dumbledore’s Resistance Towards Politics?
The books mention that Dumbledore was offered the Minister of Magic position several times, always turning it down. While the movies haven’t really touched upon this, “Secrets of Dumbledore” provides more details on his brushes with politics. The Qilin bows before Dumbledore, who declines the chance to lead. This foreshadows Dumbledore later rejecting the Minister role. Dumbledore would tell Harry that “power was [his] weakness and [his] temptation,” which is elaborated on through his relationship with Grindelwald and their pursuit of the Deathly Hallows. When the Qilin bows, Dumbledore is honored, but afraid power may get the best of him again. It’s also worth mentioning that Dumbledore is eventually appointed Supreme Mugwump, and we wouldn’t be surprised if the Qilin’s choice factored into this decision.
#5: Why Didn’t Queenie Face Any Punishment For Her Actions?
“Crimes of Grindelwald” ends with Queenie allying with the Dark Wizard, believing that his new world order will allow her to marry whoever she wishes. When Grindelwald attacks Jacob during this film’s climax, Queenie rushes her love’s aid. When we next see Queenie, she’s preparing to marry Jacob, but it feels like a few scenes are missing. Did Queenie get off the hook scot free for helping Grindelwald rig an election? Were all of Queenie’s loved ones really that quick to forgive her? When did Jacob get over his qualms about marrying Queenie? Did they relocate to Europe or did they just go against Rappaport’s Law? We still don’t get entirely why Queenie thought joining Grindelwald would be a good idea in the first place.
#4: Is Credence Dead?
When we last see Credence in “Secrets of Dumbledore,” he’s alive, but in rough shape. It’s implied that Aberforth is going to take Credence home, try to nurture him back to health, and welcome him into the family. However, we also see the Phoenix flying off into the distance. This is similar to the ending of “Half-Blood Prince,” in which Fawkes departs following Dumbledore’s death. Could this mean Credence is dead or does it symbolize rising from the ashes and starting anew? The controversy revolving around Ezra Miller might explain why the filmmakers have left Credence’s story open-ended for now. In any case, Credence isn’t present when Harry, Ron, and Hermione meet Aberforth, suggesting that his time with the Dumbledores could’ve been cut short.
#3: Can The Blood Pact Be Broken?
Newt learns that Dumbledore couldn’t make a move against Grindelwald because of a blood pact made during their youth. With the vial returned to Dumbledore, he believes there might be a way to break it. However, the vial takes a physical toll on Dumbledore when he even thinks about challenging Grindelwald. During the climax, Grindelwald attempts to harm Credence while Albus and Aberforth try to block his spell. When the spells collide, the vial is broken along with the blood pact. This mirrors the Duel at Godric’s Hollow that accidentally resulted in the death of Ariana Dumbledore. Instead of losing a family member, though, this duel saves Credence. It provides the Dumbledore brothers with some closure after their sister’s death tore their family apart.
#2: Where Did Grindelwald Go?
With the blood pact broken, Dumbledore finally duels Grindelwald. However, this isn’t the legendary duel that ends the global wizarding war. That battle doesn’t occur until 1945 while “Secrets of Dumbledore” takes place in the 30s. This movie’s duel is on a much smaller scale with Grindelwald disappearing off the edge of a cliff before he can be apprehended. Although it’s unknown where Grindelwald goes next, he’ll one day clash with Dumbledore again. This long-awaited battle will finally see Grindelwald defeated and imprisoned in Nurmengard. Grindelwald spends the rest of his days incarcerated until Voldemort confronts him. In the books, Voldemort kills Grindelwald for refusing to give up the Elder Wand’s location. This differs from the movies where he spills the beans and seemingly survives.
#1: Is Credence Really a Dumbledore?
The last movie concluded with Grindelwald dropping a bombshell on Credence: he’s actually Albus’ brother, Aurelius Dumbledore. Given Grindelwald’s deceitful nature, many speculated whether he was telling the truth. Turns out that it’s only the half-truth. Credence is a Dumbledore, but he isn’t Albus’ brother. He’s Albus’ nephew and Aberforth’s son. While this answers one lingering question, it raises a few others. Who is Credence’s biological mother? What was her relationship to Aberforth? Were they in love or was it just a fleeting affair? How long did Aberforth know about his son’s existence? Why didn’t he take responsibility for Credence sooner? Do this father and son have a future? With two more “Fantastic Beasts” films reportedly still in development, we’re in dire need of answers.
5 Questions Secrets of Dumbledore Answered & 5 We Still Have
Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for 5 Questions Secrets of Dumbledore Answered and 5 We Still Have.
For this list, we’ll be looking at questions that the third “Fantastic Beasts” film answered and questions that will hopefully be answered later down the line. Keep in mind that there will be spoilers. So, either proceed with caution or be prepared to cast Obliviate.
What did you think of “Secrets of Dumbledore?” Let us know in the comments.
#10: How Close Were Dumbledore & Grindelwald?
Answered
Wizarding World fans know that Dumbledore is gay and was in love with Grindelwald. Within the context of the films and even the books, though, Dumbledore’s sexuality has always been tip-toed around. In the second “Fantastic Beasts” movie, Dumbledore says that Grindelwald and he were closer than brothers. He also sees a memory of himself and Grindelwald in the Mirror of Erised. However, this still left some ambiguity in their relationship. “Secrets of Dumbledore” opens with them meeting at a restaurant where Dumbledore tells Grindelwald that he made the blood pact because he was in love with him. While Grindelwald is more emotionally guarded, he later says that he wasn’t an enemy “then or now,” suggesting that he may still have passionate feelings for Dumbledore.
#9: Seriously, Tina Is “Unavailable?”
Not Answered
Tina Goldstein was essentially the main female character in the first two “Fantastic Beasts” films. Since she later marries Newt and the last movie ended with her sister joining Grindelwald, you’d think Tina would play a crucial role here. It’s briefly mentioned, though, that Tina is unavailable because of her promotion at the Department of Aurors. Really? We have a hard time believing that Tina would stand idly by with the world and her sister in jeopardy because she was too busy at work. Tina doesn’t make a truly significant appearance until the end when she arrives at Queenie and Jacob’s wedding. So, she’s unavailable when all hell breaks loose but when there’s free cake, she shows up? This feels totally out of character.
#8: How Do Fantastic Beasts Factor Into Grindelwald’s Plan?
Answered
The previous film established why Dumbledore couldn’t fight Grindelwald, but why did he turn to Newt of all wizards? Because he admires him? “The Secrets of Dumbledore” provides a more plausible explanation. In the International Confederation of Wizards’ election for Supreme Mugwump, Grindelwald plots to win using a zombified Qilin. These rare magical creatures will bow before anyone they deem pure of heart and thus worthy to lead. Since Newt is the expert on fantastic beasts, he’s able to tell the difference between a real Qilin and a fake one. So, it makes sense why Newt would be so integral to Dumbledore’s plan. It’s also a clever way of tying the fantastic beasts storyline into the political plot, which haven’t always meshed in these movies.
#7: Where Is Nagini?
Not Answered
Before she permanently became a snake and one of Lord Voldemort’s Horcruxes, Nagini was a Maledictus who could shift between her reptile and human forms at will. In “Crimes of Grindelwald,” she escapes from Circus Arcanus with Credence. The two part ways when Credence goes with Grindelwald while Nagini sides with our heroes. Given her attachment to Credence and newfound loyalties to Newt’s team, we assumed Nagini would play a role in “Secrets of Dumbledore.” She’s nowhere to be found, however. Maybe this was due to scheduling conflicts regarding actress Claudia Kim’s pregnancy, but there’s still a major gap in Nagini’s character arc that needs to be filled. Namely, when did her snake form fully take over and what brought about her dark turn?
#6: Dumbledore’s Resistance Towards Politics?
Answered
The books mention that Dumbledore was offered the Minister of Magic position several times, always turning it down. While the movies haven’t really touched upon this, “Secrets of Dumbledore” provides more details on his brushes with politics. The Qilin bows before Dumbledore, who declines the chance to lead. This foreshadows Dumbledore later rejecting the Minister role. Dumbledore would tell Harry that “power was [his] weakness and [his] temptation,” which is elaborated on through his relationship with Grindelwald and their pursuit of the Deathly Hallows. When the Qilin bows, Dumbledore is honored, but afraid power may get the best of him again. It’s also worth mentioning that Dumbledore is eventually appointed Supreme Mugwump, and we wouldn’t be surprised if the Qilin’s choice factored into this decision.
#5: Why Didn’t Queenie Face Any Punishment For Her Actions?
Not Answered
“Crimes of Grindelwald” ends with Queenie allying with the Dark Wizard, believing that his new world order will allow her to marry whoever she wishes. When Grindelwald attacks Jacob during this film’s climax, Queenie rushes her love’s aid. When we next see Queenie, she’s preparing to marry Jacob, but it feels like a few scenes are missing. Did Queenie get off the hook scot free for helping Grindelwald rig an election? Were all of Queenie’s loved ones really that quick to forgive her? When did Jacob get over his qualms about marrying Queenie? Did they relocate to Europe or did they just go against Rappaport’s Law? We still don’t get entirely why Queenie thought joining Grindelwald would be a good idea in the first place.
#4: Is Credence Dead?
Not Answered
When we last see Credence in “Secrets of Dumbledore,” he’s alive, but in rough shape. It’s implied that Aberforth is going to take Credence home, try to nurture him back to health, and welcome him into the family. However, we also see the Phoenix flying off into the distance. This is similar to the ending of “Half-Blood Prince,” in which Fawkes departs following Dumbledore’s death. Could this mean Credence is dead or does it symbolize rising from the ashes and starting anew? The controversy revolving around Ezra Miller might explain why the filmmakers have left Credence’s story open-ended for now. In any case, Credence isn’t present when Harry, Ron, and Hermione meet Aberforth, suggesting that his time with the Dumbledores could’ve been cut short.
#3: Can The Blood Pact Be Broken?
Answered
Newt learns that Dumbledore couldn’t make a move against Grindelwald because of a blood pact made during their youth. With the vial returned to Dumbledore, he believes there might be a way to break it. However, the vial takes a physical toll on Dumbledore when he even thinks about challenging Grindelwald. During the climax, Grindelwald attempts to harm Credence while Albus and Aberforth try to block his spell. When the spells collide, the vial is broken along with the blood pact. This mirrors the Duel at Godric’s Hollow that accidentally resulted in the death of Ariana Dumbledore. Instead of losing a family member, though, this duel saves Credence. It provides the Dumbledore brothers with some closure after their sister’s death tore their family apart.
#2: Where Did Grindelwald Go?
Not Answered
With the blood pact broken, Dumbledore finally duels Grindelwald. However, this isn’t the legendary duel that ends the global wizarding war. That battle doesn’t occur until 1945 while “Secrets of Dumbledore” takes place in the 30s. This movie’s duel is on a much smaller scale with Grindelwald disappearing off the edge of a cliff before he can be apprehended. Although it’s unknown where Grindelwald goes next, he’ll one day clash with Dumbledore again. This long-awaited battle will finally see Grindelwald defeated and imprisoned in Nurmengard. Grindelwald spends the rest of his days incarcerated until Voldemort confronts him. In the books, Voldemort kills Grindelwald for refusing to give up the Elder Wand’s location. This differs from the movies where he spills the beans and seemingly survives.
#1: Is Credence Really a Dumbledore?
Answered
The last movie concluded with Grindelwald dropping a bombshell on Credence: he’s actually Albus’ brother, Aurelius Dumbledore. Given Grindelwald’s deceitful nature, many speculated whether he was telling the truth. Turns out that it’s only the half-truth. Credence is a Dumbledore, but he isn’t Albus’ brother. He’s Albus’ nephew and Aberforth’s son. While this answers one lingering question, it raises a few others. Who is Credence’s biological mother? What was her relationship to Aberforth? Were they in love or was it just a fleeting affair? How long did Aberforth know about his son’s existence? Why didn’t he take responsibility for Credence sooner? Do this father and son have a future? With two more “Fantastic Beasts” films reportedly still in development, we’re in dire need of answers.
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