Dumbledore, a powerful wizard and Head of Hogwarts school, symbolizes integrity and goodness. He resolutely stands against cruelty and corruption, as is first evident in his attendance at Harry’s Disciplinary Trial; Dumbledore insists that Harry has the right to have witnesses speak in his defense and makes pointed comments alluding to Fudge’s corrupt judicial process.

Dumbledore advocates for the rights of the powerless and refuses to tolerate cruelty. When Umbridge humiliates Trelawney in front of the school, ejecting her from her job and her home, Dumbledore arrives to defend her, telling Umbridge, “You have every right to dismiss my teachers. You do not, however, have the authority to send them away from the castle” (551). He insists that Trelawney remain living at the school. Furthermore, one of the few moments where Dumbledore shows anger in the novel occurs when Umbridge angrily shakes Marietta; “a split second later Dumbledore was on his feet, his wand raised. […] ‘I cannot allow you to manhandle my students, Dolores,’ […] for the first time, he looked angry” (569).

Dumbledore also advocates for the rights of traditionally disrespected species, such as house elves: “I warned Sirius when we adopted twelve Grimmauld Place as our Headquarters that Kreacher must be treated with kindness and respect” (766).