Why Did Dumbledore Hire Lockhart?
Albus Dumbledore was an immensely wise headmaster at Hogwarts. He was also one of the most powerful wizards in the world, and as we all know, infinite wisdom comes with great power. So why did he decide to hire Gilderoy Lockhart as a Defence Against the Dark Arts professor in 1992?
The Obvious Choice
Lockhart was the obvious choice for the job considering the larger context. The Ministry of Magic wanted a professor with a Ministry Seal of Approval, which Lockhart had for his published works about dark wizard capture. Additionally, Dumbledore was feeling pressure from parents of Hogwarts school children to hire a reputable celebrity-level wizard to raise interest in the Fighting Arts. Lockhart was also a skilled wizard who could teach the students the theory of such arts. Hogwarts had become quite a target for Dark Arts, and Lockhart seemed to be the perfect solution.
A Deeper Reason
Though there were obvious reasons for why Lockhart was the best choice, there is more going on beneath the surface. Dumbledore had been watching Lockhart for some time, and was aware that Lockhart had taken many of the feats that he claimed for himself. Dumbledore was giving Lockhart a chance to redeem himself, as well as use his influence to protect the students at Hogwarts.
Wisdom in Hiring Lockhart
Dumbledore’s decision to hire Lockhart was wise in many ways. It allowed him to quickly fill a much-needed position, while also giving Lockhart a chance to show his true capabilities. Ultimately, it was a way of reaching out to Lockhart, allowing him to be a part of something bigger than himself.
In conclusion, Dumbledore’s decision to hire Lockhart was a wise one that ensured the safety of Hogwarts, while also giving Lockhart a chance to redeem himself.
Takeaways:
- Dumbledore hired Lockhart for his Ministry Seal of Approval, to raise interest in the Fighting Arts, and to protect Hogwarts from Dark Arts.
- Dumbledore was also giving Lockhart the chance to redeem himself, and be a part of something bigger than himself.
- The decision to hire Lockhart was a wise one that ensured the safety of Hogwarts students.
5. What potential implications did Lockhart’s presence at Hogwarts have for the school’s mission?
Lockhart’s presence at Hogwarts had potential implications for the school’s mission in that it was a distraction from its primary focus of teaching students the skills they needed to become successful wizards and witches. By bringing Lockhart to Hogwarts, the school arguably prioritized glamour over academics, diverting attention away from the core objectives of the school and into celebrity worship. The presence of Lockhart also had an effect on the student body, creating an atmosphere of distraction and possibly leading to a weakening of discipline.
4. What other Hogwarts faculty members supported or disagreed with Dumbledore’s decision to hire Lockhart?
Some members of the Hogwarts faculty supported Dumbledore’s decision to hire Lockhart, including Professor McGonagall, who pointed out that Lockhart had distinguished himself for his achievements, such as winning the Order of Merlin. Others disagreed with the decision, including Snape who believed Lockhart to be a fraud and had vocalised his objections.