[podfic] Exploring Dumbledore's manipulative master plan... by Just_in_it_for_memes (джен)

Dumbledore is not evil, or insane, or incompetent, yet he is often portrayed that way in fanfiction. Dumbledore bashing is so common that it's practically a meme on this subreddit. Some Dumbledore bashing is self-aware—making Dumbledore senile can be funny, and sometimes it's necessary for the plot—but I fear that most Dumbledore bashing is sincere, and it stems from a misunderstanding of Dumbledore's actions throughout the series.
I'm going to do my best to explain Dumbledore's plan, and perhaps justify some of his bewildering decisions. I'll be paying specific attention to Dumbledore's actions in the Philosophers Stone, since people often disagree with everything he did in that book.
Before we begin analysing Dumbledore's actions, we first need to deconstruct his motives. Contrary to what Rita Skeeter might say, Dumbledore does not believe in the Greater Good. In actuality, Dumbledore is consumed with regret for the death of his sister, and he hates himself for his role in her demise. The Dumbledore who believed in the Greater Good died alongside Ariana, and the Dumbledore we meet in canon despises that utilitarian philosophy.