How Did Albus Dumbledore Obtain Dragons Blood for the 12 Uses?
The legendary Albus Dumbledore, headmaster of Hogwarts and a master of magical substances, is known to have extensively researched various properties of magical creatures and their byproducts. Among these, Dragons Blood holds a special place in his vast array of potions and magical applications.
The Enigma of Dragons Blood
Upon closer examination, it’s evident that obtaining Dragons Blood would not be a simple task, especially considering the unique byproducts of dragons mentioned in the Harry Potter series. Dragons hide, dragon liver, dragon heartstrings, and even dragon meat are all mentioned as common items in the wizarding world. However, none of these can be obtained from a live dragon. Therefore, it can be speculated that Dumbledore acquired his Dragons Blood through mundane means, such as purchasing it from an apothecary or through other avenues made possible by his extensive contacts and reputation.
Dragons Blood in Diagon Alley
Visiting Diagon Alley in the early days of the series, Harry and friends come across the apothecary, which sells Dragon Liver. A simple price check reveals that one ounce costs a hefty 17 sickles, or a galleon. Additionally, in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Bill Weasley is seen wearing boots made from Dragon’s Hide. The Twins also boast wearing the finest Dragon Hide jackets. In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Hagrid mentions the presumed poisonous “dragon meat” for a meal, which reminds us that dragons are indeed slaughtered for their valuable parts.
Magical Research and Relevance
The significance of Dragons Blood in the wizarding world cannot be understated. As a powerful healing agent and a versatile substance in potion-making, its value lies not just in its use. J.K. Rowling herself has hinted at the 12th use being “oven cleaner” in an interview. This pejorative reference underscores the mundane and perhaps overused nature of Dragons Blood in the wizarding world.
The Acquisition of Dragons Blood
Given the real-world context that one human has approximately 1.5 gallons of blood, a deceased dragon might contain a significantly higher volume, around 100 gallons or more. This substantial amount of blood, combined with the low cost of the substance in the wizarding world, makes it highly accessible. In the apothecary, Dumbledore would likely have purchased Dragons Blood as needed, given his vast resources and network of contacts.
Alternatively, there might have been some form of “scientific donations” involving Dragons Blood, something known only to the wizarding world and not explicitly mentioned in the books. This could explain how Dumbledore obtained such a plentiful and costly substance.
Conclusion
While the exact method of obtaining Dragons Blood remains a bit of a mystery, the combination of the substance’s utility, the wizarding world’s willingness to use it for mundane purposes, and Dumbledore’s extensive resources points towards a relatively straightforward procurement. Whether through the local apothecary or through some form of scientific donations, the elusive 12th use of Dragons Blood was likely within Dumbledore’s reach.
For anyone interested in the complex world of witchcraft and wizardry, exploring the numerous magical properties and substances used by Dumbledore and his colleagues can provide endless fascination and wonder. J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series is a treasure trove of magical lore, and understanding the intricacies of dragons and their byproducts is just one small piece of the puzzle.