Adalbert Waffling

Adalbert Waffling
Biographical information
Died	1981
Nationality	British
Physical information
Species	Human
Gender	Male
Hair colour	Grey
Skin colour	White
Affiliation
Occupation	Author Magical theoretician

"Tamper with the deepest mysteries ― the source of life, the essence of self ― only if prepared for consequences of the most extreme and dangerous kind."

— Waffling's first Fundamental Law of Magic

Adalbert Waffling (d. 1981) was a British wizard who was a magical theoretician, credited to have written "all about magic". Waffling is somewhat seen as the "father of magical theory", as it is a popular claim that every modern witch or wizard has learned from his writings.

Waffling was the one who formulated the Fundamental Laws of Magic and wrote Magical Theory, a most popular textbook still being used today by the young witches and wizards at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Biography

Early life

Adalbert Waffling was born in or before the 19th-century. By the 1890s he was already a most notable theoretician. Waffling might have attended Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in his youth, like so many other wizards before him.

Later life

Waffling studying magic

By the 1890s, Waffling was already one of most notable wizards of the date, so it is more than likely he published some of his writings before this point. Around this time Albus Dumbledore, the "most brilliant student ever seen [at Hogwarts]", was in regular correspondence with Waffling in order to exchange ideas about magic. Minerva McGonagall later shared these letters with members of the Statute of Secrecy Task Force who pursued a Professorship profession to help improve their skills in addressing the Calamity.

Waffling died in 1981.

Behind the scenes

• In early editions of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, A History of Magic is incorrectly said to be written by Adalbert Waffling, instead of Bathilda Bagshot.
• In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, it is revealed that Albus Dumbledore corresponded with Waffling during his time at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. However, the dates given for Waffling's birth on his Chocolate Frog Card say that he was born after Dumbledore graduated (in 1899).
• Adalbert Waffling's death date coincides with the height of the First Wizarding War and the original downfall of Lord Voldemort. It is unknown if he died as a result of the war, or died of another reason.

Etymology

Adal is Old High German for "noble" or "aristocratic"; berta, "bright". "Waffling" means speaking or writing at length in a vague or trivial manner without a clear point or aim.

Appearances

• Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (First mentioned)
• Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film) (Name is seen on book cover)
• Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (video game) (Appears on a Famous Wizard Card)
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (video game) (Appears on a Famous Wizard Card)
• Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Mentioned only)
• Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (film) (Name seen on wood panelling)
• Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (video game) (Appears on a Famous Wizard Card)
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Mentioned only)
• The Tales of Beedle the Bard (Mentioned only)
• Pottermore (Mentioned only)
• Wizarding World (Mentioned only)
• The Art of Harry Potter Mini Book of Graphic Design
• Harry Potter: Wizards Unite (Mentioned only)