“One can never have enough socks … Another Christmas has come and gone and I didn’t get a single pair. People will insist on giving me books.”
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Tags: secrecy
Dumbledore came up with that response very quickly. Did he have that answer ready, or did he have to think that up on the spot? The idea that arguably the greatest wizard of the age would desire nothing more than socks is fascinating, and somewhat profound. One can't help think of Dobby, whose greatest desire was also a nice sock or two, and consider the similarities between these two characters -- one high and the other low.
Carolyn adds this wonderful though:
I see socks as a metaphor for compassion, understanding, forgiveness - unconditional love. They are like hugs. This was Harry's first hint that there might be more to Dumbledore than meets the eye. He gave Dobby a sock subconsciously for these same reasons.