by Glory Lennon

Created on: August 06, 2007   Last Updated: October 08, 2008

In a book series so rich in detail, so full of complex emotions, integral plots, intense relationships and wonderful characterizations one would think there would have been enough romance in the Harry Potter saga and yet there seemed to be something lacking. There were instances when it appeared there were too many characters without partners. This might not seem strange to children reading the Harry Potter books, after all, the focus was rightfully on Harry and his younger audience. But to this adult reader there were entirely too many adult characters who seemed, for lack of a better word, non-sexual. Perhaps it is only my perception because of my being an unabashed purveyor of romance but I must say there wasn't enough romance in the Harry Potter saga.

Let us start at the top. Albus Dumbledore was practically royalty in the wizarding world and yet no fawning women clawed at his robes, no flirting witches sought his admiration, no veela batted their eyelashes at him. How likely was that? Even less-than-gorgeous princes get more action when single, young studs so, why didn't Dumbledore? Ah, but we know why now with his "outing". But could it be gay-bashing was also prevalent in the wizarding world just as werewolves and Squibs were shunned and ridiculed? Most likely.

My theory is Dumbledore had an amorous admirer in his Dragon-poxed friend and obituary writer, Elphias Doge. They were to set off on a trip around the world after Hogwarts but when that didn't happen and they fell out of touch Dumbledore hooked up with Grindlewald. There was something of romance there but we weren't privy to it. Alas with a broken heart, perhaps Dumbledore never sought another lover.

Hagrid became romantically involved with Madam Maxime but that was doomed to failure. She was headmistress of Beaubaton in France and he would never leave Hogwarts even for love. Pity. They would have had beautiful albeit huge children.

Minerva McGonagall reminded me of the stern nuns teaching at Catholic school, too chaste and virginal to succumb to anything so foolish as romantic love. Or maybe she had the misfortune to be in love with Dumbledore. Either way we didn't get to see that.

Harry thought Madam Pince, the librarian, and Filch, the caretaker might have had a 'thing' going on. But all the other teachers seemed entirely too consumed with their jobs for anything as silly as love and marriage. Again, plenty of room for romance.

Molly Weasley gave a hint of her midnight extra-curricular activities

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