A key element to any YA book or film series is a good romance. In Harry Potter ’s case, there are many dynamic romantic relationships, both canonical and fan-driven. From forbidden love between best friends and worst enemies to forbidden love between a human and a werewolf, these are the best ships in Harry Potter as an overall franchise.
9. Jacob Kowalski and Queenie Goldstein
Fantastic Beasts was definitely on the darker side of the Harry Potter universe, but Jacob and Queenie’s attraction provided some much-needed levity to the film. Queenie and Jacob’s banter, charm, and eye contact were a highlight, and make them the better ‘ship to come out of the first film.
8. Hagrid and Madame Maxime
Hagrid finally met his match in Madame Maxime in Goblet of Fire and the two struck up an unlikely courtship that included hunting giants in Order of the Phoenix. Madame Maxime is an elegant woman, and Hagrid is a little rough around the edges, but they complement each other in many ways. Hagrid and Madame Maxime’s love defies species, height, and country.
7. Dumbledore and Grindelwald
A doomed romance from the start, Dumbledore and Grindelwald were childhood friends, only to diverge when Grindelwald’s experiments started to freak Dumbledore out a lot. Frenemies-turned-lovers-turned-enemies is a recipe for a delicious ‘ship, and Dumbledore vs. Grindelwald had lasting implications for the entire wizarding world. Dramatic!
6. Draco and Hermione
To be honest, this is not a ‘ship I was into when I read the books and watched the movies. However, I get what it’s founded on: good girl, bad guy. I get it. Malfoy did give Hermione an awful lot of attention. Attention rooted in prejudice and spitefulness, but attention nonetheless. But remember when Hermione punched him in Prisoner of Azkaban? That was awesome. And, Emma Watson had a crush on Tom Felton in real life. Who didn’t?
5. Sirius and James
Whatever your feelings on Harry Potter, we can all agree that we need more Marauders content. And, Sirius’ intense love for James is touching in many ways, carrying over to his protection and compassion for Harry. Who knows if it was ever anything more than friendship, but this is a ‘ship that needs more exploring, regardless.
4. Harry and Ginny
Getting a crush on your best friend’s sibling or your sibling’s best friend is a common experience. Harry and Ginny went through a lot together—the Chamber of Secrets, the Quidditch World Cup, Dumbledore’s Army, I could go on—and shared experience goes a long way! Plus, Harry and Ginny have shared hobbies and interests: Quidditch, fighting evil, food, and more. Their senses of humor also match up well, and although this ‘ship faces the criticism that it was too “convenient,” I think it makes perfect sense and was developed well.
3. Harry and Draco
Every rivalry has tension, and whether or not that tension is romantic is up to you (and the Internet). Harry and Draco fought in every book, about every subject, and although the story ends with them on better terms, you know they miss their back-and-forths. We all do.
2. Tonks and Lupin
WHAT CAN I SAY ABOUT THE TRAGEDY OF TONKS AND LUPIN? She was an Auror, the weirdo of the family with purple hair. He was a werewolf. Can I make it any more obvious? They were doomed from the very beginning but refused to give up on each other—swoon-worthy. They both have such big hearts, like to live on the edge, and died tragically at the Battle of Hogwarts. We needed more time with this couple!
1. Ron and Hermione
We hear this all the time: the person you fall in love with should be your best friend. For Ron and Hermione, this is indeed the case! Better still, Ron and Hermione also prove that opposites attract. She is extremely type A, and he is the picture of type B. But Ron and Hermione show us that every relationship needs balance, and this is why they are Harry Potter ’s number one ‘ship, no matter what retconning J.K. Rowling tries to do on Twitter.
Who is your favorite Harry Potter ‘ship? Let us know in the comments below!
Images: Warner Bros.