Dumbledore and Grindelwald... why didn’t anyone see it coming? Merlin knows people have fantasized over more unlikely couples: Harry and Draco come to mind, Snape and Hermione is a morbid favorite, I’ve even read a Fred and George pairing. Why then, is the possibility of Dumbledore and Grindelwald as more than "just friends” so shocking? If it had come from an ordinary fan girl, the concept wouldn’t be so surprising. After all, it’s easy to put “rosy cheeks” and “twinkling eyes” together. J.K. Rowling herself announcing that Dumbledore is homosexual is utterly- at the risk of sounding like a Mary Sue- scandalous. One begins to find meaning behind the headmaster’s more unusual (dare I say queer?) tendencies, not to mention his bachelorhood. His orientation might even account for Professor McGonagall’s prudish nature. Did Minerva pine for her colleague, who was unable to return the affection? You could even turn a closer eye on Dumbledore and Harry’s “unusual” relationship, as Yahoo! news has done.
While J.K.'s little announcement might upset some homophobic muggles, I don’t sense any Greek action between the master and his pupil. Dumbledore may be gay, but he’s not a pedophile. Personally, I’m thrilled by the turning of events. Having a homosexual in one of history’s most beloved children’s novels is a huge stepping-stone for tolerance. Rowling is one smart lady. Waiting until after the books were published (and sold) to step out of the closet was an economically wise choice. Not only does it save her from anti-gay protesters, it keeps people talking, ensuring that the Potter craze will never end.
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