There are many reasons that Harry Potter has become one of the most successful and well-loved fantasy franchises in the history of the genre. One key aspect of the show that many people enjoy revolves around the many romantic relationships that take shape during the course of the various stories.
While many of these are the meeting of true soulmates, it has to be said that there are a number of canonical ships that leave much to be desired, and there are even some that bring out the worst in both parties.
Ron And Lavender Brown
In many ways, Ron is one of the series’ most likable characters, and he is devoted to Harry for most of the story. However, he has his fair share of romantic relationships that don’t end particularly well. Most notably, he was in a relationship with Lavender Brown, who seemed drawn to him largely because of his modest amount of fame. Unfortunately, they didn’t seem especially good for each other, especially since it often seemed that Ron was only doing it in an effort to make Hermione jealous.
Harry And Cho Chang
Even though he is the chosen one and the one person who is capable of defeating and killing Voldemort, Harry still makes a number of blunders during his time in the series. This is especially true of his relationships, and it has to be said that his dynamic with Cho Chang is one of the worst in the books and in the movies. Aside from everything else, there doesn’t seem to be much genuine chemistry between them, and it’s hard to see how they are actually attracted to one another.
Hermione And Victor Krum
Hermione is definitely one of the smartest characters in the Harry Potter series, but that doesn’t mean that she doesn’t also have occasional lapses in her good judgment. Nowhere is this more obvious than in her decision to get into a relationship with Victor Krum, one of the students that comes to Hogwarts for the Triwizard Tournament. As with Harry and Cho, there’s not a great deal of genuine chemistry between them, and it’s very clear that Victor isn’t on the same intellectual level as Hermione.
Hermione And Ron
There are few relationships in Harry Potter as iconic as that between Hermione and Ron. However, while it was clear for quite a while that the two of them were going to become a couple, in many ways it’s still one of the worst ships in the series.
Aside from the fact that they are almost exactly opposite in of temperament and personality, there is also the fact that one of the best things about them was that they showed that men and women could be friends without becoming romantic partners.
Harry And Ginny
Harry and Ginny were two people that were also clearly going to get into a relationship before the series ended. While this was to the liking of many fans, it also has to be said that it’s another example of a relationship that feels like more of a bit of empty fan service rather than something that feels genuine to the characters. The two of them so rarely get to spend quality time together that it’s hard to see what they find attractive with one another, let alone to allow the viewer to get truly invested in their partnership.
Bellatrix And Voldemort
There are few more terrifying characters than Bellatrix Lestrange, who takes an inordinate amount of pleasure in inflicting pain on others. However, one person that she genuinely seems to love is Voldemort, and though he may not be romantically interested in her (depending on your stance on The Cursed Child), it’s clear that in her eyes they are in a relationship. However, it’s one of the most toxic dynamics in the entire series, and they easily bring out the absolute worst in one another, reminding everyone around them of the fundamental darkness that exists in both of their souls, something that neither can escape.
Tom Riddle And Merope Gaunt
Of the many toxic ships that appear in Harry Potter, the one between Merope and Tom Riddle is at the top of the list as being the worst. Merope foolishly tries to seduce him with magic, and when she ultimately frees him, he abandons her. From what the viewer gets to see of their relationship, it’s very clear that there was never anything truly romantic between them, and their actions would ultimately give rise to one of the most terrible wizards in history.
Lily And James Potter
Though some might see Lily and James as one of the series’ better relationships, in fact their dynamic leaves much to be desired. It is shown repeatedly that, whatever his own personality traits, James was capable of great cruelty, particularly when it came to Snape.
The fact that Lily was willing to overlook that and marry him anyway–despite the fact that she has been friends with Snape–suggests that they were both willing to sacrifice their better natures for their romance.
Dumbledore And Grindelwald
Dumbledore is arguably one of the most tragic characters in the Harry Potter universe, in part because he fell in love with and became involved with Grindelwald. This is a toxic relationship for many reasons, not the least of which is that each of them enabled the other’s worst traits. What’s more, it doesn’t paint Dumbledore in an especially flattering light, given that he allowed himself to be seduced by his beloved’s more dangerous ideologies. Given that it is one the series’ few LGBT relationships, that makes its dysfunction all the more unfortunate.
Lucius And Narcissa Malfoy
Like so many other characters that appear in the series, Narcissa Malfoy is remarkably complex. Though part of an old wizarding family and showing many of that group’s prejudices, she at least seems like a better person than her husband, Lucius, especially given that she is willing to lie to Voldemort to protect Harry. Thus, it’s rather startling to see her be willing to be with someone as unscrupulous, and ultimately weak, as Lucius when it’s clear that she could definitely do better.
