======The Kiss======
=====Introduction=====
In the wizarding world, the term **Kiss** holds a dual meaning. It refers to the conventional, mundane act of affection between individuals, several of which are pivotal to the character relationships and subplots of the series. More ominously, it is the common term for the **Dementor's Kiss**, the most terrifying act performed by a [[Dementor]], which involves sucking the [[soul]] from a victim's body.
=====The Dementor's Kiss=====
The Dementor's Kiss is the ultimate punishment and attack of a [[Dementor]]. It is considered a fate worse than death. The [[Ministry of Magic]] has authorized its use on convicted criminals, such as in the case of [[Barty Crouch Jr.]].
=====Act Information=====
  * **Act:** The Dementor's Kiss
  * **Performed By:** [[Dementor]]s
  * **Effect:** The [[Dementor]] clamps its jaw-like mouth over the victim's and inhales their very [[soul]]. This act does not kill the victim; their body, including the heart and brain, continues to function. However, they are left as an empty shell, devoid of self, memories, or consciousness, living in a permanent, incurable vegetative state. As described by [[Remus Lupin]], the victim has "no chance of recovery. You’ll just... exist."
  * **Type:** Dark Magical Act, [[Dark Arts]]
=====History and Known Targets=====
  * **[[Sirius Black]]:** In `[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]`, the [[Minister for Magic]], [[Cornelius Fudge]], orders a [[Dementor]] to perform the Kiss on [[Sirius Black]] after his capture at [[Hogwarts]]. [[Harry Potter]] and [[Hermione Granger]] save Sirius using a [[Time-Turner]] before the Kiss can be administered.
  * **[[Harry Potter]]:** Harry nearly falls victim to the Kiss twice in `[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]`—first during a [[Quidditch]] match and later at the Great Lake, where he is saved by his own future self casting a corporeal [[Patronus]]. He is targeted again, along with his cousin, in `[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]`.
  * **[[Dudley Dursley]]:** During the attack in [[Little Whinging]] in `[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]`, a [[Dementor]] attempts to perform the Kiss on [[Dudley Dursley]] before Harry drives it away.
  * **[[Barty Crouch Jr.]]:** Following his exposure at the end of the [[Triwizard Tournament]] in `[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]`, [[Barty Crouch Jr.]] is subjected to the Dementor's Kiss by a [[Dementor]] that [[Cornelius Fudge]] brought as a bodyguard. This action prevents him from giving testimony, thus allowing Fudge to deny [[Lord Voldemort]]'s return.
=====Defense=====
The only known defense against a [[Dementor]] attempting to perform the Kiss is the [[Patronus Charm]] ([[Expecto Patronum]]). A powerful, fully-formed corporeal [[Patronus]] is required to drive away a [[Dementor]] that is close enough to use its ultimate weapon. While [[chocolate]] is an effective remedy for the general chilling effect of a [[Dementor]]'s presence, it offers no protection against the Kiss itself.
=====Mundane Kisses of Significance=====
Beyond the Dementor's Kiss, several non-magical kisses are significant milestones in the personal lives of the characters.
  * **[[Harry Potter]] and [[Cho Chang]]:** Harry's first-ever kiss took place in the [[Room of Requirement]] after a [[Dumbledore's Army]] meeting in `[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]`. The moment was complicated by Cho's grief over the death of [[Cedric Diggory]].
  * **[[Harry Potter]] and [[Ginny Weasley]]:** Their long-developing relationship began with a spontaneous and passionate kiss in the [[Gryffindor Common Room]] after [[Gryffindor]] won the [[Quidditch Cup]] in `[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]`.
  * **[[Ron Weasley]] and [[Hermione Granger]]:** After years of unspoken feelings, Ron and Hermione finally shared their first kiss during the heat of the [[Battle of Hogwarts]] in `[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]`. The kiss was initiated by Hermione after Ron expressed concern for the [[House-Elf|house-elves]] in the [[Hogwarts Kitchens]].
  * **[[Ron Weasley]] and [[Lavender Brown]]:** In `[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]`, Ron began a relationship with [[Lavender Brown]], marked by their very public first kiss, which served to provoke and upset Hermione.
  * **[[Bill Weasley]] and [[Fleur Delacour]]:** After [[Bill Weasley]] was mauled by the [[werewolf]] [[Fenrir Greyback]], [[Fleur Delacour]] confirmed her unwavering love for him with a kiss, silencing any doubts from [[Molly Weasley]] about the strength of her commitment.
=====Behind the Scenes=====
  * J.K. Rowling has stated in interviews that the idea for [[Dementor]]s came from a period of clinical depression she experienced. The Dementor's Kiss, therefore, can be seen as a metaphor for the complete and utter removal of all happiness and hope, which is the essence of severe depression. (J.K. Rowling interview)
  * In the film adaptations, the Dementor's Kiss is depicted as a visible, soul-like wisp of light being drawn from the victim's mouth. (film)