The Kiss

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 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: The Dementor's Kiss
• Performed By: Dementors
• 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

• 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.

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.

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-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.

• J.K. Rowling has stated in interviews that the idea for Dementors 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)