The Most Important Development in Slash Fiction Since Sulu Came Out...

J.K. Rowling took questions at Carnegie Hall last night, and was asked a question: did Albus Dumbledore ever find true love? The answer may or may not surprise you:

"Dumbledore is gay," the author responded to gasps and applause.

She then explained that Dumbledore was smitten with rival Gellert Grindelwald, whom he defeated long ago in a battle between good and bad wizards. "Falling in love can blind us to an extent," Rowling said of Dumbledore's feelings, adding that Dumbledore was "horribly, terribly let down".

Dumbledore's love, she observed, was his "great tragedy".

"Oh, my God," Rowling concluded with a laugh, "the fan fiction."

Yes, the fan fiction should be astounding. I imagine a hundred thousand Potterites are already at their computers banging away at their Dumbledore/Snape magna opera. Nevertheless, it always seemed to be buried there in the subtext (after all, Dumbledore did end up a confirmed bachelor), but it's nice that Rowling confirmed it. And I take some heart that while the crowd gasped in surprise, they followed with applause.