Tragic Deaths in Harry Potter:
One of the biggest themes in the Harry Potter series is death and loss and the author uses them effectively. Harry loses many people that he loves and cares for in his journey to defeat Lord Voldemort. There were a lot of significant deaths in the Harry Potter series and these deaths had a huge effect on the plot as well as the readers. Here is a list of the most heartbreaking deaths in the Harry Potter series:
10. Nymphadora Tonks
She was a fun and interesting character and her ability to change her appearance at will made her so unique. Tonks was a brilliant Auror and an integral part of the Order of the Phoenix. She died alongside her husband Lupin fighting in the battle of Hogwarts soon after she became a mother. She chose to fight against evil and died an honorable death.
9. Hedwig
How can we not talk about Hedwig who gave up her life protecting Harry? She may be an Owl but her loyalty and love were amazing and she was the only friend Harry had when he was stuck at the Dursleys house during vacations. Hedwig was an amazing pet and an even better friend.
8. Lily Potter
The person who sacrificed her life in order to save Harry was his mother Lily. Her death is what makes Harry, ‘the boy who lived’ and thus begins our saga. Lily was a talented witch and a kind woman and we wish we could have seen more of her. Her scream as she died still gives us goosebumps and the fact that Harry grew up without her is simply tragic.
7. Remus Lupin
He was the best teacher Harry ever had at Hogwarts and he learned so much from him. Lupin was great support and mentor to Harry and he died alongside his wife in the battle of Hogwarts. What makes this death even more hurtful is that both Lupin and Tonks died soon after becoming parents and their son Teddy became an orphan after that but as Lupin told Harry, Teddy would understand what his parents died for.
6. Cedric Diggory
Cedric was a loyal friend whose death proves that innocents die as collateral damage in wars. Cedric’s death was a big shock as well as a moment that made you realize how dark the series would get from then on. However, it is his father Amos’s reaction to his death that gives you goosebumps every time. The father’s screams are simply haunting and echo in the silent environment where kids witness one of their peers who has passed.
5. Fred Weasley
The Weasley twins brought so much light into the story with their personalities and fun. The two brothers were inseparable and brought so much joy to everyone. It was devastating when Fred died as a result of an explosion caused by a death eater during the battle of Hogwarts. Losing his twin must be traumatic for George as they were always together and only got hurt when they were separated.
4. Severus Snape
Snape is probably the most controversial character as he is hated by many and loved by others. He was a flawed person who went to the dark path and wasn’t a good teacher either but he was brave. Snape’s bravery triumphed over his flaws in the end and he left us in tears when we saw all that he did to defeat the dark lord.
3. Albus Dumbledore
Dumbledore’s death came as a big shock to everyone and the circumstances around it were even more bizarre. Severus Snape killed Dumbledore on top of the Astronomy tower while Harry watched. This death took away the biggest support Harry had in his battle against Voldemort. Dumbledore was the cleverest and greatest wizard and he prepared Harry in his journey. However, even after his death, Dumbledore kept guiding Harry.
2. Dobby
You can’t talk about Dobby without mentioning his supreme loyalty to his friends and his devotion. Dobby saved Harry multiple times and endangered his own life to do so. In the end, Dobby died in Harry’s arms laying down his life for his best friend. His death truly was one of the most heartbreaking moments of the series and made us hate Bellatrix even more.
1. Sirius Black
Undoubtedly the most heartbreaking and painful death in this series is that of Sirius Black. Black is Harry’s godfather and was James’s best friend. His life was extremely tough and unfair and his death was equally sad. Sirius spent 12 years in Azkaban for a crime he did not commit and when he finally got out and met Harry, they simply didn’t get to spend much time together. He died so soon because he wanted to protect Harry and was killed by his own cousin Bellatrix Lestrange.
