JK Rowling has a tradition of apologising for a different character's death on the anniversary of the Battle of Hogwarts, which took place in the novels on 2 May, 1998 in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This year, the popular author apologised for killing Severus Snape, leading several fans to discuss her decision.
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Jo apologised for killing Snape
When a fan asked if Jo had apologised about a character's death yet, she joked: "In case the police are reading my notifications, there's a Battle of Hogwarts anniversary tradition going on. I am not on a murder spree." She then added: "OK, here it is. Please don't start flame wars over it, but this year I'd like to apologise for killing (whispers)... Snape. *runs for cover*." Fans immediately began to discuss the antihero, with one writing: "JOANNE… [puts mouth way too close to microphone] Severus Snape is an abusive manipulative whiny trash man 1960-forever," while another added: "I can't believe JK Rowling just admitted to being Lord Voldemort."
Snape was an antihero in the series
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Others were quick to point out much nobler characters who were killed off in the books, with one writing: "What about Hedwig, poor Hedwig," while another passionate fan wrote: "LILY EVANS POTTER DESERVES BETTER THAN THIS." In 2016, the mum-of-three apologised for killing off Remus Lupin, writing: "Once again, it's the anniversary of the Battle of Hogwarts so, as promised, I shall apologise for a death. This year: Remus Lupin. In the interests of total honesty I'd also like to confess that I didn't decide to kill Lupin until I wrote Order if the Phoenix. Arthur lived, so Lupin had to die. I'm sorry. I didn't enjoy doing it. The only time my editor ever saw me cry was over the fate of Teddy."