Last year Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling promised to start issuing an annual apology about one character’s death on each Battle of Hogwarts anniversary. This morning, she apologized for killing fan favorite Remus Lupin.
Unlike her 2015 apology, this year’s also comes with a little context. Jo says that her decision to not kill Arthur Weasley — a twist she’s previously admitted she considered while writing the series — led to her killing Remus. One of the two father figures had to go, she says:
Once again, it's the anniversary of the Battle of Hogwarts so, as promised, I shall apologise for a death. This year: Remus Lupin.
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) May 2, 2016
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.
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) May 2, 2016
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. ?
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) May 2, 2016
Last year Rowling kicked off this annual tradition (it feels weird to call it that) by apologizing for the death of Fred Weasley. May 2, 2016 marks 18 years since the horrific battle which finally led to Voldemort’s permanent defeat.
Lupin was one of the most beloved characters in the series thanks in part to his close relationship with Harry Potter. Remus Lives on in he and Tonks’ son Teddy, who might appear in the upcoming stage play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child this summer.
Which character do you think Rowling should apologize for next?
Don’t forget to say a prayer for the fallen tonight.