News J.K. Rowling Made Her Annual Apology for Killing Off a Harry Potter Character—and It's a Biggie By Lara Walsh Lara Walsh Lara Walsh is a Chicago-based writer and editor who covers all things fashion, celebrity, pop culture, travel, and food. When she’s not avidly planning her next trip, she’s writing posts for her travel blog or mapping out her next foodie adventure. InStyle's editorial guidelines Updated on May 2, 2017 @ 09:45AM Pin Share Tweet Email It's the apology we've all been waiting for. Every year, literary wizard J.K. Rowling apologizes to Harry Potter fans on the anniversary of the Battle of Hogwarts—May 2—for killing off a beloved character during the popular seven-part book series. Past odes have included Twitter shoutouts to Remus Lupin and Fred Weasley, but this year's "I'm sorry" edition looks like it's going to take the cake. Rowling apologized for getting rid of arguably one of her most complex characters. Taking to Twitter on Tuesday, the author posted, "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*." Social media reacted accordingly. Warner Bros. Even six years later, it looks like the hurt (and Pottermania) is very much alive as fans rushed to express their grief in the form of Harry Potter GIFs. J.K. Rowling and Everyone Else Can't Get Enough of This Harry Potter Reunion As for next year's apology, one name kept making the rounds. Potterheads overwhelmingly suggested the beloved house elf Dobby for 2018's remembrance, and we have to say we agree!