J.K. Rowling Apologizes for Killing Another 'Harry Potter' Character

"Harry Potter" author J.K. Rowling launched a tradition in 2015, to apologize for one death each year on May 2, the anniversary of the Battle of Hogwarts.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Battle of Hogwarts. This particular character wasn't killed in the battle, but he was a hero, and there's no way you weren't emotional at his death. We're still emotional about it now.

In the first year, Rowling apologized for killing Fred Weasley. In 2016, she apologized for Remus Lupin. Last year, she apologized for killing Snape (and fans started fighting again).

Now it's 2018, and Rowling has offered her first apology for killing someone who was dead before the battle even started:

It's that anniversary again. This year, I apologise for killing someone who didn't die during the #BattleofHogwarts, but who laid down his life to save the people who'd win it. I refer, of course, to Dobby the house elf.
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) May 2, 2018

At first I didn't like Dobby, but I wish I could be more like Dobby, his death in book & on film always makes me cry
— Anna Vancouver (@AnnaRoseVan) May 2, 2018

That answer really touched me, Anna.
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) May 2, 2018

#Dobby will always be in our hearts as a character that inspired many to be helpful no matter how small you are❤ he sacrificed himself for his friends..which showed how great his heart was.. #BattleOfHogwarts lots of Love to the free elf???? pic.twitter.com/lUxM30DK5e
— Salman Thakhar (@tweetwithsammy) May 2, 2018

Dobby's death was devastating, both in the book and on film as the emotional bridge between "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1" and "Part 2." His burial scene at Shell Cottage prompted a flood of tears. Socks will never be mundane again, and always represent freedom and kindness.

We salute you, Dobby -- a hero, and a free elf.