JK Rowling Apologises For Killing Off This 'Harry Potter' Character

New Delhi: Tuesday was a tough day for Potterheads. With one tweet, author JK Rowling apologised for killing off Professor Severus Snape in the final book of the Harry Potter series. Her apology comes on the anniversary of the fictional Battle of Hogwarts, which saw many popular characters die. In the last two years, she has apologised for killing off the characters of Fred Weasley and Remus Lupin - making it a tradition of sorts. Seemingly aware of the Great Twitter Debate she was about to spark, the author urged fans not to argue over her choice of character, given Professor Snape's long and complicated history with Harry.
 

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*

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) May 2, 2017

The apology sparked strong reactions among Potterheads. The controversial character was portrayed on the big screen by the late (and great) Alan Rickman.

Some were understanding:
 

@jk_rowling It made sense for the story. We love him so much... pic.twitter.com/WrYizZ9M54

— Nick (@NickEllis) May 2, 2017

@jk_rowling pic.twitter.com/9atnUBszIU

— Nick Dahlink (@theregos) May 2, 2017

Others thought he had it coming:
 

@jk_rowling He had it coming. pic.twitter.com/4HmwawYF6z

— Joanne Harris (@Joannechocolat) May 2, 2017

Some clearly still weren't over it:

@jk_rowling Can't forgive. Wanted Harry to be able to thank him for his sacrifice.

— (((Julia Williams))) (@JCCWilliams) May 2, 2017

@jk_rowling I don't need this today!

— Hank Green (@hankgreen) May 2, 2017

@jk_rowling SNAPE DESERVED BETTER THAN THIS JK, YOU DIDN'T NEED TO DO THAT pic.twitter.com/WfsxJbMKFm

— Jack Mull (@J4CKMULL) May 2, 2017

Others just had jokes:
 

@jk_rowling Please Jo, twitter isn't the place for this. You need to go on Snapechat

(I'm sorry)

— Declan Cashin (@Tweet_Dec) May 2, 2017

Earlier in the day, a fan took to the micro-blogging site wondering out loud whether the author had "already apologised for another death." Take a look at her hilarious reaction:
 

Has @jk_rowling already apologized for another death?

— Mark Joshua Bricenio (@mjmbricenio) May 2, 2017

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. https://t.co/urrUYAMe72

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) May 2, 2017

Meanwhile, this tweet gave fans a lot of hope:
 

@jk_rowling @BeingChatterjee You do know that some characters seem to die, but then in later series we figure out that it was faked... #holmes #tradition

— meetasengupta (@Meetasengupta) May 2, 2017

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