Today is a sacred day in the Harry Potter fandom. Today is the anniversary of the Battle of Hogwarts. You know, the day that Voldemort was finally defeated by Harry Potter. Many people died as a result of that Battle and J.K. Rowling has made it a habit over the years since the book’s release to apologize for one character that she has killed off as a result of said battle. In years past, she has apologized for killing Fred Weasley and Remus Lupin.
This year some people may get up in arms about the character she’s apologizing for killing this year – Severus Snape. I’ll play Devil’s Advocate, though. It made sense to the story. It propelled the plot forward and we got further insight into who Severus Snape was as a character. Yes, I’m willing to go to battle to defend my views on this matter.
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
Of course, there have been a wide array of fan reactions to this apology. Given how divisive the marketing was for this character (Barnes & Noble made us choose a Snape is evil or Snape is good sticker when you picked up your pre-ordered book back in the day), it would make sense that fan reactions would be a little bit crazy. Check out some of the reactions below:
@syltherinpotter @NickEllis @KaiInMotion @kimcarlton_ @halseysreid @jk_rowling Snape was only for in it for himself.
— Bridget Conway (@dadiva18) May 2, 2017
@dadiva18 @syltherinpotter @NickEllis @KaiInMotion @kimcarlton_ @halseysreid @jk_rowling He made the ultimate sacrifice for love; he did truly love Lily. (The problem was that he thought loving her made him worthy of her love)
— Eric Schulz (@SchulzEricT) May 2, 2017
@jk_rowling He had no regrets going to the dark side until Lily was involved. Snape is not a good person.
— Ajinkya Goyal (@airborneorange) May 2, 2017
What are your thoughts on this apology? Did you like Snape? Did you hate him? Does it even matter? Let us just raise our wands and remember this day in Harry Potter history and remember those who fell on this day!