Harry Potter is known for it’s gut-wrenching situations, but nothing is more gut-wrenching than seeing your favorite character die. Throughout all seven books 38 people died, at least that we know of, these are my top 10 in order of sadness. If you haven’t read or seen Harry Potter, a HUGE spoiler alert is in order.

10. James and Lily Potter

The first death on my list is Harry’s parents. Some may wonder why this isn’t number one. The reason is because Harry was just a baby when it happened; he doesn’t remember it. Of course he will always feel the absence of his parents, but at least when he did witness their deaths, he didn’t remember.

9. Alastor Moody

After all he’s been through after being kidnapped and used to attempt to kill Harry, his death was not one fans expected to see. He had gone through all the battles and hardships only to die trying to get Harry to safety. Some believed he deserved a better death, but we will never see exactly what happened to Alastor.

8. Cedric Diggory

Edward, wait, Cedric was the heartthrob of The Goblet of Fire. He met his untimely end in a chance encounter with Lord Voldemort. I think I speak for everyone when I say that the screams of his father caused more tears than I thought would ever flow when this character passed. There’s just something about a grieving father that really pulls at your heartstrings.

7. Albus Dumbledore

Again, why isn’t he higher on the list? His death, though it was sad, it was also a brave act that had to be done. He knew what was going to happen, and he told Snape to kill him because he wanted to keep Draco Malfoy’s hands clean of murder. Also, he was sick, which meant he was going to die within a year anyway.

6. Hedwig

Harry’s lifelong pet and friend. Hedwig died protecting Harry in the movie, when in the book she just perished during the flight from Harry’s home to Ron’s. This is especially sad because she was always there for Harry through everything he had been through, and her death was not expected by anyone.

5. Remus Lupin

Remus dies during The Battle of Hogwarts along with his wife. What makes this death especially sad is that he had just had a child. His life was finally going in the right direction, only to be put to a sudden end.

4. Sirius Black

Harry’s godfather, Sirius, had been through hell coming up to his death. He was falsely convicted for a crime he did not commit, and thankfully, Harry got him out of jail and his name was eventually cleared. He spent his life protecting Harry at all cost, even if it was his life. He was killed by Bellatrix Lastrange. He will always be remembered by fans as a great man who didn’t deserve to die.

3. Fred Weasley

Why? Why did he have to die? One of the Weasley twins, Fred perished during The Battle of Hogwarts. These twins wreaked so much havoc throughout their years at Hogwarts, it’s hard to see the duo pulled apart, especially in this manner.

2. Severus Snape

One word. Always. Severus Snape, throughout the seven years Harry attended Hogwarts, was always made out to be the villain. When in reality he was one of the bravest men in the entire series. He only did the things he did to protect Harry. Why? Because he was in love with Harry’s mother, and when she died he vowed to protect him no matter the cost. Even if that meant joining Voldemort's clan in order to make sure he could do it, thus dooming his life in the end.

1. Dobby

Dobby. A free elf. All he wanted was to save Harry Potter, no matter what. Ever since we were first introduced to Dobby, he was always helping Harry, even when Harry screamed at him for it. His death was one that no one ever expected, and it was so brutal to watch. That is why his death, is in my opinion, the saddest in the entire series.

Do you agree with my list? Feel free to comment your opinions and feelings on all the Harry Potter deaths.