Seven Heartbreaking Moments in the “Harry Potter” Series
The Harry Potter books were filled with sad moments, which were painfully brought to life on the screen. Here, I list my top seven heartbreaking moments.
Cedric’s Death
This was hard to read in the books but even more heartbreaking to watch in the film. The sudden change from triumphant music to the stark atmosphere and Amos’s grief-filled cries when he realizes what’s happened were absolutely devastating to hear.
Obliviate
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 opens with Harry, Hermione, and Ron preparing for their coming journey. These opening few minutes allow us to see what was only briefly mentioned in the books. We see an emotional Hermione wiping any trace of her from not only her parents’ minds but from the house as well. Alexandre Desplat’s “Obliviate” makes the wonderfully acted scene even more poignantly heartbreaking.
Dobby’s Death
Dobby may have had his annoying moments in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in his aim to protect Harry, but his intentions were always so positive. After all his hardships in his working life, he deserved the happiness he felt after he was free. It was so hard watching the joyful Dobby sacrifice his life to save his friends.
Snape Finds Lily
Probably one of the most iconic scenes of the movie, this scene revealed the extent of Snape’s love for Lily. It was an incredibly emotional moment, which was striking because of Alan Rickman’s amazing acting and Alexandre Desplat’s “Severus and Lily.” This is one scene that never fails to make me cry when I’m watching it, and I doubt I’m the only one.
Sirius’s Demise
Sirius’s death in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix was hard to watch. Harry and Sirius had only recently found each other again, but in the two years they had known each other, they had already formed such a strong bond. It was hard to watch Harry’s reaction after losing the new bit of family he had just discovered. This loss is especially hard to bear when readers know it could have easily been avoided if only Harry had used the two-way mirror Sirius gave him for Christmas.
Dumbledore’s Tribute
While I’m still disappointed we didn’t get to see the full funeral with all the magical guests from the book, the on-screen tribute was beautifully poignant. This is another instance when the score really highlighted the tragedy and brought this loss to life.
Fred’s Death
I feel like this loss was a little glossed over in the movie and just combined with the rest of the tragic deaths. However, this was explored more in the books:
‘No — no — no!’ someone was shouting. ‘No! Fred! No!’
And Percy was shaking his brother, and Ron was kneeling beside them, and Fred’s eyes stared without seeing, the ghost of his last laugh still etched upon his face.” (DH 637)
What makes this even sadder was that Percy had finally reunited with his family after a period of estrangement. The Weasleys didn’t have much time as a family before Fred was taken from them. It’s such a shame that the filmmakers didn’t show more of this heartbreaking scene on screen.
Which do you think of my list? Are there other moments you would include? Let us know in the comments!
