12. Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows - Hedwig
Hedwig was the first of many scarring deaths in Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows and frankly, there was just no need. Why Hedwig? For the love of everything in this world J. K. Rowling, it should have been Mundungus Fletcher, who was both rubbish and entirely asking for it. The owl was a signifier of home for Harry and she was his first proper friend in the wizarding world who didn't judge him and leave him stranded at train stations thinking that he'll just know which wall to run through without even the slightly hint. Yeah, Hagrid. Hedwig's death also signifies the start of the ultimate battle with Voldemort at Hogwarts, which ends up with a few of everyone's favourite characters losing their lives; but there was something extra dramatic about the owl's death. As if it was Rowling saying that anyone and everyone could potentially be killed.