25 Harry Potter Deaths Ranked By How Viciously They Ripped Your Heart Out

8. Hedwig

Dear, sweet Hedwig. Arguably Harry's most loyal companion throughout the entire series and JK Rowling kills her off right at the beginning of the seventh film just to make a point. She wanted everyone to know that she was not afraid to murder any of her characters. No one was safe, even beloved pets. Hedwig's death also serves as a warning that things are about to get real. The veritable bloodbath that ensues throughout the last two films proves that. But even though there are more important deaths in Harry Potter, there's something about losing Hedwig that feels deeply personal. After all, she's Harry's oldest friend; even before Ron and Hermione came into his life, he had Hedwig.