JK ROWLING has revealed the only time her editor saw her cry – when she decided to kill off a popular Harry Potter character.
The author took to Twitter yesterday (Mon) to say sorry for the death of Remus Lupin, a werewolf who taught at the magic school Hogwarts.
In the novels Professor Lupin, also known as Moony, teaches Harry magic spells which help save his life.
The professor is eventually killed by a Death Eater – an evil wizard – during the battle of Hogwarts which took place on 2 May 1998.
On the anniversary of the fight, Rowling has apologised to her fans and said she “didn’t enjoy” killing him off.
And she said that the only time her editor ever saw her cry was when she decided that Lupin’s son would be an orphan.
Taking to Twitter, she wrote to her 7 million fans: “Once again, it’s the anniversary of the Battle of Hogwarts so, as promised, I shall apologise for a death.
“This year: Remus Lupin.”
She also revealed that she only decided he would die as she began to write the fifth novel in the seven-part series.
She said: “In the interests of total honesty I’d also like to confess that I didn’t decide to kill Lupin until I wrote Order of the Phoenix.”
She then added that he “had to die” because another popular character, Arthur Weasley, lived.
“Arthur lived, so Lupin had to die,” she wrote. “I’m sorry. I didn’t enjoy doing it. The only time my editor saw me cry was over the fate of Teddy.”
Teddy, Lupin’s son, grows up an orphan as his mother was also killed at the Battle of Hogwarts – and Harry Potter is named as his godfather.
Despite her apology, many of Rowling’s followers said they were still unable to condone her decision to kill the werewolf.
Christopher Sparrow wrote: “Unfortunately this I can’t forgive you for.”
Amelia Romaldi said: “I can’t believe you did that to him, I will never forgive you.”
Duncan Oakley added: “I’m struggling to accept this apology due to the emotional damage it’s caused.”
Another fan wrote: “Remus is and always will be my favourite character in the Harry Potter universe.”
To which Rowling replied: “The best tribute he could have.”
In the Harry Potter films Lupin is played by English actor David Thewlis, who has also starred in films such as The Theory of Everything, Black Beauty and Dragonheart.
