Harry Potter fans, co-stars, raise their wands for Alan Rickman's magic
When word of British actor Alan Rickman's death flew in on Thursday, Muggles around the world collectively took to social media to raise their wands to his character -- the beloved Professor Severus Snape.
While Rickman had countless notable and extraordinary roles on screen and stage, many remember him as Professor Snape in the "Harry Potter" films.
Fans of the series loved Rickman for the way he brought to life the character they first fell in love with on the pages of J.K. Rowling's books. Doting his notorious dark black hair, cloak and soulful eyes, he was a complex antagonist fans couldn't help but love.
And that was more apparent than ever when fans took to social media to remember Harry Potter's professor, and the man who would always love Lily Potter -- Severus Snape.
Needed to share this before I go to sleep. #AlanRickman pic.twitter.com/p2hdogHMBh
— FairyNeverland (@Fairy_Juu) January 14, 2016
Thank you, Alan Rickman. pic.twitter.com/IfkUUDtOOf
— Professor Snape (@_Snape_) January 14, 2016
Everyone deserves someone who will love them the way Severus Snape loved Lily Potter pic.twitter.com/vdE4T3wg2g
— Eliesse Del Rosario (@EliesseDR_) January 14, 2016
From videos, to artwork to quotes, Potterworld collectively mourned the loss of Rickman, and subsequently his character.
And it seems a memorial even began growing at Kings Cross Station in London at Harry Potter's "Platform 9 and 3/4."
Whilst I was at King's Cross, I thought it would be fitting to visit Platform 9 and 3/4. A tribute to #AlanRickman pic.twitter.com/8W7TnOofo9
— Claire (@helloimclaire) January 14, 2016
Here was King's Cross Platform 9 3/4 a few minutes ago. So much love for our Snape. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Xzp3oTOfnD
— J Fernandez (@imjfernandez) January 14, 2016
Fans were not the only ones to share tributes, former "Harry Potter" cast members also took to social media to pay tribute to Rickman. Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter, penned a note about Rickman on GooglePlus. He said Rickman continued to support him even after Harry Potter.
"People create perceptions of actors based on the parts they played so it might surprise some people to learn that contrary to some of the sterner(or downright scary) characters he played, Alan was extremely kind, generous, self-deprecating and funny. And certain things obviously became even funnier when delivered in his unmistakable double-bass," Radcliffe wrote.
Emma Watson, who played Hermione Granger, also expressed her grief on Facebook and Twitter.
I'm very sad to hear about Alan today. I feel so lucky to have worked and spent time with such a special man and actor. I'll really miss our conversations. RIP Alan. We love you
Posted by Emma Watson on Thursday, January 14, 2016
Tributes from fellow "Harry Potter" cast-mates seemed to be endless.
A photo posted by Matthew Lewis (@realmattdavelewis) on
Am not prepared for a world without Alan Rickman. Such a beautiful soul. He was so kind & generous in the moments he wasn't Snaping about.❤️
— Evanna Lynch (@Evy_Lynch) January 14, 2016
Shocked & sad to hear Alan Rickman has passed away. One of the nicest actors I've ever met.Thoughts and prayers with his family at this time
— James Phelps (@James_Phelps) January 14, 2016
Terribly sad news about the passing of Alan Rickman. A funny and engaging person who put a shy young actor at ease when I was on HP.
— Oliver Phelps (@OliverPhelps) January 14, 2016
The world has lost one of its greatest and kindest actors. #icon
— Afshan Azad (@afshan_azad) January 14, 2016
And J.K. Rowling, the author who brought Snape into the world, also honored a "magnificent actor & a wonderful man," on social media.
There are no words to express how shocked and devastated I am to hear of Alan Rickman's death. He was a magnificent actor & a wonderful man.
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) January 14, 2016
So when the time comes we all must die.
But fans of "Harry Potter" solemnly swear to remember their dear professor, "Always."