How Did Fred Weasley Die in the Harry Potter Book and Movie?

Fred Weasley was the fourth son of the seven pure-blood Weasley siblings. He was always paired with his twin brother, George Weasley, and they were a dynamic duo for sure. Fred was the older of the two and known as the more daring and outspoken one.

Fred was sorted into Gryffindor House (as were all the Weasley children). Although he sometimes acted childishly and pulled pranks on others, he deeply valued what the school and Gryffindor stood for. He not only joined Dumbledore’s Army, but he also fought in The Battle of Hogwarts and was a member of The Order of The Phoenix.

Sadly, Fred’s life was cut short during the big fight at Hogwarts, shocking many fans. In this article, we’ll look closely at how Fred’s death happened, how it was shown in both the books and the films, and the effect it had on other characters and readers all over the world.

“The thing about growing up with Fred and George is that you sort of start thinking anything’s possible if you’ve got enough nerve.”

– Ginny Weasley

How did Fred Weasley die?

The character Fred Weasley was 20 years old when he died. Sadly, during the Battle of Hogwarts, a Death Eater set off an explosion, and Fred was caught in the crossfire. He passed away in his brother Percy’s arms after they had finally reconciled.

How did Fred Weasley die in the Movie?

The movie Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 does not show Fred’s death. Instead, it cuts to the aftermath of the battle, where Harry, Ron, and Hermione find Fred’s body surrounded by his family. This was a controversial decision by the filmmakers, as many fans felt that Fred’s death was an important moment in the story and should have been shown on-screen.

There are a few reasons why the filmmakers may have chosen not to show Fred’s death. One reason is that they may have felt that it would be too graphic and upsetting for younger viewers. Another reason is that they may have wanted to focus on the emotional impact of Fred’s death on his family and friends.

Whatever the reason, the decision not to show Fred’s death was a significant one. It changed the way that many fans experienced the story, and it left some fans feeling dissatisfied.

While it’s unfortunate that the movie didn’t show the entirety of Fred’s death, it’s understandable that not everything in the book can be played out in the film.

How did Fred Weasley die in the Book?

Fred Weasley died in the Battle of Hogwarts, during the Second Wizarding War. He was killed by an explosion from a Death Eater’s Sectumsempra spell, which severed his femoral artery. His death was a major blow to the Order of the Phoenix, and his brother George was devastated.

The following is a quote from the book that describes Fred’s death:

“Fred Weasley was lying on the ground, surrounded by a heap of rubble. George was on his knees beside him, his face buried in his twin’s chest. On the other side of Fred, Percy was trying to stem the flow of blood from his brother’s leg.”

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Chapter “The Battle of Hogwarts.”

What Were Fred Weasley’s Last Words?

In the book, Percy Weasley is holding Fred in his arms, and Fred looks at him and says, “You actually are joking, Perce … I don’t think I’ve heard you joke since you were —” before he passes away.

“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.” 

― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows  

Also read: Most Powerful Harry Potter Wizards & Witches Ranked

Why Did Fred Weasley Have to Die?

Fred was on the list of least likely to die, which makes for a good plot twist in a story. According to J.K. Rowling, “Fred is normally the funnier but also, the crueler of the two. So [readers] might have thought that George would be the more vulnerable one and, therefore, the one to die.”

Was Fred’s Death Foreshadowed?

In “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” during the dangerous and chaotic flight from Privet Drive to the Burrow, George Weasley is gravely injured when he loses an ear to a Sectumsempra curse, cast by Severus Snape.

This moment, marked by tragedy and a brush with death, could arguably be interpreted as a form of foreshadowing, signaling that the Weasley twins are not immune to the serious risks and consequences of the war against Voldemort.

The scene is filled with fear and anxiety, as the members of the Order of the Phoenix battle Death Eaters in the air, and the safe arrival to the Burrow is met with relief that is soon tainted by the realization of George’s injury. This event ominously precedes the even graver tragedy of Fred’s death later in the narrative, potentially priming readers for the more significant loss to come within the Weasley family.

In “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince”, Fred and George joke about being “identical” and “completely indistinguishable.” Some fans interpret this as a poignant moment of foreshadowing, given that Fred’s death would forever distinguish them from each other.

However, these instances are speculative interpretations rather than definitive instances of foreshadowing. Rowling, known for her intricate plotting, did not make any explicit references to Fred’s death before it occurred in “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows”.

Does J.K. Rowling Regret Killing Fred?

In an interview with US Weekly, J.K. Rowling apologizes for killing Fred Weasley in the Harry Potter series. She also said Fred’s death was “the worst for me.” Of course, it must be hard for an author to kill off any of her characters. But for all the fighting in the series, it’s more realistic that some of the characters had to die.

What Happened to Percy Weasley After Fred’s Death?

Percy Ignatius “Perce” Weasley is the third oldest child of the Weasley siblings. He was the most ambitious of all of them and didn’t share in their love for jokes and pranks but had a more serious outlook on life. Ron Weasley once said of his brother, “Percy wouldn’t know a joke if it danced naked in front of him wearing Dobby’s tea cosy.”

It would be incredibly difficult for anyone to lose their family member, and Percy held his brother as he died. The Weasley family was very close, and they grew up poor but very loved and happy. However, Percy was loyal to the Ministry of Magic and the Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge. Percy continued to deny that Lord Voldemort had returned, which drove a wedge between him and his family.

The Battle of Hogwarts was the first time Percy truly reconciled with the rest of his family. After the death of Fred, Percy did return to The Ministry of Magic, but no doubt he was a changed man.