The U.K. may move Dobby’s memorial and Harry Potter fans aren’t happy

Every Harry Potter fan recalls the tragic moment Dobby the house-elf met his unfortunate demise. It was during the franchise’s seventh film, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 when Dobby was helping Harry, Hermione, and Ron escape from Malfoy Manor. While they were disapparating, Bellatrix Lestrange threw a knife right at Harry, but it ended up getting Dobby instead. Dobby died in Harry’s arms at Shell Cottage.

While Shell Cottage is a fictional place, this scene was filmed at Freshwater West beach in Wales. Over the years, fans have mementos there in honor of Dobby, including socks… lots and lots of socks.

However, it appears this location may soon be relocated, according to The Independent, and fans are not happy about it.

An iconic Harry Potter memorial may soon be relocated

The National Trust, a governing board in the U.K. dedicated to protecting and conserving historic sites, put out a survey that has Harry Potter fans in a frenzy. Due to the increased number of tourists over the years, the National Trust is considering relocating Dobby’s memorial to protect the area’s infrastructure.

“Over the past few years we have seen an increase in visitors wanting to experience all that Freshwater West has to offer, including its beautiful beach,” the group said in a statement. “We love welcoming people to the site, but the increase in numbers does mean its facilities and infrastructure are under even more pressure. We want visitors to have an enjoyable, safe experience while ensuring this special landscape is looked after for future generations.”

To that end, the group may “relocate the memorial to a suitable publicly accessible location.”

Fans on Twitter are upset. Per the New York Post, they point out the obvious: that no matter where the memorial is moved, fans are going to flock to the site where Dobby’s death was filmed. We all know Harry Potter fans are dedicated and determined, and nothing will stop them from honoring one of the franchise’s most beloved characters.

It’s yet to be seen whether or not this relocation will take place, but if/when it does, the National Trust will certainly have a lot of angry Harry Potter fans to deal with.

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h/t New York Post