Peter Pettigrew killed Cedric Diggory.
Cedric Diggory's tragic death occurred in the Little Hangleton graveyard, immediately after he and Harry Potter had jointly touched the Triwizard Cup, which unexpectedly functioned as a Portkey. The murder was carried out by Peter Pettigrew, under the direct orders of Lord Voldemort, marking a horrific moment in the Wizarding World's history and the dark return of Voldemort.
The Circumstances of Cedric Diggory's Death
Cedric Diggory, a Hufflepuff champion, was murdered during the climax of the Triwizard Tournament in 1995. This event was a pivotal moment, signaling the full return of Lord Voldemort and forever altering Harry Potter's life.
The Third Task and the Portkey
The Triwizard Tournament's Third Task involved navigating a dangerous maze. Both Cedric Diggory and Harry Potter, demonstrating exceptional sportsmanship and courage, reached the Triwizard Cup simultaneously. They decided to seize the cup together, expecting it to transport them back to the cheers of the crowd.
However, the cup had been tampered with, transformed into a Portkey designed to transport them to the Little Hangleton graveyard. This was a trap meticulously orchestrated by Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters.
- Event Timeline:
- Cedric and Harry complete the challenging Third Task of the Triwizard Tournament.
- They both grasp the Triwizard Cup, believing they are returning to Hogwarts.
- The Cup, secretly a Portkey, transports them to a desolate graveyard instead.
The Murderer: Peter Pettigrew
Upon arrival in the graveyard, Cedric Diggory was immediately targeted. Peter Pettigrew, also known as Wormtail, a loyal servant of Lord Voldemort, was present. Acting on Voldemort's explicit command, Pettigrew raised his wand and uttered the Killing Curse, Avada Kedavra, striking Cedric down instantly.
| Character | Role in Cedric's Death | Key Action | Instigator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peter Pettigrew | Perpetrator | Cast the Killing Curse | Lord Voldemort |
| Cedric Diggory | Victim | Murdered | N/A |
| Lord Voldemort | Mastermind | Ordered the killing | N/A |
| Harry Potter | Witness | Present, horrified | N/A |
Peter Pettigrew's actions that night were driven by his deep loyalty and fear of Lord Voldemort, whom he had helped to restore to a physical form. Pettigrew's long history of betrayal, including the betrayal of Harry's parents, culminated in this cold-blooded murder. You can learn more about Peter Pettigrew's history on Wizarding World or Harry Potter Wiki.
Lord Voldemort's Orders
The murder of Cedric Diggory was not a random act but a deliberate command from Lord Voldemort. Cedric's death served multiple purposes: it eliminated an unnecessary witness, demonstrated Voldemort's power, and profoundly traumatized Harry Potter, who was forced to watch his fellow champion die.
The Killing Curse, Avada Kedavra, is one of the three Unforgivable Curses and is notoriously irreversible. Its use on Cedric was a stark reminder of the dark wizarding practices returning with Voldemort.
The Impact of Cedric's Death
Cedric Diggory's death had a profound impact on the wizarding community, particularly on Harry Potter.
- Trauma for Harry Potter: Harry was a direct witness to the murder, holding Cedric's lifeless body, which deeply scarred him and fueled his determination to fight Voldemort.
- A Call to Action: For those who believed Harry, Cedric's death was undeniable proof of Voldemort's return and the renewed threat he posed.
- Symbol of Innocence Lost: Cedric, a kind, brave, and popular student, represented the loss of innocence and the brutal reality of the Second Wizarding War beginning.
This tragic event underscored the escalating danger in the wizarding world and set the stage for the conflicts to come.
