Harry Potter fans have come together to create the most fitting, beautiful tribute to the late British actress Dame Maggie Smith, who passed away on Friday, September 27.

The beloved actress, who passed away aged 89 in hospital early in the morning, played Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Wizarding World franchise – and was adored by fans across the world. In an emotional tribute, fans of the actress gathered at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, in Universal Studios, Orlando, Florida, to pay their respects.

Standing outside the replicate of Hogwarts Castle, which makes up the exterior of the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride, fans raised their wands to the sky for the actress. Maggie died exactly one year after Michael Gambon, who played Albus Dumbledore in the film series from 2004 to 2011, replacing Richard Harris.

Along with a video clip, which was shared on TikTok, a social media user wrote: “Wands up for Maggie Smith,” a reference to the scene after Albus Dumbledore dies in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, where students and teachers raise their wands to the sky. Hundreds of people could be seen raising their wands in the clip, which was made even more moving with the use of the Dumbledore’s Farewell music.

Many fans of the actress, who was also well known for her role as the Dowager Countess in Downton Abbey, left their own tributes under the clip. One fan wrote: “I can’t stop crying every video…. wands up!!” Another wrote: “The Wizarding World has the most beautiful and kindest fandom. Wands up for our loved Maggie Smith.” Someone else commented: “I have goosebumps watching this. Fly high.”

Another asked: “Does anyone know how this was organized? So beautiful.” The original creator answered: “It’s kind of just a thing now started with Alan [Rickman, who played Professor Snape in the franchise], when the news comes everyone agrees to meet that day at 7pm at the park. See messages about it on Facebook though.”

Maggie died ‘peacefully’ with her family by her side. In a statement issued via their publicist, they said: “It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith. She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September.

“An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and unstinting kindness during her final days. We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time.”