A memorial to murdered house elf Dobby had to be removed from an idyllic coastal spot because mourning Harry Potter fans were putting the environment at risk.
The ill-fated creature was slain in the 2009 film The Deathly Hallows, based on JK Rowling’s book of the same name, and was placed in a shallow grave on a deserted beach.
A local man erected a memorial close to the location in Pembrokeshire, where the liberated elf’s CGI remains were laid to rest.
The wave of Potter fans alerted through social media to the memorial sculpture rushed to the site, putting the pristine sand dunes at risk.
National Trust removed the piece - which bore the epitaph “Dobby is a free elf in Pembrokeshire” - in a bid to protect the local ecosystem.
The memorial sign’s creator John Goble, owner of Dragon Signs, said: "I have to say I was shocked, I didn't expect it to get quite as much attention as it did.
"We went down to check if Dobby was ok and there were a couple of families walking around the car park looking for him, but no Dobby."
"I was looking to bring people to the area, unfortunately, I just didn't realise the damage that could be caused by people walking around in this beautiful, but sensitive, part of the world."
Harry Potter is inconsolable in The Deathly Hallows when Dobby is killed following heroics uncharacteristic of an elf. The young wizard insists that the creature receives a proper burial on the deserted beach that he and his friends have escaped to.
The location of the scene has now been protected and the memorial removed.
A spokeswoman for the National Trust said: "Following a brief adventure at Freshwater West, we're pleased to have reunited the Dobby sculpture with his owners.
"We became aware through social media that the sculpture had been placed in the car park. Dobby was safely removed and returned to the team at Dragon Signs who were supportive of the decision.
"As a conservation charity, our priority is to ensure that visitors have an enjoyable and safe experience, whilst also safeguarding the landscape."
