The Vampire Diaries Finale: Our Favorite Moments From the Show's Latest Casualty

"I just want you to know that I'll always be here to look after you, Jeremy. You'll never be alone, OK, I promise."

Those were the final words The Vampire Diaries'Alaric Saltzman (Matt Davis) uttered to Jeremy who realized he was saying goodbye to his former teacher, default guardian and now ghost.

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On the season finale of the CW series, viewers watched Alaric go from crazed vampire with an intention to kill to falling on the floor lifeless in Damon's arms. While it's always possible for him to return (i.e. Anna and Vicki, to name a few who've come back), for now we say goodbye and celebrate our favorite Alaric moments.

Alaric's introduction (Season 1, episode 9)
In his debut, Mr. Saltzman writes his name on the chalkboard and explains its origins to his students. We then see his first student interaction, with Jeremy, as he explains that he's removing him from the previous "jackass file" and giving him a clean slate. Thus their pseudo father/son relationship begins.

Klaus dances in Alaric's body (Season 2, episode 18)
After Klaus takes over Alaric's body, Kla-ric shows up to the '60s dance and busts out some groovetastic moves. Watch here.

Alaric tells Jenna about vampires (Season 2, Episode 19)
Still taken over by Klaus, Kla-ric tells Jenna that vampires, in fact, do exist and that he's obsessed with them. And then Jenna experiences them firsthand as Stefan vamps in front of her.

Alcoholic Alaric (Too many instances to count!)
What a drinker he was! In the Season 2 finale, Alaric mourned the death of Jenna by throwing back a few and slurring his words. In Season 3, Damon is surprisingly unsuccessful in getting Ric to have some "brunch in a bottle." But still, he's grading papers at a bar.

Alaric saves Jeremy (Season 3, Episode 10)
Klaus compels Jeremy to walk into the middle of the street and wait to be hit by a car, but fortunately Alaric runs out in time, sacrificing his own life to save Jeremy's. Good thing he always has that ring to bring him back

Alaric tries to kill Meredith (Season 3, Episode 17)
Viewers, and unfortunately Meredith, get their first taste of "crazy Alaric" who's been harboring a double personality that at the time was thought to be caused by his faulty ring. (We later learned Esther was pulling the strings.)

Alaric gets a funeral (Season 3, Episode 20)
After Alaric is fed Elena's blood and Esther casts a spell on him to turn, he decides he doesn't want to complete the transition. Everyone gathers outside the cave he's locked away in for an emotional and sentimental send-off. Of course, Alaric doesn't die, and eventually turns into an indestructible vampire.

Will you miss Alaric? Share your favorite moment below: