Who Gave Harry Potter The Invisibility Cloak In The Sorcerer’s Stone?
There’s an intriguing array of magical artifacts in the “Harry Potter” series, but few are as iconic as the Invisibility Cloak. It grants Harry the ability to blend into his surroundings, an essential tool during his many nighttime escapades at Hogwarts. It’s fair to say that Harry makes frequent use of this extraordinary item, often leading him into trouble and causing him to lose points for Gryffindor.
In the series’ concluding installment, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” the Cloak proves invaluable as Harry, along with his loyal friends Ron and Hermione, embarks on a perilous journey to locate and destroy Voldemort’s Horcruxes, dark relics that harbor fragments of the Dark Lord’s soul.
Now, you might wonder how Harry came into possession of this remarkable Cloak and its ties to both his family and a well-known children’s tale. Let’s unpack that mystery.
The story begins during Harry’s first Christmas at Hogwarts. He receives an unexpected package containing the Cloak and a note that reads, “Your father left this cloak in my possession before he died. It is time it was returned to you. Use it well.” Of course, Harry does just that, utilizing the Cloak to explore the castle and uncover vital information, like the identity of Nicholas Flamel and the hidden Sorcerer’s Stone.
Harry learns the identity of the person who gifted him the Cloak during a conversation with Albus Dumbledore, the Hogwarts headmaster. Although Dumbledore is portrayed by different actors throughout the films, his significance lingers on as a mentor figure for Harry. At the end of “Sorcerer’s Stone,” Dumbledore reveals that he placed the Cloak under the Christmas tree. But how did he end up with it?
The full story unfolds in “Deathly Hallows.” Dumbledore, appearing to Harry in a liminal space after a pivotal moment, explains that James Potter, Harry’s father, had entrusted him with the Cloak shortly before his death. Dumbledore reminisces, stating, “James had showed it to me just a few days previously. It was a Cloak the likes of which I had never seen. I could hardly believe what I was seeing.” In essence, Dumbledore borrowed the Cloak to examine it and ended up possessing two of the legendary Hallows after James’ untimely death.
As the narrative progresses, Harry discovers that his Invisibility Cloak is not just any magical item; it is one of the Deathly Hallows. This revelation occurs when Harry, Ron, and Hermione seek the wisdom of Xenophilius Lovegood, who introduces them to “The Tale of the Three Brothers” from “The Tales of Beedle the Bard.” This tale recounts three brothers who encounter Death and receive powerful gifts. The youngest brother’s cloak uniquely conceals him from Death, as he ultimately passes it down to his son.
The connection deepens when we explore the lineage of the Cloak. As Dumbledore explains to Harry, the three brothers from the tale were real, bearing the last name Peverell. The Cloak traveled down through generations to become a part of Harry’s inheritance. This means that Harry’s father, James, is actually a descendant of the Peverells, specifically Ignotus, the youngest brother, who is said to have lived a long life.
Throughout his time at Hogwarts, the Invisibility Cloak allows Harry to navigate various challenges and obstacles. In “Sorcerer’s Stone,” for instance, he utilizes it to explore the restricted library, locate the Mirror of Erised, and even sneak a dragon into the Astronomy Tower. Later, in “Prisoner of Azkaban,” he employs the Cloak to slip into Hogsmeade and uncover secrets about his family’s past.
Significantly, the Cloak is not merely a tool for mischief; it serves as a compelling narrative device that enables Harry to gather crucial information while remaining hidden. The invisibility it provides elevates the storytelling, allowing readers to experience events alongside Harry while deepening the intrigue of the magical world.
Ultimately, the Invisibility Cloak encapsulates the essence of Harry’s journey, intertwining family legacy and mythical lore, making it an unforgettable emblem within the beloved series. For fans looking to experience Harry’s adventures, the films are currently available for streaming.
