In J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, the Deathly Hallows are three highly powerful magical objects given to three brothers by Death in the Peverell family legend. The three objects are the Elder Wand, the Resurrection Stone, and the Cloak of Invisibility.
The Invisibility Cloak that Harry Potter inherits from his father James is a central part of the story throughout the books. The cloak allows Harry to sneak around Hogwarts and remain hidden from sight. It proves highly useful in allowing Harry to evade danger and solve mysteries.
An important question in the books is whether Harry’s Invisibility Cloak is one of the original Deathly Hallows given to the three Peverell brothers. Let’s examine the evidence both for and against this idea.
Evidence That Harry’s Cloak is a Deathly Hallow
There are several details that suggest Harry’s Invisibility Cloak is the same one described in the Deathly Hallows legend:
Its Unusual Power and Durability
Most Invisibility Cloaks eventually lose their power and turn opaque over time. Harry’s cloak, however, remains strong and fully conceals him and others for many years. This suggests it is specially enchanted in a way normal cloaks are not.
Its Ability to Hide from Death
In the tale of the Deathly Hallows, the third brother uses his Cloak of Invisibility to hide from Death itself. Throughout the books, Harry’s cloak allows him to avoid detection from deadly creatures like Dementors and Voldemort, suggesting it has this same power.
Its Passing Down Through Generations
Harry’s father James got the cloak from his own father Fleamont Potter. The Potters are an old wizarding family, and Fleamont told James the cloak had been passed down through many generations. This matches the tale of the Deathly Hallows, where the Cloak was still in the third brother’s possession when he reached a great age.
Dumbledore’s Interest
Dumbledore clearly shows great interest in Harry’s cloak and its origins. He examines it carefully when Harry shows it to him in his first year at Hogwarts. Dumbledore likely suspects its true nature as one of the Hallows.
Clues That Harry’s Cloak Is Not a Deathly Hallow
However, there are also some indications that Harry’s Invisibility Cloak may not be one of the original Deathly Hallows:
Cloak’s Limited Protection
While Harry’s cloak hides him well, its protection is not completely infallible. Some magical creatures like Dementors can detect Harry even when he is wearing the cloak. The Hallow described in the tale may offer more complete concealment.
Other Invisibility Cloaks Exist
Harry’s cloak is clearly special, but it’s not necessarily unique. Mad-Eye Moody and Barty Crouch Jr. both have Invisibility Cloaks, even if those may not be as powerful. So while rare, Invisibility Cloaks in general exist apart from the legendary one.
Doubt from Xenophilius Lovegood
Xenophilius Lovegood, who is learned about the Deathly Hallows, believes Harry’s cloak is a normal Invisibility Cloak reproducing what the Hallow can do. He thinks only the Resurrection Stone and Elder Wand are real Hallows.
No Sign of the Hallows’ Other Powers
In the Tale of the Three Brothers, the Cloak also had other powers like shielding the wearer from spells and remaining motionless when magic should move it. Harry’s cloak does not demonstrate any of these extra capabilities.
Expert Opinions on Harry’s Cloak as a Hallow
To further assess whether Harry’s cloak is a Deathly Hallow, let’s examine what some experts and characters have to say on the subject:
Albus Dumbledore
The Hogwarts headmaster clearly took great interest in Harry’s cloak, examining it closely and keeping it safe when not in Harry’s possession. This suggests Dumbledore believed the cloak to be one of the Hallows.
Xenophilius Lovegood
The editor of The Quibbler and great believer in the Deathly Hallows, Lovegood felt Harry’s cloak was only a normal Invisibility Cloak. However, his judgment may have been clouded by his desire to regain his kidnapped daughter.
Garrick Ollivander
The renowned wandmaker identified the Elder Wand but never confirmed Harry’s cloak was a Hallow, suggesting he did not believe it was one. However, Ollivander may simply not have had enough information to make a judgment.
Gregorovitch
The European wandmaker pursued the Elder Wand but showed no interest in Harry’s cloak. However, like Ollivander, he may not have had sufficient exposure to determine if it was a Hallow.
Ignotus Peverell
The original owner of the Cloak of Invisibility described in the Hallows tale never definitively confirmed any existing cloaks in his time as the one he had possessed. His silence leaves the question open.
Conclusive Proof
Towards the end of Deathly Hallows, some definitive evidence emerges to confirm Harry’s cloak as one of the original Deathly Hallows:
Confirmation from Dumbledore
After Dumbledore’s death, a letter he left for Ron reveals he was certain Harry’s cloak was the third Hallow described in the legend. As a highly learned wizard, Dumbledore’s confirmation carries much weight.
The Cloak’s Secret
When Harry’s cloak is severely damaged, Hermione discovers it does not behave like a normal Invisibility Cloak. She learns it contains a powerful charm that has kept it working for centuries and made it uniquely impervious to damage. This proves the cloak has special magical properties beyond normal cloaks.
Harry’s Vision
When Harry speaks to the ghosts of his parents, Sirius Black, and Lupin near the end of Deathly Hallows through the Resurrection Stone, they provide one final confirmation that Harry’s cloak is a Deathly Hallow and say Ignotus Peverell is Harry’s ancestor. This vision reveals the true origins of Harry’s Invisibility Cloak.
Conclusion
Though there is some uncertainty early in the story, by the end it becomes definitively clear through Dumbledore, Hermione, and Harry’s vision that Harry’s Invisibility Cloak is the same one described as a Deathly Hallow in the Peverell legend. Its special powers that stand the test of time and conceal the wearer even from Death himself confirm that Harry’s family heirloom is one of the three Deathly Hallows created centuries ago. Understanding the cloak’s true nature helps explain why it played such an important role in aiding Harry in his quest to defeat Voldemort.