======Magical Eye======
=====Object Information=====
  * **Type:** [[Magical Device]], Prosthetic
  * **Owners:** [[Alastor Moody]], [[Barty Crouch Jr.]] (while disguised as Moody), [[Dolores Umbridge]], [[Ministry of Magic]], [[Harry Potter]] (briefly)
  * **Maker:** Unknown
=====Description and Appearance=====
The magical eye is a small, round, and vividly electric blue artificial [[eye]]. It is distinct from a normal eye, appearing almost unnaturally bright. It fits into the user's empty [[eye]] socket and is sometimes held in place by a strap.
The eye's most notable feature is its ability to move independently of the owner's other [[eye]]. It can swivel a full 360 degrees in its socket, allowing the user to see in all directions, including directly behind them, without turning their head. When not in use by a person, it can be affixed to other surfaces, such as a door, and remain functional.
=====Magical Properties and Usage=====
The primary function of the magical eye is to provide greatly enhanced vision, making it an invaluable tool for an [[Auror]] like [[Alastor Moody]]. Its properties include:
  * **X-ray Vision:** The eye can see through solid objects, including wood, doors, and cloaks. [[Barty Crouch Jr.]], disguised as Moody, used it to see through a desk drawer to identify the [[Marauder's Map]].
  * **Penetrative Sight:** It can see through the back of its owner's head, granting a complete field of vision.
  * **Telescopic Vision:** It allows the user to see things clearly from a great distance.
  * **Detection of Magical Concealment:** The eye can see through some forms of magical disguise and concealment, though it was unable to penetrate the true [[Invisibility Cloak]] owned by [[Harry Potter]], which is a [[Deathly Hallow]].
[[Alastor Moody]] was famous for his reliance on this eye, which fueled his mantra of "**Constant vigilance!**" When [[Dolores Umbridge]] later possessed it, she mounted it on her office door at the [[Ministry of Magic]] to spy on employees, demonstrating that it functions independently of a human host.
=====History=====
[[Alastor Moody]] presumably acquired the eye after losing his original one in the line of duty as an [[Auror]] during the [[First Wizarding War]].
In 1994, [[Barty Crouch Jr.]] subdued Moody and used [[Polyjuice Potion]] to impersonate him at [[Hogwarts]]. He wore the eye throughout the school year, using its powers to monitor [[Harry Potter]] and guide him through the [[Triwizard Tournament]] as part of [[Lord Voldemort]]'s plot. After Crouch's exposure, the real Moody reclaimed his eye.
During the [[Battle of the Seven Potters]] in July 1997, Moody was murdered by [[Lord Voldemort]]. His body was lost, but the magical eye was salvaged by [[Death Eater]]s and given to [[Dolores Umbridge]]. She affixed it to her office door at the [[Ministry of Magic]], using it as a tool of intimidation and surveillance over Ministry employees.
On 2 September 1997, Harry, [[Ron Weasley]], and [[Hermione Granger]] infiltrated the Ministry. Horrified by the desecration of Moody's eye, Harry wrenched it from the door. Later that day, deeming it disrespectful to keep, Harry buried the eye in a forest near the old [[Quidditch World Cup]] grounds. He marked the spot by carving a small cross on the gnarled tree under which he laid the eye to rest.
=====Role in the Story=====
The magical eye is a significant object in the series, symbolizing both vigilance and the perversion of justice. In //Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire//, it is the key tool that enables [[Barty Crouch Jr.]]'s elaborate deception, making him a convincing and effective guardian for Harry while secretly leading him to his doom. In //Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows//, the eye's fate becomes a poignant symbol of Moody's sacrifice. Its misuse by [[Dolores Umbridge]] represents the corruption within the [[Ministry of Magic]], and Harry's act of retrieving and burying it is one of deep respect for his fallen mentor.
=====Behind the Scenes=====
  * In the film adaptations, the magical eye is depicted as a more complex, mechanical-looking device held in place by a leather harness and buckle. It is shown to have a telescopic, zooming function, which is a visual representation of its powers described in the book (film).
  * The film version of //Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1// faithfully depicts the eye's placement on [[Dolores Umbridge]]'s door and [[Harry Potter]]'s subsequent retrieval of it (film).