======Shield Cloak======
=====Object Information=====
  * **Type:** Magical Apparel, Defensive Item
  * **Owners:** [[Ministry of Magic]], [[Fred Weasley]] and [[George Weasley]] (as retailers), various wizards and witches
  * **Maker:** [[Ministry of Magic]], [[Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes]]
=====Description and Appearance=====
A Shield Cloak is a type of wizarding outerwear that is outwardly indistinguishable from a standard [[cloak]]. Its value and function lie in its powerful defensive [[enchantment]]s rather than its physical appearance. The cloaks sold by [[Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes]] were advertised as being stylish, suggesting that they came in various designs.
=====Magical Properties and Usage=====
The primary function of a Shield Cloak is to provide automatic protection to its wearer by deflecting minor [[hex]]es and [[jinx]]es. The [[cloak]] is imbued with a permanent or semi-permanent [[Shield Charm]] ([[Protego]]). When a minor offensive [[spell]] is cast at the wearer, the cloak automatically repels it without any action required from the user.
This makes it a form of "wearable defence," providing a constant, low-level shield against curses. The effectiveness is noted to be limited to minor dark [[charm]]s; it is unlikely to stop more powerful or Unforgivable Curses. [[Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes]] advertised their line with the slogan, //"Repels Curses!"//, though this may have been marketing hyperbole to attract customers in a climate of fear.
=====History=====
Shield Cloaks came to prominence during the [[Second Wizarding War]], as fear of attack by [[Lord Voldemort]] and his [[Death Eater]]s became widespread. In the summer of 1996, the [[Ministry of Magic]] under [[Minister for Magic]] [[Rufus Scrimgeour]] ordered a stock of Shield Cloaks, along with [[Shield Hat]]s and [[Shield Glove]]s, for its support staff. [[Arthur Weasley]] commented to [[Harry Potter]] that this was likely a psychological tactic to boost morale and make employees feel safer, rather than a truly robust defence against the [[Dark Arts]].
Concurrently, [[Fred Weasley]] and [[George Weasley]] developed their own highly successful line of Shield wear for their shop, [[Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes]]. Their products were immensely popular, and their advertisement in the [[Daily Prophet]] promoted their effectiveness. They sold out of their initial stock, proving the high demand for such defensive items among the general wizarding population.
=====Role in the Story=====
The Shield Cloak serves as an important indicator of the social and political climate during [[Lord Voldemort]]'s second rise to power. Its existence and popularity reflect the pervasive fear and the need for constant vigilance within the wizarding community.
The item also contrasts two different approaches to the war effort: the [[Ministry of Magic]]'s bureaucratic and somewhat superficial measures versus the proactive, entrepreneurial, and practical solutions offered by individuals like [[Fred Weasley]] and [[George Weasley]]. For the Weasley twins, the Shield Cloak represents their commercial success and their contribution to helping ordinary people protect themselves.
=====Behind the Scenes=====
There is no known additional information about Shield Cloaks from [[J.K. Rowling]]'s interviews, Pottermore, or other supplementary materials.