In the wizarding world, a scroll is a roll of parchment, a writing material made from animal skin. They serve the same fundamental purpose as paper in the Muggle world but are part of the traditional, non-technological culture of wizards. Scrolls can be of any length, from small notes to extremely long documents that can be several feet long when unrolled. They are typically written on using a quill and ink. When not in use, they are rolled up and can be tied with a ribbon or string, or sealed with wax for official correspondence.
While most scrolls are mundane in their magical properties, their significance comes from the magical information they contain or the enchantments placed upon them.
The use of scrolls is an ancient practice, pre-dating the widespread use of bound books. The wizarding world's continued reliance on scrolls and parchment into the modern era highlights its separation from and, in some cases, disdain for Muggle technology. Treaties between wizards and other magical beings, such as goblins, were historically recorded on such documents. The study of History of Magic, as taught by Professor Binns, involves the analysis of events recorded on ancient scrolls and texts.
Scrolls and rolls of parchment are ubiquitous throughout the series and serve as critical plot devices. They are the medium through which important news, laws, and personal messages are delivered.