Show pageOld revisionsBacklinksBack to top This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong. ======Balloons====== =====Object Information===== * **Type:** [[Magical]] Decoration; [[Muggle]] Toy/Decoration * **Known Users/Locations:** [[St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries]], [[The Burrow]], [[Dursley Residence]] (film) * **Maker:** Unknown =====Description and Appearance===== Balloons in the [[wizarding world]] appear in both mundane and enchanted forms, serving primarily as decorations for celebrations and specific environments. While similar in basic function to their [[Muggle]] counterparts, magical balloons possess unique properties. Two notable types of magical balloons are described in the series: * **Get-Well Balloons:** A turquoise-coloured balloon was seen at the reception desk of [[St. Mungo's Hospital]]. This balloon was enchanted to have wobbling text on its surface that continuously contracted and expanded, displaying the message "A Giggly, Gooey, Gurgling-Great Get-Well!". * **Golden Wedding Balloons:** At the wedding of [[Bill Weasley|Bill]] and [[Fleur Delacour]], the marquee at [[The Burrow]] was filled with golden balloons. They are described as looking like "bubbles of solid gold" and were enchanted to drift leisurely overhead. =====Magical Properties and Usage===== The primary purpose of balloons, both magical and non-magical, is for decoration and to create a festive atmosphere. Magical balloons, however, are enhanced with specific charms to augment their function. * **Animated Text:** The Get-Well balloon at [[St. Mungo's]] demonstrates that balloons can be enchanted to display moving, self-adjusting messages, making them a more dynamic form of greeting card. * **Enchanted Flotation and Appearance:** The golden balloons at the Weasley wedding were enchanted to float without the need for [[Muggle]] gases like helium. Their appearance was also magically altered to resemble solid gold, adding to the grandeur of the event. =====Known Appearances in the Series===== Balloons are mentioned on a few specific occasions, where they serve to establish the atmosphere of a location or event. * **//[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]//:** When [[Harry Potter]], [[Ron Weasley]], and [[Hermione Granger]] first visit [[St. Mungo's Hospital]], they observe a wobbling, turquoise-coloured balloon tied to the [[Welcome Witch]]'s desk, which magically displays a get-well message. * **//[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]//:** The wedding marquee for [[Bill Weasley]] and [[Fleur Delacour]]'s nuptials at [[The Burrow]] is magically decorated with drifting, golden balloons, contributing to the beautiful and joyous atmosphere before the arrival of the [[Death Eater]]s. =====Role in the Story===== Balloons play a minor but important world-building role in the series. Their presence illustrates how [[witches]] and [[wizards]] incorporate [[magic]] into everyday, celebratory objects to make them more vibrant and impressive than their [[Muggle]] equivalents. They add a touch of whimsy to the institutional setting of [[St. Mungo's]] and enhance the magical elegance of the Weasley wedding, showcasing the peaceful and joyful aspects of wizarding life that the characters fight to protect. =====Behind the Scenes===== * In the film adaptation of //[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone]]//, the [[Dursley]] house is shown to be filled with an excessive number of balloons for [[Dudley Dursley]]'s eleventh birthday party. This is a visual detail added for the film; the novel lists Dudley's many presents but does not mention balloons. (film)
