Bludger

• Type: Quidditch Equipment, Sporting Ball
• Owners: Not individually owned; they are part of a standard Quidditch set belonging to institutions such as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
• Maker: Unknown

A Bludger is a solid, jet-black ball made of iron, measuring ten inches in diameter. It is slightly smaller than the red Quaffle but significantly heavier and more dangerous. Two Bludgers are used in every game of Quidditch. During a match, they are bewitched to fly on their own and aggressively target the nearest player on a broomstick, irrespective of their team. They are kept secured in the Quidditch chest until released by the Referee at the start of a game.

The primary magical property of a Bludger is its enchantment, which causes it to fly at high speeds and actively hunt down players in the air. Its sole purpose is to disrupt the game by knocking players from their brooms, posing a constant threat and a significant risk of injury. The only players permitted to handle Bludgers are the two Beaters on each team. Beaters are equipped with a magical Beater's bat, which they use to strike the Bludgers. This requires immense physical strength, timing, and accuracy. A skilled Beater, such as Fred Weasley or George Weasley, can not only protect their own teammates from an incoming Bludger but also strategically aim it toward opposing players to disrupt their formations and scoring attempts.

Within the seven novels, the Bludger is presented as a fundamental and long-standing component of the game of Quidditch. Its use is standard practice in all Hogwarts House matches and professional games like the Quidditch World Cup. The exact origin and creator of the modern bewitched iron Bludger are not detailed in the primary series.

Bludgers serve as a persistent source of danger and a key gameplay element in every Quidditch match described in the series. They are central to several important plot points:

• In Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Bludgers are introduced to Harry Potter by Oliver Wood as one of the most dangerous elements of Quidditch. During his first match, Fred Weasley and George Weasley's skill at handling them is showcased as they protect Harry.
• In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, a rogue Bludger plays a crucial role. Having been tampered with by the house-elf Dobby, it relentlessly pursues only Harry Potter throughout the Gryffindor versus Slytherin match. The Bludger eventually catches Harry and breaks his arm. The subsequent attempt by Gilderoy Lockhart to mend the bone results in its magical removal, leading to Harry's stay in the Hospital Wing where he is visited by Dobby.
• In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, the importance of skilled Beaters is highlighted when the Weasley twins are banned from playing by Dolores Umbridge. Their replacements, Andrew Kirke and Jack Sloper, are far less effective, leaving the Gryffindor team more vulnerable.
• In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, during the final match against Slytherin, Cormac McLaggen, acting as Keeper, foolishly takes a Beater's bat and accidentally hits Harry Potter with a Bludger, fracturing his skull. Harry's subsequent trip to the Hospital Wing has significant repercussions for his and others' personal relationships.

• According to the supplementary book Quidditch Through the Ages, Bludgers evolved from an earlier, more primitive version of the game where players had to dodge enchanted flying rocks known as “Blooders”. These were later replaced by lead balls and finally by the iron Bludgers seen today, which were modeled after bewitched cannonballs. (Quidditch Through the Ages)
• In the film adaptations, Bludgers are often depicted leaving a trail of dark smoke as they fly and emit a distinct metallic, whizzing sound. (film)
• The rogue Bludger in the film version of *Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets* is shown to be even more destructive, shattering parts of the Quidditch towers as it pursues Harry. (film)