Flute

• Type: Magical Device, Musical Instrument
• Owners: Harry Potter
• Maker: Rubeus Hagrid

The flute is a simple, roughly carved wooden musical instrument. It was hand-carved by Rubeus Hagrid and given to Harry Potter as a Christmas present during his first year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. When played, it produces a reedy and haunting tune.

The primary magical property of this flute is its ability to induce sleep in certain magical creatures. Its music has a powerful soporific effect on Fluffy, the gigantic three-headed dog who guarded the trapdoor leading to the chambers protecting the Philosopher's Stone. To use it, one must continuously play a tune. The effect on Fluffy is immediate, causing the beast to become drowsy and quickly fall into a deep sleep, allowing safe passage. However, the magical effect is entirely dependent on the music being played; as soon as the music stops, the creature will awaken. This limitation was noted by Hermione Granger when Harry had to stop playing to descend through the trapdoor.

The flute was created by Rubeus Hagrid sometime before Christmas of 1991. He gifted it to Harry Potter, unaware at the time that he had also inadvertently revealed its practical application to a disguised Professor Quirrell in the Hog's Head pub. In June 1992, Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger used the flute to get past Fluffy. Upon reaching the trapdoor, they found an enchanted harp already playing, which had been left by Professor Quirrell. When the harp's enchantment wore off, Harry used the flute Hagrid had given him to lull the dog back to sleep so his friends could safely jump down the trapdoor. He then followed them, and the flute's tune ceased, causing Fluffy to reawaken. The flute's fate after this event is not mentioned in the novels.

The flute is a key plot device in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. It represents both Hagrid's kind, paternal nature towards Harry and his unfortunate habit of revealing secret information. By giving Harry the flute, he unwittingly provided him with the means to bypass one of the Philosopher's Stone's major protections. The object's use highlights the trio's courage and problem-solving abilities early in the series. It serves as an important lesson that seemingly simple items and non-combative magic can be powerful tools for overcoming formidable obstacles.

• In the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Harry receives the flute from Hagrid and is seen practicing with it in the Gryffindor Common Room. However, he and his friends do not use it to get past Fluffy. Instead, they rely solely on the enchanted harp left behind by Professor Quirrell, which continues to play as they pass through the trapdoor (film).