Probity Probe

• Type: Magical Device, Security Device
• Owners: Ministry of Magic, Gringotts Wizarding Bank
• Maker: Unknown

A Probity Probe is a magical instrument used for security purposes. It takes the form of a long, thin, golden rod. When in use, it is employed to physically prod and poke a person or their belongings to detect magical concealment. The sensation of being searched by a Probe has been described by Harry Potter as a feeling of being pricked and poked.

The primary function of a Probity Probe is to detect hidden magical objects and Concealment Charms. It serves as a physical countermeasure against individuals attempting to smuggle forbidden items or conceal their true identities or possessions. Security personnel, such as Goblins at Gringotts or Ministry of Magic officials, use the Probe by prodding it at and into the items being searched, such as bags and clothing. If the Probe detects magic designed to hide something, it presumably alerts the user in some fashion, though the exact mechanism is not detailed. It is a standard tool for high-level security in the wizarding world.

The Probity Probe is seen in use during the height of the Second Wizarding War, a time of extreme paranoia and heightened security under the Voldemort-controlled Ministry of Magic. In 1997, after the Ministry's fall, a notice posted for employees detailed the new security arrangements, explicitly stating that all entrants would be “subject to a search by Probity Probe”. Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger bypassed this measure during their infiltration of the Ministry by using Polyjuice Potion to impersonate Ministry employees. In 1998, during the trio's break-in at Gringotts Wizarding Bank, a goblin used a Probity Probe to search Hermione's enchanted beaded bag. The goblin identified the instrument and its purpose, stating it “Detects concealment spells and hidden magical objects.” Despite the bag's Undetectable Extension Charm, the Probe was still used to check its contents, though it did not successfully detect the various items hidden within that would have revealed the trio's intentions, such as the Sword of Gryffindor or the Invisibility Cloak.

The Probity Probe is a device that symbolizes the oppressive and suspicious atmosphere prevalent during Voldemort's reign. Its implementation at both the Ministry of Magic and Gringotts highlights the lack of trust and the stringent control exerted by the new regime and its allies. For Harry Potter and his friends, the Probe represents a tangible obstacle in their missions, forcing them to rely on powerful magic like Polyjuice Potion or endure the invasive search to avoid detection while hunting Horcruxes.

• In the film adaptation, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2, a goblin is shown using the Probity Probe on Hermione's beaded bag at the entrance to Gringotts, visually depicting the security measure described in the novel (film).