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. ======Probity Probe====== =====Object Information===== * **Type:** [[Magical Device]], Security * **Owners:** [[Ministry of Magic]], [[Gringotts Wizarding Bank]] * **Maker:** Unknown =====Description and Appearance===== A [[Probity Probe]] is a security instrument described in the novel as a "long, thin golden rod." It is a handheld device used by security personnel to detect concealed magical items and spells. =====Magical Properties and Usage===== The primary function of a [[Probity Probe]] is to detect [[Dark Magic]], powerful enchantments, and magically hidden objects. It serves as a high-level security measure, similar to a Muggle metal detector but for magic. To use the probe, a guard or official slowly passes the rod over a person's body and their belongings. If the probe detects an item of significance or a powerful concealment charm, it reacts. When used to scan [[Hermione Granger]]'s magically extended beaded bag, which contained the [[Sword of Gryffindor]], the probe began to "vibrate," alerting the [[goblin]] guards to the presence of a potent magical object hidden by a strong [[Concealment Charm]]. This indicates that its detection capabilities are sophisticated enough to sense magic even through powerful counter-enchantments. =====History===== The specific history and origin of the [[Probity Probe]] are not detailed. They were notably implemented at [[Gringotts Wizarding Bank]] as part of heightened security measures following [[Lord Voldemort]]'s takeover of the [[Ministry of Magic]] during the [[Second Wizarding War]]. This suggests they were either created or more widely distributed by the new regime to enforce control and prevent subversive activities. =====Role in the Story===== The [[Probity Probe]] appears in //[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]// during the trio's infiltration of [[Gringotts]]. As [[Harry Potter]] (disguised as Dragomir Despard), [[Ron Weasley]] (disguised as a foreign wizard), and [[Hermione Granger]] (disguised as [[Bellatrix Lestrange]]) attempt to enter the bank to retrieve [[Hufflepuff's Cup]], they are stopped for a security screening. A [[goblin]] uses a [[Probity Probe]] on the trio, and it immediately detects the [[Sword of Gryffindor]] hidden in Hermione's bag. This moment creates a critical point of tension, as their mission is nearly compromised at the first hurdle. To prevent the guards from confiscating the sword and discovering their true identities, [[Harry Potter]] is forced to place both the [[goblin]], [[Bogrod]], and a human wizard guard under the [[Imperius Curse]]. This act, one of Harry's rare uses of an [[Unforgivable Curse]], highlights the moral compromises he must make in the war against [[Voldemort]]. The probe thus serves as a catalyst for a significant character moment and a key obstacle in the Gringotts heist. =====Behind the Scenes===== * The [[Probity Probe]] as a distinct golden rod does not appear in the film adaptation, //[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2]]//. While the trio undergoes a security check by the [[goblin]]s at [[Gringotts]], the specific device from the novel is not shown (film).
