Probity Probes

• Type: Magical Device (Security)
• Owners: Ministry of Magic, Gringotts Wizarding Bank, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
• Maker: Unknown

A Probity Probe is a handheld magical security instrument. It is described in the novels as a thin, golden rod. They are used by security personnel to physically check individuals and their belongings.

Probity Probes are enchanted to detect hidden magical objects and Concealment Charms. When a person or object is prodded with the probe, it vibrates or quivers to signal the presence of concealment magic or a hidden magical item.

• At Hogwarts, a probe used by Argus Filch successfully detected a Pygmy Puff named Arnold hidden in Ginny Weasley's pocket and later identified a Love Potion that Romilda Vane was attempting to smuggle into school.
• The effectiveness of a Probity Probe is not absolute and can be overcome by powerful magic. During the infiltration of Gringotts in 1998, a goblin used a probe on Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley, all of whom were under the effects of Polyjuice Potion. The probe failed to detect anything amiss, an outcome likely attributable to the strength of the transformative potion combined with a Confundus Charm that Harry had placed on the security wizard.

Probity Probes were first seen in use at the Ministry of Magic in the summer of 1995. Arthur Weasley explained their function to Harry Potter upon their arrival at the visitor's entrance for Harry's disciplinary hearing, noting they were part of the Ministry's heightened security measures. Following the death of Albus Dumbledore and the Battle of the Astronomy Tower in June 1997, Probity Probes were implemented at the entrance to Hogwarts. The school's caretaker, Argus Filch, was charged with using them to screen all students upon their return. During the height of the Second Wizarding War (1997-1998), with the Ministry under Lord Voldemort's control, Gringotts Wizarding Bank also adopted the use of Probity Probes as a key part of its stringent security protocol for all who entered the bank.

The primary role of the Probity Probes in the series is to symbolize the escalating paranoia and oppressive security measures enacted by the wizarding authorities in response to Lord Voldemort's return. Their presence highlights a world where trust has eroded and suspicion is rampant.

• In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, their use at the Ministry immediately establishes the tense and suspicious atmosphere under Cornelius Fudge and Dolores Umbridge.
• In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, their deployment at Hogwarts demonstrates that the school is no longer the safe refuge it once was, as the threat of Death Eaters has breached its walls.
• In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the probe serves as a tense obstacle during the Gringotts heist, a crucial step in the trio's mission to destroy Voldemort's Horcruxes. Successfully bypassing it is a test of their magical skill and nerve.