Screaming Yo-yo

• Type: Magical Joke Item
• Owners: Fred Weasley and George Weasley (creators), Argus Filch (confiscator)
• Maker: Fred Weasley and George Weasley

The canonical novels do not provide a physical description of the Screaming Yo-yo. Based on its name, it is presumed to be a traditional yo-yo that has been magically enchanted. As a product of Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, it would likely be brightly coloured or otherwise eye-catching, in keeping with their other joke products.

The primary magical property of a Screaming Yo-yo is that it emits a loud scream when operated. The exact nature and volume of the scream are unknown, but its purpose is clearly to serve as a prank or novelty toy designed to startle or annoy people. Its disruptive nature is confirmed by its confiscation at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Argus Filch deemed it dangerous enough to be locked away in his filing cabinet for confiscated items, suggesting the scream was potent enough to cause a significant disturbance in the castle corridors.

The Screaming Yo-yo was invented by Fred and George Weasley as part of their experimental product line for what would become Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes. They likely created it during their time as students at Hogwarts, as at least one was confiscated from them by the school's caretaker, Argus Filch. The yo-yo is mentioned only once in the series, in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. During a detention, Harry Potter is tasked by Severus Snape with sorting old punishment records in Argus Filch's office. Harry comes across a record card for the Weasley twins, which lists a “Screaming Yo-yo” as a confiscated item alongside a “Fanged Frisbee”. This highlights the twins' long history of creative mischief and the development of their joke products while still at school.

The Screaming Yo-yo serves as a minor world-building detail, illustrating the ingenuity and rebellious spirit of Fred and George Weasley. Its mention provides a brief, humorous insight into the kinds of items the twins were creating and testing on their fellow students long before they opened their shop in Diagon Alley. It reinforces the characterization of Argus Filch as a long-suffering and strict disciplinarian and contributes to the colourful, inventive backdrop of the Wizarding World.

• In the LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7 video game, the Screaming Yo-yo is an obtainable item from Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes. When used, it emits a sonic scream that can shatter glass objects (video game).