Shield Glove

• Type: Magical Device, Defensive Clothing
• Owners: Fred and George Weasley (as inventory), Ministry of Magic employees
• Maker: Fred and George Weasley

A Shield Glove is a piece of magical apparel designed for personal protection. The specific appearance of the glove is not described in detail, but it is known to be a single glove worn for defensive purposes. It is part of a larger product line of Shield Gear created by Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, which also includes Shield Hats and Shield Cloaks. When demonstrating the product in his shop, George Weasley was seen wearing one such glove.

The primary function of a Shield Glove is to automatically defend its wearer from minor hostile magic. It is permanently enchanted with a variation of the Shield Charm (Protego). This enchantment actively deflects minor jinxes and hexes aimed at the wearer without requiring them to cast a spell or even be aware of the incoming attack. The glove's effectiveness was demonstrated when a customer in Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes threw a jinx at George Weasley; the glove he was wearing instantly deflected the spell, causing it to hit a nearby display of Fainting Fancies instead. While effective against lesser curses, it is implied that the standard Shield Glove would not be sufficient to block more powerful Dark Magic, such as the Unforgivable Curses. The Weasleys mentioned they were developing a more potent line of defensive gear specifically for Aurors, suggesting the standard items had limitations.

The Shield Glove was invented by Fred and George Weasley and sold at their Diagon Alley shop, Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, starting around the summer of 1996. The creation of the Shield Gear line marked a significant shift in their product development, moving beyond joke items to address the serious need for protection following the public return of Lord Voldemort and the start of the Second Wizarding War. The products proved to be highly successful and commercially viable. The Ministry of Magic recognized their effectiveness and placed a large order for Shield Hats and Cloaks to equip their support staff, highlighting the widespread fear in the wizarding community and the practicality of the Weasleys' invention.

The Shield Glove and its associated product line serve to illustrate the ingenuity and adaptability of Fred and George Weasley. Their transition from pranksters to creators of serious defensive equipment underscores the gravity of the political climate. The success of these items also showcases how the general wizarding populace, including the Ministry of Magic, was preparing for conflict, making personal defense a high priority. The item's introduction in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince helps establish the tense atmosphere of the Second Wizarding War.

The demonstration of the Shield Glove's magical properties by George Weasley is a scene unique to the novel Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and does not have a direct counterpart in the film adaptations.