Shield Gloves

• Type: Magical Protective Clothing
• Owners: Ministry of Magic
• Maker: Fred Weasley and George Weasley

The specific appearance of the Shield Gloves is not described in detail in the novels. They are one of the key products in the defensive magic line sold at Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, which also includes Shield Hats and Shield Cloaks. They are presumably a normal-looking pair of gloves that have been magically enchanted for protection.

Shield Gloves are imbued with powerful and durable defensive enchantments, designed to function like a constantly active Shield Charm (Protego). Their primary purpose is to automatically repel and deflect minor to moderate offensive spells, such as Jinxes and Hexes. The great advantage of this apparel is that it provides passive, continuous protection without requiring the wearer to possess any skill in defensive magic or to be on constant alert. The spell deflection is an innate property of the gloves themselves. This made them an ideal defensive item for non-combatants or wizards with limited duelling ability, especially during the tense climate of the Second Wizarding War.

The Shield Gloves were invented by Fred and George Weasley sometime before the summer of 1996. They were a cornerstone of the serious defensive magic range sold at their new shop, Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, at Number Ninety-Three, Diagon Alley. Following the public return of Lord Voldemort, the Ministry of Magic under Minister for Magic Rufus Scrimgeour sought to better equip its staff. Recognizing the effectiveness of the Weasleys' products, the Ministry placed a large order for five hundred Shield Cloaks. Arthur Weasley informed Harry Potter that the Ministry was also very interested in the Shield Gloves and Shield Hats, seeing them as a practical way to protect support staff from potential attacks by Death Eaters.

Introduced in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, the Shield Gloves and the entire Shield-wear line serve multiple narrative purposes. They are a testament to the Weasley twins' remarkable ingenuity and business acumen, demonstrating their ability to turn their talents from pranks to genuinely useful wartime inventions. Furthermore, the Ministry of Magic's significant interest in these items highlights the escalating danger and fear gripping the wizarding world. It underscores the severity of the threat posed by Voldemort, forcing the government to seek out unconventional protective measures for its employees. This also serves as a quiet validation of Fred and George's abilities, contrasting sharply with the Ministry's previous disregard for them and their friend, Harry Potter.

In the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, the Weasleys' defensive products are visually present during the scenes inside their bustling shop, but the Shield Gloves are not specifically highlighted or discussed. (film)