Stink Pellets

• Type: Joke Object
• Owners: Known users include Peeves and Harry Potter; frequently confiscated by Argus Filch.
• Maker: Sold at joke shops such as Zonko's Joke Shop.

Stink Pellets are small, dark, and generally inconspicuous magical items. Their simple appearance belies their potent effect, allowing them to be deployed discreetly as a prank or diversion. When activated, they do not explode in the manner of a Dungbomb but rather release a cloud of gas.

The primary function of a Stink Pellet is to release a large volume of exceptionally foul-smelling gas upon activation. This activation typically occurs on impact or, as demonstrated by Harry Potter, when introduced to a catalyst like a hot potion. The resulting smell is described as a “most disgusting” and “pungent” odour capable of quickly filling a room and causing significant disruption. The gas produced can also be coloured; the pellet used by Harry in Professor Slughorn's Potions class produced a thick, “pungent green gas.” Due to their powerful and distracting nature, Stink Pellets are primarily used for pranks and as a tactical diversion. They are considered a minor nuisance item and are on the list of items banned from the corridors of Hogwarts by the caretaker, Argus Filch.

Stink Pellets are a common and popular joke product in the wizarding world, readily available for purchase by students at shops like Zonko's Joke Shop in Hogsmeade. Their presence at Hogwarts is well-established, where they are a favoured tool of the poltergeist Peeves. He was known to drop them in crowded corridors to cause chaos and dismay among the students and staff. The school's caretaker, Argus Filch, frequently complained about Peeves's use of Stink Pellets and regularly confiscated them from students.

While often mentioned as a background nuisance item, a Stink Pellet plays a crucial and specific role in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. In need of a diversion during a Potions lesson to steal a bottle of Felix Felicis from Professor Slughorn's private stores, Harry Potter subtly throws a Stink Pellet into Gregory Goyle's cauldron. The resulting eruption of foul-smelling green gas creates immediate chaos, disgusting the students and distracting Professor Slughorn. Under the cover of the confusion, Harry successfully retrieves the luck potion. This act is pivotal, as the Felix Felicis is later essential for convincing Professor Slughorn to relinquish his unaltered memory concerning Tom Riddle and his inquiry about Horcruxes.

• While Stink Pellets do not feature prominently in the film adaptations, they do appear as usable items in some Harry Potter video games, such as LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7, where they can be used to distract characters. (video game)