Harry Potter: The true power of the invisibility cloak!
By Sam Friedman
Though the invisibility cloak has incredible power, it serves so much more of a purpose, specifically for Harry Potter.
The invisibility cloak is the most important gift that Harry Potter receives during the Sorcerer’s Stone, arguably throughout the entire franchise. When he firsts shows Ron the cloak, they both are astounded at the power it possesses and how unparalleled it is.
The invisibility cloak obviously makes Harry, and whomever else is in it completely invisible. The cloak is the deathly hallow that cheats death. When Death created the cloak for Ignotus Peverell, Death didn’t realize he had created its equal. An extremely powerful blanket.
First Appearance
Harry received the cloak from an anonymous gift giver on Christmas. Harry tears away the wrapping, learns of its power and proceeds to use it throughout the entirety of the franchise. As an 11-year old, Harry Potter was much more responsible with the cloak than I would be.
As a reader, Ron is the gateway into the magical world. The story is told through Harry’s eyes, for the most part, Ron is the one who typically fills the reader in on different magical facts. He explains to Harry how rare the cloak is, making Harry feel more significant.
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The cloak is the first Christmas gift that Harry receives in his life. Before that, his only presents were Dudley’s hand-me-downs. His first Christmas gift makes Harry feel incredibly special. The cloak was his father’s, the only thing he owns that was formerly his parents’.
Harry becomes obsessed with the cloak, because of the connection with his parents, and the power he now possesses. The first time he uses it, he drapes it around himself without Ron and Hermione…completely alone. This is by design, as less than a year ago, all he had known is a cupboard. Now he can explore Hogwarts without any hesitation.
Discovery
The invisibility cloak is one of few items that appears in all but one of the movies, and books, exercising how important the artifact is.
Every time Harry puts on the cloak, a new massive puzzle piece to the story is revealed to him. During his first use of the cloak, he explores the restricted section of the library. This may not sound significant, but is the first conscious rule breaking that happens in the movie (in the book, Harry and Ron sneak out of the Gryffindor to duel with Malfoy).
After, under the protection of the cloak, Harry discovers the Mirror of Erised, furthering the sentiment that the cloak connects Harry to his family. The mirror gives Harry his first experience with his deceased parents.
In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, the cloak hides Harry and Ron from Cornelius Fudge. Hagrid gives the boys the directions to find Aragog. In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban he discovers the truth (at the time) about Sirius Black, the whereabouts of the Shrieking Shack, and how to save Buckbeak, all under the cloak.
During the trials and tribulations of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Harry hides from the paparazzi in the cloak, and discovers his first challenge against the Hungarian Horntail. Stalking Malfoy down Knockturn Alley, the cloak shields the three heroes in Half-Blood Prince, as Draco enters Borgin and Burkes.
In the Deathly Hallows, Harry learns of the origins of the cloak, and how Ignotus Peverell was the cheater of death.
Final Thoughts
Most of the cloaks appearances, give Harry a link to his past. Alongside Harry, as though he was asking us to join him, we are elated to discover his past with him. These insights and findings are what make the books so amazing to read.
The Invisibility Cloak is the gateway to discovery with Harry, and the first connection to his parents. Harry was always searching for love and acceptance. When the cloak was gifted to him, Harry had a way to discover his past.
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What view to you take on the invisibility cloak? Do you share the same thoughts? Has your opinion changed now? Share your thoughts in the comments below.