Albus Dumbledore and Harry Potter are the two individuals known to have possessed all three of the fabled Deathly Hallows.
The Deathly Hallows are three powerful magical artifacts: the Elder Wand, the Resurrection Stone, and the Invisibility Cloak. According to wizarding legend, the person who unites all three becomes the "Master of Death."
Individuals Who Possessed All Deathly Hallows
While many characters came into contact with one or two Hallows, only two are documented to have held all three at different points in time or as their rightful master.
Albus Dumbledore
Albus Dumbledore, the wise and enigmatic Headmaster of Hogwarts, possessed all three Deathly Hallows over the course of his long life. His pursuit and eventual understanding of the Hallows played a crucial role in his battle against Gellert Grindelwald and his efforts to defeat Lord Voldemort.
Here's how Dumbledore possessed each Hallow:
- The Elder Wand: Dumbledore gained ownership of the Elder Wand after defeating the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald in their legendary duel in 1945. He remained its master until his death.
- The Resurrection Stone: Dumbledore acquired the Resurrection Stone when he tracked down Marvolo Gaunt's ring, which Voldemort had turned into a Horcrux. While intending to destroy the Horcrux, Dumbledore momentarily succumbed to the temptation of the Stone, wishing to see his family again. He wore it briefly before realizing the danger and destroying the Horcrux with Godric Gryffindor's Sword.
- The Invisibility Cloak: Dumbledore came into possession of the Invisibility Cloak when he borrowed it from James Potter, Harry's father, shortly before James's death. Dumbledore wanted to examine the Cloak, as he suspected it was a true Deathly Hallow, not just an ordinary invisibility cloak. He later bequeathed it to Harry in his will.
Harry Potter
Harry Potter, the "Boy Who Lived," became the ultimate master of all three Deathly Hallows by the end of the Second Wizarding War, though his possession and understanding of them evolved throughout his journey.
Here's how Harry possessed each Hallow:
- The Invisibility Cloak: Harry inherited the Invisibility Cloak from his father, James Potter. It was given to him anonymously by Albus Dumbledore during his first year at Hogwarts, making it the first Hallow he ever truly owned.
- The Resurrection Stone: Harry received the Resurrection Stone inside the Golden Snitch bequeathed to him by Albus Dumbledore. He used it in the Forbidden Forest just before confronting Lord Voldemort, allowing him to briefly communicate with his deceased loved ones. He chose to drop it later, not desiring its power.
- The Elder Wand: Harry became the master of the Elder Wand by disarming Draco Malfoy at Malfoy Manor. Malfoy had previously disarmed Dumbledore, making him the Elder Wand's master. When Harry disarmed Draco, the wand's allegiance transferred to him. Harry never fully "owned" the Elder Wand in the traditional sense until he took it from Voldemort after their final duel, but its allegiance was already his, making him its master.
Summary of Deathly Hallow Possession
The following table summarizes which individuals possessed each of the Deathly Hallows:
| Character | Elder Wand | Resurrection Stone | Invisibility Cloak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albus Dumbledore | Master and owner after defeating Grindelwald. | Possessed as Marvolo Gaunt's ring (a Horcrux). | Temporarily possessed (borrowed from James Potter). |
| Harry Potter | Master after disarming Draco Malfoy. | Temporarily possessed (from Dumbledore's Snitch). | Inherited and owned from his father, James Potter. |
Harry Potter, in the end, chose not to keep the Hallows together, opting to return the Elder Wand to Dumbledore's tomb (where its power would die with him) and leaving the Resurrection Stone lost in the Forbidden Forest. He kept only the Invisibility Cloak, recognizing its practical use and true value as a family heirloom rather than a symbol of power.
