While the Resurrection Stone is no longer in active possession, Harry Potter was the last individual to wield it, making him its most significant possessor during the events of the Second Wizarding War.
The Last Bearer: Harry Potter
The Resurrection Stone, one of the three legendary Deathly Hallows, came into Harry Potter's possession under extraordinary circumstances. Initially embedded in the ring of Marvolo Gaunt, it later became a Horcrux of Lord Voldemort. The ring was destroyed in 1996 by Albus Dumbledore to eliminate the Horcrux, but the stone itself remained intact. Dumbledore then placed the stone inside Harry Potter's first Golden Snitch, which Harry inherited through Dumbledore's will. It passed into the possession of Harry Potter, who used it to great success in the Second Wizarding War.
Journey to Harry's Hands
The Resurrection Stone has a long and complex history, originating with one of the Peverell brothers, Cadmus Peverell. Its journey through history before reaching Harry Potter is a tale of ambition, despair, and ultimately, sacrifice.
- Cadmus Peverell: The original owner, who used it to try and bring back his lost love, only to find her an unhappy echo.
- Gaunt Family: Passed down through generations, eventually becoming an heirloom of Marvolo Gaunt, Voldemort's grandfather.
- Lord Voldemort: Unaware of its true power as a Hallow, Voldemort used the ring as one of his Horcruxes.
- Albus Dumbledore: Discovered the ring and recognized it as a Horcrux. He destroyed the ring as a Horcrux, but the Resurrection Stone within was kept. He then concealed it within the Golden Snitch he bequeathed to Harry.
- Harry Potter: Received the Snitch after Dumbledore's death and eventually opened it with the words "I am about to die," revealing the stone.
Purpose and Use by Harry
Harry's use of the Resurrection Stone was a poignant moment in the wizarding world's history. Unlike its previous owners who sought to manipulate death, Harry used it not to bring the dead back to life, but to gain comfort and courage in his darkest hour. When Harry prepared to confront Lord Voldemort in the Forbidden Forest, knowing he must sacrifice himself, he activated the stone. It summoned the spectral forms of his parents, Lily and James Potter, his godfather Sirius Black, and his mentor Remus Lupin. These beloved figures offered him reassurance and strength, allowing him to face his destiny with unparalleled bravery.
The Stone's Ultimate Fate
After his encounter with the echoes of his loved ones, and before facing Voldemort, Harry intentionally dropped the Resurrection Stone in the Forbidden Forest. He chose not to retrieve it, wishing for it to remain lost forever. This act demonstrated his maturity and understanding that true power lies not in defying death, but in accepting its inevitability and cherishing life. Consequently, the Resurrection Stone is no longer in anyone's possession; it lies hidden and lost within the forest, fulfilling Harry's desire for the Deathly Hallows to never be reunited and exploited by one individual.
Key Possessors of the Resurrection Stone
| Possessor | Period of Possession | Key Action / Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Cadmus Peverell | Ancient Times | Original owner, used to bring back lost love, led to despair. |
| Gaunt Family | Centuries | Passed down as an heirloom, unaware of its true Hallow status. |
| Lord Voldemort | Pre-1996 | Used as a Horcrux, embedded in a ring. |
| Albus Dumbledore | 1996 | Destroyed the Horcrux, placed the stone in the Golden Snitch. |
| Harry Potter | 1998 | Utilized for emotional support, then abandoned in the Forbidden Forest. |
