Harry Potter's arm was initially broken by a rogue Bludger that had been enchanted by the house-elf Dobby during a Quidditch match in his second year at Hogwarts.
The incident is a memorable and critical event featured in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Dobby, in his misguided attempt to protect Harry, believed that if Harry were injured badly enough to leave Hogwarts, he would be safe from the dangers of the Chamber of Secrets.
The Bludger Attack: Dobby's Desperate Act
During a fiercely contested Quidditch match between Gryffindor and Slytherin, one of the Bludgers—a heavy, iron ball designed to knock players off their brooms—began to relentlessly pursue Harry Potter. This was not an accident; Dobby had bewitched the Bludger to target Harry exclusively.
- Dobby's Motivation: The house-elf was convinced that Harry's life was in grave danger at Hogwarts. Driven by a deep, albeit misplaced, loyalty and concern, Dobby resorted to extreme measures to force Harry's departure from the school.
- The Injury: The enchanted Bludger eventually struck Harry's right arm with significant force, causing it to break cleanly. This painful injury put Harry in a perilous situation during the match and led to his urgent removal from the pitch.
This act, while causing Harry pain, underscored Dobby's profound devotion and his often chaotic methods of trying to help.
Gilderoy Lockhart's Botched Repair Attempt
Following the match and the discovery of Harry's broken arm, the self-important Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, Gilderoy Lockhart, intervened with disastrous consequences. Believing himself to be an expert in everything, Lockhart attempted to mend Harry's arm with a spell.
- Failed Charm: Lockhart used a spell called "Brackium Emendo," which he claimed would perfectly mend bones. However, due to his incompetence, the spell completely backfired, vanishing all the bones from Harry's arm instead of repairing them.
- Boneless Arm: Harry was left with a rubbery, useless limb that flopped uncontrollably. It was only through the skilled intervention of Madam Pomfrey, the Hogwarts matron, and a painful night with the bone-regrowing potion Skele-Gro, that Harry's arm was eventually restored.
This dual sequence of events—the initial break by Dobby's Bludger and the subsequent bone-removal by Lockhart—is a standout moment in the series, highlighting both the genuine threats Harry faced and the comical incompetence surrounding him.
Key Characters Involved
| Character | Role in Harry's Arm Injury |
|---|---|
| Dobby | Enchanted the Bludger, directly causing the initial break of Harry's arm during the Quidditch match. |
| Gilderoy Lockhart | Attempted a magical repair on Harry's broken arm but accidentally removed all the bones, making the injury significantly worse. |
| Madam Pomfrey | The skilled healer who eventually restored Harry's arm by administering Skele-Gro to regrow his bones over several painful hours. |
This incident showcases the complex nature of Harry's challenges at Hogwarts, often involving a mix of well-intentioned but dangerous magic, and outright magical ineptitude. You can delve deeper into Harry's adventures and the magical world at Wizarding World or on the Harry Potter Wiki.
