Archers

• Type: Magical Guardians, Enchanted Constructs (film)
• Owners: The tomb from which they emerge is located in the Hogwarts Headmaster's office. (film)
• Maker: Unknown. (film)

The archers are a company of small, golden, humanoid figures that are stored within a large, ornate golden tomb or sarcophagus in the Headmaster's office. When activated, the tomb opens and releases them. They are depicted as classical archers, each equipped with a miniature golden bow and arrows. (film)

The archers function as an autonomous magical security system. They are an animated defense mechanism that activates in response to hostile intruders. Upon emerging from their tomb, they immediately fire volleys of golden arrows at any perceived threats within the office. The precise nature and effect of their magical arrows are unknown. (film)

The only known appearance of the enchanted archers occurs during the Battle of the Astronomy Tower. As a group of Death Eaters, including Bellatrix Lestrange and Fenrir Greyback, invade and vandalize the Headmaster's office following the death of Albus Dumbledore, the golden tomb bursts open. The archers emerge and begin firing upon the Death Eaters, contributing to the castle's magical defenses. (film)

In the film adaptation, the archers serve to illustrate the deep, ancient, and layered magic protecting Hogwarts Castle. Their activation during the Death Eater invasion emphasizes the violation of the school's most secure office and shows the castle itself fighting back against the intruders. They represent one of the many magical wonders and safeguards curated by previous Headmasters, including Albus Dumbledore. (film)

• The enchanted archers, along with the golden tomb from which they emerge, are a cinematic invention for the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. They are not present in the original novel by J.K. Rowling.
• In the book, the Death Eaters do not enter Dumbledore's office during their escape from the castle; Severus Snape merely blasts the door open as he passes. The film expands this sequence to include the Death Eaters rampaging through the office, providing an opportunity to showcase more of the location's unique magical properties, such as the archers.