Magical Eye

• Type: Magical Device, Prosthetic
• Owners: Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody, Barty Crouch Jr. (while disguised), Dolores Umbridge, Harry Potter
• Maker: Unknown

The magical eye is a prosthetic eyeball designed to replace a lost natural eye. It is described as small, round, and a vivid, electric blue. It moves completely independently of the user's remaining eye, swiveling and spinning to provide a constant, 360-degree field of vision. The eye often whizzes and clicks audibly as it moves within the socket. It appears to be magically affixed, as Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody was able to pop it out and clean it with ease. When not in use, it could be stored in a glass of water on a bedside table, where it continued to watch its surroundings.

The eye's primary function is to grant its wearer enhanced sight far beyond that of a normal wizard or witch. Its abilities are crucial for surveillance and detecting hidden threats, making it an invaluable tool for an Auror. Its known properties include:

• 360-Degree Vision: The eye can rotate a full 360 degrees, allowing the user to see everything around them, including directly behind their own head.
• Penetrative Sight: Its most powerful feature is the ability to see through solid objects. This includes wood, such as doors and desk drawers; cloth, such as cloaks; and even magical concealment like Harry Potter's Invisibility Cloak. Barty Crouch Jr., while disguised as Moody, used this ability to see through the lid of the enchanted magical trunk where the real Moody was imprisoned.
• Magical Perception: The eye can perceive things that are magically disguised. For example, it correctly identified a Boggart in a wardrobe before it had a chance to transform, suggesting it can see a creature's true nature through magical concealment.

Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody used the eye as part of his “constant vigilance,” making him notoriously difficult to surprise. Barty Crouch Jr. exploited its powers to monitor Harry and manipulate the events of the Triwizard Tournament.

Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody lost his original eye during the First Wizarding War in service as an Auror. He subsequently acquired this magical replacement, which became his most famous feature and the source of his nickname. In 1994, Barty Crouch Jr. subdued Moody and used Polyjuice Potion to impersonate him for an entire school year at Hogwarts. During this time, Crouch had full use of the eye's abilities. Following Moody's death during the Battle of the Seven Potters in 1997, his body was lost, but the magical eye was recovered by Death Eaters. It was given to Dolores Umbridge, who affixed it to her office door at the Ministry of Magic. She used it to spy on her subordinates, an act that deeply disturbed Harry Potter when he infiltrated the Ministry. Horrified by the desecration of the fallen Auror's eye, Harry stole it from the door. Believing that Moody would have wanted all of him to have a proper burial, Harry later buried the eye in a forest under a large, gnarled tree, marking the spot with a cross scratched into the bark with his wand.

The magical eye is a significant plot device, particularly in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. It is the primary tool that enables Barty Crouch Jr. to successfully execute his year-long deception, allowing him to monitor Harry's progress, identify threats, and ensure Harry reached the Portkey in the Triwizard Maze. In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the eye serves a more symbolic purpose. Its grotesque use by Dolores Umbridge highlights the corruption and cruelty of the Voldemort-controlled Ministry of Magic. Harry's decision to retrieve and bury it is an act of defiance and respect, showcasing his loyalty and moral compass even in the darkest of times. It provides a moment of solemn closure for Moody's character.

• In the film adaptations, the magical eye is depicted differently from the books. Instead of sitting freely in the socket, it is held in place by a mechanical-looking harness and leather strap that goes around the user's head. (film)
• The film version of the eye also appears to have a telescopic or magnifying lens function, which is not mentioned in the novels. (film)