Silver Dagger

• Type: Weapon
• Owners: Bellatrix Lestrange (prominently)
• Maker: Varies; some are known to be Goblin-made

A silver dagger is a bladed weapon found within the wizarding world. While various daggers exist, the most notable example is the one wielded by the Death Eater Bellatrix Lestrange. Her dagger was described as a small silver knife with a jewelled handle. Another silver dagger was seen by Harry Potter on display at Borgin and Burkes in Knockturn Alley during his second year, indicating their availability and association with the Dark Arts.

The primary function of a silver dagger is as a conventional, physical weapon for cutting and stabbing. Its lethality is not dependent on cast magic, making it effective in situations where a wand might be impractical or when its user desires a more personal and cruel method of attack.

• Physical Combat: It can be used for close-quarters combat or as a thrown projectile, a skill lethally demonstrated by Bellatrix Lestrange.
• Intimidation and Torture: Bellatrix used her dagger to hold Hermione Granger hostage and inflict a cut on her arm during the skirmish at Malfoy Manor.
• Anti-Creature Properties: In the wizarding world, silver is known to be effective against certain magical creatures, most notably Werewolves. While a dagger is not explicitly used for this purpose in the novels, any silver weapon would likely possess these properties.

Silver daggers appear infrequently but are central to one of the most tragic events of the Second Wizarding War. The specific dagger owned by Bellatrix Lestrange is the most significant artefact of its kind. During the escape from Malfoy Manor in 1998, as Dobby the house-elf was Disapparating with Harry Potter and his companions, Bellatrix threw her silver dagger at them in a final act of malice. The blade struck Dobby in the chest, inflicting a mortal wound. He successfully completed the Apparition to Shell Cottage but died moments later in Harry's arms. This event was a pivotal moment for Harry, cementing his understanding of loss, sacrifice, and the true cruelty of his enemies. The death of Dobby at the hands of Bellatrix and her dagger deeply impacted Harry's resolve to hunt down Voldemort's Horcruxes and end the war. The dagger thus serves as a powerful symbol of Bellatrix's sadism and the brutal, tangible costs of the conflict.

• In the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1, Bellatrix Lestrange uses her silver dagger to sadistically carve the slur “Mudblood” into Hermione Granger's forearm. In the novel, while Bellatrix does cut Hermione's arm, the specific act of carving this word is not mentioned (film).