The Fate of the Elder Wand in Harry Potter: Where Did Harry Hide it?

In the thrilling finale of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the readers learn that Harry Potter does not snap the Elder Wand, abandoning the myth that the wand's power transfers through defeat. Instead, he has a different plan for the wand, one that reflects his deep understanding of the dangers of power and his desire to end the cycle of violence associated with it.

Harry's Decision

After defeating Voldemort, Harry decides to return the Elder Wand to its rightful place. He plans to use the wand one last time to repair his own wand and then hide the Elder Wand in a secure location. He ultimately chooses to return the wand to Dumbledore's tomb, believing that the wand should be with the man who forged it, and not passed on to anyone else. This choice reflects Harry's maturity and wisdom, as he understands the risks of wielding such immense power, especially after experiencing the destruction it has caused.

Returning the Elder Wand

Harry returns the Elder Wand to Dumbledore's tomb after speaking with Dumbledore's portrait in the Headmaster's office. He mentions that he left the Resurrection Stone in the forest and would not search for it, because it serves its purpose for those who died for love. He keeps the Invisibility Cloak, considering it a family heirloom. The decision to return the wand to Dumbledore's tomb shows Harry's respect for the life and legacy of his mentor, as well as his understanding that the wand's power should not be passed to someone else who might misuse it.

The Strategic Decision

Harry's choice to return the Elder Wand to Dumbledore's tomb is a strategic one. If Harry were to die undefeated, the power of the Elder Wand would die with him. If he were to suffer a wand-changing defeat, the person who did that would have no idea that they had inherited the wand. This means that even if someone were to discover the wand in the future, they would not know who it followed in the past, making it difficult to inherit its allegiance. This effectively turns the "Death Stick" into just another magical wand, which would be much harder to control.

Movie Version vs. Book

While the book provides a more detailed explanation, the movie version of Deathly Hallows presents a more dramatic and satisfying conclusion to the wand's story. In the movie, Harry places the Elder Wand on Dumbledore's desk and leaves it there as a tribute to his mentor. This version ensures that the most powerful wand in the world does not fall into the wrong hands. The book, however, provides a more philosophical and strategic approach to the wand's fate.

Key Locations: Dumbledore's Tomb

When discussing what he is doing with the three Hallows, Harry tells Dumbledore's portrait that he is going to put the Elder Wand back "back where it came from." This means the tomb on the Hogwarts grounds where Dumbledore is buried. Voldemort took the wand from Dumbledore's tomb around the time Harry, Ron, Hermione, Luna, Ollivander, and Griphook escaped from Malfoy Manor. Harry believed it should stay with Dumbledore's body and, since he did not want the power, he put it back in the tomb in hopes that the magic progression of the wand would break if he was never defeated in a duel and died a natural death.

This final act of returning the Elder Wand to its resting place underscores the importance of placing power in the hands of the right people and the complex legacy of the Deathly Hallows. It's a powerful moment that resonates with readers and fans of the series, making it a crucial part of the overarching narrative of the wizarding world.