The Rare Cloaks

[Derek Hiemforth]

No: HPFGUIDX 86907

Diana wrote:
> If the Malfoys do have one, it's not been 
> mentioned at all in any of the first four books, which I would find 
> odd.

Derek:
Remember, though, that the books are written from Harry's
perspective.  If the Malfoys *did* have an invisibility cloak,
we would only know it if Harry knew it.  And Harry would presumably
have the same problem learning of the Malfoys' cloak that Draco has
learning of Harry's: an invisibility cloak facilitates secrecy, and
secrecy makes it harder to discover things like invisibility cloaks.
It helps conceal itself.  :-)

Diana:
> If these cloaks can be bought, like at Diagon Alley, I wonder how 
> much they'd cost?

Derek:
I doubt they're for sale (at least, not in shops).  Ron's reaction in
SS/PS implies (to me) that he's never seen one, and recognizes it
only by reputation.  If they were available in Diagon Alley, I'd
assume Ron would have seen them, even though he couldn't afford 
them.  :-)

Maybe they're available in Knockturn Alley, though.  There does seem
to be something a bit Dark Magicky about a device whose main purpose
is to allow the wearer to be places he's not supposed to be and do
things he's not supposed to do...

Diana:
> And, of course, the off-repeated question, where 
> did James get the cloak he left to Harry?

Derek:
And why did James leave it with Dumbledore before James died?

- Derek