- "That ain't no ordinary cut on your forehead, Harry. A mark like that only comes from being touched by a curse, an evil curse."
- — Rubeus Hagrid to Harry Potter[src]
The lightning scar is a scar on Harry Potter's forehead that is shaped like a lightning bolt. It is the result of failed murder attempt by Lord Voldemort on October 31, 1981, when he struck fifteen-month-old Harry with the Killing Curse.[1]
In the years to come, Harry always felt hurt on this scar when he is close, or in a near danger cause by Voldemort or by His followers known as Death Eaters. Also occured when the Dark Mark has been set nearby.
- Lucius Malfoy: "Haven't you always wondered what was the reason for the connection between you and the Dark Lord? Why he was unable to kill you when you were just infant? Don't you want to know the secret of your scar? All the answers are there, Potter, in your hand. All you have to do, is give it to me."
- Harry Potter: "I've waited fourteen years..."
- Lucius Malfoy: "I know."
- Harry Potter: "I guess I can wait a little longer. Now!"
- — Lucius Malfoy trying to persuade Harry to hand him the Prophecy in the Department of Mysteries[src]
As the scar is served as a telepathic link between Lord Voldemort and to Harry Potter, Harry use this opportunity sometimes to see what's Voldemort had done or acquired from other people. In Mr. Ollivander for example, While Harry is asking Mr. Ollivander about the existence of the Elder Wand, He had seen a vision from the past when Mr. Ollivander told Voldemort that Gregorovitch had the Elder Wand.[2]
It is also served as a physical evidence of his tragic past which both of his parents were killed. Later in the story it is explained to Harry that he escaped death because his mother gave up her life for him, thus, while it is a reminder of a painful event, the scar is also a sign of his mother's limitless love.
- Dumbledore: "I guessed, fifteen years ago, when I saw the scar on your forehead, what it might mean. I guessed that it might be the sign of a connection forged between you and Voldemort."
- Harry: "You've told me this before, Professor."
- Dumbledore: "Yes, Yes, but you see...it is necessary to start with your scar. For it became apparent, shortly after you rejoined the magical world, that I was correct, and that your scar was giving you warnings when Voldemort was close to you, or else feeling powerful emotion. And this ability of yours...to detect Voldemort's presence, even when he is disguised, and to know what he is feeling when his emotions are roused...has become more and more pronounced since Voldemort returned to his own body and his full powers..."
- Harry: "Albus Dumbledore to Harry Potter"
- — Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Others interpreted that the scar seems to be like a badge of honour, visible proof of having survived a great battle and of his destiny to wage more battles in the future.
Behind the scenes
- According to J.K. Rowling during a web chat with her, the scar is no longer burn or hurt after Voldemort's defeat.[3]
- In the films, Harry's scar is off-center on his forehead. This was done at J.K. Rowling's insistance, because many fans believe that the scar is in the middle of his forehead; but the scar's location is never mentioned within in the books' text.