Harry Potter walks through the Forbidden Forest. He knows his task. He must face Voldemort one last time and die. He carries with him the Resurrection Stone, which had been hidden in the Golden Snitch, and he uses it. His parents, Remus Lupin, and Sirius Black appear to encourage and strengthen him in his mission.

When Harry reaches the clearing where Voldemort and his followers have gathered, he pulls off his Invisibility Cloak, steps into the glow of the fire, and announces his presence. At the same time, he drops the Resurrection Stone. We read that it “slipped from between his numb fingers” (703). Why does he let go of the Stone at that moment? The text doesn't tell us, but we can make some educated guesses.

First, we must realize that Harry doesn't seem to consciously drop the Stone. He is focused on his confrontation with Voldemort now. His parents, Remus, and Sirius have given him all the support they can. They have prepared him well. Now the conflict lies between Harry and Voldemort. Most likely James, Lily, Remus, and Sirius are still present (for James has promised to remain with Harry until the very end), but Harry no longer needs to see them. They are a part of him, as Sirius has explained.

Second, Harry may instinctively recognize the need of letting go of the Stone, of dropping it out of sight into the debris on the forest floor, so that Voldemort and his followers will not find it. In the wrong hands and used for the wrong purposes, the Stone may be a danger to the Wizarding World at large and to individuals. Later on, Harry tells Dumbledore's portrait that he is not going to go looking for the Stone. Dumbledore calls this a “wise and courageous decision” (748). The Stone, while useful in certain circumstances, is a temptation, and people (even Harry) could easily misuse it for selfish ends. Harry recognizes the danger and lets the Stone lie hidden in the forest.