CHAPTER TWENTY

In the aftermath of destroying the locket, Hermione remains cold toward Ron, while Ron oscillates between contrition and private cheer with Harry. Buoyed by success and Ron’s return, Harry practices with a new blackthorn wand that feels weak and unfamiliar.

During a forage, Ron reveals that Voldemort’s name is under a Taboo: speaking it breaks protections and lets Death Eaters track resisters, explaining earlier attacks. They briefly wonder who sent the silver doe and whether Dumbledore could have helped, but Harry rejects the idea. Discussion of Rita Skeeter’s claims about Dumbledore strains nerves, and Harry’s wandwork falters.

That night, Hermione proposes visiting Xenophilius Lovegood to learn about a recurring triangular symbol seen in Beedle the Bard, on a Godric’s Hollow grave, and in Dumbledore’s letter. Despite Harry’s reluctance to repeat a Godric’s Hollow misstep, Ron sides with Hermione, and they vote to go.

The next day they travel to Ottery St. Catchpole and locate the strange, towerlike Lovegood home. Xenophilius, disheveled and anxious, reluctantly admits them. Inside, amidst a clattering printing press for The Quibbler and bizarre inventions, Hermione identifies a mounted “Crumple-Horned Snorkack” as a dangerous Erumpent horn. Xenophilius stubbornly denies it.

Pressed for help, Xenophilius wavers, claims Luna is down by the stream, and goes to fetch her. Returning with tea, he remains jittery as Hermione and Harry ask about the symbol he wore at the wedding. He finally names it: the sign of the Deathly Hallows.