CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Reappearing in a field at dusk, Harry, Ron, and Hermione secure their campsite and reel from Xenophilius Lovegood’s betrayal. They worry for Luna, conclude she is likely imprisoned in Azkaban, and set up the tent to recover from the narrow escape.

Inside, they argue over the Deathly Hallows. Hermione dismisses the tale as myth, but Harry and Ron note that Harry’s unparalleled Invisibility Cloak may match the legend. Discussion of the Peverells prompts Harry to recall Marvolo Gaunt boasting of Peverell ancestry and wearing a ring marked with what Harry now believes was the Hallows sign. Harry speculates the ring was the Resurrection Stone, while Hermione insists true resurrection is impossible.

Harry’s conviction surges: he decides Dumbledore borrowed the Cloak because it was a Hallow and that Ignotus Peverell may be Harry’s ancestor. When the Snitch falls from his pouch, Harry becomes sure the Resurrection Stone is hidden inside it, then abruptly realizes Voldemort must be hunting the Elder Wand. He reasons Voldemort likely does not know about the Hallows as a set, but seeks the legendary wand’s power.

Days of rain and travel follow. Harry grows consumed by the Hallows, drifting from Ron and Hermione’s Horcrux focus. His scar-visions blur, which he links to his broken wand. Ron assumes a leadership role, pushing searches and trying to tune Potterwatch on the radio.

At last, Potterwatch comes through. Lee Jordan hosts Kingsley and Lupin, who confirm murders of Ted Tonks, Dirk Cresswell, and Gornuk; report Dean Thomas missing and a Muggle family killed; reveal Bathilda Bagshot’s death; and say Hagrid escaped arrest and is on the run. They also confirm Xenophilius’s imprisonment and bolster listeners’ morale. Buoyed, Harry insists Voldemort is abroad seeking the Elder Wand.

When Harry speaks Voldemort’s name, the Taboo activates. The Sneakoscope spins, voices close in, and lights are doused. Snatchers surround the tent and order them out at wandpoint.