CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

At the Lovegood house, Xenophilius introduces the Deathly Hallows and asks Hermione to read The Tale of the Three Brothers. The story outlines three objects granted by Death: the Elder Wand, the Resurrection Stone, and the Cloak of Invisibility. Xenophilius claims that uniting them makes one master of Death and draws the Hallows symbol—line, circle, triangle.

Hermione challenges the Hallows’ existence, but Xenophilius insists the Elder Wand’s bloody history supports it. He links the Hallows to the Peverell family, citing Ignotus Peverell’s grave marked with the symbol. The trio privately debate which Hallow they would choose, and Ron notes Harry’s cloak’s exceptional, unfading power.

Exploring upstairs, Harry discovers Luna’s room dusty and abandoned, realizing she has been gone for weeks. When confronted, Xenophilius panics; The Quibbler now brands Harry “Undesirable Number One.” Xenophilius admits the Ministry took Luna for his writings and that he summoned authorities hoping to trade Harry for her freedom.

Death Eaters arrive outside. Xenophilius attempts a Stunning Spell that strikes the Erumpent horn, causing a massive explosion that collapses the upper floor and litters the house with debris. As Selwyn and Travers threaten Xenophilius and confirm someone is upstairs, the trio quietly free Ron from wreckage while Xenophilius struggles up the stairs under duress.

With Death Eaters closing in, Hermione orchestrates their escape: she has Ron don the Invisibility Cloak, makes them hold on, obliviates Xenophilius, and blasts a hole in the floor with Deprimo. Amid the collapsing house and falling rubble, she pulls Harry into darkness, carrying them away from the ambush.