CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Harry wakes to Ron’s absence and silent tension with Hermione. They relocate through harsh winter landscapes, avoiding mention of Ron. Harry obsessively checks the Marauder’s Map for Ron and Ginny, while both struggle with aimlessness and the still-undestroyed Horcrux.

They intermittently consult Phineas Nigellus’s portrait for Hogwarts news, learning of student resistance and stricter rules under Snape, while carefully hiding their location. The cold, constant moves, and hopeless search for Gryffindor’s sword weigh on them.

During a rare calm evening, Hermione notices a strange triangle-with-line-and-circle-like symbol in The Tales of Beedle the Bard, the same one Luna’s father wore; Harry recalls Krum calling it Grindelwald’s mark. Harry then proposes visiting Godric’s Hollow. Hermione, linking the village to Godric Gryffindor and Bathilda Bagshot, theorizes the sword might be there and plans elaborate disguises and practice.

A week later, Polyjuiced as Muggles and under the Cloak, they arrive in snowy Godric’s Hollow on Christmas Eve. They see a war memorial transform into a statue of James, Lily, and baby Harry, then head to the churchyard.

Among the graves, they find Kendra and Ariana Dumbledore’s headstone, bearing the inscription “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Hermione also spots the mysterious symbol on an ancient grave marked “Ignotus.” Finally, they reach James and Lily Potter’s grave, inscribed “The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.” Overcome with grief, Harry weeps as Hermione conjures a wreath of Christmas roses, which Harry lays on the grave before they leave in silence.