Xenophilius Lovegood

Hermione doesn’t give up her grudge against Ron leaving that easily, but Ron is in a good mood when he speaks with Harry: “Someone helped us. Someone sent that doe. Someone’s on our side. One Horcrux down, mate!”

As Harry talks more with Ron, Ron asks him why both he and Hermione have stopped saying Voldemort’s name. Harry admits that there really isn’t a reason why, but as Harry attempts to say Voldemort’s name aloud again, Ron vehemently stops Harry. Ron explains to Harry that the name of Voldemort has been jinxed. That is the way Voldemort is tracking people. In fact, it’s the way Harry, Ron, and Hermione were discovered previously in London.

Harry brings up the subject of Dumbledore with Ron. Ron admits that the facts in Rita Skeeter’s book are interesting but that Dumbledore was really young when the friendship with Grindlewald began. Ron even presents the idea that it may have been Dumbledore who sent the doe in an attempt to watch over Harry. Harry dismisses this idea quickly and reminds Ron that Dumbledore is most definitely dead.

Harry takes out the Snatcher’s wand and tries it out. Unfortunately, it doesn’t really work well for him. Hermione thinks that Harry just needs to practice a bit to gain more confidence, but Harry isn’t so sure.

Hermione shocks both of them with a request to find Xenophilius Lovegood. Because Xenophilius was wearing the mysterious symbol sketched in three places (the side of Hermione’s copy of Tales of Beedle the Bard, the headstone in Godric’s Hollow, and the letter to Grindlewald that Skeeter put in her book), she now thinks it’s imperative to find Xenophilius and find out what it means. They decide to find Luna’s wacky father.

Luckily the Lovegoods live near the Weasleys, so the three friends apparate close to the Weasley “Burrow.” Ron is a bit upset at not being able to visit his home, but he is mortified that he stormed out on his two friends previously and doesn’t want to face the family. In fact, Ron ended up spending Christmas with Bill and Fleur as a result.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione spot the Lovegoods' home, a strange-looking tower. After knocking on the door, they are unnerved to find that Xenophilius Lovegood looks quite deranged. In an attempt to find out why, Harry, Ron, and Hermione begin interrogating Luna’s dad. Xenophilius Lovegood is most definitely hesitant to give them any help.

Knowing that Luna would certainly help them, Harry brings up Luna Lovegood’s name. Xenophilius Lovegood immediately remembers that she’s fishing in the stream and absentmindedly goes to find her. He doesn’t return with his daughter, however. Harry finally gets around to the symbol that Xenophilius Lovegood was wearing at Bill and Fleur’s wedding. Xenophilius Lovegood is surprised at the question but reveals that the symbol is “the sign of the Deathly Hallows.”