A Potter Secret

The Deathly Hallows

A sign is tacked to a door studded with nails: "The Quibbler; editor: X. Lovegood. Hermione raps three times. Isabella listens carefully from Hermione's bag. "Keep off the dirigible plums," Ron reads. Hermione turns, gives him an odd look. Ron points to a sign. Just then, the door swings open and Xenophilius Lovegood appears, barefoot, wearing a soiled nightshirt.

"What is it?" Xenophilius asks Hermione. "Who are you?" he asks Ron. He turns to Harry. "What do you want?" Seeing Harry, Lovegood's jaw goes slack in shock.

"Hello, Mr. Lovegood. I'm Harry Potter. We met a few months back?" Harry reminds. Lovegood's eyes drift to Harry's scar. "Would it be okay if we came in? It won't take long, sir. I promise."

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Great tottering towers of Quibbler back-issues rise to the ceiling while an old-fashioned wooden printing press chugs away in the center of the room, spitting out new ones. "Excuse me," Xenophilius says. As Lovegood steps to the wheezing press, the trio glance at past quibblers laying about: muggle murders rise, dozens die as death eaters attack, Harry in hiding, where is the chosen one? you-know-who claims another victim: quidditch world cup cancelled amid death threats. Abruptly, the press goes silent and Lovegood turns. "So. What brings you here, Mr. Potter?" Lovegood asks.

"Well, sir, we need some help," Harry explains.

"Ah. Help. I see. Yes, well, the thing is, helping Harry Potter, rather dangerous these days-"

The trio exchange glances. "Aren't you the one who keeps telling everyone it's their first duty to help Harry?" Lovegood asks.

"I have expressed that view, yes. In the past. Would you excuse me one moment. I shall return shortly and, um, try to help you-" Lovegood dashes from the room.

"What's going on here?" Harry asks.

"He's mental. Let's face it. Luna's always good value, but she's nutty as squirrel poo," Ron replies.

Just then, Hermione gasps, points to an enormous spiral horn mounted on the wall. "Do you see that?" Hermione asks.

"Well, yeah, of course. It's massive, isn't it?" Ron replies.

"No! Don't go near it!" Hermione shouts. Harry stops. "It's an Erumpent horn. It's a Class B Tradeable Material."

Harry and Ron exchange a "she's mental" glance. "Yeah, all right-" Ron replies.

Just then, Lovegood returns with a tray rattling with cups. "May I offer you all an infusion of Gurdyroots? We make it ourselves," Lovegood says.

"Where is Luna, sir?" Hermione asks.

"Luna? Oh, um, she'll be along. Now how can I help you, Mr. Potter?" Xenophilius asks.

Harry nods. "Well, sir, it's about something you were wearing around your neck at the wedding. A symbol-"

"You mean this?" Lovegood reaches into his nightshirt and pulls out the chain with the triangular eye.

"Yes! Exactly. What we wondered, sir, is, well, what is it?" Harry asks.

"What is it? Well, it's the sign of the Deathly Hallows, of course," Xenophilius replies.

"The what?" the trio asks.

"The Deathly Hallows. I assume you're all familiar with 'The Tale of the Three Brothers?'" Xenophilius continues.

"Yes," Hermione and Ron assures.

"No," Harry replies. Harry looks at the others, then Hermione reaches into her beaded bag and pulls out The Tales of Beedle the Bard.

"It's in here," Hermione states.