======Horns======
=====Introduction=====
Horns are hard, pointed growths found on the heads of various [[magical creatures]]. In the [[wizarding world]], they are highly valued as a key component in a wide range of [[Potion|Potions]] due to their potent magical properties. The horns of different creatures possess unique attributes, making them suitable for specific magical uses. They are often ground into a powder for inclusion in magical [[draughts]] and are sold at locations like the [[Apothecary]] in [[Diagon Alley]]. The trade of certain horns, such as those from the [[Erumpent]], is regulated by the [[Ministry of Magic]].
=====Magical Properties and Usage=====
The primary use of horns is as a [[Potion]] ingredient. Their inherent magic, once extracted or prepared (usually by powdering), can serve as a catalyst or a primary active component in complex magical concoctions.
  * **[[Potion]]-Making:** Horns are a fundamental ingredient in several powerful potions. The powdered horn of a [[Bicorn]] is essential for brewing [[Polyjuice Potion]], while powdered [[Graphorn]] horn is a key ingredient in the [[Antidote to Uncommon Poisons]].
  * **Inherent Dangers:** Some horns retain dangerous properties even after being severed from the creature. The horn of an [[Erumpent]], for example, contains an explosive fluid that will detonate upon significant impact. This makes handling and storing them extremely hazardous.
  * **Trade and Value:** The horns of magical creatures are valuable commodities. [[Erumpent]] horns are classified by the [[Ministry of Magic]] as a Class B Tradeable Material, meaning their trade is strictly controlled. [[Graphorn]] horns are exceptionally rare and expensive, as [[Graphorn|Graphorns]] are notoriously difficult to subdue.
=====Known Types of Horns=====
  * **[[Bicorn]] Horn:** The horn of a [[Bicorn]] is a crucial ingredient for [[Polyjuice Potion]]. It must be shredded or powdered before use. [[Hermione Granger]] successfully procured some from [[Professor Snape]]'s private stores at [[Hogwarts]] to brew the potion in her second year.
  * **[[Erumpent]] Horn:** A large, sharp horn that contains a highly explosive fluid. This substance causes whatever the horn pierces to explode. [[Xenophilius Lovegood]] acquired one, believing it to be the horn of a [[Crumple-Horned Snorkack]]. When [[Harry Potter]], [[Ron Weasley]], and [[Hermione Granger]] visited the [[Lovegood house]], the horn was accidentally struck by a stray [[Stunning Spell]], causing a massive explosion that destroyed a large part of the house.
  * **[[Graphorn]] Horn:** Sourced from the aggressive and powerful [[Graphorn]]. This horn is extremely expensive and highly prized for its use in various potions. Its powdered form is an ingredient in the [[Antidote to Uncommon Poisons]]. ([[Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them]] textbook)
  * **[[Unicorn]] Horn:** The horn of a [[Unicorn]] is known to possess powerful magical properties and is used in [[Potion|Potions]]. While specific recipes are not detailed in the novels, it is regarded as a valuable potion ingredient alongside [[Unicorn hair]] and [[Unicorn blood]].
  * **[[Crumple-Horned Snorkack]] Horn:** This horn is believed to be a fabrication, as the [[Crumple-Horned Snorkack]] itself is a creature whose existence has never been proven. The object [[Xenophilius Lovegood]] claimed was a Snorkack horn was, in fact, the dangerous horn of an [[Erumpent]].
=====Behind the Scenes=====
  * In the film adaptation of //[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1]]//, the [[Erumpent]] horn in the [[Lovegood house]] is depicted as a massive, spiraled horn mounted on the wall. Its explosive detonation is a major set-piece. (film)
  * The //[[Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them]]// film series expands on the [[Graphorn]], showing [[Newt Scamander]] caring for the last known breeding pair. Their horns are shown to be thick and ridged, curving backwards from their heads. (film)
  * On the Pottermore website, the [[Antidote to Uncommon Poisons]], which uses [[Graphorn]] horn, is listed as a potion that N.E.W.T. level students are expected to master. (Pottermore)