Horns

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 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.

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 Graphorns are notoriously difficult to subdue.

• 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 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.

• In the film adaptation of 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)