Dragon Horn

• Type: Potion Ingredient
• Source: Dragon
• Owners: Various wizards and witches, including Ron Weasley (briefly)

A dragon horn is the horn that grows on the head of certain dragon species. A specific example, discovered by Ron Weasley in the former home of Elphias Doge, was described as a large, curved, blackish horn. For use in Potions, the horn is typically ground into a fine powder, referred to as powdered dragon horn. Hermione Granger correctly identified one such horn, distinguishing it from the much more dangerous and volatile Erumpent horn, which it can resemble.

Dragon horn is a powerful and valuable Potion ingredient known for its sedative properties. Its primary function is as a component in potent sleeping draughts. Its known uses include:

• Sleeping Potion: When powdered dragon horn is mixed with powdered horn of a Bicorn, it creates a powerful sleeping draught capable of quickly rendering its drinkers unconscious. Hermione Granger used this mixture to incapacitate two Gringotts Goblins by adding it to their water.
• Draught of Living Death: Powdered dragon horn is a known ingredient in the Draught of Living Death, an extremely potent sleeping potion that can cause a victim to fall into a death-like slumber. (Pottermore)

Dragon horns have long been used as a valuable commodity and Potion ingredient in the wizarding world. Their value is implied by Ron Weasley's excitement upon finding one. In the winter of 1997, following the death of Elphias Doge, a dragon horn was found amongst his possessions as his house was being cleared. Ron Weasley claimed the horn for himself after Hermione Granger confirmed its identity. On 1 May 1998, Hermione Granger used powdered dragon horn, along with powdered horn of a Bicorn, as a crucial component of her plan to break into the Lestrange Vault at Gringotts Wizarding Bank. The potion successfully knocked out the two Goblins guarding the entrance to the lower passages, allowing the Trio to proceed.

The dragon horn plays a critical, albeit brief, role in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Its use by Hermione Granger was instrumental in the successful infiltration of Gringotts, which allowed Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione to retrieve one of Lord Voldemort's Horcruxes, Helga Hufflepuff's Cup. The object also serves as a point of contrast with the similar-looking Erumpent horn. Hermione's ability to distinguish between the two highlights her extensive knowledge of magical substances. The horn found at Elphias Doge's house also showcases Ron's growing interest in and knowledge of valuable magical artifacts, a development from his earlier character.

• The use of powdered dragon horn as an ingredient in the Draught of Living Death is not mentioned in the original novels but comes from supplementary information published on the Pottermore website. (Pottermore)