Xenophilius Lovegood

Xenophilius Lovegood is the editor of the wizarding magazine The Quibbler and the father of Hogwarts student Luna Lovegood. Characterized by his profound eccentricity and belief in fantastical creatures and conspiracies not accepted by the general wizarding populace, Xenophilius is nonetheless a fundamentally well-intentioned and knowledgeable wizard. He plays a crucial, albeit complicated, role in the Second Wizarding War, initially as a staunch public supporter of Harry Potter and later as a desperate man forced to act against him. His most significant contribution to the story is introducing Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger to the legend of the Deathly Hallows.

Xenophilius was married to Pandora Lovegood, and together they had one daughter, Luna. Pandora, described as an extraordinary witch who enjoyed experimenting with spells, died as the result of a magical experiment gone wrong when Luna was nine. Xenophilius raised his daughter by himself in their unique, rook-shaped home near the village of Ottery St Catchpole. As the editor of The Quibbler, Xenophilius published articles on topics considered outlandish by many, such as the existence of the Crumple-Horned Snorkack and the alleged conspiracy that Cornelius Fudge baked goblins into pies. Despite his magazine's reputation, he proved to be a courageous ally to Harry Potter. In 1996, when the Ministry of Magic was actively discrediting Harry and Albus Dumbledore, Xenophilius published Rita Skeeter's interview with Harry detailing Lord Voldemort's return. The issue sold out, forcing a second printing, and was instrumental in shifting public opinion. During the Second Wizarding War, Xenophilius and Luna attended the wedding of Bill Weasley and Fleur Delacour. There, Xenophilius wore a necklace bearing the symbol of the Deathly Hallows, which Viktor Krum mistook for the mark of the Dark Wizard Gellert Grindelwald. Xenophilius explained the symbol's true meaning as a mark of those who believe in the quest for the Hallows. He continued to support Harry in The Quibbler even after Voldemort's takeover of the Ministry of Magic, making it the only publication to do so. This act of defiance led to the kidnapping of his daughter, Luna, by Death Eaters from the Hogwarts Express during the Christmas holidays. Desperate to secure her release, Xenophilius betrayed his principles. When Harry, Ron, and Hermione visited him seeking information, he explained the complete legend of the Deathly Hallows—the Elder Wand, the Resurrection Stone, and the Invisibility Cloak—before attempting to stun and capture the trio to trade them to the Ministry. His plan failed when Hermione Granger blasted a hole in his house with a Confringo curse, allowing them to Disapparate just as Death Eaters arrived. Xenophilius was subsequently arrested and imprisoned in Azkaban. He was presumably freed following Voldemort's defeat.

Xenophilius is described as being slightly cross-eyed with a fluff of white, candyfloss-like hair that reaches his shoulders. At the wedding, he wore eccentric, egg-yolk-yellow robes that stood out even among wizards. His personality is defined by his eccentricity and an unshakeable belief in the unconventional. He is a creative, open-minded individual who champions ideas and creatures that others ridicule. While this makes him seem foolish to many, it also shows a mind unfettered by conventional thinking. Underlying his oddities is a deep and powerful love for his daughter, Luna. This paternal love is his greatest strength and ultimate vulnerability, as it is the leverage the Death Eaters use to force him into betraying Harry Potter. Despite this act of betrayal, he is fundamentally a brave man who stood against Voldemort's regime when few others dared.

While not depicted as a powerful duelist, Xenophilius possesses a deep and unique knowledge of magical lore, particularly obscure legends like the Deathly Hallows. His primary skills lie in his work as an editor and writer for The Quibbler, where he demonstrates a talent for creating and disseminating content, regardless of its basis in fact. His wife's death during a spell experiment suggests a family interest in experimental magic.

• The Quibbler: The magazine he edits and publishes, which serves as his primary platform for his beliefs and, for a time, as a voice of resistance against the Ministry of Magic.
• Lovegood House: His cylindrical, rook-shaped home near Ottery St Catchpole, which reflects his eccentric personality in its architecture and interior decorations.
• Deathly Hallows Necklace: A triangular pendant with a circle and a line inside, representing the three Hallows. He wears it to identify himself to other believers.
• Erumpent Horn: A large, spiraling grey horn which Xenophilius believed belonged to a Crumple-Horned Snorkack. He kept it mounted on his wall, unaware that it was highly explosive. It detonated when accidentally struck by a spell, destroying much of his house.

• Luna Lovegood (Daughter): Xenophilius shares an exceptionally close and loving bond with his daughter. They share the same eccentric worldview and deeply care for one another. His entire motivation during the Second Wizarding War revolves around Luna's safety, leading him to make desperate choices to save her.
• Pandora Lovegood (Wife): His late wife, who died in a magical accident. Xenophilius raised Luna alone after her tragic death, indicating a deep sense of familial duty and love.
• Harry Potter: Xenophilius was one of Harry's few public supporters, using The Quibbler to champion his cause. This alliance was broken when Xenophilius, under extreme duress, attempted to hand Harry over to Death Eaters in exchange for his daughter's life.

• Xenophilius: The name is of Greek origin. Xeno- (ξένος) means “strange,” “foreign,” or “alien,” while -philus (φίλος) means “lover of” or “friend of.” Combined, the name means “lover of the strange,” perfectly encapsulating his personality and interests.
• Lovegood: A simple, positive English surname. It suggests his underlying good nature and the powerful love he has for his daughter, which contrasts with his bizarre first name and public persona.

• In the film adaptation Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1, Xenophilius Lovegood is portrayed by Welsh actor Rhys Ifans. (film)
• The film's depiction of the confrontation at the Lovegood House differs from the book. In the film, after revealing his plan, Xenophilius casts a spell to summon the Death Eaters, which Hermione deflects into the Erumpent horn, causing the explosion. The Death Eaters Selwyn and Travers arrive while the trio is still present and proceed to destroy the house as Harry, Ron, and Hermione escape. (film)