#AtoZChallenge @AprilA2Z #HarryPotter – X is for Xenophilius

The last few letters of this A to Z Challenge are always difficult, I find. X is no different. Not many spells or potions or such that begin with this letter. The only X in the series that I can think of is this character. He does not play a prominent role in any of the first six novels, though he is mentioned subtly. When he is introduced, he feels as quirky and as fun a character as his daughter.

Xenophilius Lovegood is Luna’s father. He runs and prints a magazine which has good coverage in the wizarding world, but yet, with his ideas, it is a magazine that is not always taken seriously. The Quibbler talks of creatures like the Crumple Horned Snorkack and the Wrackspurt that he and Luna believe exist, but most of the wizarding world does not. He believes in that to the extent of procuring the incorrect things, like the Erumpent horn that blows his house up in the last book. He is also a believer in the story of the Deathly Hallows, which kind of helps Harry understand what to do.

Xenophilius loves his daughter very much, and this is shown very well in the last book when it takes Luna’s kidnapping to sway his allegiance from Harry’s side enough for him to try and hand over Harry to the Death Eaters. Till then, he believes that Harry is telling the truth. In the fifth book, he publishes an interview that shows Harry’s side of the story, when the wizarding world in general turns against him. And even in the last book, he continues to support that stand even when the Voldemort controlled Daily Prophet targets Harry for the death of Albus Dumbledore.

A character that is underplayed, but still makes an impact, Xenophilius is memorable, I feel, because he is Luna’s dad, more than any other reason.

How fast time seems to fly by. I remember taking part in the first ever April A to Z Challenge, where for the month of April (except for Sundays) we write on themes around the 26 alphabets. This year marks the 7th Blogging from A to Z Challenge, and my 7th as well. I’ve successfully completed 4 of the 6 years before, so hoping for a fabulous 5th year of blogging success. You can go here if you want to know more about what the challenge is. My theme this year is ‘The World of Harry Potter’.

(© 28^th April 2016)

Vinay Leo R.

Poetry & writing to me are to me, a breath of fresh air in a life that is sometimes covered by the smoke of sorrow or self doubt. They also become the sweets I share to celebrate when life offers me a reason to. But most of all, they are to me, my life. For each word I write is a piece of my heart, a thought that just had to find its way into the world.