[HPforGrownups] Unicorn horns (was:Unicorn Hairs was Innocent victims)

[Edblanning at aol.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 41357

Jenny from Elfwood:

> > In GoF when they're having their wands tested Mr Ollivander says:
> >
> > "Ah, now, this is one of mine, isn't it?" said Mr. Ollivander,
> > ith much more enthusiasm, as Cedric handed over his wand. "Yes,
> > I remember it well.  Containing a single hair from the tail of
> > a particularly fine male unicorn. . . must have been seventeen
> > hands; nearly gored me with his horn after I plucked his tail. "
> >
> > Denise
> 
> Ah, thank you!  I had forgotten about that part :)  I guess that might be an
> example of the sneak-up-and-snatch procurement method.  

Unicorn hairs I can cope with (and of course, it is possible that they give 
up their tail hairs to females, well *some* females, more willingly than they 
do to men), but what about the description of the Apothecary's in Diagon 
Alley:

             "Harry himself examined silver unicorn horns at twenty-one 
Galleons                            
             each...."   ?

Where do they come from? Their price indicates their rarity. Do unicorns 
moult their horns, as deer their antlers, or does the supply depend on 
tracking down dead ones?

Eloise




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