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Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is J. K. Rowling's fourth Harry Potter book in what is expected to be a series of seven. Like the...
(The entire section is 677 words.)
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is J. K. Rowling's fourth Harry Potter book in what is expected to be a series of seven. Like the...
(The entire section is 677 words.)
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, the fourth installment of the Harry Potter series, begins with a vivid description of the Riddle House, a creepy and derelict old manor home in Little Hangleton. Supposedly, fifty years ago on a summer morning, the maid found all three Riddle family members dead with their eyes wide open. It is not long before the villagers begin talking about how rich and snooty the Riddles were, never wanting to "mix" with other than their own class. Although a man named Frank Bryce was arrested for the crime, rumor had it that a pale, dark-haired, teenage boy was seen near the Riddle home before the murders. Bryce was acquitted when the bodies were examined and the victims were found to be in perfect health...except that they were dead. No cause of death could be found: they simply had looks of terror on their faces. Bryce, who was the caretaker for the grounds of the Riddle home, returned promptly to his cottage on the premises, surprising everyone.
Frank lives there still, fifty years later. One evening Frank notices a light in the Riddle manor window. Thinking it is a teenage prank, Frank goes over to investigate. Frank finds the perpetrators, notices the fire is tinged green, and begins to listen to their conversation. Two men are speaking; one is named "Wormtail," and the other has a strange, cold voice. They speak of "milking Nagini" and waiting for the "Quidditch World Cup" to be over before taking action. Wormtail tries to exhibit his loyalty, but he is terrified of the other man in the room, one who speaks in a hiss about murder and other serious crimes (including a planned murder at Hogwarts). Just as Frank decides to go to the police, Nagini (an enormous snake) slithers past him into the room and reveals Frank's presence. Lord Voldemort reveals himself to Frank before finishing him off in a flash of green light.
Harry awakens holding the scar on his forehead because it is burning with pain. Harry received this lightning-shaped scar when Voldemort tried to kill Harry as a baby. Harry tries to remember the dream he was having (which was the scene at the end of the first chapter), but he can only remember vague details. He does realize, though, that the inhabitants of his dream were planning his death. Harry is disturbed by the vivid vision in his dream. Although he is safe this summer at the dreadful home of his aunt, uncle, and cousin (the Dursleys) on Privet Drive, Harry worries that the pain in his forehead might mean that Voldemort is near.
Harry then recalls the tragic past of his wizarding family. His parents were killed by Lord Voldemort, who had tried to kill Harry as well, but the love of Harry's mother caused the spell to backfire. Harry is now doomed to summers at the Dursleys in between glorious years of schooling at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Harry considers telling his friends about his hurting scar, but Harry avidly guesses their reactions: Ron would immediately start worrying that Voldemort would strike imminently, while Hermione would demand that Harry take the information straight to Dumbledore (the headmaster of Hogwarts). Considering his options, Harry finally decides to write Sirius Black, Harry's godfather, who is currently banished from the wizarding world for a crime he did not commit.
Back at Privet Drive, Dudley is placed on a diet because of his extreme size. Harry, forced to eat the same diet food as Dudley all summer, asks his friends for help. Harry ends up gorging on hidden snacks that covertly arrive from his Hogwarts friends. Even Hagrid, the groundskeeper at Hogwarts, sends some cookies. The most exciting snacks that Harry receives are large birthday cakes in honor of his special day. These (as well as the other copious snacks) Harry hides under the floorboards of his room so as not to be discovered by Dudley, who is now the size of a "killer whale."
Unexpectedly, a letter arrives from Mr. Weasley, Ron's father, inviting Harry to the Quidditch World Cup. Uncle Vernon, who hates everything magic, is about to refuse Harry the pleasure of attending, until Harry threatens to write his godfather, Sirius Black, about being mistreated. Ron and the other Weasleys send Harry a note (via their skittish new owl named "Pig") saying that they would be coming to collect Harry for the Quidditch World Cup no matter if the "muggles" liked it or not. Harry sends a note in reply saying that he has permission from his aunt and uncle, and then follows it up with a note to Sirius about his painful scar. Meanwhile, Harry pulls up the floorboard in his room and eats a large chunk of birthday cake that has just arrived from his friends.
The next day, Harry packs his Hogwarts school trunk and waits for the arrival of the Weasleys. Just the thought of the Weasleys arrival make the Dursleys nervous and grumpy. To try to look intimidating, Uncle Vernon put on his best suit, but Dudley looked diminished because of fright (Hagrid once gave Dudley a pig's tail through magic). After Uncle Vernon asks, Harry realizes that he has no idea how the Weasleys would be traveling. The arrival time of five o'clock comes and goes. The Weaselys are late in picking Harry up; therefore, Uncle Vernon gets irate as he thinks they would insist on staying for dinner. Suddenly, Dudley runs into the room frightened to the core. There are strange clanking sounds coming from the Dursley's old, boarded-up fireplace. Suddenly Harry hears the Weasleys clamoring for more room behind the boards and calling Harry's name to help them out. Harry tries to explain that the Weasleys were traveling by Floo Powder (a method of transportation that allows wizards to travel through fire). Suddenly, the Weasleys burst out of the fireplace, much to the chagrin of Uncle Vernon. The Weasleys help Harry collect his trunk and his other school things before collecting back into the fireplace in order to return to "the Burrow," which is the name of the Weaselys' eclectic household. After Mr. Weasley forces Uncle Vernon to say goodbye to Harry, everyone is startled to see Dudley coughing up a "foot-long, purple, slimy thing" that turns out to be his tongue. It seems that Fred and George Weasley (the most mischievous of the Weasely children) had dropped a toffee inflicted with an "Engorgement Charm." As Mr. Weasley tries to convince the Dursleys that he can help Dudley with magic, Harry uses Floo powder to transport to the Burrow.
Harry arrives at the Burrow (via the fireplace) with everyone laughing about Fred and George trying a "Ton-Tongue Toffee" on Dudley, everyone that is except Mr. and Mrs. Weasley who get angry at the twins. It turns out that Fred and George had a go at creating their own business called "Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes" that specialized in joke stuff like fake wands and trick sweets. The twins plan to sell much of it at Hogwarts and eventually open a joke shop. Mrs. Weasly is livid over the idea. Ron, Hermione, and Harry settle in to the Burrow as they talk about Percy Weasley's new obsession with his work at the Ministry of Magic and his boss, Mr. Crouch, who seems to take pride in giving Percy menial tasks. Mr. Weasely and Percy discuss the hierarchy in the Ministry in addition to the new Head of Department named Ludo Bagman and the missing witch named Bertha Jorkins. Ron, Hermione, and Harry get incredibly tired of Percy acting so pompous and important in regards to the Ministry, so they change the subject to the rivalries sure to be present at the Quidditch World Cup. Some of the Weasleys are for Ireland and some are for Bulgaria with its famous player, Viktor Krum. As the other family members are occupied with other things, Harry tells Ron and Hermione that he, in fact, has heard from Sirius a number of times that summer. The chapter ends with Harry worrying again about his dream as well as everyone feeling the excitement of attending the World Cup.
The crew gets up at the break of dawn to start their travels to the Quidditch World Cup. At breakfast, Harry finds out that a wizard has to pass a special test in order to get permission to Apparate (the preferred, quickest method of wizard transportation). They discuss the disgusting possibility of getting "splinched," or leaving half of yourself behind (leading to some nasty results). Fred and George are in trouble again for having more of their joke candies in hand. Mrs. Weasley is beside herself with anger. Still, the rest of the lot sets off at a brisk pace looking for a "portkey," or an everyday object that allows witches and wizards to travel long distances together. While looking for the portkey, the group meets one of the kids' classmates from school: Cedric Diggory and his father. Cedric himself is the captain and seeker of the Hufflepuff House Quidditch Team at Hogwarts. Amos, Cedric Diggory's father, is as amazed as anyone else at meeting the "famous" Harry Potter who all but annihilated Voldemort with his own spell. Amos is very proud of his son for beating the Griffindor Quidditch team (on which Harry is the seeker), telling Cedric, "That'll be something to tell your grandchildren, that will. . . . You beat Harry Potter!" When it was time to go, the group touched the portkey ("a manky old boot") and they were swirled and jerked through time and space before slamming onto the ground. The group had arrived at the Quidditch World Cup!
The group arrives on a deserted moor, only to walk a little further and discover hundreds and hundreds of tents containing thousands of witches and wizards eager to attend the Quidditch World Cup. The "site manager" is a muggle named Mr. Roberts who continually has to have his memory modified in order to keep him from knowing about this magical encounter. As Harry and friends walk among the tents, Harry notices that most of them look fairly normal (except for the occasional chimney and weather vane). When they arrive at the Weasley campsite, Harry is incredibly excited (never having been camping with wizards before), but he is surprised when the group erects what looks like a pair of shabby two-man tents. As Harry ducks his head to enter, he is shocked that the two tiny tents looked just like full-size apartments inside. Seeing that the group left the Burrow before dawn, it is now early morning and the wizarding folk already there for the World Cup are just beginning to rise and begin their day. Sent out to get water, the friends have a look around the camp. First, they come to a large group of tents that are stunningly green: all fans of the Irish World Cup team. Later, they come to the Bulgarian area where everything is white, green, red, and adorned with the same poster of their star player: Viktor Krum (who Hermione says looks very "grumpy"). Ron is starstruck by Viktor Krum's genius on the Quidditch field. The group meets up with some classmates from Hogwarts as well as some other students from other magical wizarding schools around the globe. When they return, Mr. Weasley is having fun with muggle matches and trying desperately to light a fire. Suddenly, Ludo Bagman arrives, sporting the colors of yellow and black from when he used to play Quidditch for England. Mr. Weasley introduces his family to Bagman. Bagman, of course, does a double take when Mr. Weasley introduces Harry Potter, but proceeds fairly rapidly trying to get them to bet on a winner of the match. Percy is astounded when Bagman finds and loves one of the twins' fake wands, accepting it as a wager. Bagman and Weasley begin discussing the disappearance of Bertha Jorkins again. Suddenly, Barty Crouch appears, wearing a stiff suit and tie and looking very opposite of Bagman. The twins have a laugh when they find that Percy, who has been spending his time bragging about his good working relationship with Crouch, is actually hardly noticed and even called "Weatherby." In the conversation, the two let slip that something important is going to be happening at Hogwarts this year. Meanwhile, Harry, Ron, and Hermione escape to buy some exciting Quidditch World Cup souvenirs. Suddenly, there is a loud "gong" calling for everyone to approach the field: the Quidditch World Cup is about to begin.
The entire group walks to the Quidditch World Cup stadium amid shouts of excitement from everyone. They climb the rich purple stairs to the very highest point of the stadium to a small box situated directly in between the two goals. As Harry tears his eyes away from a very drawing advertisement across the field, he notices a house elf similar to Dobby (the house elf that Harry once set free) sitting in the row behind him. She introduces herself as "Winky," and says that because Dobby now wants pay for his house-elf services, he can no longer find work. Winky turns out to be Barty Crouch's house elf who was assigned to save him a seat at the match.
Meanwhile, the group looks forward to the mascot display before the match as Cornelius Fudge,the Minister of Magic, arrives and greets Harry like an old friend (much to the chagrin of Percy). Unfortunately, Lucius and Draco Malfoy, father and son enemies of Harry Potter, are sitting right behind the group during the match. Lucius Malfoy and Arthur Weasley exchange forced pleasantries. Suddenly, Ludo Bagman (also seated in the box) begins the match with a spell that allows his voice to carry over the entire stadium.
The first team mascots introduced are the Bulgarians who had proudly brought many "Veela" to delight the spectators. The Veela are an extremely beautiful race of women with moon-bright skin who make men's minds go "completely and blissfully blank" when they dance, calling to the men like sirens. The second team mascots were for the Irish, tiny Leprechauns who raced into the stadium like green comets. Next came the teams themselves, the Bulgarians featuring their star player: Viktor Krum.
The vivacity of the match was unparalleled in Harry's eyes. Ireland makes the first few goals, and the match gets faster and more brutal. Bulgaria finally scores and the seekers make a fake play for the still non existent golden snitch. The game gets even more brutal and even the mascots begin fighting with each other, the Veela turning into fire-throwing birds with scaly wings. Even though Harry and the gang were rooting for Ireland, both he and Ron were the most entranced by the Bulgarian, Viktor Krum. Meanwhile, as the Irish seeker (Lynch) crashes into the ground again, Krum catches the snitch, but the points are stacked against Bulgaria, so Ireland wins.
Because Cornelius Fudge happened to be sitting in the top box, all attention is directed there as the Quidditch Cup is awarded to the Irish team.
The excited crowds from the quidditch match return to their campsites to celebrate. Harry, Hermione, Ron and the Weasleys all fall asleep to the sound of raucous celebration. Just as Harry is having a nice dream about being the seeker winning the Quidditch Cup, Mr. Weasley is jerking everyone awake, saying that they all have to leave immediately. As Harry steps out of the tent, he notices that everyone seems to be fleeing. Suddenly, Harry notices a masked and hooded group of wizards marching along eerily, acting as puppeteers of the muggle campsite manager and his family who were floating above the masked figures. Mr. Weasley tells the kids to stick together as he vows to "help the Ministry," leaving the children to make their own way to the safety of the woods. They meet up with Malfoy who looks totally relaxed. They decide that Malfoy's dad just might be one of the masked figures. Harry loses his wand and the friends notice Winky, the house elf, running for cover but being held back by an invisible force. Hermione gets angry at elf treatment and vows to do something about it.
The group makes it to the woods and finds Ludo Bagman looking pale and worried before dissaparating into thin air. Suddenly, they get to a clearing and hear a wizard shouting a spell that puts a strange marking of green into the air. The huge marking is shaped like a skull with a snake protruding from its mouth. Screaming ensues, and Hermione warns that the skull was "the Dark Mark" calling Voldemort's followers together. Barty Crouch, Arthur Weasley and the others from the Ministry of Magic arrive and Crouch accuses Harry and his gang for conjuring the Dark Mark, . . . until Winky is found unconscious on the ground with Harry's wand making Crouch and Harry look responsible. Winky is revived and admits finding the wand but denies conjuring the Dark Mark, but Harry's wand that she holds reveals it to be the last spell cast. Crouch insists on dealing with Winky himself, which would not be the usual course of events (and casts a bit of suspicion on the very important Crouch). Harry is given his wand back as Hermione rails on about the treatment of Winky.
As the group gets back to the tent, Mr. Weasley talks about how the Dark Mark was seen each time the Death Eaters killed someone: everyone's worst fear realized. The Death Eaters turn out to be Voldemort's followers, the masked men who were marching through the camp and puppeting the muggles; however, it seems that this time the Dark Mark actually scared them away because all of the followers had denied the Dark Lord in order to return to daily live (and escape Azkaban prison). Harry lies awake in the tent worrying about the night's events.
After only sleeping a few hours, the group packs up their tents with the use of magic and hurries off to the portkeys to journey home. Mrs. Weasley is incredibly relieved to see all of them. She darts at them waving a very biased article written by Rita Skeeter of The Daily Prophet. The terror at the Quidditch World Cup is turning out to be a large bit of trouble for the Ministry of Magic. Mr. Weasley leaves immediately for the Ministry and Harry anxiously asks if Hedwig had brought any sign of a letter from Sirius. Harry finally tells Ron and Hermione about his scar hurting, only to receive the exact reactions he had expected.
In the upcoming days, Mr. Weasley lets everyone know that the Ministry is in complete mayhem because of the Dark Mark appearing at the Quidditch World Cup. Of course, it did not help that Rita Skeeter spread the rumor that bodies may have been discovered as a result. Mr. Weasly adds that Crouch is lucky that Skeeter did not find out about Winky being discovered at the scene. Hermione uses this moment to rail on again about house elf rights while Harry begins to worry about not receiving a letter from Sirius yet.
It turns out that Mrs. Weasley has done all of the kids' school shopping while they were away at the Quidditch World Cup. Ron is absolutely disgusted at the horrible dress robes that his mom has purchased. They are incredibly old and ragged. Because Harry's robes did not need to be purchased second-hand, his robes are totally normal looking. Ron crams the robes into his bag in anger.
The next day begins with Mr. Weasley getting an urgent message from the Ministry of Magic. He has been summoned to help Mad-Eye Moody (who used to be an Auror for the Ministry) because he used magic in front of muggles when he thought he heard an intruder enter his yard. Ironically, the way Mr. Weasley was told was through Amos Diggory's head floating in the fireplace (which turns out to be a method of wizard communication). In the conversation, we learn that many think very highly of Mad-Eye Moody, including Dumbledore himself. Considering Mad-Eye was an Auror at one time, his life was full of catching bad wizards and, as a result, trusts no one anymore and "sees dark wizards everywhere."
Harry and his friends have to travel to Kings Cross Station by muggle taxi because there were no other Ministry cars available at the time. It is an unpleasant ride, but before long they are all standing in front of the Hogwarts Express: the train bound for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. They do not leave, however, without a few words of excitement from Bill and Charlie (Ron's older brothers) about something special that would be happening at school this year.
On the train, they hear students discussing Durmstrang and Beaubatons (two other wizarding schools). Malfoy appears, taunting Harry and his friends with his knowledge of the event at Hogwarts this year. This news puts Ron into an even worse mood (exacerbated by his tattered dress robes), but the friends arrive at Hogwarts to meet a smiling Hagrid (the groundskeeper and good friend) and climb into horseless carriages waiting to fly to Hogwarts Castle.
The friends enter Hogwarts and immediately get pelted with water balloons by Peeves, the poltergeist, as Professor McGonagall (the headmistress of Gryffindor house) puts him back in line. It is not long before they are sitting at the house tables, discussing the lack of a Defense Against the Dark Arts Teacher, and listening to the Sorting Hat sing about the different houses of Hogwarts.
The first years, wet to the gills from crossing the lake on boats, are sorted into their houses. They all dig in to eat the feast placed before them; however, Hermione is appalled to learn that all of the food at Hogwarts are cooked by house elves. Hermione continues to be disgusted by the treatment of the elves, and vows not to eat any more food made through slave labor.
A hush falls over the room as Dumbledore, the headmaster of Hogwarts, speaks. Everyone is shocked to learn that the Quidditch Cup would not be held this year at Hogwarts. All express their disappointment as the Great Hall doors swing open to reveal a strange man with one peg-leg. Dumbledore amiably announces this man as Mad-Eye Moody, the new Defense Against Dark Arts teacher. Dumbledore finally tells the crowds that there will be no Quidditch Cup only because the very exciting Triwizard Tournament will be hosted by Howarts instead!
Three schools compete in the Triwizard Tournament: Hogwarts, Durmstrang, and Beauxbatons. A champion of each school is selected to compete in a group of tests in order to see who wins the greatest honor of his or her school. Dumbledore avidly warns about the danger and difficulty level associated with the tasks; therefore, there is an age limit of the Tournament guarded by an "impartial judge." Ron's twin brothers decide to enter anyway, and everyone ends the day imagining a win.
The friends discuss their new Hogwarts classes for the year just in time for the first mail delivery by owl post. They head to Herbology where Professor Sprout has them squeeze pus from plants called bubotubers (a very disgusting task). Harry is so incredibly happy to see Hagrid again. Hagrid is the groundskeeper at Hogwarts who has had a big heart for Harry from the very beginning of Harry's experience there. However, Harry could do without the new magical creature they would be learning about in Hagrid's class this term: Blast-Ended Skrewts. These are magical creatures that look like lobsters and smell like low tide while they sting and burn people as people approach them. What an opposite to Professor Trelawney's class where the group learns about Divination while surrounded by think, pink smoke in a hot, humid upper room. Harry cannot help remembering, though, the real prediction Trelawney made last year: "I fear the thing you dread will indeed come to pass . . . ."
Suddenly, Malfoy appears and begins reading an article by Rita Skeeter that reprimands Mr. Weasley right in front of Ron and his classmates. The article revealed that Mr. Weasley ran to a very paranoid Mad-Eye Moody's aid. Things get better when Malfoy suddenly and inexplicably turns into a ferret! Suddenly Mad-Eye Moody appears and talks down to Malfoy for trying to jinx Harry while Harry's back was turned. Unfortunately, Professor McGonagall shows up and spoils the fun by changing Malfoy into his regular self again.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione begin classes the next day with a discussion about how Snape is probably jealous of Mad-Eye Moody because Snape has always wanted to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts. As class begins, Mad-Eye Moody (with his one magical eye rolling in his head) tells the class to put their books away because they won't need them. Then he shocks the class even more when he actually demonstrates the three Unforgiveable Curses on spiders for all of the students to see. Harry is the most disturbed by the effects of the Avada Kedavra curse because that is the particular spell that Voldemort used to kill his parents and is always accompanied by a "blinding flash of green light." All of the students leave class with great respect for their new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher.
Hermione has been spending a lot of her time in the library lately and finally tells her friends why: Hermione has started a new group with the initials S.P.E.W which stands for the Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare. Hermione, of course, is incredibly bothered by the inhumane treatment of house elves and wants Ron and Harry to join her cause. Ron is annoyed with Hermione. Harry is torn between exasperation at Hermione and Ron's treatment of the subject. But then, Hedwig appears at the window with a letter for Harry. He has finally gotten his much coveted reply from Sirius! Sirius tells Harry that he is flying north right away in order to be near Harry. Sirius is disturbed with Harry's comment about his scar hurting. Harry becomes upset that he told Sirius anything about his scar hurting because Harry wants Sirius to stay well hidden so he will not get sent back to Azkaban.
Harry wakes up early the next day with a great plan. Harry tells Sirius the idea in a new letter. Harry tells Sirius not to worry about him because his scar does not hurt anymore, and therefore there is no need to come back and protect him. Harry does not want Sirius in danger in any way (especially not for his own sake). Harry sends Hedwig with the letter immediately.
In Mad-Eye Moody's Defense Against the Dark Arts class, the students are shocked when Moody announces that he will be using the Imperius Curse on every single student in order for them to learn how to get rid of it. The only student who is able to resist the curse is Harry himself. Even Mad-Eye Moody is impressed by this.
Meanwhile, the Hogwarts students are overburdened with schoolwork as the year drags on. Soon it is time for the arrival of the students from Durmstrang and Beauxbatons and, consequently, the start of the Triwizard Tournament. Hogwarts castle is cleaned from top to bottom in order to greet their guests with honor. When the moment arrives, the students all go outside to greet the new students from the two other wizarding schools.
Beauxbatons arrives first on the scene. They come in a magical horse-drawn carriage of gigantic proportions. Even the Headmistress, Madame Maxime is larger than life.
It is not long before the Durmstrang students arrive as well. Their method of transportation is a huge, magical ship that appears in the Hogwarts lake. Although all of the students from Durmstrang are amazing, Harry and Ron are most taken aback that Viktor Krum (the Quidditch Player they fawned over at the World Cup) is among the students. Viktor Krum makes it obvious that he intends to be the champion of the Triwizard Tournament.
Ron and Harry are in awe of Durmstrang's Viktor Krum. Ron cannot help ogling at the famous Quidditch Cup player. Ron is even further taken aback when he finds out that one of the ladies from Beauxbatons is a Veela (the magical girls that held all the men's attention on the sidelines of the Quidditch World Cup).
The students from the three wizard schools share a great feast together and, finally, Dumbledore explains the rules of the Triwizard Tournament. Everyone is amazed when Dumbledore reveals a great goblet of fire exhibiting blue flames. It turns out that the goblet, and not a person, is the "impartial judge" that Dumbledore spoke of at the beginning of the school year. It is this goblet of fire that will be deciding the champion from each of the wizarding schools. Dumbledore also gives a final warning about a special "age line" he will be drawing around the goblet in order to prevent any underage wizard or witch from entering.
A comic episode ensues when Fred and George Weasley try their best to get around the age line and put their names in. Even though they have concocted a special aging potion for the occasion, the age line throws them back right away as the boys quickly grow long white beards while everyone laughs.
The Hogwarts grounds are abuzz with anticipation for the announcement of the each school's champion. The Goblet of Fire chooses Viktor Krum for Durmstrang, Fleur Delacour (Ron's beloved Veela) from Beauxbatons, and Cedric Diggory (whom Harry and Ron met at the Quidditch World Cup) from Hogwarts. However, before the crowd disperses, the goblet spews forth a final bit of parchment revealing an additional name: Harry Potter.
Harry stands speechless as his name is revealed. He feels all of the eyes of Hogwarts, Durmstrang, and Beauxbatons staring at him. Harry tries to insist that he did not put his name in the goblet, but no one seems to believe him. Terrified, he walks to the back room with the other school champions. The other three champions are just as surprised as Harry at his appearance. They insist that there must be some kind of mistake in the matter. There is great controversy about Harry's appearance from the goblet. Not only is Harry underage, but he is also suspected of possibly cheating. Dumbledore calmly asks Harry if he put his name in the goblet. Harry insists that he did not. Dumbledore, again, calmly asks Harry if he asked another student to put his name in. Again, Harry insists that he did not. Still, Harry is not allowed to exit the Triwizard Tournament because of the official rules. Mad-Eye Moody offers an interesting idea: that someone placed Harry's name in the goblet as an attempt to kill him, for everyone knows the dangers of the tasks within the tournament. In fact, the champions are told that the very first task was designed to test their courage. They are not allowed to ask for help from any teacher and are not allowed anything at the task but a wand.
Harry is beside himself and, therefore, feels a bit of relief when he is finally allowed to return to the Griffindor Common Room to join his friends. However, he arrives to a less than amiable reception. Although many Griffindor students are stunningly impressed (such as Fred and George Weasley), Ron surprisingly refuses to believe Harry about his ignorance of entering the contest. Ron suspects that, somehow, Harry put his name in the Goblet of Fire and simply did not tell him. Harry is absolutely appalled that Ron would think something so heinous about his best friend. They argue a long while and go to bed still angry with one another. Harry is especially feels betrayed by the one friend who Harry thought would believe his true story.
Harry immediately writes another letter through owl post to Sirius in regards to the strange happenings of the night before and how Harry's name popped out of the Goblet of Fire. Harry and Ron both remain angry with each other: Harry still feeling betrayed and Ron still not believing that Harry is telling the truth.
The rest of Hogwarts is as angry at Harry as Ron is. In fact, there is a group (headed by Malfoy of course) that wears an insulting button that reads "Potter Stinks." Rude comments simply do not subside and Harry is unable to find an escape from the mayhem. It makes things worse when Harry is whisked upstairs right during Snape's Potions class for a photo shoot with the other champions by none other than the infamous Rita Skeeter
Skeeter immediately corners Harry and requires an interview. Rita Skeeter uses a "Quick Quotes Quill" that seems to write things that are not really happening. In fact, Skeeter's quill does not tell the truth at all. Harry is rescued from Rita Skeeter by Dumbledore who asks for Harry's wand in order to have it weighed and inspected for the tournament. Just like the night before, Harry is relieved to leave the Triwizard Tournament hoopla and simply go to dinner. Back at the Griffindor Common Room, Harry is happy to see that Hedwig has already returned with a letter from Sirius. Among other things, Sirius asks Harry to meet him in the Griffindor Common Room in the early morning of November 22.
Poor Harry is beside himself at Hogwarts once Rita Skeeter actually publishes her article in the Daily Prophet. Skeeter has hardly even mentioned the other thee champions and focuses only on Harry Potter. This, of course, inflames the hatred of Harry from other members of Hogwarts.
The first Triwizard Tournament task is fast approaching; therefore, suddenly Harry gets an urgent message from Hagrid to meet with him at midnight to see something very important. Under the guise of Harry's old invisibility cloak, Harry follows Hagrid and Madam Maxime around the grounds of Hogwarts only to discover a scene that makes him stop dead in his tracks: huge dragons have been brought to Hogwarts to make up the first Triwizard task. The job of each of the four champions will be, somehow, to retrieve a golden egg that each of the four dragons would be fiercely protecting.
Harry is scared out of his wits when he finally meets Sirius in the fire of the Gryffindor Common Room at the appointed time. Harry is totally confused as to how he could possibly complete this crazy task from the tournament. Sirius also tells Harry some surprising information: Karkaroff, the headmaster of Durmstrang, used to be a Death Eater on Voldemort's side. Sirius suspects that someone, possibly Karkaroff, is not only in the castle but also wants Harry killed. Unfortunately, Harry has to end his meeting with Sirius far too early because Ron walks into the Gryffindor Common Room. They are still furious at each other. Ron and Harry get into yet another fight ending with Harry smacking Ron in the forehead with one of the horrible "Potter Stinks" buttons.
Harry and Hermione do lots of research to try and find out how to defeat a dragon in this tournament. Harry is even nice enough to give Cedric a hint about the task (because somehow the other champions have all found out about the dragons as well). Mad-Eye Moody catches Harry sharing this information. Just as Harry thinks he is going to be in big trouble, Mad-Eye Moody actually gives Harry another hint to help him in the contest: Moody simply tells Harry to play "to his strengths." Harry knows that his big strength is flying on his broom during Quidditch games; therefore, perhaps summoning his broom would be enough for Harry to outwit and defeat his dragon. Hermione helps Harry learn a difficult Summoning Spell so that Harry can successfully summon his broom on the day of the first task. Harry learns how to do this just in time: on the night before the first Triwizard Tournament task.
Harry listens to the screams, shouts, and cheers at the other three champions all battle their dragons. Harry, of course, is the last to face his own. Harry has some difficulty, but finally summons his broom and races off in the air to fight the dragon, the Hungarian Horntail. The crowd is stunned with Harry's ability to fly aboard his broom. After a long and daring chase, Harry finally manages to get the egg out of the dragon's protection. Most importantly, Harry completed his task even faster than any of the other champions! Perhaps the highlight of the first task for Harry, though, is that Ron finally apologizes to Harry and their friendship remains as strong as ever. Harry has gotten top marks for his task (the same number as Viktor Krum has scored). Finally, Harry receives a strange golden type egg that is supposedly a clue to the next task to be held sometime in early winter. Harry even ends the day with a daring refusal to Rita Skeeter for another notorious interview.
Harry and Sirius seem to be communicating a lot lately because Harry writes Sirius yet another huge letter telling his godfather all about the Hungarian Horntail dragon that Harry defeated in the first Triwizard Tournament task. Harry is the happiest guy in the world now with Ron back on his side; therefore, Harry is not bothered much anymore by the "Potter Stinks" buttons or the comments from other students. Harry is extremely upset, however, when he finds Rita Skeeter snooping about Hogwarts grounds, even interviewing Hagrid. Both Harry and Hermione are worried that Rita Skeeter will most certainly twist everything Hagrid says.
On the house-elf front, Hermione urges both Harry and Hermione down to the kitchens one day where they are very surprised to find Harry's old friend Dobby, the house-elf. It turns out that Dobby has been working for Hogwarts for a week now and is very happy because he is getting paid for his efforts. He also gets days off once in a while (which is almost unheard of for a house-elf). Dobby loves being free even if the other house-elves do not agree with his new-found freedom. For example, Winky also is employed at Hogwarts now, but she has fallen into depression as a result of the freedom she is given. The friends are surprised to find out that the house elves are the ones who make the food magically appear on the plates in the great hall for the feasts. They are even more surprised when the house-elves give Harry, Ron, and Hermione lots of food to take back with them. Hermione especially is happy that Dobby has come to Hogwarts to live and work. In fact, Hermione is hoping that some of Dobby's thoughts about freedom might convince other house-elves to feel the same way.
Christmas is coming, and an announcement is made at Hogwarts that a spectacular Yule Ball will be held this year in honor of the three schools attending the Triwizard Tournament. Harry and Ron, however, are mortified at having to ask a girl to this dance. It is even worse for Harry, however, because the champions actually have to open the Yule Ball with the first dance. As the school gets decorated for Christmas, Harry notices that the decorations are far more spectacular than they have ever been in the past most likely to impress the guests from Durmstrang and Beauxbatons. In regards to procuring a date, Harry has had a crush on Cho Chang ever since he saw her from afar at the Quidditch World Cup. She is Harry's first choice; however, by the time he gets the nerve up to ask her, Cho Chang has already accepted an invite from yet another Triwizard champion: Cedrick Diggory. This absolutely devastates Harry. If it is possible, Ron is having an even tougher time. He makes a fool out of himself when he asks Fleur Delacour. Still, both of them are absolutely shocked to find out that Hermione already has a date for the Yule Ball, although she neglects to tell them who is taking her. Both Ron and Harry have made her feel so horrible that Hermione has no desire to reveal her date. Ron and Harry are getting desperate, so Harry eventually asks Parvati Patil. She accepts and even admits that her sister, Padma Patil from Ravenclaw House, would probably like to go with Ron.
The night of the Yule Ball lurks ever closer, and Ron is beside himself with trying to find out who Hermione is going with. Meanwhile, Harry finally gets a letter back from Sirius congratulating Harry on his success in the first task of the Triwizard Tournament with the Hungarian Horntail dragon.
The night of the Yule Ball arrives and Ron is absolutely disgusted. Of course, he is wearing the old and ugly dress robes that his mother bought for him secondhand in Diagon Alley. To make things worse, Ron rips his already horrible dress robes in an effort to remove their revolting lace. The shocker of the night, however, is that Hermione has accepted an invitation to the Yule Ball from none other than Viktor Krum. Both Harry and Ron are awestruck.
For Harry and Ron, the evening is a complete bust. Ron is incredibly angry with Hermione for going to the Yule Ball with Krum. Ron's anger causes him to totally neglect his own date; therefore, poor Padma Patil finally snubs Ron in order to dance with someone else. Both Ron and Harry are having such a horrible time that they go on a walk in order to escape the situation and find Hagrid and Madam Maxime entering a loving relationship (which Ron and Harry would rather not have witnessed). To top things off, Ron and Harry also discover an argument between Karkaroff and Snape who are also walking together in the gardens of the ground of Hogwarts.
In order to return the favor, Cedric Diggory gives a hint to Harry about the upcoming task. Up until this point, Harry has been completely unable to figure out the message from his golden egg because every time he tries to open it, the egg makes a horrible screeching noise. Cedric simply tells Harry to take the egg into the bath with him. Harry, of course, thinks that Cedric is pulling his leg and doesn't take the tip very seriously.
Christmas has concluded with Harry getting extremely nervous about the second task of the Triwizard Tournament. Harry is jealous that Cedric took Cho Chang to the Yule Ball and, therefore, refuses to accept any help from his fellow Triwizard champion.
Confirming Harry's fears, Harry discovers a horrible article in the Daily Prophet where Rita Skeeter ravages Hagrid with her vicious rumors. Harry is not sure how Skeeter was able to obtain this information, but it seems that Hagrid revealed to Madam Maxime that he was actually half-giant which, in the wizard world, is not something you would want proclaimed publicly.
The next surprise is that on an upcoming trip to Hogsmead Village, Ludo Bagman offers Harry some illegal help with the next Triwizard task (even though Harry refuses to accept it) and informs Harry that Barty Crouch is missing (and declared "ill" by Percy) that they relate to the disappearance of Bertha Jorkins.
Also while they are in Hogsmead, Harry sees Rita Skeeter walking into the Three Broomsticks and confronts her about her horrible story about Hagrid. Hermione confronts her as well, and both Ron and Harry admit that Skeeter would probably be coming for Hermione next.
With Hagrid on their mind, the three head on over to Hagrid's hut. Hagrid has been hiding there ever since Rita Skeeter revealed her latest article about him. They are surprised that it is not Hagrid who opens the door, it is Dumbledore. Hagrid is hysterically crying inside while the three assure him that they do not care at all what his lineage is (even if he is half-giant). Back in the common room, Harry's thoughts turn again to the next Triwizard task. Harry decides to take Cedric's advice after all to see if he can find anything out about this mysterious golden egg.
Harry sets off to determine the secret behind the golden egg. He decides to use the Prefect's bathroom because he figures it will be the least occupied. He also gets some unintended advice from Moaning Myrtle (the ghost who still inhabits the Prefect's bathroom) as she spies on Harry from the sidelines. She suggests that Harry submerge the egg in the water. Harry does so and hears some eerie voices echoing from inside the egg. Through their song, Harry learns that something he loves will be taken from him and kept at the bottom of the lake. Harry's task will be to retrieve that item in time. This involves Harry having to figure out how to breathe under the water.
On his way back to Gryffindor Common Room, Harry decides to check his Marauder's Map (the map that Fred and George Weasley gave him previously that shows everyone's whereabouts in Hogwarts Castle). Harry is surprised to see Barty Crouch sneaking around in Professor Snape's office. Crouch is supposed to be "missing" or "ill," so Harry takes it upon himself to investigate. Harry is almost discovered by both Snape and Filch; however, Mad-Eye Moody appears and steers the two in the wrong direction. Mad-Eye is intrigued when Harry tells him about Crouch snooping about Hogwarts. Harry is happy to lend Moody the Marauder's Map so that Crouch can be properly investigated. As Harry returns to his room, he contemplates Mad-Eye Moody's suggestion that Harry be an Auror for his wizarding career.
The three friends do some more extensive research to find out exactly how Harry could breathe underwater for the entirety of the second task. They become more and more desperate as time goes on because they have found nothing that can help. The night before, Harry frantically searches books until he falls asleep with his research. He awakens the next morning to find Dobby close beside him, handing Harry a handful of what looked like a very slimy plant. The plant turns out to be gillyweed. Dobby insists that this plant will help Harry breath underwater.
Harry almost misses the beginning of the second task due to his tardiness. Harry puts his faith in Dobby and eats the slimy gillyweed and is surprised to find that he grows a form of gills almost immediately which, in fact, does allow him to breath under the lake. Harry searches the bottom of the lake and finds the merpeople's city. To Harry's surprise, he finds Ron, Hermione, Cho, and a small girl all enchanted and asleep under the lake. These four are the treasures the champions are supposed to retrieve. Harry has an eerie feeling about the whole place. He stays until the only two left are Ron and the little girl who Harry suspects might be Fleur's sister. Harry frees both of them and finally returns to the surface.
Harry is the very first champion to get to the captives, but he is the last one to return with his treasure. Harry is upset with himself for waiting and ruining his chance on this task. His marks are incredibly high, however, because his rescues showed "good moral fiber." As a result of Dobby's help, Harry vows to buy Dobby a new pair of socks for every day of the year.
Ron truly enjoys the aftermath of the second Triwizard Tournament task because he is getting to share in Harry's limelight for once. Of course, Ron exaggerates the story a bit in order to make himself seem like a hero (instead of simply being under a bewitched sleep). Rita Skeeter's notoriety continues as she goes out on a limb to publish a misguided story revealing the love relationship between Harry and Hermione (which, of course, does not exist). Hermione is also accused of toying with Viktor Krum's affections. The possibility is raised of Hermione making a love potion in order to achieve this affection. Hermione is furious as well as perplexed as to how Rita Skeeter is obtaining all of this supposedly secret information.
To make things worse, one day in potions class Snape accuses Harry of stealing something from his office (boomslang skin that Hermione stole in Harry's first year and gillyweed that Dobby had stolen to give to Harry). Snape threatens Harry with Veritaserum that would force Harry to tell the truth. Suddenly Karkaroff appears, showing Snape something disturbing on his forearm and insisting that Snape should have also known that "it's never been this clear."
Harry and his friends finally meet Sirius outside of Hogsmead Village a few days later. They collaborate in a hidden cave far outside of the town limits. Harry and Sirius talk for hours about everything, but they focus specifically on all of the recent mysterious events at Hogwarts: how Barty Crouch has suddenly gone missing, Crouch's past in regards to fighting Voldemort's followers called the Death Eaters, and a possible invader of Hogwarts who might want to murder Harry.
Hermione begins to receive angry letters via owl post because of the horrible article by Rita Skeeter. Some of the young wizards who write the letters are really hateful, especially one that sends her to the hospital wing after causing Hermione's hands to hurt because of the magical sores the letter inspired. Hermione vows to find out how Rita Skeeter is spying on people to obtain this erroneous information about the witches and wizards at Hogwarts.
Ironically, Harry and the other Triwizard champions are asked to meet on the Quidditch field at Hogwarts to find out some pertinent information about the last task. Harry is amazed to find out how different the Quidditch field looks, for it is full of an eerie hedge maze: the final task of the Triwizard Tournament. Ludo Bagman appears and tells the champions that, for the last task, the four champions must complete the maze as well as battle the obstacles that can be found within it.
Even Viktor Krum has been affected by the erroneous information in Rita Skeeter's article. As Harry is walking back to the castle from the meeting about the last task of the tournament, Viktor Krum pulls Harry aside to find out if Harry and Hermione are truly in the romantic relationship that Skeeter says they are. Harry insists that Hermione is just his good friend. Viktor Krum believes Harry and they start talking about Quidditch until they see something strange happen at the end of the Forbidden Forest. Suddenly, Barty Crouch appears looking incredibly ragged and acting strange. Crouch is not even speaking in full sentences out of fear; he mumbles things about Voldemort and Bertha Jorkins and warning Dumbledore. Harry decides to take Crouch's advice. Harry asks Viktor Krum to keep an eye on Crouch while Harry runs as fast as he can to tell Dumbledore about Crouch and his strange behavior. When Harry returns with Dumbledore, Viktor Krum is laying there knocked out while Crouch is nowhere to be found. Ironically, Karkaroff is really angry that Viktor Krum was attacked. In fact, Karkaroff does everything but threaten Dumbledore because of it. Hagrid is just as angry at Karkaroff for even suggesting that Dumbledore was involved. As Hagrid walks Harry back to the Gryffindor Common Room, Hermione and Ron wait anxiously inside to hear the story.
Harry tells Ron and Hermione all about what happened by the Forbidden Forest and the strange behavior of Barty Crouch. Everyone gets extra worried when they figure out that Crouch was the most coherent when he was speaking about Voldemort. Harry insists that Voldemort is getting stronger. Hermione suggests that Harry find Mad-Eye Moody to get his take on the situation. Mad-Eye Moody insists that Harry get ready for the task in the maze and to learn some defensive spells to help him in the last Triwizard task. Meanwhile, Sirius writes an angry letter to Harry via owl post about the dangers of walking around Hogwarts campus alone, especially with someone like Viktor Krum.
Even though Harry has never been a fan of Divination class, one day the perfumed, heated air causes Harry's eyes to droop while he has an astounding vision. Harry sees a huge snake, Wormtail, and Voldemort. Voldemort points his wand at Wormtail while shouting "Crucio!" Harry awakens amid Wormtail's hideous screams of terror. Harry's scar is throbbing with pain. Professor Trelawney is incredibly excited about Harry's episode and wants to hear all about it; however, Harry manages to deflect her interest by telling Trelawney that he needs to go to the hospital wing. Despite what he told Trelawney, Harry rushes to Dumbledore's office as soon as he is allowed to leave class. Even though Harry wanted to tell Dumbledore about the dream immediately, Harry stops when he hears voices inside Dumbledore's office. Cornelius Fudge, Dumbledore, and Mad-Eye Moody are discussing possible reasons behind Barty Crouch's strange behavior.
As Harry enters Dumbledore's office, Cornelius Fudge immediately greets Harry Potter a lot more amiably than one might expect. Fudge, Moody, and Dumbledore were about to leave on "an investigation of the grounds" of Hogwarts. Dumbledore asks Harry to wait in the office until they get back. Harry says hello to Dumbledore's phoenix named Fawkes and then simply glances around the room seeing what he can see: the sorting hat, the portraits of the old professors, and the sword of Godric Gryffindor. However, what captures his attention most of all is a shallow stone basin filled with something that seemed neither liquid or gaseous. As Harry bends over to take a closer look, the contents of the basin begin swirling very fast, and Harry is pulled into the basin.
Suddenly, Harry is sitting right next to Dumbledore who neither sees nor hears Harry speak. After Harry waves his hand frantically in front of Dumbledore's face, Harry realizes that this is a memory he is seeing, so Harry sits back to watch a few different Trials of Magical Law. Karkaroff is on trial for being a Death Eater and one of Voldemort's followers. Karkaroff says that he wants to help the Ministry by naming names. Karkaroff does so, including the names of some directly inside the Ministry itself. Karkaroff also reveals that Snape was once a Death Eater, but Dumbledore insists that Snape turned spy for the Ministry. Karkaroff is returned to Azkaban for the moment while the memory that Harry is experiencing changes. Now Harry is experiencing yet another trial. Ludo Bagman stands on trial for being a Death Eater as well in that he has passed on information to Voldemort's supporters. Bagman, at this point a quidditch player in his prime, claims that the information was passed on unknowingly. The crowd believes Bagman and claps for his most recent quidditch win. The memory changes yet again to the trial of four different wizards (one of whom is Crouch's own son) who are accused of using the Cruciatus Curse on Neville Longbottom's parents, driving them insane. Suddenly, Harry hears Dumbledore speaking softly into Harry's ear and is transported back to Dumbledroe's current office.
Dumbledore explains to Harry that the stone basin is called a Pensieve. The swirling, silvery substance inside is actually a group of Dumbledore's thoughts that he has removed for one reason or another. Suddenly, Harry remembers that he has really ventured into Dumbledore's office in order to tell him about the dream Harry had in Divination. After Harry tells Dumbledore, Dumbldore admits that Harry's scar hurts him when Voldemort is either near or thinking particularly hateful thoughts. The scar creates a vivid connection between Harry and Voldemort. Before Harry leaves, he is brave enough to ask Dumbledore about why he thought Snape had stopped being a Death Eater. Dumbldore's answer is quite perplexing: "That, Harry, is a matter between Professor Snape and myself." Then Dumbledore asks Harry not to speak about Neville's parents to anyone before wishing Harry good luck on the third task.
The summer holidays are fast approaching, and Harry spends all of his leisure time learning defensive spells in order to do well in the third task of the Triwizard Tournament. Harry feels fairly confident until Rita Skeeter strikes again with yet another story in the Daily Prophet. Harry is shocked to read that Skeeter knew Harry had collapsed with a hurting scar in Divination class, describing Harry in the title as "Disturbed and Dangerous." Hermione is incredibly angry, but suddenly has an epiphany about how Rita Skeeter might be obtaining her information. As usual, Hermione runs immediately to the library to do some research. Harry and Ron simply sit at the breakfast table looking confused.
Because of Harry's previous practice of defensive spells, Harry does not feel too nervous about this last task of the Triwizard Tournament. In fact, Harry's spirits are boosted even more when Mrs. Weasley and Ron's brother, Bill, arrive to watch him perform the third task.
At the beginning of the third task, Harry does very well. He manages to get through lots of obstacles in the maze (including a fake Dementor that Harry removes with a simple spell, an upside-down world that Harry rights with disbelief, a huge Blast-Ended Screwt, and a sphinx bearing riddles); however, it is not long before Harry has to rescue Cedric because Viktor Krum performs one of the Unforgivable Curses to stop his opponent. Cedric is thankful, but both he and Harry take different routes to the center of the maze. Both Harry and Cedric get to the center at the same time and, together, fight a large and magical spider that is guarding the Triwizard Cup. The two defeat the spider and then touch the Cup together in order to share the win of the Triwizard Tournament. uddenly, Harry feels jerked out of the maze with the howl of wind swirling all around him.
The two Triwizard champions slam into the ground, realizing the Triwizard Cup was most certainly a portkey. The two notice immediately that they are in a graveyard. They have no idea whether this is part of the third task; therefore, their wands are at the ready. Suddenly, a figure approaches and Harry's scar sears with pain as the figure follows a strange voice of guidance from above and shouts out "Avada Kedavra!" After the flash of green light, Cedric Diggory falls dead beside Harry.
Harry is in shock as Wormtail ties Harry to the grave of Tom Riddle (who is Voldemort's true father). Wormtail works diligently on a potion in a cauldron and drops a horrible looking creature (the unformed Voldemort) inside. They are at Tom Riddle's grave because Voldemort needs a "bone of the father, unknowingly given, you will renew your son!" Then Wormtail whimpers as he says the next part of the spell which is "flesh of the servant willingly given you will revive your master." Wormtail then cuts off his own hand, allowing it to fall into the cauldron. Finally, Wormtail approaches Harry for the last item in the mix: "Blood of the enemy forcibly taken, you will resurrect your foe." Harry comes to understand that the potion requires flesh from Wormtail who is Voldemort's servant, blood from Harry Potter who is Voldemort's enemy, and a bone from Voldemort's own father. As Harry's scar burns beyond belief, Lord Voldemort is brought back to his full power once again.
Voldemort is thrilled by his new-found body. He examines it closely and even caresses his new flesh. Voldemort finally calls Wormtail over (who thinks that Voldemort is going to heal his stump of an arm). Ironically, the reason why Voldemort called Wormtail this time is to point a wand at the Dark Mark somehow tattooed on Wormtail's other arm in order to call all of his loyal Death Eaters to his side. Harry, of course, is still tied to the grave of Tom Riddle amid all of these horrifying creatures with his head still searing with pain. The Death Eaters all come cowering and groveling to Voldemort, even kissing his robes in submission. Voldemort is disappointed in most every one of the Death Eaters. Voldemort claims that Wormtail only returned out of fear, but still gives Wormtail an exact, silvery replica of a human hand to replace the one he lost in the cauldron. Voldemort performs the Cruciatus Curse on Avery. The reader finally finds out that Lucius Malfoy is, in fact, a Death Eater after all (although one who ran away from the Dark Mark at the Quidditch cup). Voldemort acknowledges two "spaces" supposed to be filled with two members of the Lestrange family, both who would rather be in Azkaban than to renounce Voldemort. They are promised great rewards. Voldemort spends a significant amount of time questioning the loyalty of all of the Death Eaters and reveals exactly how he came back to power. Voldemort had succeeded in planting a secret, faithful servant inside the grounds of Hogwarts in order to use all of the opportunities of the Triwizard Tournament to gain the things he needed in order to return.
After everything is clear about his return to power, Voldemort focuses on Harry once again. Voldemort calls Harry the "guest of honor," and wants to perform a traditional wizard duel with Harry in order to show the Death Eaters that Harry certainly could be killed by Lord Voldemort in that this insignificant Harry Potter was only a boy. Voldemort has Wormtail release Harry from his bondage to Tom Riddle's grave and hands Harry his wand.
Harry bravely duels with Voldemort even though Harry has lost most hope that he will ever survive this duel with the most powerful dark wizard the world has ever known. At one point, Harry hides behind a gravestone until he realizes that he does not want to die a coward. Bravely, Harry stands back up to face Voldemort. Both Harry and Voldemort shout spells at the same time. When the two spells meet, something truly mysterious happens: a long strand of light connects the two wands. Both Harry and Voldemort are shocked at this turn of events, but Harry refuses to break this strange wand connection. Both Harry and Voldemort are levitated above the ground by the power of their wands (both still connected by the stream of light). Suddenly, a dome of light encompasses both wizards and Harry begins to hear the beautiful song of the phoenix. Harry is again filled with the hope he lost at the beginning of the duel.
Next, Voldemort's wand emits something truly surprising: shadowy images of the people that Voldemort killed beginning with the most recent and ending with the least recent. The first ghostly image to float out of Voldemort's wand is Cedric who tells Harry to "hold on" and to return his body to his parents. Next came the grounds keeper from the mansion at the beginning of the novel who also encourages Harry to fight. Then comes Bertha Jorkins who tells Harry not to let go. Then Harry's parents both appear. Both of them whisper encouraging words to Harry (including a whisper of how to end the duel). Doting on his parents' words, Harry finally breaks the wand connection and the ghosts surround Voldemort for a moment. The ghosts impede Voldemort's vision enough to allow Harry to run quickly to the Triwizard Cup that remains a portkey. Harry holds tightly to Cedric Diggory's body as the two are transported through a howl of wind back to Hogwarts.
Harry is immediately slammed to the ground at the beginning of the maze both with Cedric's body and with the Triwizard Cup. Harry refuses to open his eyes for a long while, hearing footsteps and whispers all around him. Dumbledore flies to Harry's side while Harry whispers that Voldemort is back. The entire crowd of onlookers of the Triwizard Tournament is shocked when they realize that Cedric Diggory is dead. Dumbledore must leave Harry in order to deflect Mr. Diggory, who is running towards them to see what has happened to his son.
Suddenly, Mad-Eye Moody is ushering Harry up to his office. Moody questions Harry about what happened. Harry learns that Mad-Eye Moody (or the creature inhabiting Mad-Eye) has been the traitor all year. He is a Death Eater who has faithfully been plotting against Harry for Voldemort the entire school year. Moody raises his wand to kill Harry, but is stopped by Dumbledore who enters just in time.
Dumbledore rescues Harry and reveals that the real Mad-Eye Moody has, in fact, been locked in a large trunk all year under a powerful Imperius Curse. The Death Eater pretending to be Mad-Eye Moody is none other than Barty Crouch's son, who everyone thought was probably dead by this time but had truthfully used Polyjuice Potion to change his appearance. Dumbledore immediately gives Crouch's son some Veritaserum from Snape to make him tell the truth (as Winky stands there horrified). Under the influence of the potion, Crouch's son reveals the entire tale of how he stayed alive, penetrated Hogwarts, and helped to kidnap Harry. It was Crouch's son who stole Harry's wand and made it look like Winky had performed the Dark Mark. Crouch himself was put under the Imperius Curse which made him seem insane, that is until Crouch's son killed his own father. At the end of Crouch Jr.'s Veritaserum speech, he reveals that he expects Voldemort to reward him above all other wizards.
Dumbledore immediately uses his wand to summon ropes binding Barty Crouch Jr. Dumbledore then takes Harry back to his office where Sirius is waiting to greet his godson. Harry is still in shock, so Dumbledore tells all that he knows to Sirius, but then needs to ask Harry about what happens after touching the portkey. Sirius begs for Dumbledore to allow Harry some rest, but Dumbledore asks Harry to share everything he knows with Sirius. Harry feels as though he will be unable to do so until Fawkes (Dumbledore's phoenix) lands on his knee and give Harry encouragement. Harry tells the entire tale, but is unable to speak after revealing the wand connection. Dumbledore inserts some pertinent information here: Voldemort and Harry have wands that share the same core because both of them contain a feather from this exact phoenix named Fawkes. Harry finds his voice again and reveals the rest of the story. Finally, Dumbledore allows Harry to leave with Sirius (now in the form of a big black dog) by his side.
They open the door to find Mrs. Weasley, Bill, Ron and Hermione all harassing Madam Pomfrey in order to find out what happened to Harry. Dumbledore immediately relates what has happened and demands that Harry get sleep without any questions, even from his friends. Finally, Harry drinks a wonderful potion that puts him into a dreamless sleep.
Harry is awakened by the voice of Cornelius Fudge booming through the hallway. As Harry becomes more coherent, he finds out that Barty Crouch Jr. has been given the dementor's kiss on Fudge's orders. Now Crouch is unable to give testimony of what happened. Cornelius Fudge refuses to admit that Voldemort has returned. Dumbledore is livid with Fudge because of this. Fudge eventually storms out while Dumbledore insists on immediately notifying anyone who can be persuaded of the truth. Dumbledore has Sirius reveal himself and asks him to collect members of the group who once fought Voldemort the first time he appeared. Before Harry takes more of his sleeping potion again, he is overwhelmed with guilt that Cedric died because Harry insisted Cedric touch the Triwizard Cup with him. Right before he falls asleep, Hermione catches something in her hand by the window.
Harry learns so many things over the next few days that his mind is in a blur. Harry learns that Hagrid and Madam Maxime are planning to alert the giants about the fight with Voldemort. The final feast of the year is really hard for Harry to attend. Cedric Diggory is honored in a grand way, and Dumbledore admits to the school that Voldemort, in fact, has returned even though the Ministry will deny his existence.
It is not long before Harry is on his way back to Kings Cross Station with his friends and finds out a secret Hermione has procured: what Hermione caught by the window at the end of the last chapter was an important thing, indeed. In fact, Hermione had caught Rita Skeeter, who turned out to be an unregistered animagus (a witch or wizard that can change into an animal). Rita Skeeter could change herself into a beetle, until Hermione caught her, of course. This is how Rita Skeeter was learning all of the secret things about Hogwarts students this year. Hermione gets Rita Skeeter to give up writing gossip for a whole year by threatening her with telling the Ministry of Magic about her special, unregistered shape-shifting ability.
For his win of the Triwizard Tounament, Harry received a thousand Galleons (special wizard gold coins), which he decides to give to Fred and George Weasley so that they can fulfill their dream of opening a fantastic joke shop. Harry insists that "we could all do with a few laughs." Harry finally meets the Dursleys at the train station knowing that he will have to fight Voldemort when the time comes.


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Candidates emerge for GOP chairmanship
MONTPELIER At least two candidates have stepped forward and will face off to take the helm of a politically divided Vermont Republican Party ahead of its reorganization next month.
The Vermont GOP has been handed sweeping electoral defeats in the past two cycles and has ceded complete control of state government to the Democrats, who control the governors office and hold a supermajority in the Legislature.
John McGovern, who badly lost a bid to unseat independent Sen. Bernard Sanders, I-Vt., last fall, said Wednesday he is looking to replace current GOP Chairman Jack Lindley. Former state Rep. David Sunderland of Rutland announced his own candidacy Thursday.
Its unclear if Lindley, who has been hospitalized at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in New Hampshire with an undisclosed illness since last month, will run again.
In a letter to supporters, McGovern touted his electoral experience and even his electoral failures as requisite experience to lead the party.
In 2014, we will need to work on maintaining the statewide offices we currently hold and to increase the number of representatives and senators in Montpelier, he wrote. All that starts by finding and supporting quality candidates.
McGovern added: We need to have a chair who understands what it takes to roll up your sleeves and do the hard work, to get out in the trenches and become a candidate for the first time. We need a chair who knows both victory and defeat and what it takes to overcome initial defeats and to come back to run for a second and third time.
Sunderland, who served five years in the House after he was appointed by former Gov. James Douglas, said the Vermont GOP must be strengthened to help shape policy in the areas of jobs, health care, education and affordability.
On these issues Vermonters deserve a Republican Party that listens, can speak on their behalf and will work to elect candidates who vigorously, yet respectfully, offer a Vermont Way to move our state forward, Sunderland wrote in his own letter announcing his candidacy.
That is my vision for the Vermont Republican Party and it is why I respectfully ask for your vote on November 9th, he wrote.
The party will meet in Barre on Nov. 9 to elect a slate of officers and its executive committee.MORE IN Vermont NewsMONTPELIER Rep. Peter Welch, D-Vt. Full StoryVermont Attorney General Bill Sorrell plans to join the U.S. Full StoryAs Rutland prepares to welcome Syrian refugees to its community, some are continuing to voice... Full Story
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subset: commoncrawl


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A Middleton woman drowned on a summer rafting trip and her family says it didn't have to happen.
News 3 Investigates found there are no regulations requiring rafters wear life jackets in Wisconsin.
Lina Vergara drowned last year on a segment of the Wolf River in northwest Wisconsin rated "difficult" by an international rating system. Her body was discovered by Shawano County Sheriff's deputies 15 hours after she disappeared.
Vergara and her boyfriend rented equipment from Shotgun Eddy's and signed a release recognizing the risks of rafting and recommending they wear life jackets. Vergara wore a lifejacket, but it popped off when she fell in.
Her death is one of 23 boating deaths reported in Wisconsin in 2012. In more than half the cases, the victim wasn't wearing a life jacket. Vergara was one of two rafters who died on Wisconsin's Wolf River.
Todd Schaller with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources said state boating laws don't require lifejackets.
"That would be one simple step in this particular case that would greatly reduce dying or drowning in that environment," he said.
Unlike boating, rafting is not regulated and doesn't require an operator's license.
Wisconsin's law does require life jackets if you're under 13-years-old on federal waters or on a jet ski. And there has to be enough of them in a boat for everyone on board.
In 2009, then Senator Jim Sullivan introduced a bill making anyone under 12-years-old wear a life jacket on Wisconsin's waters. That failed twice in the legislature. And there's no known attempt to reintroduce it now.
But a Tribal Enforcement and Resource Protection Committee member has said he'll address the Vergara's concerns at a future meeting since Shotgun Eddy's is on the Menominee Reservation.
Certifications for guides are common in western states where boating deaths are nearly half of Wisconsin's 2012 total.
Vergara's father, Alejandro Vergara, said they wanted to do something to help other's avoid Lina's fate.
"We're not asking for much, but precautions for the future for other people, like my sister, who want to enjoy the tourism in Wisconsin, but also do it in a safe manner," said Lina's older sister, Coni Duhr.
The family started an online petition proposing safety changes, like hired guides, lifeguards and helmets. Nearly 3,000 people signed it.
Shotgun Eddy's co-owner Brian Peters declined to be interviewed for this story.
In May, the family is hosting the 'Glowing Smiles' 5K run/walk in Lina's memory. It costs $25 a person and runners will wind through Middleton's Pheasant Branch Conservancy.
The money will be donated to create the Lina Vergara Memorial Scholarship at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh where she was a student studying elementary education. For more information, click www.linavergara.com.


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Established in 1987 through the support of entrepreneur Sy Syms to add a new dimension in undergraduate education at Yeshiva University, Sy Syms School of Business is the University's business school for men and women. We offer the unique combination of a complete business curriculum along with an intensive Jewish studies component.
In combination with liberal arts and sciences and Jewish studies at YU's Yeshiva College and Stern College for Women, we provide a comprehensive education in business fundamentals and practice with concentrations in accounting (CPA), finance, management, information systems and marketing, awarding the BS degree as well as an MS in accounting degree and an Executive MBA degree. Our graduates have taken prominent positions in business and industry.
Visiting us is the best way to get a feel for our vibrant campus life and the unique atmosphere of Yeshiva University. Women study at YU's Israel Henry Beren Campus, located in midtown Manhattan. Men study at the University's Wilf Campus in Washington Heights. Both campuses are easily accessible by car or public transportation.
Prospective student are strongly encouraged to take a campus tour to get a feel for the University and to see what life on campus might be like. Tours are arranged through Yeshiva University's Office of Admissions; 212.960.5277.
Please contact us if you have additional questions.
Yeshiva University
500 West 185th Street
New York, NY 10033
Yeshiva University
500 West 185th Street
New York, NY 10033
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Nutrition and Wellness Programs
Recall Information - Email Sign-Up
The best way for anyone to get email notifications of all food recalls is by signing up for free email updates from www.recalls.gov. This is a one-stop shop for U.S. Government recalls. We encourage everyone who needs recall information to sign up today! Follow the steps below and you will receive an instant acknowledgement of your subscription from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
- Log on to www.recalls.gov
- Click on the Food tab at the top
- Click on Sign Up for Free Recall Updates By Email (in red toward top of page)
- This takes you to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services sign-up page, where you will:
- Enter your email address and confirm same; and
- Check the box titled FoodSafety.gov Recalls and Alerts under the FoodSafety.gov Updates section.
NOTE: School food service directors with a website need to post these instructions on your website.


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The Centre for Applied English Studies (CAES) was established in 1992 to provide English support to undergraduates at the University of Hong Kong. Today CAES also offers thesis writing and academic language instruction to postgraduate students and conducts research into academic discourse and literacy practices in various domains. The Centre's Postgraduate Diploma in English Studies, MA in Applied Linguistics as well as supervision of PhD students are integral to its mission of enhancing academic literacy. CAES contributes to the University's broadening courses and summer programmes and provides language consultations to students.
All rights reserved.
Centre for Applied English Studies, The University of Hong Kong.
For enquiries: email@example.com
Room 6.60, 6/F, Run Run Shaw Tower, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong


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Striped Sweater Tunic
Style: 570106122
Out of Stock
Stripes fan out on this flattering tunic dotted with silver shimmer.
- Contoured stretch fit.
- Bateau neckline. Extended shoulders. Side pleating.
- 72% rayon, 27% nylon, 1% other fibers. Machine wash. Imported.
- Hits at lower hip (28.5" from shoulder).
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Petite Ecru Ponte Jacket
Style: 570087920
Out of Stock
For life in the fast lane, motocross style in ultra-refined ponté knit. Diamond stitching accents a jacket with a wing collar and tacked-back lapels, banded waist and inverted peplum pleat in back. Shell: 70% Rayon, 25% Nylon, 5% Spandex. Lining: 100% Polyester. Machine wash or dry clean. Imported.
- Princess-seamed stretch fit.
- Button-flap pockets. Banded waist in the back stops at front princess seams. Inverted pleat on back peplum.
- Diamond stitching on shoulder, back yoke and pocket flap. Top-stitched seams and satin charmeuse piping. Rhodium-finish hardware.
- Satin-piped lining. Light shoulder pads.
- Hits at the upper hip (Regular 23.5" from shoulder in front; 22" in back; Petite 22.5" from shoulder in front; 21" in back).
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The Pimp "Pusher" range introduces an all new look for the original 3 Pimp watches that started a whole fashion scene. The Pusher is more streetwise, black & leather, ideal for avoiding the narcs.
The display works just the same as before with hours indicated up the left side in Red LED's (1-12) and then the smaller rows of colored LED's indicating the minutes.
Each small row comprises 5 minutes and the red rows are positioned at the 15, 30 & 45 minute marks - so it's quite easy at a glance to tell if it's quarter past, half-past etc.
As with all Pimp watches, P1 Pusher has a light-up feature. The watch will animate several rows of LED's every 2 mins (Pimp Time)
The strap at the back has a regular buckle, so it's easy to adjust at home.
The very first Pimp watch "Trip the light fantastic" hit the streets in 2003, now we see it with a completely new look. An IP Black polished case and leather strap with a carbon fibre style coating.
000 015
This product is no longer available.
Tagged in: LED Watches | Mens Watches | Easy Watches | Geek Watches | Leather Strap Watches | Unusual Watches | Black Watches | Colorful Watches | Cool Watches |


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STEUBENVILLE – Potential witnesses for two high school student-athletes facing rape accusations have been threatened and pressured not to testify and some are reluctant to come forward, defense attorneys said Monday as they consider whether to ask the trial be moved and closed to the public.
At issue is publicity surrounding the case and the concerns some witnesses have that their names and addresses may be published through social media and on the Internet.
Visiting Judge Thomas Lipps has previously declined a request to close the proceedings, which are set for Feb. 13 in Steubenville. Both defendants are charged as juveniles.
Potential defense witnesses "are reluctant to sacrifice their college career, their reputation, or their otherwise good standing in whatever community they may be found for fear of being vilified, and certain personal information finding its way on the Internet," said Walter Madison, an attorney for one of the defendants.
Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, whose office is overseeing the case's prosecution, said the decision to move or close the case is up to Lipps. He declined to comment on the attorneys' concerns.
"There is obviously a lot going on in the social media and there's a lot going on in the mainstream media, but ultimately this case will be decided by a juvenile judge who will listen to the evidence, and the case will be presented no differently than it would in any other case," DeWine said.
Brian Duncan, an attorney for the other 16-year-old defendant, also said Monday he's considering a similar request.
"We just want to make sure our client and the other defendant have their proper day in court," Duncan said.
The two boys are set for trial on charges they raped a 16-year-old girl in August. Their attorneys have denied the charges in court.
Public interest in the case increased with the online circulation of the video, more than 12 minutes long, that shows one young man joking about the accuser following the alleged attack. The hackers who released the video allege more people were involved and should be held accountable.