Harry Potter, #4

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

by J.K. Rowling

Year

2000

Pages

672

Contents

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Previous: CHAPTER SIXTEEN Next: CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Overview

Harry is shockingly named a fourth Triwizard Champion, provoking outrage from Karkaroff and Madame Maxime and scrutiny from teachers. Dumbledore, citing the Goblet’s binding contract, confirms Harry must compete. Moody suggests someone engineered this to endanger Harry. Crouch outlines first-task rules and date. Back in Gryffindor, celebrations ring hollow as Cedric and Ron doubt Harry’s innocence, straining friendships.

Summary

Amid stunned silence, the Goblet names Harry as a fourth champion. Dumbledore brings Harry to a side chamber where Cedric, Fleur, and Krum wait, and Bagman announces the development. Karkaroff and Madame Maxime protest a second Hogwarts champion and Harry’s age, while Snape insinuates rule-breaking.

Dumbledore questions Harry calmly; Harry denies entering or asking anyone to enter his name. Crouch declares the rules bind any named participant to compete. Moody suggests a skilled culprit Confunded the Goblet and possibly seeks Harry’s death, heightening tension. With no alternative, Dumbledore confirms both Cedric and Harry will compete.

Crouch briefs the champions: the first task tests daring, its nature secret until November 24; champions must rely only on wands and receive exemptions from end-of-year tests. Crouch declines to stay; Karkaroff and Maxime depart with their champions. Dumbledore sends Harry and Cedric to their Houses.

In the common room, Gryffindor celebrates Harry, demanding to know how he bypassed the Age Line. Harry insists he did not enter, but no one listens. Seeking support, he escapes to the dormitory.

Ron, however, suspects Harry secretly entered for glory and prize money. Harry denies it, but Ron’s skepticism hardens into resentment. Ron closes his bed hangings, leaving Harry isolated at the very moment he needs his best friend’s trust.

Who Appears

Harry Potter

Unexpectedly named fourth champion; denies entering; faces suspicion, forced to compete; alienated by Ron.
Albus Dumbledore

Calmly questions Harry; upholds binding rules; confirms Harry and Cedric must compete.
Alastor Moody

Suggests someone Confunded the Goblet to endanger Harry; frames the threat bluntly.
Barty Crouch Sr.

Cites rule binding champions; outlines first task date and restrictions; appears fatigued.
Ludo Bagman

Enthusiastic official; announces the fourth champion; defers to rules; eager to proceed.
Igor Karkaroff

Durmstrang headmaster; protests two Hogwarts champions; threatens complaints and withdrawal.
Madame Maxime

Beauxbatons headmistress; decries injustice and Harry’s age; leaves with Fleur.
Severus Snape

Imputes rule-breaking to Harry; glowers during the dispute.
Minerva McGonagall

Defends Dumbledore’s Age Line; supports Harry’s denial.
Cedric Diggory

Hufflepuff champion; polite but skeptical of Harry’s denial; parts ways.
Fleur Delacour

Beauxbatons champion; protests Harry’s inclusion as unfair; resents lost exclusivity.
Viktor Krum

Durmstrang champion; brooding and silent, observes the dispute.
Ron Weasley

Feels betrayed; believes Harry entered himself; withdraws angrily.
Hagrid

Astonished at Harry’s selection; offers no greeting, highlighting the shock.
The Fat Lady

Gryffindor portrait; learns news and admits Harry to a raucous celebration.
Violet

Portrait who spreads the news, fueling Gryffindor’s festivities.