Harry Potter, #4
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
by J.K. Rowling
Contents
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Overview
Rita Skeeter exposes Hagrid as half-giant, prompting Hagrid to retreat while Professor Grubbly-Plank subs for Care of Magical Creatures. In Hogsmeade, Ludo Bagman, shadowed by goblins, offers Harry improper help and reveals Barty Crouch’s absence. After Hermione confronts Skeeter, Dumbledore persuades Hagrid to return, and Harry decides to follow Cedric’s egg hint.
Summary
After the Yule Ball, Harry worries over the golden egg while Ron and Hermione remain politely distant. Care of Magical Creatures is taken over by Professor Grubbly-Plank, who teaches about a unicorn. Malfoy circulates Rita Skeeter’s article revealing Hagrid is half-giant, twisting past lessons and inflaming prejudice. Hagrid withdraws, and the trio fail to draw him out.
During a Hogsmeade visit, Viktor Krum swims in the icy lake, irking Ron. In the Three Broomsticks, Harry spots Ludo Bagman meeting goblins; Bagman privately reveals Barty Crouch has been absent and offers Harry forbidden help with the egg, which Harry declines. Rita Skeeter arrives, plotting a story on Bagman; Harry publicly defends Hagrid, and Hermione angrily vows to strike back at Skeeter.
The trio rush to Hagrid’s cabin, where Dumbledore is visiting. Dumbledore affirms staff and student support, urges Hagrid not to hide from prejudice, and refuses his resignation. Moved, Hagrid recalls his father’s advice and Dumbledore’s faith, and he agrees to return on Monday.
Buoyed by Hagrid’s hope that Harry’s victory would defy blood prejudice, Harry resolves to swallow his pride and finally try Cedric’s hint about opening the egg in the bath.
Who Appears
- Harry PotterDefends Hagrid, refuses Bagman’s improper help, learns Crouch is absent, and decides to try Cedric’s bath hint for the egg.
- Rubeus HagridOuted as half-giant by Skeeter; hides in shame until Dumbledore’s support and friends’ loyalty bring him back.
- Hermione GrangerRejects giant prejudice, confronts Skeeter, leads the push to bring Hagrid back, and supports Harry’s task.
- Ron WeasleyBacks Harry in defending Hagrid, jokes about Crouch, and shares the Hogsmeade visit and cabin appeal.
- Albus DumbledoreCounsels Hagrid against hiding, refuses his resignation, and restores his confidence to return to teaching.
- Rita SkeeterPublishes Hagrid exposé, seeks more scandals, and is publicly confronted by Harry and Hermione.
- Ludo BagmanSeen with goblins; reveals Crouch’s absence; improperly offers Harry help with the egg.
- Professor Grubbly-PlankSubstitutes for Hagrid and conducts a competent unicorn lesson while Hagrid is in seclusion.
- Draco MalfoyGloats over Skeeter’s article and taunts Harry about Hagrid’s heritage.
- GoblinsMeet with Bagman in Hogsmeade; reportedly seeking Barty Crouch; watch Bagman closely.
- Viktor KrumSpotted swimming in the icy lake; his presence needles Ron.
- undefinedWitnesses Harry confronting Rita Skeeter in the Three Broomsticks.
- FangHagrid’s boarhound; greets the trio noisily at the cabin.