Contents
CHAPTER TWENTY
Overview
On the eve of the First Task, Harry warns Cedric about the dragons, then, guided by Moody’s advice, masters the Summoning Charm with Hermione’s help. In the arena, Harry summons his Firebolt, outflies the Hungarian Horntail, and secures the golden egg, tying Krum for first place. Ron reconciles with Harry, and Bagman reveals the egg contains the clue to the February second task.
Summary
On Sunday, Harry confides in Hermione about the dragons and Sirius’s warnings. They scour the library for a way to subdue a dragon but find nothing simple. On Monday morning, Harry decides Cedric must know and privately warns him about the dragons. Moody intercepts Harry, praises his fairness, and pointedly advises him to play to his strengths and use a simple spell to get what he needs.
Realizing he needs his Firebolt, Harry asks Hermione to help him master the Summoning Charm. They train obsessively through classes and late into the night until Harry can reliably summon objects from a distance.
On task day, McGonagall brings Harry to the champions’ tent. The champions draw miniature dragons and learn they must retrieve a golden egg. Bagman discreetly offers Harry help, which Harry refuses. Harry endures the wait as Cedric, Fleur, and Krum each face their dragons and succeed.
When called, Harry casts Accio to summon his Firebolt from the castle. Taking to the air, he uses Quidditch-honed maneuvers to bait the Horntail into rearing, then dives to snatch the egg. He lands with only a shoulder cut, exhilarated and relieved to have survived.
In the first-aid tent, Hermione gushes with relief, and Ron finally acknowledges someone is trying to harm Harry; the boys reconcile. The judges score Harry highly, though Karkaroff lowballs him, leaving Harry tied with Krum for first. Back in the tent, Bagman explains the golden egg contains a clue to the second task on February 24. Leaving the arena, Harry pointedly rebuffs Rita Skeeter’s attempt to interview him.
Who Appears
- Harry PotterWarns Cedric, trains Summoning with Hermione, summons his Firebolt, outflies a Horntail, wins the golden egg, ties for first.
- Hermione GrangerCoaches Harry intensively on the Summoning Charm and anxiously supports him; overjoyed after his success.
- Ron WeasleyWitnesses Harry’s feat, realizes the danger was real, and reconciles with Harry after the task.
- Alastor 'Mad-Eye' MoodyCommends Harry’s fairness, advises him to play to strengths and use a simple spell, pleased by Harry’s approach.
- Cedric DiggoryWarned by Harry about dragons; faces a Swedish Short-Snout, retrieves his egg but is burned.
- Ludo BagmanTask commentator; offers Harry covert help, explains the golden egg clue and second task timing.
- Professor Minerva McGonagallEscorts and reassures Harry, directs him to first aid, praises his performance.
- Fleur DelacourFaces a Welsh Green using a charm that backfires briefly; succeeds in retrieving her egg.
- Viktor KrumBlinds a Chinese Fireball’s eye to get his egg; damages real eggs; ties Harry overall.
- Rita SkeeterTries to ambush Harry for a quote after the task; he pointedly refuses.
- Rubeus HagridCongratulates Harry excitedly after the task, careful not to reveal his earlier help.
- Madam PomfreyTreats Harry’s shoulder cut in the first-aid tent and scolds the tournament’s dangers.
- Charlie WeasleyCongratulates Harry and relays that Bagman wants to see the champions afterward.