CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

Harry debriefs Ron and Hermione on Dumbledore’s revelations, debating Snape’s past and Fudge’s suspicions about Maxime. Hermione pushes training for the third task and keeps researching Skeeter. As June advances, the Trio practice intensively; Harry masters key curses and navigation but struggles with a Shield Charm. Seeing Malfoy whispering into his hand sparks Hermione’s sudden theory; she rushes to the library.

On the morning of the task, Skeeter’s article brands Harry “disturbed and dangerous,” citing his scar pain and Parseltongue. Hermione appears to connect Skeeter’s eavesdropping method. McGonagall announces families may visit; to Harry’s surprise, Mrs. Weasley and Bill come to support him. Amos Diggory bristles over past coverage. Mrs. Weasley mentions Percy’s questioning and Fudge stepping in as fifth judge.

That evening, Bagman briefs the champions as staff patrol the maze perimeter. Harry and Cedric enter first, followed by Krum and Fleur. Inside, the crowd noise vanishes. Harry navigates forks with the Four-Point Spell, repels a boggart-dementor, survives gravity-reversing mist, and avoids Blast-Ended Skrewts. A distant scream suggests Fleur is incapacitated.

Hearing Cedric confront Krum, Harry breaks through a hedge to find Cedric under the Cruciatus Curse. Harry Stuns Krum; he and Cedric send up red sparks to summon help and then separate. Near the center, a sphinx blocks Harry; he solves the riddle (“spider”) and advances.

Harry and Cedric converge on the Cup but an acromantula attacks. Together they Stun it; Harry is injured. After arguing over who should claim the Cup, Harry proposes they tie. On a count of three they seize it together—and are instantly whisked away as the Cup transforms into a Portkey.