Contents
CHAPTER SEVEN
Overview
The Weasleys reach the World Cup campsite, where Ministry staff constantly Obliviate a suspicious Muggle manager. After pitching magical tents and touring the international crowd, they meet Ludo Bagman and Barty Crouch. Fred and George place a bold bet, Bertha Jorkins’s disappearance is dismissed, and a hush-hush Hogwarts event is teased. As night falls, souvenir fever peaks and the group heads toward the stadium.
Summary
Harry, Ron, Hermione, Mr. Weasley, and the others land by Portkey on a misty moor and check in with Ministry officials. At the campsite gate, Mr. Weasley struggles with Muggle money while Mr. Roberts, the Muggle manager, grows suspicious about the crowds and odd clothes. A weary Ministry Obliviator repeatedly modifies Mr. Roberts’s memory as anti-Muggle security strains.
Up the field, the group hand-builds two shabby tents that prove enormous inside. Sent for water, Harry, Ron, and Hermione explore the bustling international campsite, seeing young witches and wizards, foreign visitors, and national displays: Ireland’s shamrock-covered tents and Bulgaria’s Viktor Krum posters. They greet schoolmates, including Seamus and Dean, and spot Oliver Wood, Ernie Macmillan, and Cho Chang.
Back at camp, after struggles with matches, the Weasleys cook as Ministry staff pass by. Ludo Bagman bounds in, overflowing with excitement and gold, and takes bets; Fred and George wager their savings that Ireland wins but Krum catches the Snitch. Bagman laughs off concern about missing Bertha Jorkins.
Barty Crouch Apparates in, crisp and rule-bound, to wrangle seating demands and discuss flying-carpet embargoes. Crouch addresses logistics while Bagman nearly reveals a forthcoming Hogwarts event before Crouch shuts him down. Percy fawns over Crouch, who misnames him “Weatherby.”
As evening deepens, the Ministry eases its fight against blatant magic. Vendors Apparate with roaring scarves, singing flags, and Omnioculars. Harry buys Omnioculars for the trio, and, amid rising excitement, the Weasleys follow lantern-lit paths toward the stadium as the match nears.
Who Appears
- Arthur WeasleyLeads the group, fumbles Muggle money, insists on Muggle-style camping, greets Ministry colleagues, and manages security concerns.
- Harry PotterHelps pitch tents and fetch water, explores the international campsite, reunites with schoolmates, and buys Omnioculars for the trio.
- Ron WeasleyAwed by Viktor Krum, tours the campsite, jokes through mishaps, and accepts Omnioculars from Harry.
- Hermione GrangerHelps assemble tents and light the fire, observes international visitors, and secures programs after Harry buys Omnioculars.
- Ludo BagmanBoisterous Head of Magical Games and Sports; takes bets, delights in the twins’ wager, and downplays Bertha Jorkins’s disappearance.
- Barty CrouchRule-obsessed Ministry official; handles seating disputes, enforces policy, hints at a secret Hogwarts event, and misnames Percy.
- Fred WeasleyWith George, stakes their savings that Ireland wins while Krum gets the Snitch; shows off a convincing fake wand.
- George WeasleyPools money with Fred for a bold bet with Bagman and enjoys teasing Percy.
- Percy WeasleyEager Ministry newcomer; idolizes Crouch, serves tea, and bristles when called “Weatherby.”
- Mr. RobertsMuggle campsite manager; grows suspicious of odd visitors and is repeatedly Obliviated by the Ministry.
- Ministry Obliviator in plus-foursExhausted official who repeatedly modifies Mr. Roberts’s memory to maintain secrecy.
- BasilTired Ministry wizard organizing Portkey arrivals; directs the Weasleys to their campsite.
- Ginny WeasleyJoins the campsite setup and excitement; supports Ireland with rosettes.
- Bill WeasleyArrives by Apparition to join the family for the match, sporting Irish colors.
- Charlie WeasleyApparates in for the match and shares in the family’s preparations.
- Seamus FinniganGreets the trio outside his shamrock-covered tent; proudly supports Ireland.
- Dean ThomasWith Seamus at the Irish camp; meets Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
- Mrs. FinniganSeamus’s mother; enthusiastically backs Ireland and comments on Bulgarian displays.
- Oliver WoodFormer Gryffindor Quidditch captain; excitedly shares he joined Puddlemere United reserves.
- Ernie MacmillanHufflepuff student encountered at the campsite amid the international crowd.
- Cho ChangRavenclaw Seeker who greets Harry; he awkwardly waves back, spilling water.