Contents
CHAPTER TEN
Overview
The group flees the World Cup chaos and returns to the Burrow, where Molly, shaken by the Prophet’s coverage, is relieved they are safe. Arthur faces Ministry backlash as Rita Skeeter stokes scandal and Bertha Jorkins’s disappearance surfaces. Harry confides his scar pain to Ron and Hermione. Preparations for Hogwarts reveal class divides when Ron receives embarrassing secondhand dress robes.
Summary
At dawn, Arthur Weasley hustles everyone from the campsite, using a Portkey amid a crush of anxious witches and wizards. Back at the Burrow, Molly Weasley, distraught by the Daily Prophet’s Dark Mark headline, tearfully confirms the family is safe. Arthur critiques Rita Skeeter’s slanted report and rushes to the Ministry to limit damage, while Percy postures about assisting Mr. Crouch.
Upstairs, Harry tells Ron and Hermione his scar hurt and that he dreamed of Voldemort and Wormtail plotting murder. He notes the timing with the Death Eaters’ riot and Dark Mark, and says he has written to Sirius for advice but has had no reply, worrying him.
Over the following week, Arthur and Percy work late as complaints and Howlers flood the Ministry. At home, the family debates Skeeter’s attacks and Ministry errors; Arthur predicts Bertha Jorkins’s disappearance will hit headlines and warns Crouch is lucky Skeeter hasn’t learned Winky held the wand that cast the Mark. Percy defends Crouch, while Hermione condemns his treatment of house-elves, sparking argument.
As rain batters the Burrow, the children prepare for school. Harry worries about Sirius’s silence but receives school supplies Molly bought. When Ron discovers his secondhand dress robes are lacey and mortifying, he argues with Molly, while Harry’s bottle-green robes fit well, quietly highlighting the Weasleys’ financial strain as they finish packing for Hogwarts.
Who Appears
- Harry PotterReturns to the Burrow, reveals his scar pain and Voldemort dream, awaits Sirius’s reply, and prepares for Hogwarts.
- Arthur WeasleyLeads the retreat from the Cup, combats Ministry fallout, and criticizes Rita Skeeter’s reporting.
- Molly WeasleyPanics over the Prophet’s report, relieves her sons are safe, and manages household and school preparations.
- Ron WeasleyHears about Harry’s scar, suggests Quidditch to distract him, and is humiliated by secondhand lacey dress robes.
- Hermione GrangerUrges caution about Harry’s scar, defends house-elf rights, and focuses on schoolwork and packing.
- Percy WeasleyBoasts about Ministry work, defends Mr. Crouch, and scolds others while handling Howlers.
- Bill WeasleySupports Arthur against Skeeter’s slant and joins family chess and conversations.
- Fred and George WeasleyReassure Molly with humor and secretly scheme over parchment, hinting at prank business plans.
- Charlie WeasleySpends time at the Burrow, quietly mending gear and helping the family settle.
- Ginny WeasleyStays home repairing books and observes Ministry fallout discussions.
- Rita SkeeterJournalist whose sensational articles inflame public outrage and target the Ministry.
- Bartemius CrouchPercy’s boss; under scrutiny over Winky and Bertha Jorkins; emblem of strict authority.
- Ludo BagmanChided by Arthur for not investigating Bertha Jorkins’s disappearance sooner.
- Bertha JorkinsMissing Ministry witch; her case becomes a looming headline and concern.
- WinkyCrouch’s dismissed house-elf, controversially found with the wand that cast the Dark Mark.
- Mr. RobertsMuggle campsite manager, dazed after memory modification following the riot.
- Basil (Portkey keeper)Oversees the crowded Portkey point as evacuees rush to leave the campsite.
- PigwidgeonRon’s excitable owl, briefly choking on a treat amid packing chaos.