Contents
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Overview
Dumbledore introduces the Goblet of Fire and its Age Line, launching the Triwizard selection. Fred and George’s attempt to bypass the age limit backfires. As candidates enter, tensions and admirations flare, Hagrid awkwardly courts Madame Maxime, and the champions emerge: Krum, Fleur, and Cedric—until the Goblet unexpectedly selects Harry.
Summary
At the welcome feast, Hogwarts hosts Beauxbatons and Durmstrang. Ron is starstruck by Viktor Krum, while the Beauxbatons students sit with Ravenclaw and Durmstrang joins Slytherin. Dumbledore introduces Ministry officials Bartemius Crouch and Ludo Bagman, then reveals the Goblet of Fire, explaining its impartial selection and a binding magical contract for champions.
Dumbledore announces he will draw an Age Line to bar under-seventeen students. Outside the Hall, Professor Karkaroff recognizes Harry and freezes when confronted by Moody, hinting at their fraught history. The next morning, the Goblet stands ringed by the Age Line. Fred and George try Aging Potion but are ejected and bearded, confirming the barrier’s effectiveness.
Throughout the day, older students submit names. Angelina Johnson enters for Gryffindor, while talk swirls about other contenders. Harry, Ron, and Hermione visit Hagrid, who refuses to join S.P.E.W., hints the first task will be spectacular, and displays conspicuous grooming and cologne.
As evening falls, Hagrid abandons the trio to escort Madame Maxime, revealing his infatuation. In the Great Hall, the Goblet selects Viktor Krum for Durmstrang, Fleur Delacour for Beauxbatons, and Cedric Diggory for Hogwarts, prompting cheers and disappointment in turn.
Just as Dumbledore begins to close proceedings, the Goblet flares again and produces an unexpected fourth name. Dumbledore reads it aloud: Harry Potter, stunning the entire Hall and upending the tournament’s rules and expectations.
Who Appears
- Harry PotterObserves visiting schools, visits Hagrid, and is shockingly named by the Goblet as a fourth champion.
- Ron WeasleyAmazed by Krum, jokes about entering, watches selections, and reacts strongly to Cedric’s and Harry’s choices.
- Hermione GrangerCounters Ron’s hero-worship, promotes S.P.E.W., challenges Hagrid on house-elves, and tracks tournament procedure.
- Albus DumbledoreExplains the Goblet, sets the Age Line, outlines rules, and announces champions, stunned by Harry’s selection.
- Rubeus HagridHints at a spectacular first task, refuses S.P.E.W., appears conspicuously groomed, and courts Madame Maxime.
- Madame Olympe MaximeLeads Beauxbatons, judges the Tournament, and draws Hagrid’s romantic attention.
- Professor Igor KarkaroffLeads Durmstrang, fawns over Krum, and reacts fearfully to Moody upon recognizing him.
- Alastor "Mad-Eye" MoodyConfronts Karkaroff in the doorway, unsettling him and hinting at shared history.
- Viktor KrumDurmstrang student and Quidditch star; selected as Durmstrang’s champion.
- Fleur DelacourBeauxbatons student with veela allure; selected as Beauxbatons’ champion.
- Cedric DiggoryPopular Hufflepuff; chosen as Hogwarts champion to huge House acclaim.
- Fred WeasleyAttempts to bypass the Age Line with an Aging Potion; ejected and bearded.
- George WeasleyJoins Fred’s failed Aging Potion attempt; also ejected and bearded.
- Ludo BagmanMinistry judge; jovial presence during the feast and selection.
- Bartemius CrouchMinistry judge; formal, detached during the proceedings.
- Angelina JohnsonGryffindor Chaser who submits her name for the Tournament.