Contents
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Overview
Harry sends Sirius a minimizing letter, then is tested under the Imperius Curse and learns to resist it. Hogwarts buzzes with Triwizard preparations as work intensifies and Hermione pushes S.P.E.W. Sirius replies from hiding, urging caution. The visiting schools arrive dramatically: Beauxbatons with Madame Maxime and Durmstrang with Karkaroff and Viktor Krum.
Summary
At dawn, Harry drafts a letter downplaying his scar pain to stop Sirius from risking capture and sends it via a grudging Hedwig. Over breakfast, Hermione calls the letter a lie, but Ron urges her to drop it.
In Defense Against the Dark Arts, Moody demonstrates the Imperius Curse on students. Under it, Harry nearly obeys but mentally resists, eventually throwing it off entirely after repeated tries, earning Moody’s praise. Ron struggles with the curse, and the class leaves uneasy at Moody’s vigilance.
Coursework intensifies across subjects; even Hagrid expands skrewt observations. A sign announces the imminent arrival of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang, fueling speculation. Hermione continues pressing S.P.E.W., sparring with the twins about house-elf conditions.
Hedwig returns with Sirius’s reply: he is back in the country, in hiding, wants detailed updates, and warns Harry to change owls and mind his scar. Harry feels both reassured and anxious.
On the evening of October 30, students assemble outside. Beauxbatons arrive first in a massive flying carriage drawn by giant winged horses, led by Madame Maxime. Soon after, Durmstrang surfaces from the lake in a ghostly ship, led by Igor Karkaroff. Among the Durmstrang students is Viktor Krum, recognized by Harry and Ron as the famed Seeker.
Who Appears
- Harry PotterMinimizes his scar pain to deter Sirius; learns to resist the Imperius Curse; anticipates Triwizard arrivals.
- Hermione GrangerChallenges Harry’s lie; continues S.P.E.W. advocacy; provides Triwizard background and practical caution about owls.
- Ron WeasleyBacks Harry against Hermione’s concerns; struggles with Imperius; speculates about tournament and arrivals.
- Alastor 'Mad-Eye' MoodyDemonstrates the Imperius Curse; drills Harry until he resists; heightens sense of impending danger.
- Sirius BlackReplies from hiding, asking for updates and warning Harry to change owls and watch his scar.
- Albus DumbledoreGreets arriving schools courteously; assures Madame Maxime of Hagrid’s capabilities.
- Madame Olympe MaximeLeads Beauxbatons’ dramatic carriage arrival; discusses care of her powerful winged horses.
- Igor KarkaroffLeads Durmstrang from a ghostly ship; greets Dumbledore smoothly; presents his students.
- Viktor KrumArrives with Durmstrang; recognized by Harry and Ron as the famous Seeker.
- Rubeus HagridAssigned to handle Beauxbatons’ horses; continues skrewt project, irking Malfoy.