Contents
CHAPTER NINE
Overview
After the Quidditch World Cup, masked wizards terrorize Muggles, forcing Harry, Ron, and Hermione into the woods. The Dark Mark is conjured, panicking the camp. Ministry wizards find Winky holding Harry’s lost wand, but the culprit escapes. Crouch dismisses Winky, and the Weasleys reflect on Death Eaters and renewed fear.
Summary
Post-match celebrations at the campsite are cut short when Mr. Weasley urgently evacuates his family amid screams and green flashes. A hooded crowd levitates the Muggle campsite manager and family, mocking them. Mr. Weasley and his older sons rush to help the Ministry while the others flee into the woods.
In the dark, Draco Malfoy taunts Harry, Ron, and Hermione about Muggle-born targets. Harry discovers his wand is missing. They encounter a distressed Winky struggling through the trees, then veela with bewitched admirers, and a rattled Ludo Bagman. Deeper in the woods, an unseen figure casts “Morsmordre,” projecting the Dark Mark into the sky, triggering widespread panic.
Ministry wizards Apparate and nearly Stun Harry, Ron, and Hermione before Mr. Weasley intervenes. Mr. Crouch accuses them, but Amos Diggory investigates and returns with the unconscious Winky, found beneath the Mark and holding Harry’s wand. Prior Incantato reveals the wand cast the Dark Mark, though Winky denies knowing the spell. Hermione notes the caster’s voice was not Winky’s.
Mr. Crouch asserts authority to discipline his elf and, despite pleas and Hermione’s protests, frees (sacks) Winky for disobedience. The true caster evidently Disapparated, leaving Harry’s wand behind. Back at the tent, the Weasleys reunite, tend minor injuries, and debrief the night’s events.
Mr. Weasley explains the Dark Mark’s history as Voldemort’s symbol and the Death Eaters’ likely involvement, though they fled upon seeing the Mark. The group debates whether the Mark was support or a warning. Uneasy, Harry lies awake, linking his recent scar pain with the Mark’s reappearance, as they plan an early departure.
Who Appears
- Harry PotterLoses his wand in the chaos; witnesses the Dark Mark; nearly stunned; recovers wand; deeply unsettled.
- Arthur WeasleyLeads family to safety, aids Ministry, defuses accusations, explains the Dark Mark and Death Eaters.
- Hermione GrangerIdentifies the Dark Mark; argues for Winky’s innocence and house-elf rights; helps steer the group.
- Ron WeasleyFlees with Harry and Hermione; resists veela; questions the Mark; suspects Malfoy involvement.
- Barty Crouch Sr.Arrives furious; suspects the trio; reclaims authority over Winky; dismisses her for disobedience.
- Amos DiggoryFinds Winky unconscious with Harry’s wand; performs Prior Incantato; initially accusatory, then abashed.
- WinkyCrouch’s house-elf; found with Harry’s wand beneath the Mark; terrified; denies casting; dismissed.
- Ludo BagmanAppears strained and confused amid the riot; arrives after the Mark; offers little help.
- Bill WeasleyHelps contain chaos; injured; later explains Death Eaters’ fear of Voldemort’s return.
- Charlie WeasleyJoins Ministry effort against rioters; returns with minor injuries to the tent.
- Percy WeasleyAssists in the response; defends Crouch’s decision to sack Winky; argues with Hermione.
- Draco MalfoyMocks the trio, insinuates Muggle-born targeting and his father’s ties; heightens tension.
- Fred WeasleyHelps get Ginny to safety; reunites at the tent amid debrief of the night.
- George WeasleyEscorts Ginny; returns safely; hears explanation of the Dark Mark.
- Ginny WeasleyFlees with her brothers; returns shaken but unharmed.