Contents
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Overview
On the term’s first full day, the trio attend Herbology and Hagrid’s class, where Hagrid unveils dangerous Blast-Ended Skrewts. Divination brings Trelawney’s gloomy predictions and heavy homework. Malfoy publicly taunts Ron with a Skeeter article about Arthur and Moody, prompting Moody to punish Malfoy by turning him into a ferret until McGonagall intervenes. Moody’s fierce methods and history battling Dark wizards impress many students and shift expectations for Defense Against the Dark Arts.
Summary
Harry, Ron, and Hermione review schedules over a gloomy morning in the Great Hall as Fred and George scheme to enter the Triwizard. Harry worries about no post from Sirius. In Herbology, Professor Sprout has them harvest bubotuber pus, and the class learns its medicinal use despite its disgusting nature.
Outside Hagrid’s hut, Hagrid introduces newly hatched Blast-Ended Skrewts, urging students to experiment with feeding them. The creatures burn and sting; Dean is burned, Lavender spots stings, and Hermione challenges Draco Malfoy’s mockery despite later admitting the skrewts may be dangerously pointless.
At lunch, Hermione rushes to the library for non-schoolwork, while Harry and Ron head to Divination. Professor Trelawney delivers dire hints about Harry’s future and assigns heavy astrology-based homework after Ron’s joke. Harry doubts her, recalling her one true prophecy.
Before dinner, Malfoy publicly reads a Rita Skeeter article ridiculing Arthur Weasley and recounting a supposed Moody incident with Muggles. Malfoy insults the Weasleys, provoking a confrontation where Malfoy fires at Harry from behind. Moody intervenes, transfiguring Malfoy into a bouncing ferret and condemning cowardice until Professor McGonagall stops the punishment and reminds Moody of school discipline. Moody escorts Malfoy to Snape.
At dinner, students buzz about the scene. Ron revels in “the amazing bouncing ferret,” though Hermione worries Malfoy could have been hurt and again hurries to the library. Fred, George, and Lee praise Moody’s real-world experience, heightening anticipation for Defense Against the Dark Arts.
Who Appears
- Harry PotterAttends first lessons, worries about Sirius’s silence, clashes with Malfoy before Moody intervenes.
- Ron WeasleyEndures Malfoy’s public taunts about his family; delights in Malfoy’s ferret punishment.
- Hermione GrangerEats hurriedly to pursue library research; skeptical of skrewts; uneasy about Moody’s harshness.
- Mad-Eye MoodyStops Malfoy’s sneak attack, turns him into a ferret, and asserts a tough, battle-hardened approach.
- Draco MalfoyMocks Arthur Weasley using Skeeter’s article; attacks from behind; is transfigured into a ferret.
- Professor McGonagallIntervenes to stop Moody’s ferret punishment; reinforces proper school disciplinary methods.
- Rubeus HagridIntroduces Blast-Ended Skrewts, urging students to raise and feed the dangerous creatures.
- Professor SproutLeads Herbology on harvesting bubotuber pus for medical uses.
- Professor TrelawneyForetells difficulties for Harry and assigns extensive astrology homework.
- Fred WeasleyPraises Moody’s style; plots aging for Triwizard entry.
- George WeasleyEchoes admiration for Moody; discusses real-world Dark Arts experience.
- Lee JordanReports on Moody’s impressive Defense Against the Dark Arts class.
- Vincent CrabbeTries to pick up ferret-Malfoy; is halted by Moody.
- Gregory GoyleAccompanies Malfoy during the taunts and confrontation.
- Rita SkeeterHer article fuels Malfoy’s public ridicule of Arthur Weasley and Moody.