Contents
CHAPTER FOUR
Overview
The Weasleys arrive at Privet Drive via the Floo Network, accidentally blasting open the Dursleys’ blocked fireplace. Arthur Weasley’s genial curiosity clashes with the Dursleys’ hostility. As the family departs by Floo, Dudley eats a magical toffee that grotesquely enlarges his tongue, sparking pandemonium. Harry escapes to the Burrow, leaving Arthur to repair the damage.
Summary
Harry prepares to leave Privet Drive, packing prized magical items and waiting nervously as the Dursleys dread the Weasleys’ arrival. Tension builds when the Weasleys run late, and the Dursleys gripe about wizard punctuality and manners.
Loud noises reveal the Weasleys trying to use the blocked fireplace. Arthur Weasley, Fred, George, and Ron blast through, covering the living room in dust. Arthur apologizes, explains the temporary Floo connection, and awkwardly admires Muggle appliances, while the Dursleys stare in fear and disdain.
Fred and George fetch Harry’s trunk. Arthur lights the Floo fire and sends Fred, George, then Ron to the Burrow. Arthur urges the Dursleys to say goodbye; Uncle Vernon grudgingly complies after glancing at Arthur’s wand.
As Harry steps to leave, Dudley, who has eaten one of Fred’s dropped toffees, begins choking on an engorged, foot-long tongue. Aunt Petunia panics and shields Dudley; Uncle Vernon throws ornaments at Arthur. Arthur tries to explain and help, but the Dursleys’ hysteria escalates.
Arthur orders Harry to go. Harry Floos to the Burrow as Arthur disarms the situation by blasting a thrown ornament from Vernon’s hand, leaving Arthur to mend the chaos and Dudley’s condition.
Who Appears
- Harry PotterPrepares to leave Privet Drive; mediates between Weasleys and Dursleys; departs via Floo to the Burrow.
- Arthur WeasleyLeads the pickup via Floo, blasts open fireplace, marvels at Muggle items, defends against Vernon, tries to fix Dudley’s tongue.
- Fred WeasleyDrops Ton-Tongue Toffees; departs first by Floo; prank indirectly causes Dudley’s tongue engorgement.
- George WeasleyHelps carry Harry’s trunk; departs by Floo; shares in the prank’s mischief.
- Ron WeasleyArrives via Floo, helps with trunk, and leaves with a cheerful farewell.
- Uncle Vernon DursleyHostile and posturing; throws ornaments at Arthur amid Dudley’s crisis; grudgingly says goodbye.
- Aunt Petunia DursleyTerrified and disapproving; panics over Dudley’s tongue and shields him from Arthur.
- Dudley DursleyFrightened of magic; eats a dropped toffee; suffers an engorged tongue, causing household chaos.