Harry Potter, #4
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
by J.K. Rowling
Contents
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
Overview
Harry, Ron, and Hermione visit the kitchens, finding Winky drunk and hinting at Crouch’s secrets. Hermione is deluged with hate mail, and Hagrid comforts her during a nifflers lesson. The champions learn the third task is a maze. Krum confronts Harry about Hermione, and they discover a delirious Mr. Crouch, who begs for Dumbledore and vanishes after Krum is stunned. Dumbledore mobilizes staff while Karkaroff accuses foul play, escalating tensions and mystery.
Summary
On Sirius’s advice, Harry, Ron, and Hermione send Percy an owl about Mr. Crouch, then visit the kitchens to give Dobby socks. They find Winky drunk and despondent, hinting she kept important secrets for Crouch but refusing to reveal them. Hermione’s defense of elf rights angers the other house-elves, cutting short their visit.
The next morning, Hermione receives a flood of hate mail inspired by Rita Skeeter, including bubotuber pus that blisters her hands. In Care of Magical Creatures, Hagrid introduces nifflers; Ron wins a chocolate prize, then grows upset learning leprechaun gold vanishes and that he hadn’t truly repaid Harry at the World Cup. Hagrid, who has also received hate mail, comforts Hermione.
Hermione fixates on how Skeeter eavesdrops despite Hogwarts’s protections and begins researching. Percy’s eventual reply insists Crouch is merely on leave. That night, McGonagall sends Harry to the pitch, where Bagman reveals the third task: a maze filled with creatures and enchantments, with a head start based on points.
Afterward, Viktor Krum privately confronts Harry about Hermione; Harry insists they are friends. In the nearby trees, a disheveled, delirious Barty Crouch Sr. appears, raving about warnings for Dumbledore, Bertha Jorkins, his son, and Voldemort growing stronger. Harry leaves Krum to watch Crouch and sprints to fetch Dumbledore.
Dumbledore returns with Harry to find Krum stunned and Crouch gone. Dumbledore revives Krum and summons Hagrid, Karkaroff, and Moody to respond. Karkaroff accuses Dumbledore and the Ministry of sabotage; Hagrid restrains himself at Dumbledore’s order. Dumbledore sends Hagrid to escort Harry back and instructs Harry to remain in Gryffindor Tower, heightening the tension and mystery around Crouch’s disappearance.
Who Appears
- Harry PotterSends owl to Percy, visits kitchens, learns third task details, witnesses deranged Crouch, fetches Dumbledore, and is ordered to stay in Gryffindor Tower.
- Barty Crouch Sr.Appears disheveled and delirious, raves about warnings, Bertha, his son, and Voldemort; disappears after Krum is stunned.
- Viktor KrumConfronts Harry about Hermione; waits with Crouch; found stunned when Dumbledore returns.
- Hermione GrangerTargeted by hate mail and bubotuber pus; investigates Skeeter’s eavesdropping; struggles with bandaged hands.
- Rubeus HagridTeaches nifflers, counsels Hermione about hate mail, retrieves Karkaroff, escorts Harry, and bristles at accusations.
- Albus DumbledoreResponds immediately to Harry, assesses scene, revives Krum, coordinates staff, and instructs Harry to remain in the tower.
- Ludo BagmanBriefs champions that the third task is a maze with obstacles and creatures.
- Igor KarkaroffArrives after the incident, accuses Dumbledore of treachery and bias toward Hogwarts and the Ministry.
- Severus SnapeAttempts to block Harry at Dumbledore’s office; Dumbledore overrides him.
- Alastor MoodyArrives armed, goes to search for Crouch on Dumbledore’s orders.
- DobbyGrateful for socks; reveals Winky drinks heavily and still pines for Crouch.
- WinkyDrunken and miserable, hints at keeping Crouch’s important secrets but refuses to divulge them.
- Ron WeasleyEnjoys nifflers lesson, wins prize, then broods over vanished leprechaun gold and family poverty.
- undefinedAttempts to speak with Hagrid; observed from a distance during events near the carriage.