The Goblet of Fire

Calendar and Dates

This chapter begins immediately after the preceding chapter, on the same evening (30 October 1994), and ends the next night (Hallowe'en).

Interesting facts and notes

The tension and excitement mounts up during both a welcoming feast for the two visiting schools and the Hallowe'en feast where the Triwizard Champions of each school will be announced.

"Yeah, that's right, smarm up to him, Malfoy," said Ron scathingly. "I bet Krum can see right through him, though … bet he gets people fawning over him all the time … where d'you reckon they're going to sleep? We could offer him a space in our dormitory, Harry … I wouldn't mind giving him my bed, I could kip on a camp-bed."

Krum-mania.... Really, Ron's suggestion is just as smarmy as  Draco Malfoy making space at the Slytherin table. But it could just be a reaction of breathless adulation at being close to a famous person. This will change....

"I'm telling you, that's not a normal girl!" said Ron, leaning sideways so he could keep a clear view of her. "They don’t make them like that at Hogwarts!"
"They make them OK at Hogwarts," said Harry, without thinking. Cho Chang happened to be sitting only a few places away from the girl with the silvery hair.

Ron is sure that Fleur Delacour is a Veela. And again, Harry shows that he is able to shake off this type of external influence. However, his later inability to master Occlumency will demonstrate that he needs to be stronger at it, especially when he and Lord Voldemort are sharing thoughts and emotions (OP24).

"There will be three tasks, spaced throughout the school year, and they will test the champions in many different ways … their magical prowess – their daring – their powers of deduction – and, of course, their ability to cope with danger."

"The champions will be chosen by an impartial selector … the Goblet of Fire."

Although the Goblet of Fire is only supposed to choose the most qualified candidate from each of the competing schools to participate in the tournament, it still seems like an awfully dangerous and time-consuming activity - preparing for tasks instead of concentrating on their schoolwork and exams that year.

"Oh, look, they’re all disappointed," Hermione said over the noise, nodding towards the remainder of the Beauxbatons party. 'Disappointed' was a bit of an understatement, Harry thought. Two of the girls who had not been selected had dissolved into tears, and were sobbing with their heads on their arms.

It almost makes you wonder how popular Fleur Delacour is with her fellow Beauxbatons students. Sometimes being extraordinarily beautiful can be difficult. Cedric Diggory is mocked by non-Hufflepuffs for being handsome as well. From description of him as being "slightly duck-footed and distinctly round-shouldered" (GF8), Viktor Krum's popularity arises by virtue of his talent alone.

Exceptional character moments

Hermione not being affected by the presence of the famous Viktor Krum.

Ron being completely star-struck by Viktor Krum and entranced by the veela-like Fleur Delacour.

Hagrid dressing up and trying to tame his hair to impress Madame Maxime.

Two Beauxbatons girls being extremely upset by not being chosen to represent their school.

A Durmstrang boy, Poliakoff, being told off in public by headmaster Karkaroff for being a messy eater.

Karkaroff's reaction to seeing Mad-Eye Moody at Hogwarts School.

Memorable lines

"Oh, I don't believe it, I haven't got a single quill on me –' "D'you think he'd sign my hat in lipstick?" [some Hogwarts sixth-year girls]

"Bouillabaisse," said Hermione.
"Bless you," said Ron.
"It's French," said Hermione. "I had it on holiday, summer before last, it's very nice."
"I'll take your word for it," said Ron, helping himself to black pudding.

"They make them OK at Hogwarts" [Harry looking at Cho Chang, when Ron is raving about the "veela girl"]

Words and phrases

• Black Pudding
• Budge Up
• Camp-Bed
• Fancy, Fancies
• Smarmy

Characters Introduced

• Fleur Delacour
• Poliakoff
• Mr. Summers