HARRY POTTER Book 4: Chapter 17
Chapter 17
THE FOUR CHAMPIONS
The next morning is Saturday. Many students come down early anyway. They want to see the Goblet of Fire. The goblet now stands in the entrance hall on a stool. A thin golden line is on the floor in a circle around it.
“Has anyone put their name in yet?” Ron asks a girl. “All the Durmstrang students have,” she says. “I haven’t seen anyone from Hogwarts yet.” “Maybe some people did it last night,” Harry says. “If I wanted to put my name in the goblet, I wouldn’t want everyone watching.” Then Fred, George, and Lee Jordan hurry down the stairs, whispering and smiling.
“We’ve done it,” Fred says. “We just took it.” “What did you take?” Ron asks. “The Aging Potion,” Fred says. “One drop each,” George says. “We’ll split the prize money if one of us wins.” “Dumbledore will stop you,” Hermione warns. They do not listen.
Fred steps toward the Age Line. He takes a deep breath and walks forward. For one second, it looks like it works. Then — ssssszzzz — a loud sizzling sound fills the hall. Fred and George are thrown backward like invisible hands have punched them. They hit the stone floor hard.
Then both boys suddenly grow long white beards. Everyone laughs. Even Fred and George laugh when they see each other. Dumbledore walks out of the Great Hall, smiling. “I did warn you,” Dumbledore says. “Go to Madam Pomfrey. She is already helping two other students who tried the same thing.”
Fred and George walk away, still laughing. Harry, Ron, and Hermione go to breakfast. The Great Hall is decorated for Halloween. Bats fly near the ceiling. Carved pumpkins glow around the room.
After breakfast, Harry suggests that they visit Hagrid. “As long as we don’t have to feed the skrewts,” Ron says. “I haven’t asked Hagrid to join S.P.E.W. yet!” Hermione says happily. Ron groans. Hermione runs to get her badges. As they wait, the Beauxbatons students walk through the entrance hall. The beautiful blond girl is with them. Ron watches her again.
Madame Maxime brings her students to the goblet. One by one, they cross the Age Line and drop their names into the flames. Each time, the flame turns red and sparks fly. “What happens to the ones who are not chosen?” Ron whispers. “I don’t know,” Harry says.
When the Beauxbatons leave, Ron stares after them. “Where are they sleeping?” Soon they find out. Near Hagrid’s cabin, the huge blue carriage is parked. The big winged horses are eating grass nearby. The Beauxbatons students climb back into the carriage like it is their dormitory.
Harry knocks on Hagrid’s door. Fang barks loudly. Hagrid opens the door and says, “It’s about time! I thought you had forgotten me!” Then Hermione stops and stares. Hagrid is wearing a horrible brown suit and a bright yellow-orange tie. His hair is brushed in a strange way. Hermione tries not to laugh.
Inside, Hagrid makes tea. They talk about the tournament. Hagrid looks very excited. “You’ll see things you never saw before,” he says. “The first task will be… well… I can’t say.” They beg him to tell them. Hagrid only grins.
They eat lunch too. Hagrid calls it “beef casserole,” but Hermione finds a large claw in her food. After that, none of them eats much. Later, Hermione tries to make Hagrid join S.P.E.W. Hagrid refuses. “The house elves like the work,” Hagrid says. “It’s their nature. Paying them would insult them.” Hermione looks angry, but she puts the badges away.
Later in the afternoon it starts to rain a little. The cabin feels warm and safe. But soon it is almost time for the Halloween feast. It is also almost time for the champions to be chosen. “I’ll come with you,” Hagrid says. “Just give me a second.”
He opens a drawer and takes out a bottle. A terrible smell fills the room. “Hagrid,” Ron coughs, “what’s that?” “Er… cologne,” Hagrid mutters. His face turns red. Hermione looks shocked. “Hagrid?” Hagrid goes outside to wash it off. Then Ron points out the window.
Madame Maxime stands outside. Hagrid walks to her, smiling in a dreamy way. He walks to her like he is in love. “He’s going up to the castle with her!” Hermione says, offended. Hagrid walks away with Madame Maxime. He does not even look back. Ron stares. “He likes her!”
They walk back to the castle too. They see Durmstrang coming up from the lake. Ron watches Krum again, excited. Inside the Great Hall, it is crowded. The Goblet of Fire now stands in front of Dumbledore’s chair at the staff table. Fred and George do not have beards anymore.
The feast feels slow. People keep looking at Dumbledore. They keep waiting for the plates to clear. Finally, the plates become empty and clean again. Dumbledore stands. The Hall becomes silent.
“The goblet is ready to make its decision,” Dumbledore says. “When a name is called, the champion must come to the front, then go through the door behind the staff table.”
