Muggles' Guide to Harry Potter/Books/Goblet of Fire/Chapter 23
From Wikibooks, the open-content textbooks collection
Chapter 23 of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: The Yule Ball
Contents |
[edit] Synopsis
Although it is the end of term, almost no one has left school, and despite his homework load, Harry enjoys himself in the week between the term's end and Christmas. Ron is still trying to learn who Hermione's Yule Ball date is, but she says nothing. Ron also notices that her teeth are different; Hermione explains that after Draco's misfired spell made her teeth bigger, she had Madam Pomfrey shrink them to smaller than their original large size. While she is explaining this, Pigwidgeon returns with Sirius' letter. A group of thirteen-year-old girls see Pigwidgeon and think he's cute, which leads Ron to call him a "stupid, feathery git". In the message, Sirius congratulates Harry and says that he would have suggested a Conjunctivitus spell to blind the dragon. He warns Harry to watch himself around Karkaroff. Hermione suggests this is a good time to try and figure out the Egg's secret, but Harry says he would not be able to hear it over the ruckus in the common room.
On Christmas day, Harry is awakened by Dobby bringing him presents. To reciprocate, Harry gives Dobby the horrible mustard-colored socks that he had wrapped his Sneakoscope in to muffle it. Dobby is ecstatic, socks are his favorite clothing. Ron also gives him some mauve socks and the sweater he received. Dobby is overwhelmed by Ron's generosity. Dobby also gives Harry handmade socks, one red with broomsticks, and one green, with Snitches. Dobby returns to the kitchen where preparations for the Ball are underway.
At about 5:00 p.m., after watching the big snowball fight that started after lunch, Hermione rises to get ready for the Ball. Ron asks if she really needs three hours and wants to know who she is going with, but she says nothing. They break off their battle and head upstairs. Ron is highly embarrassed by his robes, which look more like a dress, although he has removed the tatty lace. Harry meets Parvati, dressed in bright pink robes, in the Common room, and they and the other Gryffindors proceed to the Entry Hall. Clad in turquoise robes, Padma is rather aghast at Ron's appearance; Ron just wants to hide from Fleur Delacour, who is going with Roger Davies.
The Slytherins arrive, and neither Crabbe or Goyle have a date. The Durmstrang students enter from outside; Viktor Krum is accompanied by a pretty girl Harry does not recognize. Professor McGonagall summons the Champions, telling them they will enter in procession after the others are seated. Harry looks over at the other Champions and suddenly recognizes Krum's date: it is Hermione. She has straightened her hair, and her posture is different. Harry is not the only one astonished by her changed appearance; Parvati is astonished, and Ron walks past without looking at her. Krum's female fan club glare at Hermione with deep loathing.
The long tables in the Great Hall have been replaced by smaller ones, each having space for a dozen people. The four Champions and their partners are to be seated at the head table, along with Professor Dumbledore, Madame Maxime, Professor Karkaroff, Ludo Bagman, and – surprisingly – Percy Weasley, who is substituting for Mr. Crouch. Percy, wearing navy blue robes, pulls out a chair for Harry and excitedly tells him he has been promoted to Mr. Crouch's personal assistant. He says the Tournament preparations has left Mr. Crouch stressed and tired and that he has somewhat lost his domestic comforts after dismissing his House-elf – Blinky, "or whatever her name is" – and is having a restful Christmas at home, sending his instructions to the office by owl. Dumbledore, surveying the menu, says "Pork chops!" to his plate, whereupon they appear; everyone else follows his example.
Hermione is deep in conversation with Krum who tells her that Durmstrang castle is not as comfortable or big as Hogwarts, having only four floors. Karkaroff warns him about sharing too much information or else Durmstrang's location could be revealed. Professor Dumbledore suggests that perhaps there is too much concern about secrecy. Karkaroff asks if he is not happier that only he, Dumbledore, knows Hogwarts' secrets. Dumbledore responds that he would never presume to believe that he knows all the school's secrets. Only recently did he stumble upon a room filled with chamber pots that he had never seen before. He has been unable to find that room since.
When dinner is over, Dumbledore asks everyone to stand and sweeps the tables to the side with his wand. A stage rises against one wall, and the band starts playing. Parvati drags Harry to his feet, saying that they are supposed to dance. Their dancing is not too bad, as Parvati is leading. Soon the floor fills with other couples, many worse than Harry. Neville frequently steps on Ginny's feet. Professor Moody compliments Harry on his socks, causing Parvati to comment that his magical eye is rather creepy.
After the first song ends, Harry sits with Ron and Padma. Both Parvati and Padma are disgruntled that they do not get to dance again. Parvati finally leaves to dance with a Beauxbatons boy. An elated Hermione floats over, but Ron attacks her for "fraternizing with the enemy." Heated words are exchanged, and Hermione angrily disappears into the crowd. Padma also leaves, joining Parvati. Viktor appears looking for Hermione, and he is also dismissed by Ron. Percy comes over, talking about how the Tournament is meant to foster international co-operation, and it is great that Ron is making friends with Viktor. When Ludo crosses the dance floor on his way to the head table, he is intercepted by the Weasley twins. He shakes them off and goes over to talk to Harry. He claims the Twins were asking him for marketing assistance on their trick wands. Harry is certain Percy will report this to Mrs. Weasley. Harry and Ron escape as Percy talks shop with Ludo.
Outside in the rose garden, Karkaroff talking with Professor Snape about something that is becoming more distinct. Snape suggests that Karkaroff can run for it if he is that worried. Harry and Ron wonder how the two of them got on a first-name basis. Harry and Ron become unwilling eavesdroppers on a conversation between Madame Maxime and Hagrid. Hagrid reveals he is half-giant and suggests that Madame Maxime is the same. She indignantly insists she is just big-boned and stalks off. Ron asks Harry if he knew Hagrid was half-giant. Harry says no, but so what? Ron mentions that wizards generally fear giants because they are mindlessly vicious. Ron thinks this fear may carry over to Hagrid, at least among those who do not know him.
Back in the Hall, Harry and Ron continue discussing Giants. There are apparently very few left in England. They were already dying out but many were killed by Aurors. Those left are somewhere in the European mountains. Ron says he does not know who Madame Maxime thinks she is kidding; there is no way she could be just big-boned.
The Ball ends at midnight. Hermione heads to Gryffindor tower, shooting Ron a cold look as she passes. Cedric calls Harry aside and says that because Harry helped him with the dragon, it is only fair that he should return the favor for the second task. He suggests Harry take a bath with his Egg and tells him how to get into the Prefect's bathroom. Harry, apart from his resentment over Cedric being Cho Chang's date, is uncertain how to react to this, but he says nothing. Cedric leaves to say goodnight to Cho.
Reaching the Gryffindor common room, Harry finds Ron and Hermione in a shouting match. Hermione tells Ron that if he does not like it then, "The next time there's a Ball, ask me before someone else does, and not as a last resort!" Hermione storms off to her dormitory. Ron, stunned, tells Harry that Hermione is quite clearly missing the point. Harry privately thinks Hermione has a much clearer idea about what Ron is feeling than Ron does.
[edit] Analysis
Although the Yule Ball is a disappointment for Harry and Ron, not to mention their hapless dates, their later stroll through the rose garden reveals much character information. Karkaroff knows that he is in poor standing with surviving Death Eaters. As revealed by Sirius, he named names to avoid being sent to Azkaban. Something may lead Karkaroff to believe that the Dark Lord may be returning to power. Because of this, Karkaroff could be considering disappearing to save himself, either from Death Eaters or Voldemort. Snape, however, seems unconcerned for his own safety, indicating that he may retain the Dark Lord's favor.
Harry and Ron also learn that Hagrid is half-giant, a fact he has apparently kept secret, although it has been rather obvious to most everyone else, including Hermione. An insulted Madame Maxime, however, vehemently denies any such ancestry, although this seems a foregone conclusion. Harry also seems oblivious that many wizards have deep-seated fear and prejudice towards giants, as well as many other magical folk, which explains why Hagrid and Madame Maxime would conceal their mutual heritage. In this particular case, wizards' fear may be partially justified—giants are prone to unprovoked violence, though Hagrid and Madame Maxime have gentle natures. Prejudice and discrimination are continual themes throughout the series, most notably through Hermione's efforts to liberate House-elves.
One noteworthy fact is the order in which these revelations are made. Clearly, that both Karkaroff and Snape may be, or have been, Death Eaters, is worth further discussion. Why then do Harry and Ron fail to discuss this further, and perhaps reach the conclusion that Snape is or was a Death Eater, despite what Sirius previously told them? Because Hagrid's confession to Madame Maxime takes precedence, casting it from their minds. This bit of literary legerdemain allows the author to foreshadow revelations later in the book and in the series, while managing to mask that revelation's weight by having the characters effectively dismiss it.
And though Hermione's efforts to liberate House-elves are seemingly frustrated, she may be having a positive effect in another way as seen when Ron gives Dobby some cast-off clothing. This act is something he probably never would have considered if not for both Hermione's and Harry's influence—Harry treats Dobby as a friend, and Hermione believes House-elves deserve equal rights. This may be a small milestone in Ron's maturation, and for once, he is thoughtful about someone other than himself,a close friend, or a family member. Without this example, it is unlikely Ron would ever consider House-elves as anything more than what they already are, even a liberated one like Dobby. Hermione has perhaps unknowingly sown a seed in Ron's consciousness, and, if she is to accomplish her goal, she must change both House-elves and the general wizarding community's thinking—a rather daunting, although not impossible, challenge.
The Yule Ball has yielded several other unexpected outcomes: Ron and Hermione's long simmering and deeply buried feelings for one another are brought closer to the surface, although they can only express themselves with mutual jealousy, anger, and immature bickering. In addition to seeing Hermione with Krum, Hermione's growing attractiveness also seems to have had a strong effect on Ron, forcing him to see her differently, although it is apparently still unclear to him exactly what the difference is. Harry, meanwhile, is no closer to solving the Egg riddle, and does little to figure it out, despite Hermione's constant prodding. Unexpectedly, he receives assistance from an unlikely source. In appreciation for Harry tipping him off about the dragon task, Cedric helps Harry with the Egg. However, rather than outright telling Harry what he needs know as Harry did with the dragons, Cedric instead only gives him a hint so he can solve it himself. But Harry's stubbornness and resentment over Cedric dating Cho Chang may prevent him from utilizing this valuable information.
Also, Mr. Crouch's health is apparently deteriorating. In the meeting with the Champions at Hallowe'en, he seemed unwell enough that Dumbledore actually suggested that he might want to spend the night at Hogwarts. In what seems a logical progression, he is now so ill that he is unable to attend the Triwizard ceremonies and Percy has been deputed to fill in for him.
Attention should be paid to Professor Dumbledore mentioning the room with the chamber pots, as well as the beetle crawling on the stone reindeer during Hagrid's conversation with Madame Maxime.
[edit] Questions
[edit] Review
- Why doesn't Harry recognize Krum's date? What is Ron's reaction?
- Why is Madame Maxime insulted that Hagrid suggested she is half-giant?
- Why is Harry conflicted about accepting Cedric's help with the Egg?
- What are Ron and Hermione arguing about? Who is right?
[edit] Further Study
- Why won't Hermione reveal who her Yule Ball date is?
- Why would the long tables in the Great Hall be replaced by smaller ones?
- Why does Cedric only offer Harry a hint about the Egg, rather than telling him outright how to solve it?
- What might be the real reason that Harry rebuffs Hermione's suggestion that he work on solving the Egg's clue?
[edit] Greater Picture
We will discover that Mr. Crouch's deteriorating health is subterfuge; Mr. Crouch is actually the Dark Lord's servant, being controlled by Peter Pettigrew (Wormtail). Wormtail's control over him has always been rather shaky; rather than risk his increasing eccentricity being discovered, Voldemort confines Mr. Crouch to his house, where he and Wormtail are hiding. Voldemort restricts communication to an easier-to-fake method. Percy will be reprimanded later by his superiors for failing to detect Mr. Crouch's odd behavior, although they may be using Percy as a scapegoat to deflect blame away from themselves.
At the Yule Ball, Karkaroff says that something is becoming more distinct. This is likely the "Dark Mark" on his forearm—the Death Eaters' sign. It becoming more visible is an indication that Voldemort is gaining strength, perhaps is close to returning. Having informed on Death Eaters, Karkaroff knows that he will likely be killed if Voldemort returns to power, and clearly is planning to bolt in that eventuality.
Later, we learn that the beetle, mentioned above, is actually Rita Skeeter, in her unregistered Animagus form. She will write a story about Hagrid's half-Giant ancestry which will prove devastating to him; this is where she learns of it, though she clearly does some research after hearing the bare fact from Hagrid.
The chamber-pot filled room Dumbledore mentions seems to be the Room of Requirement, which he apparently never knew existed, and will play a large role in each succeeding book. When Hermione is reluctant to use the room for their secret student meetings (in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix), Harry allays her fears by saying Dumbledore had told him about it. Readers will also learn that the room only appears when someone needs it, and it comes equipped with whatever is necessary to fulfill that need. It is curious, then, why Dumbledore (or anyone) would require a room filled with so many chamber pots.
The final scene is crucial to Ron and Hermione's evolving relationship. In about a year's time, Hermione will comment that Ron has "the emotional depth of a teaspoon"; it is apparent at this point that he is having serious feelings for Hermione although he is unable to understand just what they are or how to react to them, and when Hermione makes her comment, he will be very little closer to recognizing them.
While we are as yet unaware, a turning point in Snape's life occurs in this chapter. In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, one of the memories that Snape passes on to Harry is of himself and Dumbledore watching students return to their common rooms after the Ball. Snape tells Dumbledore that his Dark Mark is growing more distinct, Karkaroff's also; we will also view that scene in Dumbledore's memories in the Pensieve later in this book. When Snape goes on to say that Karkaroff may run, Dumbledore asks if Snape would be following; Snape responds that his place is at Dumbledore's side, always. Following this remark, Dumbledore muses that perhaps students are Sorted too soon. Snape, who was Sorted into Slytherin House and away from his beloved Lily Evans, who was a Gryffindor, is stunned at the thought.
