Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire | Chapter 12 Summary

Chapter Twelve

The Triwizard Tournament

 

The friends enter Hogwarts and immediately get pelted with water balloons by Peeves, the poltergeist, as Professor McGonagall (the headmistress of Gryffindor house) puts him back in line.  It is not long before they are sitting at the house tables, discussing the lack of a Defense Against the Dark Arts Teacher, and listening to the Sorting Hat sing about the different houses of Hogwarts. 

The first years, wet to the gills from crossing the lake on boats, are sorted into their houses.  They all dig in to eat the feast placed before them; however, Hermione is appalled to learn that all of the food at Hogwarts are cooked by house elves. Hermione continues to be disgusted by the treatment of the elves, and vows not to eat any more food made through slave labor.

A hush falls over the room as Dumbledore, the headmaster of Hogwarts, speaks. Everyone is shocked to learn that the Quidditch Cup would not be held this year at Hogwarts!  All express their disappointment as the Great Hall doors swing open to reveal a strange man with one peg-leg. Dumbledore amiably announces this man as Mad-Eye Moody, the new Defense Against Dark Arts teacher. Dumbledore finally tells the crowds that there will be no Quidditch Cup only because the very exciting Triwizard Tournament will be hosted by Howarts, instead! 

Three schools compete in the Triwizard Tournament: Hogwarts, Durmstrang, and Beauxbatons. A champion of each school is selected to compete in a group of tests in order to see who wins the greatest honor of his or her school. Dumbledore avidly warns about the danger and difficulty level associated with the tasks; therefore, there is an age limit of the Tournament guarded by an “impartial judge.” Ron’s twin brothers decide to enter anyway, and everyone ends the day imagining a win.