Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire | Chapter 24 Summary

Chapter Twenty-Four

Rita-Skeeter’s Scoop

 

Christmas has concluded with Harry getting extremely nervous about the second task of the Triwizard Tournament. Harry is jealous that Cedric took Cho Chang to the Yule Ball and, therefore, refuses to accept any help from his fellow Triwizard champion. 

Confirming Harry’s fears, Harry discovers a horrible article in the Daily Prophet where Rita Skeeter ravages Hagrid with her vicious rumors.  Harry is not sure how Skeeter was able to obtain this information, but it seems that Hagrid revealed to Madam Maxime that he was actually half-giant which, in the wizard world, is not something you would want proclaimed publicly.

The next surprise is that on an upcoming trip to Hogsmead Village, Ludo Bagman offers Harry some illegal help with the next Triwizard task (even though Harry refuses to accept it) and informs Harry that Barty Crouch is missing (and declared “ill” by Percy) that they relate to the disappearance of Bertha Jorkins. 

Also while they are in Hogsmead, Harry sees Rita Skeeter walking into the Three Broomsticks and confronts her about her horrible story about Hagrid. Hermione confronts her as well, and both Ron and Harry admit that Skeeter would probably be coming for Hermione next. 

With Hagrid on their mind, the three head on over to Hagrid’s hut. Hagrid has been hiding there ever since Rita Skeeter revealed her latest article about him. They are surprised that it is not Hagrid who opens the door, it is Dumbledore. Hagrid is hysterically crying inside while the three assure him that they do not care at all what his lineage is (even if he is half-giant). Back in the common room, Harry’s thoughts turn again to the next Triwizard task.  Harry decides to take Cedric’s advice after all to see if he can find anything out about this mysterious golden egg.