Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: Chapter Eighteen Summary & Analysis

Harry wakes up the next morning feeling miserable. He leaves the common room and comes face to face with Hermione, who has toast with her and suggests they go for a walk. He tells her what happened the night before and is thrilled that she believes him. Hermione thinks that Moody is right and someone fooled the goblet. She also says that Ron is extremely jealous, since Harry always gets all the attention. This makes Harry angry, but Hermione tries to change the subject and insists that Harry write to Sirius. Though he doesn't want to, Harry finally agrees.

During lessons the next day, everyone seems convinced that Harry put his own name in. Hufflepuff students are especially cold to all Gryffindors, while Ron refuses to speak to Harry at all. In Care of Magical Creatures, Malfoy taunts Harry that he's going to die during the Tournament. Fortunately, Hagrid's lesson plan--taking the skrewts for walks--distracts Malfoy. Hagrid tells Harry he believes that Harry didn't put his own name in, but he seems worried about Harry's prospects.

Harry's next few days are horrendous, especially since Ron continues to ignore Harry. Harry understands why the Hufflepuffs hate him, especially since Cedric looks so much more like a champion. All of this is so distracting that Harry gets extra homework on Summoning Charms in Flitwick's class. When he and Hermione arrive in the dungeons for Potions, they see that every Slytherin student is wearing a badge that reads "Support Cedric Diggory--the REAL Hogwarts Champion!" When tapped, the badge changes to read "Potter Stinks." Ron doesn't stand up for Harry as the Slytherins laugh, but Hermione does. Malfoy insults her and Harry snaps. The boys shoot curses at each other that ricochet and hit Goyle and Hermione. Hermione's front teeth start growing rapidly.

Snape arrives and listens to Malfoy accuse Harry of attacking him. He sends Goyle to the hospital wing and, upon seeing Hermione's teeth, insists that he doesn't see a difference in her appearance. Hermione starts to cry and runs away. Both Harry and Ron shout at Snape and he gives them detention. Ron chooses to sit with Dean and Seamus rather than Harry. Harry is livid, especially when Snape insinuates that he's going to poison Harry today to test his antidote. However, before Harry can begin brewing, Colin Creevy arrives to fetch Harry for Bagman and the Daily Prophet.

Colin leads Harry to a classroom where there's an area set up for photos. Bagman leaps at the sight of Harry and explains that it's time to weigh the champions’ wands to test that they're in good condition. He introduces Harry to Rita Skeeter, who's working on a piece for the Daily Prophet. She asks if she can interview Harry and leads him to a broom cupboard. She asks to use a Quick-Quotes Quill and stands the acid green quill upright on a piece of parchment. When she tests it by giving it her name, it writes observations about her appearance and reputation. The quill writes of its own accord as Skeeter asks questions that seek to paint Harry as a rebel and a loveable underdog. She asks about his parents and he notices the quill writing that he's crying, though he isn’t. Fortunately, Dumbledore rescues Harry.

Harry takes a seat next to Cedric. Dumbledore introduces Mr. Ollivander, a Diagon Alley wand maker. He checks Fleur's wand first, then Krum's, Cedric's, and Harry's. All are in working order, and Harry is glad that Ollivander doesn't mention that Harry's wand shares a core with Voldemort's. The following photos take a long time to get right and when the adults finally release Harry, it's dinnertime. Harry eats alone and then returns to the dormitory. Ron briskly points out an owl for Harry and tells him about their detention arrangements with Snape. The letter is from Sirius and asks Harry to be alone by the fireplace late one night in November.