Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Chapter 27 Summary

Chapter 27 of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, titled “Padfoot Returns,” picks up after Rita Skeeter’s article has put Harry and Hermione in the spotlight. This recap follows the chapter in order, from the Potions scene and Snape’s threat to Sirius’s meeting with Harry, Ron, and Hermione outside Hogsmeade. Read the full Harry Potter chapter summary index or continue to Chapter 28 Summary.

Rita Skeeter’s Article in Potions

Harry, Ron, and Hermione react to Rita Skeeter’s article during Potions, with the story giving everyone in the room more to talk about than the lesson itself. The article puts Harry and Hermione in an awkward position and gives Snape another chance to turn the class against Harry.

Snape’s Public Warning

Snape reads the article aloud and uses it to mock Harry in front of the class. He separates Harry, Ron, and Hermione by putting them at different tables, then threatens Harry with Veritaserum and accuses him of breaking into Snape’s office and taking boomslang skin and gillyweed.

Karkaroff’s Agitated Interruption

Professor Karkaroff interrupts Snape while Snape is still focused on Harry. Karkaroff appears visibly agitated about something on his arm and unsettled by Snape avoiding him, which adds another layer of tension to the Potions classroom before the chapter moves on.

Sirius in the Cave Outside Hogsmeade

Later, Harry, Ron, and Hermione meet Sirius in the cave outside Hogsmeade, where he has brought food for them. The meeting gives the trio a chance to ask questions about Crouch, Snape, and Karkaroff, while Sirius explains what he knows about the adults involved.

Crouch, Snape, and the Dark Arts

Sirius explains that Crouch lost status after his son died and was later moved to the Department of International Magical Cooperation. He also says Snape was interested in the Dark Arts at school and names former Slytherins who later became Death Eaters, adding that Dumbledore must trust Snape for some reason.

Ron, Percy, and Bertha Jorkins

Sirius tells Ron to ask Percy whether Crouch has been seen recently and to ask about Bertha Jorkins. The instruction keeps the chapter focused on what the trio can still investigate through the people they already know at Hogwarts and the Ministry.

Back to Hogwarts

Before the meeting ends, Sirius warns the three of them not to leave Hogwarts without permission and says the tournament will not be over until June. He then leaves by transforming back into a black dog, and Harry, Ron, and Hermione head back to Hogwarts.