Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: Chapter 7 Summary.
Bagman and Crouch
Chapter 7 of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, titled “Bagman and Crouch” introduces Ludo Bagman and Barty Crouch, and hints at something big coming to Hogwarts.
At the Campsite
The group lands in a deserted stretch of a misty moor. A pair of tired, grumpy-looking wizards greet them. One of them was wearing a kilt on a poncho, while the other sported a tweed suit with thigh-length galoshes.
Arthur greets the wizard in the kilt and addresses him as Basil. Basil informs him of the location of his campsite, and they take his leave.
After walking for about 20 minutes, Harry spots a small stone cottage, beyond which are hundreds of tents. Arthur greets the site manager, Mr Roberts, who points him towards their space. Arthur takes Harry’s help to pay the man, which spikes his curiosity. He talks about how the place is overcrowded with foreigners and weird fellows (“There’s a bloke walking ’round in a kilt and a poncho!”)
Out of nowhere, a wizard in plus-fours apparates next to him. Wasting no time, the wizard casts the Obliviate! charm, which wipes his memory. Robert then hands Arthur his change and the site map, and the group is escorted to the gate by the wizard.
Setting Up Camp
The wizard talks about Ludo Bagman, who is the Head of Magical Games and Sports at the Ministry of Magic. Ludo is overly enthusiastic about sports and can be a bit lax about security sometimes. He goes on about Bludgers and Quaffles, not caring about anti-muggle security, worrying his colleagues.
Harry and the others walk towards their designated spot. They see extravagant tents, one with three floors, and another with live peacocks. Arthur, however, is against using magic on Muggle land. He decides to manually put the tents up, and asks Harry for his help.
It takes some time, but the group eventually manages to erect a couple of shabby-looking tents. Hermione worries about there not being enough space within, and Harry walks inside.
He is shocked to see that inside the tent is a three-bedroom apartment, complete with a bathroom and a kitchen.
Once inside, Arthur realizes they need water. He asks Ron, Harry and Hermione to fetch some, while the others gather wood for a fire.
The trio walks around the site, peering at the city of tents. They see kids playing around, adults cooking breakfast, and groups of wizards engaged in gossip.
Collecting Water and Meeting Friends
The trio runs into Seamus Finnegan and Dean Thomas, their classmates at Hogwarts. They talk about how the Bulgarians have decorated their tents to support their country, which spikes Hermione’s curiosity.
The Bulgarian tents all share a common trait, the poster of a surly face with heavy eyebrows. Ron identifies him as Viktor Krum, the genius Bulgarian Seeker.
The trio collects water and heads back to the camp. On the way, they spot more familiar faces; Oliver Wood, Cho Chang, and Ernie McMillian. They also see a large group of teenagers, perhaps from a foreign school.
Back at the campsite, Arthur seems to be having trouble with the fire. Hermione kindly offers help with the matchbox, and Arthur gratefully accepts.
Hermione starts the fire, but it takes a while for it to be hot enough to be usable.
Arthur runs a commentary to entertain Harry and Hermione and introduces members of the Ministry.
Nearly an hour later, the fire becomes ready. Right as they begin cooking, they are joined by Percy, Bill, and Charlie, who just apparated to the site. Percy greets them and joins the others for lunch.
Enter Ludo Bagman
They are halfway through lunch when they are joined by Ludo Bagman. He is easily the most noticeable person around, sporting a full set of Quidditch robes. He cheerfully greets Arthur and appreciates the weather.
Arthur introduces the kids to Ludo. In response, Ludo asks if Arthur wants to put any bets for the match. Arthur offers a Galleon on Ireland, which disappoints Bagman. He asks if there are any other takers, and the twins jump on this offer. They bet 37 Galleons, fifteen Sickles, three Knuts, and a fake wand on Ireland winning but Viktor getting the Snitch.
Ludo happily notes down the bet and announces that he must find Barty Crouch. Arthur asks if they have any news on Bertha Jorkins, but they don’t.
Just then, Barty Crouch apparates at the fireside. He is an elderly man in a crisp suit and highly polished shoes. Percy offers him a cup of tea, and Barty addresses him as ‘Weatherby’, much to the amusement of the twins.
Something to Look Forward To
Barty takes his tea from Percy and makes conversation about the Ministry with Arthur. He talks about Ali Bashir wanting flying carpets, which exhausts Arthur. He also talks about how exhausting it is to organize Portkeys across five continents.
Ludo talks about something being organized at Hogwarts, but Barty disapproves of the topic. They are not supposed to make any announcements before all the details are confirmed.
Barty declares they need to meet the Bulgarians and leaves with Ludo. Fred asks Arthur about what Ludo was hinting at, but Arthur denies him any information.
By dusk, the atmosphere of the place changes. Excitement fills the air as different salesmen apparate in, carrying all sorts of magical artifacts. Ron buys a miniature figure of Viktor Krum, but regrets it moments later when he sees the Omniculars.
Harry buys one for each of them. Ron protests, but Harry calls it his Christmas gift and shoves it into his hand. Their money bags feel considerably lighter by the time they return to their tent.
The chapter ends as the trio reunites with the others. Everyone is full of excitement, and it is finally time for the match to begin.
