Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s/Sorcerer’s Stone: Chapter 10 Summary.
Halloween
In Chapter 10 of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, titled “Halloween”, Harry receives his Nimbus 2000 broomstick, experiences his first Quidditch practice, and has a thrilling adventure involving a mountain troll that leads to a strong bond forming with Hermione.
Harry Receives a Broom
Harry receives his Nimbus 2000 broomstick, delivered by Professor McGonagall. The broom is a top-of-the-line model, and Harry is excited to use it in Quidditch practice.
His classmates, especially the Gryffindors, are both impressed and jealous of his new broom, and Harry feels a mixture of pride and anticipation.
Quidditch Practice
Harry starts practicing Quidditch with the Gryffindor team. Oliver Wood trains Harry rigorously as the new Seeker. Harry learns the basics of Quidditch and the roles of the different players. The practices are intense, but Harry enjoys every moment, feeling a sense of belonging and purpose.
Quidditch Rules and Positions
Oliver Wood explains the rules of Quidditch to Harry:
- Quidditch Overview: The game is played with four balls: the Quaffle, two Bludgers, and the Golden Snitch.
- Quaffle: Players score points by getting the Quaffle through one of the opponent’s three hoops. Each goal is worth 10 points.
- Bludgers: Two Bludgers fly around trying to knock players off their brooms. Beaters hit them away to protect their team.
- Golden Snitch: The Seeker’s job is to catch the Golden Snitch, which is worth 150 points and ends the game.
- Game Duration: The game ends when the Snitch is caught. Matches can last for hours or even days.
Current Gryffindor Quidditch Players:
| Position | Player Name |
|---|---|
| Keeper | Oliver Wood |
| Chaser | Angelina Johnson |
| Chaser | Alicia Spinnet |
| Chaser | Katie Bell |
| Beater | Fred Weasley |
| Beater | George Weasley |
| Seeker | Harry Potter |
Ron Offends Hermione
In their Charms class, Professor Flitwick teaches the students the Levitation Charm, Wingardium Leviosa. Hermione successfully performs the charm, while Ron struggles with it. Frustrated, Ron makes a rude comment about Hermione, saying she is a know-it-all. Hermione overhears Ron’s comment and is visibly upset. She skips the Hallowe’en feast and hides in the girls’ bathroom.
Hallowe’en Feast
The Great Hall is decorated with floating pumpkins, bats, and other magical decorations for the Hallowe’en feast.
The students enjoy a variety of magical foods and treats. Professors and students alike are in high spirits, celebrating the festive occasion.
Mountain Troll in the Castle
During the feast, Professor Quirrell bursts into the Great Hall, announcing that a mountain troll has entered the castle. The students are instructed to return to their dormitories for safety. The news causes panic, and the feast is abruptly interrupted.
Hermione in Danger
Harry and Ron realize that Hermione is unaware of the troll because she is in the girls’ bathroom, upset after the earlier argument with Ron. They decide to find her and warn her about the danger.
Confronting the Troll
Harry and Ron find Hermione in the bathroom, but the troll enters before they can escape. A chaotic struggle ensues as the trio attempts to defend themselves against the troll. Harry manages to distract the troll, while Ron uses the Wingardium Leviosa spell to levitate the troll’s club and knock it out. The troll falls unconscious, and the trio is left unharmed but shaken.
Professor McGonagall, Snape, and Quirrell arrive at the scene and are shocked to find the unconscious troll and the trio unharmed. Hermione takes the blame for the incident, lying that she went after the troll on her own and that Harry and Ron saved her. Professor McGonagall awards Gryffindor house points for their bravery, despite the rule-breaking.
The chapter ends with Harry, Hermione, and Ron developing a strong bond. Hermione becomes a close and trusted friend of the duo, and the trio forms a solid friendship that will support them in future adventures.
