“Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” by J.K. Rowling

Available on Pottermore and at your local book store.

I was so excited to re-read Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. It’s my second favorite book in the series simply because it is the first Harry Potter book I’ve ever owned. When I was probably 12, I sent my father to Borders to battle with other parents and procure a copy for me since I was not in the country when it was released. A few days before the release date, I left to visit relatives in Jamaica. My father bought the book and brought it to Jamaica for me. I was elated. Great dad!

As soon as he gave it to me, I started to read it. I read all day and by nightfall, I had finished the book and was upset. I no longer had a Harry Potter book to read. I regretted not dragging out my reading, stretching it so that the book would last for days. But still, it was near impossible to do so since it’s hard to put down a Harry Potter book when you first pick it up.

Such was not the case this time, 13 years later, when I reread Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. I had to put the book down many times. Not because I wanted to but because I have matured and now have stupid adult responsibilities (like work and bills and work) that do not allow me the leisure and pleasure of reading all day, even though I was on vacation. The one thing that remained the same is my enjoyment of the story.

I always get lost in the Harry Potter world whenever I start reading one of the books. Even more so with the Goblet of Fire. The Quidditch World Cup and the Tri-Wizard Tournament just make that magical world seem almost real. The anticipation and excitement for the Quidditch World Cup reminds me of the crazy build up to FIFA World Cup. Everyone is excited about it, everyone talks about it, and people are as strongly dedicated to their teams as the wizards and witches are to theirs. The Tri-Wizard Tournament also brings this magical world to life because it shows that the magical community is worldwide, though the story mostly refers to those in Europe. It’s also cool to read about other magical schools.

But the inclusion of these events also shows that the characters are growing up. They are becoming teenagers and are now becoming more aware of the world around them. The newspaper also comes into play quite a lot, mostly because of the annoying reporter, Rita Skeeter. She’s such a bug! Still, she is one of my favorite characters in the book. I like how Rowling satirizes things and Rita Skeeter represents well the pesky media.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire U.K. cover (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I think Harry Potter had to grow up through the pages of this installment to prep him for Cedric Diggory’s death. I could tell that a major event was coming due to the higher level of intellectual and emotional situations that the characters had to deal with such as injustice and slavery. Though it’s in an elf’s nature to clean up after wizards, I agree with Hermione that it is a form of slavery and is quite debasing as well, especially since the wizards do not respect the elves at all and take advantage of their servitude.

Different emotions come into play in this installment. We now see Harry Potter experiencing his first crush. (Aww…so sweet!) It’s the budding of romance in this book as the characters begin to explore intimidate feelings for the opposite sex. It is funny as well: Ron’s tit-tat with Hermione because he is jealous that she’s going with Krum; and Harry jealous of Cedric for going with Cho Chang, Harry’s crush. These moments bring back into perspective the fact that Harry and his friends are basically high-schoolers who are trying to figure out who they are and where they fit in society.

I find it interesting that it’s someone who is trying to deliver Harry to Voldemort who recommends to him to consider a career as an Auror. I think young Barty Crouch got caught up in his cover as an instructor at Hogwarts. Anyways, I like the twist that Mad-Eye Moody is impersonated and Voldemort, who is resurrected, almost got Harry again. This time Harry was saved by his wand, or rather, Fawkes, Dumbledore’s pet phoenix whose feathers serve as the core for both Voldemort and Harry’s wands.

Another great read in the Harry Potter series. Next up, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

Quotes from the book:

“If you want to know what a man’s like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals.” – Sirius

“Understanding is the first step to acceptance, and only with acceptance can there be recovery.” – Dumbledore

“Nobody missed me even when I was alive. Took them hours and hours to find my body – I know, I was sitting there waiting for them.” – Moaning Myrtle (I had to include this one; it’s so funny!)