The first chapter fills the same function of setting up enigmas without telling us too much which Dobby filled in book 2 and which I thought Rowling handled much more elegantly in book 3.

Is this the first chapter since the opening one that is not focalised through Harry? I cannot remember that happening in any of the earlier books, but I know this technique shows up in the opening of book 6 as well (at least). Still, it is unusual for Rowling and a little unsettling because it breaks the pattern.

It raises a lot of questions: what is the plan that cannot proceed until the World Cup is over? Kidnapping Harry is after all not going to happen for almost a whole year.

Who is Wormtail going to curse? I am genuinely perplexed by this, despite having read the book I don't know how many times. Is it Crouch's house-elf? I thought maybe Barty Jr did that himself.

I like how Berta's memory charm is slipped by almost unnoticed (I certainly have a tendency to forget it before it comes up again).

And the reference to "my faithful servant at Hogwarts" is of course meant to throw us at Snape again.

I also like how we are shown Voldemort's ability as a legilimens as he stops Frank lying about his wife.


The first chapter as Harry's dream is a little problematic. Later on when he has contact with Voldemort's mind, it is always seeing through Voldemort's eyes (I think) or the eyes of someone Voldemort is possessing. But here he appears to have alternately seen through the eyes of the caretaker and Voldemort.