Hagrid: I suppose if what distinguishes a good guy from a bad guy in Rowling's universe is that the bad guy will ask "what's in it for me" -- which I argued in one of the earlier discussions -- then Hagrid is the ultimate good guy in his care for blast-ended skrewts. Still, I confess I am with Draco on this one.

Rita Skeeter is a bad, bad woman. Satire means you don't have to be subtle.

"Moody": he is cemented as a good guy . We applaud anyone who'll turn Malfoy into a ferret (however wrong it is), and his reason for doing so is very, very good (attacking from behind is dishonourable, and so through his objection to it Moody is pegged as honourable). And I must say the "Teaching" comment is divine.

I cannot decide whether I believe that Dumbledore has sanctioned the teaching of the unforgivable curses (or, more especially, the use of the Imperius Curse on the students). It is sensible, but it seems rather extreme, and I am not sure it is entirely in character. Then again, it does them no harm, so maybe it isn't a problem. He is not one to follow rules for the sake of it.

I find it hard whether to treat Moody's character as a plot point or as a character point, so you'll forgive me if my treatment of him is a little scattered. I noticed his anger at those who laugh at the Imperius Curse. That made sense when I thought he was Moody, but it makes even more sense re-reading it and knowing Crouch Jr's story.

Neville: his reaction to the Cruciatus Curse is a big moment.

Harry: I find it a little odd that he has never asked anyone what curse killed his parents. Am I misremembering or did Hagrid tell him it was a special curse. Surely some curiosity should have triggered the question later on?

His comparison of Moody to Lupin… It helps trick us into accepting Moody as a good guy, unless we have realised that Harry is always wrong.

Also, Harry's treatment of Hedwig is shocking. She has probably flown back and forth to Africa or some such and the ungrateful lout snaps at her because he has been an idiot? I wholeheartedly approve of her slapping him.

I suppose Harry's worry for Sirius doesn't make him a horrible person. And I like how he tried to stop him. I am sure Sirius liked that. I can picture him chuckling.

But I love Hedwig's reactions. (The Slap), turning her back on him. And I like how the ``oh, I'll ask this annoying little owl, then, if you don't feel up to it'' works. Hedwig's character is a high point of these chapters.

Cedric: he really is set up as the perfect guy. We know from previous experience (and future scenes) that he is honourable, now we are told that he is smart, responsible and good-looking. Helpful in the kitchen is the only thing missing. In retrospect this is a sure sign of doom. You don't build up a character like that unless you are going to make him evil or dead.

McGonnagall: I love her competitive streak. We have seen it before in Quidditch, and now in relation to the visiting schools. Always fun.

Hermione: I am beginning to share her exasperation that Harry and Ron cannot get into their heads that you cannot apparate into Hogwarts. I am not so fond of her SPEW tactics. Perhaps it reminds me too much of me.

Madamme Maxime (I only just realised her name refers to her size): I choose to read her use of high heels as a comment on tall women wearing them. I have always found it particularly impossible to understand why they do it. I now play the authorial intention card and firmly believe that this particular sequence is a comment through exaggeration on this particular thing.