Ron: He really is very silly. I wonder to what extent the Prophet linking Hermione to Harry had an effect on his resuming hostilities. I imagine it was quite important, because the implication is that she and Harry are the worthy ones, whereas Ron isn't even mentioned. It may be just me liking to spot early developing romance, but I think I am somewhat justified in doing so considering the Yule Ball debacle and the fallout from that in this book.

Harry's thoughts on the subject in chapter 19 also emphasise how the trio is not a trio of equal friend-status. It is Harry and Ron who are best friends, and then Hermione follows second. I was a little surprised at this, because that is not how I think of them normally.

Hermione: her inability to take in Quidditch terms is reminiscent of how Rowling misses things that do not interest her (numbers).

Harry: his treatment of Ron annoys me. Especially when he knows better but decides to be a brat anyway. Then again, as Tash has been pointing out on the comm mb, that is part of how humans act.

I like how he tells Cedric about the drags though. Again, that makes him a good guy.


The reconciliation between Harry and Ron is quite sweet. Hermione is right that they are stupid. I imagine Ron's feelings were pretty much like Mrs Weasley after the Quidditch Cup. Perhaps that is why that scene was there originally (it didn't fit so well at the time, I thought, even if it was lovely): in order to set an emotional pattern for this one without Rowling having to spell it out.

Neville: his connection to the Cruciatus Curse is further developed as he comments that the egg sounds like someone being tortured.


Dobby: *sigh* I enjoy his wardrobe. And I find it interesting that he talked down his own pay.

Winky: I assume, because of its impeccable coherence, Winky's wardrobe was given to her complete by Crouch. He does not strike me as the type to dismiss a house-elf with just a sock -- it would be a complete matching set of proper clothes. Winky's reaction, shame, is also interesting. It does suggest that the desire to serve is based in some very strong cultural codes.

Dumbledore: his genius shines through in his treatment of Winky and Dobby. I love how he told them they could call him a barmy old codger.