I really am astonished at how well these divisions into three chapters a day seem to fit with the divisions within the novel. Then again, it may be that the threads over those three chapters are more clearly obvious because we are reading them together.

Anyway.

Fred and George and Bagman run about the place. I like how the false explanation of Zonko would seem to fit, but how it clashes a little with the twins' characters. The actual solution will therefore be more satisfying. The goblins are introduced a second time, to drive the point home; and Bagman tries to make Harry cheat. Finally, there is Rita Skeeter's suggestion that something is very bad about Bagman, which echoes that of Winky earlier. Any repetition reinforces a clue, and Rowling is clearly setting up Bagman as a secondary red herring. Much like she did to Lupin last year. Except Bagman isn't lovely and trustworthy and entirely loveable.

Sirius' note saying that ``whoever put your name in the Goblet shouldn't be feeling too happy right now'' is a very good false clue. We are led to believe Harry is getting one over on Voldemort, but in fact he is following Voldemort's plan to a t.

It isn't a major plot point, but the "Who is Hermione going with" deal is handled quite well. We got the hints that Krum was hanging around her and looking surly when she was with Harry in the last batch of chapters, and now of course the enigma has been voiced explicitly. And then, there is the description of Krum arriving with ``A pretty girl in blue robes Harry didn't know''. And then the reveal. I like it.

Mr Crouch is missing, presumed ``ill'', and not in contact with anyone except through owl. This is quite a strong indication that something is very wrong. But we are offered a false indication that it is all down to the absence of his house-elf, which dampens it a little.

And the Room of Requirement is introduced.


Karkaroff's conversation with Snape is interesting. It makes Snape suspect again by association. And it introduces the enigma of what they are discussing, which will be explained right at the end.


We also get the news that Hagrid's mother is a giant. The mixed breed problem crops up again, as a major thematic thread throughout.

And Rita Skeeter's impossible knowledge is introduced.