School's out for the summer

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: Chapter 37

If chapter 37 is titled "The Beginning," we must be starting to get to the really good stuff. It would seem that way considering the events in the final chapters of this book, because the story is definitely at a turning point with the rise of Lord Voldemort and the parting of the ways.

Dumbledore, great man that Dumbledore, leaves no doubt of his intentions to part ways with the Fudge-filled Ministry after his speech at the Leaving Feast. You might wonder if Dumbledore has committed political suicide with his speech. But Fudge seems to be more like the kind of fudge that stays soft. He is full of fluff, but he won't take a hard stand, especially when in the back of his mind he has to wonder if Dumbledore is right. He has shown great trust in Dumbledore, so maybe Fudge will let Dumbledore do what he wants just in case Dumbledore is right. Then again, Fudge could be the kind of fudge that is full of nuts and fight this at every pointing of a wand.

It was interesting to find out that Rita Skeeter is an unregistered beetle animagus. It's people like Skeeter that give us journalists a bad name. She better hope there is no use for exterminators in the magic world.

So after Harry gives his tournament winnings to Fred and George, it's off the train and off to Privet Drive with Uncle Vernon. After this school year, maybe summer at home won't seem so bad. (But I'm not counting on it.)