The Veritaserum has revealed many truths. And while this chapter answerssolves many questionsmysteries regarding Harry and Voldemort, it also reveals just how vulnerable Harry actually is. The comforting notion throughout the book that Harry is protected as long as he is within Hogwarts's secure walls has been forever dispelled by Barty Crouch's clever deception that allowed him direct access to Harry. From here on, Harry will have difficulty finding a completely safe haven. Now that Voldemort has fully regained his body, he will likely execute another attack on Harry as soon as possible. His power is spreading, quietly and methodically it will seepseeping into nearly all wizarding areas, taking hold in key institutions until he has gained control.
Also, Harry's earlier dreamwish to compete as a Triwizard Champion came to fruition, but the experience was far from what he could have imagined. Rather than being the celebrated hero, he was instead tricked and manipulated into a false victory; now he must learn toforever cope with the tragic aftermath. Harry had also placed his trust and admiration in (the fake) Alastor Moody, but having been so horribly deceived, never again can he ever fully trust anyone to be who or what they seem. Harry's relationship with Dumbledore may also be affected. Dumbledore has always seemed invincible, but his failure to detect Barty Crouch and to fully protect Harry exposes a chink in his otherwise infallible power. As the newly reborn Voldemort gains strength, is Dumbledore growing weaker with age? It is unclear if that is the case here, but Dumbledore failing to anticipate someone breaching Hogwarts' tight security is surprising, especially considering how both Sirius Black (in ''Prisoner of Azkaban'') and more recently, Rita Skeeter so easily slipped in. In fact, Harry has never truly been safe at Hogwarts.
Cornelius Fudge, meanwhile, ineptly attempts to implement damage control, claiming Cedric is not dead, merely injured. He may be attempting to protect Cedric's parents, who are sitting in the audience, feeling it would be inappropriate to inform them that their son is dead when so many people are present. However, he is also wants to protect his and the Ministry's public image. This attempt to either spin or minimize bad news reappears in the next chapter.
