Harry Potter is in his fourth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. However, this new book opens with a difference with a very sinister encounter and a death in a darkened and empty house. In the meantime term goes on and there are spells to be learnt, potions to be brewed and (unluckily) Divination and Potions lessons to be attended. However, the atmosphere is darkening as, without Harry's knowledge, his worst enemy is preparing a fate for him that it seems is inescapable . . .