The Mudblood Insult

During a joint Quidditch practice session, Draco Malfoy insults Hermione by calling her a 'Mudblood,' a highly offensive term for a Muggle-born witch. Ron, enraged, tries to curse Malfoy with his broken wand, but the spell backfires, causing Ron to vomit slugs. The incident highlights the deep-seated prejudice against Muggle-borns and sets the stage for the year's central conflict. Harry and Hermione take Ron to Hagrid's hut, where Hagrid explains the term's meaning and expresses his outrage. The event also introduces the idea that the Heir of Slytherin is targeting Muggle-borns, as the attacks on students will soon begin.