Harry Potter, #2
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
by J.K. Rowling
Contents
Chapter 6
Overview
Public fallout from the flying car erupts when Ron receives a Howler. Harry meets eager first-year Colin Creevey, drawing Malfoy’s mockery and Lockhart’s unwanted spotlight. Herbology introduces Mandrakes, while Lockhart’s Defense class devolves into chaos with Cornish pixies, revealing his ineptitude and deepening tensions within the trio over Hermione’s faith in him.
Summary
At breakfast, Errol delivers a Howler from Mrs. Weasley that publicly berates Ron for stealing the car and mentions Mr. Weasley’s inquiry, leaving Ron humiliated and Harry guilty. Professor McGonagall hands out schedules, sending Gryffindor to double Herbology with Hufflepuff.
Outside Greenhouse Three, Professor Sprout arrives with Gilderoy Lockhart, who boasts about tending the Whomping Willow. Lockhart detains Harry to claim the car flight was attention-seeking, then leaves. In class, Professor Sprout teaches repotting Mandrakes and their restorative yet dangerous properties. Justin Finch-Fletchley introduces himself, praising Lockhart, while the work proves difficult and exhausting.
In Transfiguration, Harry struggles, and Ron’s broken, Spellotaped wand backfires, worsening his mood. At lunch, Hermione blushes over Lockhart-themed hearts on her schedule. In the courtyard, first-year Colin Creevey asks for Harry’s photo and autograph; Draco Malfoy mocks “signed photos” and Ron’s poverty until Lockhart barges in, poses with Harry, and escorts him to class, further embarrassing Harry.
In Defense Against the Dark Arts, Lockhart gives a narcissistic quiz about his life, awarding Hermione full marks. He then unveils Cornish pixies, releases them, and chaos erupts: Neville is hoisted by his ears, glass shatters, and the room is wrecked. Lockhart’s spell fails; he hides and then abandons the class, telling Harry, Ron, and Hermione to clean up.
After the bell, the trio corrals pixies; Hermione freezes some efficiently and still defends Lockhart’s reputation, while Harry and Ron recognize his incompetence. Harry remains conflicted by unwanted fame and Lockhart’s continual appropriation of it.
Who Appears
- Harry PotterEmbarrassed by Lockhart’s attention, approached by Colin for a photo, struggles in classes, uneasy with fame.
- Gilderoy LockhartVain new Defense teacher; misreads Harry’s motives, assigns ego quiz, unleashes pixies, proves incompetent.
- Ron WeasleyPublicly scolded by a Howler; frustrated with his broken wand; defends Harry against Malfoy’s taunts.
- Hermione GrangerAnswers Mandrake questions, aces Lockhart’s quiz, efficiently subdues pixies, continues admiring Lockhart.
- Professor SproutLeads Mandrake repotting in Greenhouse Three; practical and competent, annoyed by Lockhart’s boasting.
- Colin CreeveyEnthusiastic first-year Gryffindor; idolizes Harry, requests a photo and autograph.
- Draco MalfoyMocks Harry over signed photos and insults Ron’s family; retreats when Lockhart arrives.
- Neville LongbottomWarns about Howlers; later hoisted by pixies and falls when the chandelier breaks.
- Justin Finch-FletchleyHufflepuff classmate; praises Lockhart and chats during Mandrake lesson.
- Professor McGonagallDistributes schedules; oversees a difficult Transfiguration lesson.
- Molly WeasleySends a Howler, publicly rebuking Ron and mentioning Arthur’s work inquiry.
- Seamus FinniganFinds Lockhart’s quiz absurd; laughs during class.
- Dean ThomasSits with Seamus; amused by Lockhart’s vanity.
- Vincent CrabbeSupports Malfoy; menaces Ron during the courtyard confrontation.
- Gregory GoyleAccompanies Malfoy; joins in mocking laughter at Harry and Ron.