Harry Potter, #2
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
by J.K. Rowling
Contents
Chapter 14
Overview
Harry, Ron, and Hermione doubt Hagrid could have meant harm, but Riddle’s memory implicates him. After weeks of calm, Harry’s trunk is ransacked and the diary stolen. Hermione and a Ravenclaw prefect are petrified, prompting strict lockdown.
That night, Fudge arrests Hagrid and Lucius Malfoy forces Dumbledore’s suspension. Dumbledore hints help will come to those who ask, and Hagrid urges, “follow the spiders.”
Summary
Harry, Ron, and Hermione debate Tom Riddle’s memory that showed Hagrid linked to the original Chamber attacks. They agree Hagrid wouldn’t intend harm but decide not to confront him unless another attack occurs. School life resumes cautiously; the Mandrakes near maturity and third-year subject choices distract students.
The night before the Hufflepuff match, Harry discovers his dormitory ransacked and realizes Riddle’s diary is missing. The next morning, Harry again hears the murderous voice; Hermione suddenly claims she understands something and sprints to the library.
Professor McGonagall cancels the match and reveals a double attack: Hermione Granger and Penelope Clearwater are petrified near the library, a small mirror found beside them. Hogwarts imposes strict curfews and escorts. Distressed and fearing Hagrid’s implication, Harry and Ron decide to visit him under the Invisibility Cloak.
At Hagrid’s hut, Dumbledore arrives with Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge, who, under pressure, orders Hagrid taken to Azkaban as a precaution. Lucius Malfoy then appears with a governors’ suspension removing Dumbledore. Despite protests, Dumbledore agrees, warning he will only truly be gone when none remain loyal and that help will be given to those who ask.
As Hagrid is led away, he pointedly instructs that anyone seeking answers should “follow the spiders,” and asks that Fang be fed. With Dumbledore suspended and Hagrid imprisoned, Harry and Ron are left with Hagrid’s cryptic clue and a rising sense of danger.
Who Appears
- Harry PotterSuspects Hagrid’s innocence; loses Riddle’s diary to theft; hears the voice again; decides to visit Hagrid and witnesses Fudge and Malfoy’s actions.
- Rubeus HagridAnxious and armed; taken to Azkaban by Fudge as a precaution; leaves the vital clue to follow the spiders.
- Ron WeasleySupports confronting Hagrid; accompanies Harry under the Invisibility Cloak; reacts to Dumbledore’s suspension with alarm.
- Albus DumbledoreArrives during the arrest; expresses full confidence in Hagrid; is suspended by governors; hints that help comes to those who ask.
- Cornelius FudgeMinister of Magic; under pressure, orders Hagrid to Azkaban as a public precaution.
- Lucius MalfoyBrings governors’ order suspending Dumbledore; coldly asserts Dumbledore’s failure amid the attacks.
- Hermione GrangerRealizes a crucial insight and runs to the library; later found petrified near it with a mirror.
- Professor McGonagallCancels the Quidditch match; announces new security rules; shows Harry and Ron the petrified victims.
- Penelope ClearwaterRavenclaw prefect found petrified beside Hermione near the library.
- Madam PomfreyTends to the newly petrified students in the infirmary.
- Oliver WoodDevastated when the Quidditch match is canceled moments before kickoff.
- FangHagrid’s boarhound; frightened during the confrontation; left behind to be fed.
- Neville LongbottomFinds Harry’s ransacked trunk; worries over subject choices.