Book #136: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling

 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

J.K. Rowling

 Released: July 2nd, 1998

My 2nd book for 2026 was J.K. Rowling’s "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets".  

[Blogger's Notes: I'm going to do this series a little bit different than I normally do.  My sister, Megan Perry, is a diehard Harry Potter fan.  Since she also does some blogging, I figured I would incorporate her thoughts on this one as well.  You can check her blog "Between The Pages" at Megan Perry Writes.

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Bryan Shades: Fair warning, there will be spoilers as I'm dissecting the series as we go.  The thing about the Harry Potter series is that all the books connect together in many ways, so it's impossible to talk about various things without spoiling something that happened from an earlier novel in the series.

I remember the first time I read Chamber of Secrets, but do not recall the specifics.  I remember finishing the first book, and thinking it was absolutely amazing.  We ended up with the second book somehow, and I remember going right into it.  [Megan has told me that our parents got me the second book in paperback for Christmas back in 2000.  She has the copy in her collection.]  Tom Riddle was one of the biggest things I remember about the book, and his connection to Voldemort.  Moaning Myrtle is another highlight of this story.

These early Harry Potter novels were great.  You got some wonderful kids stories because they were young students still learning their way, while facing true danger.  In the later novels, the storyline became much more serious and adult-themed.

I even remember the night Chamber of Secrets was released to the movie theater.  We saw this one together as a family as well, and my sister brought along her friend Jenna with us to see it at the Regal Theater over at the Valley Mall in Hagerstown, MD.  I remember being thrilled by the film and eagerly anticipating the 3rd one as it is my favorite book of the series.

Harry Potter is gearing up to start his 2nd year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardy.  However, an unexpected visit by a house-elf named Dobby warns Harry of grave danger should he return back to his school.  Ways are set up to prevent him from going back, but with the help of the Weasleys and other familiar faces, Harry makes it back for his new school year.  This time, an ancient diary is found that once belonged to a man named Tom Riddle.  Riddle has deep ties to Voldemort, and slowly befriends the young Potter, with encouragement of finding the legendary "Chamber of Secrets".  As the story unfolds, our heroes end up deep inside the chamber and must rely on their wits and newfound skills to save the day and protect Hogwarts from true peril.

Chamber of Secrets is a good follow up to Sorcerer's Stone as it continues a lot of themes presented in Sorcerer's Stone, but takes on a much deeper level, with more information revealed about Harry's past, legends of Hogwarts, and new characters with deep plot ties.

The whole mystique around Tom Riddle is super fascinating.  The fact that a wizard can create a diary that essentially "lives on" is intense.  Harry speaks to it as Tom writes back.  Leading him into more danger.

We explore more with Harry's ability to speak parseltongue (the snake language).  It is also revealed that Voldemort also has this special capability, leading to a series of commonalities that the hero and villains share together (foreshadowing much more down the line).

I always felt bad for Moaning Myrtle.  Did she deserve her demise, and left to wallow in the restrooms of Hogwarts for eternity?  In short, no.  However, she plays an important part, and it's enjoyable and memorable.  She was the one killed when the Chamber of Secrets was opened 50 years prior.  While she can be annoying with her wails, her life was cut unexpectedly short, and the fact that her ghostly life is now regulated to a toilet in the castle does feel unfulfilling.

Dobby is another important character that we see introduced.  Dobby's story runs deep into Harry Potter lore, and the way he weaves his journey around Harry, his friends, and his enemies is an intriguing one.  His annoyance and insistence that Harry should not return to Hogwarts is a bit frustrating, but we learn why a good bit later.  Harry's freeing of Dobby sets up a loyal companion in later books.

We see Arthur Weasley's flying car (taken full advantage of by his younger sons).  This leads to a frightening encounter with the Weeping Willow.  Another plot point that plays a much greater role in the next novel as the mystery of the HP World slowly unravels.

We also meet Aragog, the leader of the spiders who reside in the Forbidden Forest.  Hagrid had taken care of Aragog over time, and while untrusting of Harry, allows him to get away alive.

Speaking of Hagrid, there's a whole lot uncovered about him.  We know he was expelled years before, but it was never mentioned why.  It's also crazy to learn that Hagrid is over 50 years old.  He went to Hogwarts at the same time as Tom Riddle, and was framed, leading to his expulsion.  So, it seems Hagrid has his own reasons for taking issue against the dark lord.

Ginny Weasley takes a prominent role in her first year at Hogwarts.  Admittedly so, I was not thrilled about her and Harry being a thing.  In hindsight, I do see how fans were thrown off by Ginny and Hermione's charms.  Hermione seems like a logical partner for Harry.  Resourceful, intelligent, beautiful.  Ginny gives Harry a permanent connection to his friends the Weasleys. In this one, Ginny falls into a trap set by Lucius Malfoy, and Harry has to go save her.  Saving her life now adds to the list of reasons why she falls deeper for him.

On another note, there appear to be some random printings of Chamber of Secrets that have various editing errors.  My first edition hardcover from June 1999 features "Professorr" on page 283.  However, both Megan and others have found that their same editions feature it fully edited.  But even further, her paperback edition from a year later features the misspelling as well.  The reason I'm making a note of this is because after seeing it, I Google'd and checked Reddit to see if others knew or had said something.  I could not find anything anywhere.  You'd think that with how eagle-eyed and nitpicky the Internet can be, someone, somewhere would have at least mentioned it in passing.  

“Professorr” in a June 1999 1st Edition Hardcover.

You can see my TikTok on the matter here: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZThhTa3nD/

Lots unpacked.  What does Megan have to say about Chamber?

Megan Perry: The Chamber of Secrets is one of my favorites in the series. In a way, it almost reads much like a thriller in the sense that you’re trying to figure out who is behind all of the attacks and it keeps you guessing. It always felt a bit scarier to me than the first one and really emphasizes what it would be like to go to school in an ancient castle. As an avid thriller reader now, it makes sense why I enjoy this one so much.

The Chamber of Secrets gives you your first glimpse into Tom Riddle before he became the power hungry Voldemort. It is also neat to think about Hogwarts during his time — and also Hagrid’s. 

I love the introduction of new characters such as Dobby, Moaning Myrtle and Gilderoy Lockhart in this one. Dobby, oftentimes underestimated and loyal to a fault, is one of my favorite characters throughout the entire series. Moaning Myrtle, while not one of my favorite characters, adds her own element to the story upon learning her past and how she ended up where she is. And Lockhart, well he is just silly. But his character adds a bit of humor at times to the book that is much needed with all of the dark things going on otherwise.

You also get to see more of Peeves the poltergeist in the second installation. While left out of the movies, as a kid, I always found Peeves to be entertaining with all of his shenanigans. For instance, Peeves drops a vanishing cabinet over Filch’s office allowing for Harry to search Filch’s desk where he discovers the Kwikspell letter — and that Peeves is a squib.

The vanishing cabinet, while unknown at the time of the second book, will later play a pivotal role in the series. 

In fact, there are several things introduced in the Chamber of Secrets that make later appearances in the story. For instance, Polyjuice Potion. I always enjoy the part where Harry, Ron and Hermione use Polyjuice Potion to take on the appearance of Slytherins and get into the common room. It does not quite work out for Hermione, but Harry and Ron are able to set out on the quest. Once there, they subtly interrogate Draco Malfoy to see if he knows who the Heir of Slytherin could be. 

The Chamber of Secrets is also where the reader receives their first introduction to a horcrux — another object that will become a major theme later in the series.

Looking back, it’s interesting to see all the little pieces and elements woven into the first couple books that tie into the later books. It does a great job of picking up where we left off in the Sorcerer’s Stone with expanding upon Hogwarts castle and magical world around it.

Overall, I’ve always enjoyed the second book. Even the movie is one of my favorites. You will see this for all of them from me, but highly recommend.

Here is what I learned:

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• For Sean P.F. Harris.  Getaway driver and foul-weather friend.

• The Dursleys forgot Harry’s 12th birthday.

• Uncle Vernon is hosting the family of his client, the Masons in hopes of securing a large drill deal.

• Aunt Petunia makes whipped cream and sugared violets to go with roast pork.

• The Dursleys want a vacation home in Majorca.

• Dobby is a house elf.

• “Harry Potter must not go back to Hogwarts.”

• Any magical activity that risks notice by members of the non-magical community is a serious offense under section 13 of the International Confederation of Warlocks’ Statute of Secrecy.

• Mafalda Hopkins works in the Improper Use of Magic Office at the Ministry of Magic.

• House elves come with big old manors, and castles.

• Errol is the Weasley’s owl.

• Hermes is Percy’s owl.

• Mr. Weasley works in the “Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office” in the Ministry of Magic.

• Mrs. Weasley gives Fred a lecture about dying.

• “You could have died, you could have been seen, you could have lost your father his job —.”

• The Weasley’s house, “The Burrow”, is the first wizarding house Harry has ever been to.

• Singing sorceress Celestina Warbeck sings “Witching Hour.”

• Ginny Weasley always had a fascination with Harry.

• Mrs. Weasley enjoys Gilderoy Lockhart.

• Ron is a fan of the Chudley Cannons in professional Quidditch.

• Run enjoys the comic book, “The Adventures of Martin Miggs, The Mad Muggle”.

• The Weasleys have a ghoul in the attic.

• The Hogwarts list for Second Years includes:

• The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 2 by Miranda Goshawk

• Break with a Banshee by Gilderoy Lockhart

• Gadding with Ghouls by Gilderoy Lockhart

• Holidays with Hags by Gilderoy Lockhart

• Travels with Trolls by Gilderoy Lockhart

• Voyages with Vampires by Gilderoy Lockhart

• Wanderings with Werewolves by Gilderoy Lockhart

• Year with the Yeti by Gilderoy Lockhart

• Lockhart is the new Defense Against Dark Arts teacher.

• Ron flies a Shooting Star broom.

• Mr. Borgin runs Borgin and Burke’s.

• Harry accidently travels by Floo Powder to Knockturn Alley.

• Knockturn Alley is a dodgy place.

• Slugs are eating the cabbages at Hogwarts.

• Lockhart’s biography is called “Magical Me”.

• When Ginny stands up for Harry, and Malfoy calls her his girlfriend, we see foreshadowing.

• Floo powder is not Harry’s favorite way to travel.

• Someone cast a spell on the entrance to the train to keep Harry from returning to Hogwarts.

• Ron knows hour to drive a flying car.

• Harry and Ron crash the car into the Whomping Willow.

• “Wattlebird” is the new password to Gryffindor Tower.

• Mandrake or Mandragora is a powerful restorative.

• The cry of a Mandrake is fatal to anyone who hears it.

• The group meets Hufflepuff Justin Finch-Fletchley who was sorted with them in their sorting ceremony.

• Hermione has a crush on Lockhart.

• Colin Creevey is a photographer in Gryffindor.

• Lockhart’s favorite color is lilac.

• Lockhart’s dream is unity between magical purple and Muggles.

• Lockhart enjoys Ogden’s Old Firewhisky.

• Draco Malfoy is the new Slytherin seeker.

• Lucius Malfoy purchased new Nimbus 2001’s for the entire Syltherin team.

• Harry has to answer Lockhart’s fan mail for detention.

• Nearly Headless Nick is denied entry into the Headless Hunt due to his head still being slightly attached at death.

• Filch is taking a Kwikspell course.

• Nick has been dead for 500 years and is throwing a party for it.

• Moaning Myrtle haunts one of the toilets in the girl’s bathroom on the first floor.

• Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington died October 31st, 1492.

• This means Chamber of Secrets takes place in 1992.

• Harry hears voices echoing throughout Hogwarts.

• Message on a Hogwarts wall: “THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS HAD BEEN OPENED.  ENEMIES OF THE HEIR BEWARE.”

• Someone attacked Mrs. Norris and petrified her.

• Filch is a Squib, or someone born into a magical family who has no magical powers.

• Ginny is a great cat lover.

• Hogwarts, A History, features the legend of the Chamber of Secrets.

• Professor Binns teaches the History of Magic class.

• Hogwarts was founded by Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw, and Salazar Slytherin.

• A disagreement arose when Slytherin felt only fully magical families should be admitted.

• He built the Chamber of Secrets and hid it from the other founders.  The chamber was bewitched with a spell that it would only open when the true heir of Slytherin arrived to the school.

• Whatever lies within it would be used to purge the school of those unworthy to study wizardry.

• Fred once turned Ron’s teddy bear into a spider for Ron breaking his broomstick.

• Polyjuice Potion allows one to transform into another individual.

• The recipe for Polyjuice Potion is in a book called “Moste Potente Potions”.

• Madam Pomfrey used Skele-Grow to regrow the bones in Harry’s arm.

• Harry has 33 bones regrown.

• Dobby blocked Platform 9 3/4 and enchanted the bludger to attack Harry.

• Colin Creevey is attacked next.

• Lockhart starts a dueling club to protect students, due to the Chamber of Secrets being reopened.

• A parselmouth is one who can speak with snakes.

• Harry is a parselmouth.

• When Harry communicates with snakes, he hears it as plain talking where others hear the parseltongue language.

• Salazar Slytherin was famous for being able to talk to snakes.

• Dumbledore’s residence and office is located behind a stone gargoyle.

• The sorting hat is stored in Dumbledore’s office.

• Dumbledore’s phoenix Fawkes bursts into flames, dies, and is reborn in the ashes.

• For Christmas, the Dursleys send Harry a toothpick and a note asking if he can stay over summer vacation as well.

• Fred bewitches Percy’s Prefect badge to say “Pinhead”.

• Polyjuice potion tastes like overboiled cabbage.

• The Chamber was last open 50 years ago, and a mudblood died.

• Azkaban is the wizarding prison.

• The Malfoy’s manor has a secret chamber under the drawing room floor.

• Hermione transfigures into a black cat.

• Polyjuice potion is not meant for animal transfigurations.

• Someone threw Tom Riddle’s diary at Moaning Myrtle.

• Tom Riddle was once a Head Boy at Hogwarts.

• “Snape was looking as though the first person to ask him for a Love Potion would be force-fed poison.”

• Professor Armando Dippet was Headmaster 50 years ago.

• Tom Riddle is a half-blood.

• Someone breaks into Harry’s dorm and steal’s Riddle’s diary.

• The Gryffindor-Hufflepuff match gets cancelled.

• Penelope Clearwater was the Ravenclaw prefect who got attacked with Hermione.

• “I will only truly have left this school when none here are loyal to me….Help will always be given to those who ask for it.”

• Aragog is an enormous leader of the spiders who lives in a hollow in the Forbidden Forest.

• He was the monster people believed Hagrid set on people 50 years prior.

• Mosag is Aragog’s wife.

• Professor is misspelled “Professorr” on page 283.

• Ginny has been kidnapped and taken into the Chamber

• Tom Riddle is a memory kept alive for 50 years inside a diary.

• Ginny has been writing in Tom’s diary all year.

• Ginny was manipulated into attacking others and opening the Chamber of Secrets.

• Tom Riddle had Hagrid framed and expelled.

• Dumbledore once taught Transfiguration.

• Tom’s full name is Tom Marvolo Riddle.

• Voldemort’s father left the family when he found out his wife was a witch.

• The sorting hat can carry objects like a sword.

• Phoenix tears have healing powers.

• Myrtle tells Harry that if he had died, he would have been welcome to share her toilet.

• Voldemort is rumored to be hiding in the forests of Albania.

• According to Dumbledore, Tom Riddle was probably the most brilliant student Hogwarts ever had before leaving and turning evil.

• Mrs. Weasley always taught Ginny: “Never trust anything that can think for itself if you can’t see where it keeps its brain.”

• Harry inherited some of Voldemort’s power, including parseltongue the night his parents were killed.

• “It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”

• Only a true Gryffindor could have pulled the sword of Godric Gryffindor from the sorting hat.

• Lucius Malfoy gave Ginny Tom’s diary by slipping it into her books at Flourish and Blotts.

• Harry tricks Lucius into setting Dobby free, with his sock.

• All final exams have been cancelled.

• Gryffindor wins the House Cup a second year in a row.

• Lucius Malfoy is fired as school governor.

• Percy is dating Penelope Clearwater.

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Overall, another excellent read.  The second Harry Potter novel expands upon what we learned in the first book, continues to build the story and legacy, and really opens us up to wanting more.  What else can we learn?  Keep reading to find out.

Shades: Highest Recommendation.

Megan: Highly Recommended

On to Book #137: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling.

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Need to catch up?  See previous blog post: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.