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{{Spoiler|PAS|MA}}
 
{{Conjecture}}
 
{{Conjecture}}
 
{{Battle infobox
 
{{Battle infobox
|conflict=Skirmish in the Chamber of Secrets
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|conflict = Skirmish in the Chamber of Secrets
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|image = HarryBasiliskPottermore.png<!--- Please discuss changing this image on the talk page first, this image is large resolution and tier-one canon. Thank you.--->
|image=[[File:HarryBasilisk-pmr.png|250px]]
 
 
|partof = [[Plot to open the Chamber of Secrets]]
|bgcolor1=
 
 
|date = [[29 May]] [[1993]]
|bgcolor2=
 
 
|location = [[Chamber of Secrets]], [[Hogwarts Castle]], [[Highlands]], [[Scotland]]<ref name="COS17"/>
|partof=[[Plot to open the Chamber of Secrets]]
 
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|cause = [[Lucius Malfoy]] giving [[T. M. Riddle's Diary|Tom Riddle's diary]] to [[Ginevra Weasley|Ginny Weasley]] in an effort to discredit [[Arthur Weasley]]<ref name="COS18"/>
|location=The [[Chamber of Secrets]], [[Hogwarts Castle]], [[Scotland]]
 
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|result =*The [[Serpent of Slytherin]] is killed
|date=[[29 May]], [[1993]]
 
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*Tom Riddle's Diary is destroyed
|result=[[Harry Potter]] saves [[Ginevra Weasley|Ginny Weasley]] from the Chamber and destroys [[Salazar Slytherin's Basilisk]] and [[Tom Riddle's Diary]]
 
 
*[[Gilderoy Lockhart]] is incapacitated
|commander1=[[Harry Potter]]
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|commander1 = [[Harry Potter]]<ref name="COS17"/>
|commander2=[[Tom Riddle]]
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|commander2 = [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]]<ref name="COS17"/>
|combatants1=*[[Ron Weasley]]
 
*[[Fawkes]]
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|combatants1 = *[[Fawkes]]<ref name="COS17"/>
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*[[Ronald Weasley|Ron Weasley]] {{c|not present}}<ref name="COS16"/>
*[[Ginny Weasley]]
 
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*[[Ginevra Weasley|Ginny Weasley]] {{c|incapacitated}}<ref name="COS17"/>
*[[Gilderoy Lockhart]]
 
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*[[Gilderoy Lockhart]] {{c|incapacitated}}<ref name="COS16"/>
|combatants2=*[[Salazar Slytherin's Basilisk]]
 
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|combatants2 = *[[Tom Riddle]]'s [[soul]]<ref name="COS17"/>
|casualties1=No casualties
 
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*[[Serpent of Slytherin]]<ref name="COS17"/>
|casualties2=*[[Salazar Slytherin's Basilisk]]
 
 
|casualties1 =
|first=''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]]''
 
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|casualties2 = *[[Serpent of Slytherin]]<ref name="COS17"/>
|latest=''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' {{mention}}
 
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*[[Tom Riddle]]'s [[soul]]<ref name="COS17"/>
|last=
 
 
}}
 
}}
{{Quote|Let's match the power of Lord Voldemort, Heir of Salazar Slytherin, against the famous Harry Potter.|Tom Riddle to Harry Potter while in the [[Chamber of Secrets|chamber]]|Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets}}
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{{Quote|Now, Harry, I’m going to teach you a little lesson. Let’s match the powers of Lord Voldemort, Heir of Salazar Slytherin, against famous Harry Potter, and the best weapons Dumbledore can give him...|Harry Potter battles the [[Serpent of Slytherin]] and Slytherin's heir|Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets}}
The '''skirmish in the Chamber of Secrets''' was a conflict that took place on [[29 May]], [[1993]] in the [[Chamber of Secrets]] where [[Harry Potter]] killed [[Salazar Slytherin's Basilisk]] and destroyed [[Tom Riddle's Diary]].
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This '''skirmish''' was a conflict that took place on [[29 May]] [[1993]] in the [[Chamber of Secrets]], wherein [[Harry Potter]] slew [[Salazar Slytherin]]'s [[Basilisk]] and destroyed [[Tom Riddle]]'s [[T. M. Riddle's Diary|Diary]].<ref name="COS17">{{COS|B|17}}</ref>
   
It was precipitated when Tom Riddle's Diary, one of [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]]'s [[Horcrux]]es, possessed [[Ginevra Weasley|Ginny Weasley]] and forced her into the Chamber of Secrets. Harry Potter, [[Ronald Weasley|Ron Weasley]], and [[Gilderoy Lockhart]] came to the rescue, but as Ron and Lockhart were stuck behind an avalanche of stone, and the battle was fought mostly by Harry. He managed to defeat both the [[Salazar Slytherin's Basilisk|Basilisk]] and the memory of Tom Riddle, thus saving Ginny's life and unknowingly eliminating one Horcrux.
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It was precipitated when Tom Riddle's Diary (one of Lord Voldemort's [[Horcrux]]es) possessed first year [[Ginevra Weasley|Ginny Weasley]] and forced her to open the Chamber of Secrets and write frightening messages on the walls. As the [[1992–1993 school year]] came to an end Riddle forced her into the Chamber itself.<ref name="COS17" /><ref name="COS16">{{COS|B|16}}</ref>
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Harry Potter, [[Ronald Weasley|Ron Weasley]], and [[Gilderoy Lockhart]] came to the rescue. Ron and Lockhart were stuck behind an avalanche of stone,<ref name="COS16" /> so the battle was fought mostly by Harry. Harry managed to defeat both the [[Serpent of Slytherin|Basilisk]] and the memory of Tom Riddle, thus saving Ginny's life.<ref name="COS17"/> He also unknowingly eliminated one of Voldemort's [[Horcrux|Horcruxes]].<ref name="HBP23" />
   
 
==History==
 
==History==
 
===Background information===
 
===Background information===
{{Quote|The Chamber of Secrets has been opened. Enemies of the Heir, beware.|One of the messages on the walls of [[Hogwarts Castle]]|Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets}}
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{{Quote|The Chamber of Secrets has been opened. Enemies of the Heir, beware.|The threatening messages on the walls of [[Hogwarts Castle|Hogwarts]]|Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets}}
 
On [[31 December]] [[1926]], [[Tom Riddle]] was born to the [[pure-blood]] witch [[Merope Riddle|Merope Gaunt]] in a London orphanage. He was an odd boy and discovered in his eleventh year that he was a wizard. Believing death to be the realm of the weak, he initially believed his mother could not have been magical, given her death, and the young Tom focused on finding his father among the records at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]].<ref name="HBP13">{{HBP|B|13}}</ref> However, his search was fruitless, as [[Tom Riddle Senior|Tom Riddle Snr]] had never set foot in the school. After discovering this, he turned his attention to his mother's family and found the [[House of Gaunt|Gaunt line]], direct descendants of [[Salazar Slytherin]] himself leaving near [[Little Hangleton]].<ref name="HBP17">{{HBP|B|17}}</ref>
   
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Riddle took some time to research his famous ancestor and in his fifth year, he found the fabled [[Chamber of Secrets]]. Having come to believe in fanatical [[pure-blood supremacy]], Riddle planned to use the "[[Serpent of Slytherin|terror within]]" the chamber to rid the school of those "unworthy" to learn magic; that is, [[Muggle-born]] wizards and witches.<ref name="COS17" /> Throughout the 1942-1943 school year, a series of Muggle-born students were [[Petrification|petrified]].
[[File:Tumblr_n0jingB1GL1qeijvdo5_r1_250.gif|frame|left|The 16 Year Old [[Tom Riddle]]]]
 
   
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[[File:Harry-potter2-movie-screencaps.com-12445.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Young Hagrid is framed by Tom Riddle for opening the chamber]]
On [[31 December|New Year's Eve]], [[1920s|1926]] [[Tom Riddle]] was born to the [[Pure-blood]] [[Wizards|witch]] [[Merope Gaunt]] in a London orphanage. He was an odd boy and discovered in his eleventh year that he was a wizard. Believing death to be the realm of the weak, he initially believed his mother could not have been magical, given her death, and the young Tom focused on finding his father among the records at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]]. However, his search was fruitless, as [[Tom Riddle Sr.]] had never set foot in the school. After discovering this, he turned his attention to his mother's family and found the [[House of Gaunt|Gaunt line]], direct descendants of [[Salazar Slytherin]] himself.
 
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Finally, late in the school year, [[Myrtle Warren]] was killed, and the Headmaster threatened to close the school unless the culprit was apprehended. Not wanting to return to the Muggle orphanage from which he came, Riddle decided that he needed a patsy. He chose third year [[Gryffindor]] [[Rubeus Hagrid]], who had a reputation already and took the information to [[Armando Dippet|Professor Dippet]], the Headmaster.
   
Riddle took some time to research his famous ancestor and in his [[Fifth year|fifth year]], he found the fabled [[Chamber of Secrets]]. Having come to believe in fanatical [[Pure-blood supremacy]], Riddle planned to use the "[[Salazar Slytherin's Basilisk|Terror Within]]" the chamber to rid the school of those "unworthy" to learn magic, that is [[Muggle-born]] wizards and witches. Throughout the 1942-1943 school year, a series of Muggle-born students were [[Petrification|petrified]]. Finally, late in the school year, a [[Myrtle|student]] was killed, and the [[Headmaster]] threatened to close the school unless the culprit was apprehended. Not wanting to return to the Muggle [[Wool's Orphanage|orphanage]] from which he came, Riddle decided that he needed a fall-guy. He chose third year [[Gryffindor]] [[Rubeus Hagrid]] who had a reputation already and took the information to [[Armando Dippet|Professor Dippet]], the Headmaster. Hagrid was expelled but allowed to remain as [[Keeper of Keys and Grounds|Gamekeeper]], because the [[Transfiguration]] professor, [[Albus Dumbledore]], did not believe him to be guilty. Riddle used the girl's death to create his first [[Horcrux]], [[Tom Riddle's Diary]], but he did not want his work forgotten, so later in his life he planned with [[Lucius Malfoy]] that the diary make its way back to Hogwarts, where it could finish Salazar Slytherin's work.
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Hagrid was expelled but allowed to remain as [[Keeper of Keys and Grounds|Gamekeeper]], because the [[Transfiguration]] professor, [[Albus Dumbledore]], did not believe him to be guilty.<ref name="COS13">{{COS|B|13}}</ref> Riddle used the girl's death to create his first [[Horcrux]], [[T. M. Riddle's Diary|Tom Riddle's Diary]],<ref name="HBP23">{{HBP|B|23}}</ref> but he did not want his work forgotten, so later in his life, he planned with [[Lucius Malfoy]] that the diary makes its way back to Hogwarts, where it could finish Salazar Slytherin's work.<ref name="COS18" />
   
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===After Voldemort's first defeat===
After [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]]'s defeat, Mr. Malfoy shelved the plan, until such time his master returned. However, after a decade had passed, he revived it, as a way to accomplish some personal goals. A new [[Muggle Protection Act]] was coming down from the [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]], and Mr. Malfoy was desperate to derail it. Therefore, he planted the diary on [[Ginevra Weasley|Ginny Weasley]], the daughter of the Act's chief proponent, [[Arthur Weasley]]. He hoped that if the authorities discovered Arthur Weasley's daughter attacking [[Muggle-born]]s that the Act would die with Arthur Weasley's career. When Ginny discovered the diary among her possessions, she began to use it, and slowly, the piece of Tom Riddle's soul inside began to exert an influence over the young girl. By [[Halloween|Hallowe'en]], it could possess her entirely, and that night, it forced her to open the [[Chamber of Secrets]] for the first time in fifty years and to attack [[Mrs. Norris]]. Panic set in at Hogwarts as more students were attacked including [[Colin Creevey]] and [[Justin Finch-Fletchley]]. In December, when [[Harry Potter]] revealed that he was a [[Parseltongue|Parselmouth]], many students began to believe that he was the Heir of Slytherin. After the double attack on Justin Finch-Fletchley and [[Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington|Nearly-Headless Nick]], the rash of attacks suddenly stopped.
 
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{{Dialogue a-b-a-c|Lucius Malfoy|How should I know how the stupid little girl got hold of it?|Harry Potter|Because you gave it to her. In Flourish and Blotts. You picked up her old Transfiguration book and slipped the diary inside it, didn’t you?|Prove it.|Albus Dumbledore|Oh, no one will be able to do that. Not now that Riddle has vanished from the book. On the other hand, I would advise you, Lucius, not to go giving out any more of Lord Voldemort’s old school things. If any more of them find their way into innocent hands, I think Arthur Weasley, for one, will make sure they are traced back to you...|Lucius Malfoy's role in the second opening of the chamber|Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets}}
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[[File:Harry-potter2-movie-screencaps.com-2858.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Lucius Malfoy planting the diary on [[Ginevra Weasley|Ginny Weasley]]]]
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After [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]]'s defeat, Mr Malfoy shelved the plan, until such time his master returned. However, after a decade had passed, he revived it, as a way to accomplish some personal goals. A new [[Muggle Protection Act]] was coming down from the [[British Ministry of Magic]], and Mr Malfoy was desperate to derail it. Therefore, he planted the diary on Ginny Weasley in [[Flourish and Blotts]] in [[Diagon Alley]], the daughter of the Act's chief proponent and his enemy, [[Arthur Weasley]]. He hoped that if the authorities discovered Arthur Weasley's daughter attacking [[Muggle-born]]s, the Act would die with Arthur Weasley's career.<ref name="cos4">{{COS|B|4}}</ref><ref name="COS18">{{COS|B|18}}</ref>
   
 
When Ginny discovered the diary among her possessions, she began to use it, and slowly, the piece of Tom Riddle's soul inside began to exert an influence over the young girl. By [[Hallowe'en]], it could possess her entirely, and that night, it forced her to open the [[Chamber of Secrets]] for the first time in fifty years and to attack [[Mrs Norris]].<ref name="COS9">{{COS|B|9}}</ref> Panic set in at Hogwarts as more students were attacked, including [[Colin Creevey]]<ref name="COS10">{{COS|B|10}}</ref> and [[Justin Finch-Fletchley]]. In December, when [[Harry Potter]] revealed that he was a [[Parseltongue|Parselmouth]] in front of the entire [[Duelling Club]], many students began to believe that he was the Heir of Slytherin. After the double attack on Justin Finch-Fletchley and [[Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington|Nearly-Headless Nick]], the rash of attacks suddenly stopped.<ref name="COS11">{{COS|B|11}}</ref>
[[File:HagridRiddlePM.png|thumb|225px|Young [[Hagrid]], accused by Tom Riddle]]
 
   
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[[File:Harry-Potter-and-the-Chamber-of-Secrets-2002-books-male-characters-29996396-500-375.jpg|250px|thumb|left|The trio discussing the diary after finding it in a washroom]]
Shortly before Valentine's Day, Harry found an old diary abandoned in Moaning [[Myrtle]]'s bathroom. While he found nothing in the diary, he was drawn to it. Late in the evening, he wrote in the diary and was shocked to see it write back. When asked about the Chamber of Secrets, the diary showed Harry Tom Riddle's capture of Hagrid. Not willing to believe that Hagrid was the culprit, Harry decided to ask him about it if another attack occurred. Meanwhile, Ginny stole the diary back from Harry so it would not divulge her secrets. On a Saturday, early in May, [[Hermione Granger]] and [[Penelope Clearwater]] were attacked, and Harry and [[Ronald Weasley|Ron]] felt that it was time to question Hagrid. Unfortunately, Hagrid was arrested by [[Minister for Magic]] [[Cornelius Fudge]], and [[Albus Dumbledore|Professor Dumbledore]] was suspended that night, but not before Hagrid gave them a cryptic clue about spiders. Following Hagrid's clue, they learned that he was innocent and that the girl who died was killed in a bathroom. Putting these clues together with Hermione's clue about the [[Basilisk]], Harry was able to intuit that the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets was in the [[Second-floor girls' lavatory]].
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Shortly before [[Valentine's Day]], Harry found an old diary abandoned in [[Myrtle Warren]]'s bathroom. While he found nothing in the diary, he was drawn to it. Late in the evening, he wrote in the diary and was shocked to see it write back. When asked about the Chamber of Secrets, the diary showed Harry Tom Riddle's capture of Hagrid. Not willing to believe that Hagrid was the culprit, Harry decided to ask him about it if another attack occurred.<ref name="COS13">{{COS|B|13}}</ref> Meanwhile, Ginny stole the diary back from Harry so it would not divulge her secrets. On a Saturday, early in May, [[Hermione Granger]] and [[Penelope Clearwater]] were attacked, and Harry and [[Ronald Weasley|Ron]] felt that it was time to question Hagrid. Unfortunately, Hagrid was arrested by [[Minister for Magic]] [[Cornelius Fudge]], and Professor Dumbledore was suspended that night, but not before Hagrid gave them a cryptic clue about [[spider]]s.<ref name="COS14">{{COS|B|14}}</ref>
   
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[[File:Harry-potter2-movie-spider aragog.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Harry and Ron obtain information from [[Aragog]]]]
===Going down into the Chamber===
 
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Following Hagrid's clue, they ventured into the [[Forbidden Forest]] with Hagrid's [[dog]] [[Fang]], and encountered [[Aragog]], an [[Acromantula]] and Hagrid's pet, who informed them that he was not the monster who attacked students, with them only narrowing escaping his carnivorous [[Forbidden Forest Acromantula colony|colony]] with the [[Flying Ford Anglia]].<ref name="COS15">{{COS|B|15}}</ref> After this event, they both learned that Hagrid was innocent and that the girl who died was killed in a bathroom. Putting these clues together with Hermione's clue about the [[basilisk]], Harry was able to intuit that the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets was in the [[Moaning Myrtle's Bathroom|second-floor girls' lavatory]].<ref name="COS16">{{COS|B|16}}</ref>
{{Quote|Her skeleton will lie in the Chamber forever|[[Tom Riddle]]'s horcrux possessing [[Ginny Weasley]]. Forcing her to write this message in blood.|Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets}}
 
   
 
====Discovering the Chamber====
On [[29 May]], when the petrified students were to be cured and it appeared that life at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry|Hogwarts]] was going to return to normal, the diary possessed [[Ginevra Weasley|Ginny]] again, forcing her to go down to the [[Chamber of Secrets]] and await her death. Before she went into the Chamber for the final time, the diary coerced her into scrawling "Her skeleton will lie in the Chamber forever" on the wall. This alerted the faculty to her disappearance. They appointed [[Gilderoy Lockhart]] to save her, as Lockhart had said the previous night at dinner he knew where the entrance to the Chamber was, mainly to get him out of the way, while they prepared for the worst. Lockhart, a charlatan, tried to sneak out of the [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry|School]], but was stopped by [[Harry Potter|Harry]] and [[Ronald Weasley|Ron Weasley]], who intended to save Ginny.
 
 
{{Quote|Her skeleton will lie in the Chamber forever.|[[Ginevra Weasley|Ginny Weasley]] is forced into the chamber|Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets}}
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[[File:Lockhart is in trouble.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Harry and Ron confront Lockhart in his office]]
 
On [[29 May]], when the petrified students were to be cured and it appeared that life at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry|Hogwarts]] was going to return to normal, the diary possessed Ginny again, forcing her to go down to the Chamber of Secrets and await her death. Before she went into the Chamber for the final time, the diary coerced her into scrawling "''Her skeleton will lie in the Chamber forever''" on the wall. This alerted the faculty to her disappearance. They appointed [[Gilderoy Lockhart]] to save her, as Lockhart had said the previous night at dinner he knew where the entrance to the Chamber was, mainly to get him out of the way, while they prepared for the worst. Lockhart, a charlatan, tried to sneak out of the school, but was stopped by [[Harry Potter]] and [[Ronald Weasley|Ron Weasley]], who intended to save Ginny Weasley.<ref name="COS16">{{COS|B|16}}</ref>
   
[[File:ChamberEntrance.png|thumb|left|209x209px|The entrance in the girls' washroom.]]
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[[File:Harry-potter2 chamber entrance.jpg|250px|thumb|right|The entrance in the girls' first-floor washroom]]
 
At wand point, Harry and Ron forced Lockhart to take them to the bathroom. Once there, Harry asked Myrtle about her death in the hope that she would confirm his hypothesis. She claimed that she heard a boy's voice speaking a strange language and then saw a pair of great yellow eyes. When he further inspected the lavatory, Harry found a broken tap with a snake engraved in the handle. He spoke to the engraving in [[Parseltongue]], and the entrance to the Chamber opened, the entrance behind the sink was a pipe big enough for a man to crawl through. Ready to take the plunge, Harry and Ron forced Lockhart into the opening and followed.<ref name="COS16">{{COS|B|16}}</ref>
   
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====Entering the Chamber====
At wand point, Harry and Ron forced Lockhart to take them to the bathroom. Once there, Harry asked Myrtle about her death in the hope that she would confirm his hypothesis. She claimed that she heard a boy's voice speaking a strange language and then saw a pair of great yellow eyes. When he further inspected the lavatory, Harry found a broken tap with a snake engraved in the handle. He spoke to the engraving in [[Parseltongue]], and the entrance to the Chamber opened, the entrance behind the sink was a pipe big enough for a man to crawl through. Ready to take the plunge, Harry and Ron forced Lockhart into the opening and followed.
 
 
{{Quote|Slytherin’s gigantic stone face was moving. Horror-struck, Harry saw his mouth opening, wider and wider, to make a huge black hole... And something was stirring inside the statue’s mouth. Something was slithering up from its depths.|The [[Basilisk]] is unleashed|Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets}}
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[[File:B2C16M3 Chamber of Secrets revealed.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Harry upon entering a series of maze-like dungeons]]
 
Upon entering a series of maze-like dungeons, [[Harry Potter|Harry]], [[Ronald Weasley|Ron]], and [[Gilderoy Lockhart|Lockhart]] set out in search of [[Ginevra Weasley|Ginny]]. They found nothing until they came across a great snake skin, upon seeing which Lockhart feigned a collapse. Ron tried to force him to his feet, but Lockhart grabbed Ron's [[Charles Weasley's wand|wand]] and told the boys that he was going to wipe their memories and escape. However, his plan failed, as the [[Memory Charm]] backfired, causing the ceiling to cave in. Ron and an amnesiac Lockhart were stuck behind the wall of rocks, and Harry had to venture into the [[Chamber of Secrets|Chamber]] by himself. As Harry turned to head deeper in the dungeon, Ron told Harry he would try moving some of the rock while he waited.<ref name="COS16">{{COS|B|16}}</ref>
   
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[[File:B2C16M3 Snake entrance to the Chamber of Secrets.png|250px|thumb|right|Snake entrance to the Chamber of Secrets]]
===The Battle===
 
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Harry next reached a set of doors engraved with serpents, and when he spoke in [[Parseltongue]], they opened, allowing him into the Chamber properly. Reaching the end of the Chamber, Harry discovered Ginny collapsed at the foot of a statue of [[Salazar Slytherin]].
{{Quote|Slytherin’s gigantic stone face was moving. Horror-struck, Harry saw his mouth opening, wider and wider, to make a huge black hole... And something was stirring inside the statue’s mouth. Something was slithering up from its depths|The [[Basilisk]] is unleashed|Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets}}
 
   
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====Meeting Tom Riddle====
Upon entering a series of maze-like dungeons, [[Harry Potter|Harry]], [[Ronald Weasley|Ron]], and [[Gilderoy Lockhart|Lockhart]] set out in search of [[Ginevra Weasley|Ginny]]. They found nothing until they came across a great snake skin, upon seeing which Lockhart feigned a collapse. Ron tried to force him to his feet, but Lockhart grabbed Ron's [[Ronald Weasley's first wand|wand]] and told the boys that he was going to wipe their memories and escape. However, his plan failed, as the [[Memory Charm]] backfired, causing the ceiling to cave in. Ron and a memory-erased Lockhart were stuck behind the wall of rocks, and Harry had to venture into the [[Chamber of Secrets|Chamber]] by himself. As Harry turned to head deeper in the dungeon, Ron told Harry he would try moving some of the rock while he waited.
 
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{{Dialogue a-b|Harry Potter|Why do you care how I escaped? Voldemort was after your time...|Tom Riddle|Voldemort, is my past, present, and future, Harry Potter...|Tom Riddle revealing his true identity to Harry Potter|Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets}}
 
[[File:Harry Ginny Tom Chamber of Secrets.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Harry and an unconscious Ginny in the main chamber]]
 
As Harry tried to wake her, [[Tom Riddle]] appeared behind him telling Harry that she would not wake. Harry tried to tell Tom that they were in great danger, but Tom just scoffed. This confused Harry, as he had seen Riddle's capture of Hagrid and believed that he too wanted to stop the attacks. Then Riddle began asking Harry how he survived Voldemort's attack on him when he was a baby, which worried Harry more.<ref name="COS17">{{COS|B|17}}</ref>
   
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{{Quote|Speak to me, Slytherin, greatest of the Hogwarts Four.|Tom Riddle's soul unleashing the Basilisk upon Harry Potter|Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets}}
[[File:ChamberGinnyHarryPM.png|thumb|235px|Harry and an unconscious Ginny in the chamber]]
 
 
He then showed Harry that his name, ''Tom Marvolo Riddle'', could be rearranged into ''I am Lord Voldemort''. After Harry realised the truth, Riddle continued to question him. They argued over the merits of Voldemort's magical experimentation, and Harry told Riddle that [[Albus Dumbledore|Dumbledore]] was the greatest sorcerer in the world. His loyalty summoned [[Fawkes]], Dumbledore's [[phoenix]]. Fawkes brought the old school [[Sorting Hat]]. When satisfactorily answered, Riddle used [[Parseltongue]] to order [[Serpent of Slytherin|Salazar Slytherin's Basilisk]] to attack Harry.
   
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====Battling the Basilisk====
Harry next reached a set of doors engraved with serpents, and when he spoke in [[Parseltongue]], they opened, allowing him into the [[Chamber of Secrets|Chamber]] properly. Reaching the end of the Chamber, Harry discovered Ginny collapsed at the foot of a statue of [[Salazar Slytherin]]. As he tried to wake her, [[Tom Riddle]] appeared behind him telling Harry that she would not wake. Harry tried to tell Tom that they were in great danger, but Tom just scoffed. This confused Harry as he had seen Riddle's capture of Hagrid and believed that he too wanted to stop the attacks. Then Riddle began asking Harry how he survived Voldemort's attack on him when he was a baby, which worried Harry more.
 
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{{Quote|It lunged blindly — Harry dodged and it hit the Chamber wall. It lunged again, and its forked tongue lashed Harry's side. He raised the sword in both his hands — The basilisk lunged again, and this time its aim was true — Harry threw his whole weight behind the sword and drove it to the hilt into the roof of the serpent's mouth — But as warm blood drenched Harry's arms, he felt a searing pain just above his elbow. One long, poisonous fang was sinking deeper and deeper into his arm and it splintered as the basilisk keeled over sideways and fell, twitching, to the floor.|Harry Potter slaying the Serpent of Slytherin with the Sword of Gryffindor|Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets}}
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[[File:Fawkes blinds basilisk.gif|250px|thumb|right|Fawkes blinds the Basilisk after coming to Harry Potter's aid]]
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Dumbledore's [[phoenix]], [[Fawkes]], then came to the rescue. He was able to blind the Basilisk, which allowed Harry to fight her without the fear of being killed instantly by her gaze. While Harry ran with his eyes covered, Fawkes dug his claws into the basilisk's eyes, blinding it and allowing Harry to look at the monster. Unfortunately, the basilisk had an acute sense of hearing and smell. It continued its attack on Harry, but Harry dodged each time it lunged. Unsure of what to do, Harry suddenly saw [[Sword of Gryffindor|Godric Gryffindor's Sword]] appear from the hat.<ref name="COS17">{{COS|B|17}}</ref>
   
[[File:Phoenix_fighting.jpg|thumb|left|225px|Fawkes blinds the Basilisk]]
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[[File:COS piercing through Serpent of Slytherin.gif|250px|thumb|left|Impalement of Slytherin's Basilisk]]
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Harry lured the serpent to the top of the [[Statue of Slytherin]], where he slashed at the evil beast fiercely. The Basilisk lunged at him, and knocked Harry over, but just as she lunged again to kill him, Harry grabbed the [[sword]] and impaled the Basilisk through the roof of her mouth, mortally wounding her. Unfortunately, one of her fangs pierced Harry in his sword arm as a result of the struggle, and splintered off as the Basilisk pulled away and flailed around in agony before she ultimately lost her ability to live and her massive weight finally brought her crashing down to the floor.
   
  +
Harry yanked the fang out, but knew it was too late: he had been wounded with her [[Basilisk venom|venom]], and he felt the [[poison]] spreading. Harry was only saved by Fawkes's [[Phoenix tears|tears]], and subsequently used the fang (on which his arm had been impaled) to destroy Riddle's diary, which he later discovered was one of Voldemort's seven [[Horcrux]]es.<ref name="CS17">{{COS|B|17}}</ref>
He then showed Harry that his name, ''Tom Marvolo Riddle'', could be rearranged into ''I am Lord Voldemort''. After Harry realised the truth, Riddle continued to question him. They argued over the merits of Voldemort's magical experimentation, and Harry told Riddle that [[Albus Dumbledore|Dumbledore]] was the greatest sorcerer in the world. His loyalty summoned [[Fawkes]], Dumbledore's [[phoenix]]. Fawkes brought the old school [[Sorting Hat]]. When satisfactorily answered, Riddle used [[Parseltongue]] to order [[Salazar Slytherin's Basilisk]] after Harry. While Harry ran with his eyes covered, [[Fawkes]] clawed the Basilisk's eye out, allowing Harry to look at the monster. Unfortunately, the Basilisk had an acute sense of hearing. It lunged multiple times at Harry, but Harry dodged each. Unsure of what to do, Harry placed the Sorting Hat on his head and asked for help. He felt the hat squeeze on his head, and then something hard fell out of it. It was [[Godric Gryffindor's Sword]].
 
   
  +
====Destroying Tom Riddle's Diary====
[[File:Tumblr_n29413O6t71rzvuwqo7_r1_250.gif|frame|Harry slays Slytherin's Basilisk]]
 
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{{Quote|For a split second, both Harry and Riddle, wand still raised, stared at it. Then, without thinking, without considering, as though he had meant to do it all along, Harry seized the basilisk fang on the floor next to him and plunged it straight into the heart of the book. There was a long, dreadful, piercing scream. Ink spurted out of the diary in torrents, streaming over Harry’s hands, flooding the floor. Riddle was writhing and twisting, screaming and flailing and then — He had gone. Harry’s wand fell to the floor with a clatter and there was silence. Silence except for the steady drip drip of ink still oozing from the diary. The basilisk venom had burned a sizzling hole right through it.|Harry destroying the diary Horcrux|Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets}}
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[[File:Harry destroying Tom Riddle's Diary GIF.gif|250px|thumb|right|Harry stabbing the diary with a Basilisk fang]]
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As Harry lay dying with the poison running through his veins, Riddle taunted him telling him "''he'll be reunited with his dear [[Mudblood]] ''[[Lily J. Potter|mother]]'' soon''. Harry pulled the fang out of his arm and plunged it into the pages and front cover of the diary, destroying Riddle beyond magical repair, saving Ginny's life and unknowingly eliminating one of Lord Voldemort's seven [[Horcrux]]es.
   
  +
The Horcrux essentially died with ink pouring from its pages like blood from an open wound and addiction with Riddle's screams. The diary was rendered useless and unable to function. Fawkes came to Harry's rescue by using his [[Phoenix tears|tears]] to heal Harry's wound poisoned by the basilisk venom.<ref name="COS17">{{COS|B|17}}</ref>
Harry picked up the sword and waited for the Basilisk to lunge again. This time its aim was true, but Harry stood his ground and stabbed the Basilisk through the roof of its mouth. Unfortunately, one of its fangs penetrated Harry's arm. As Harry lay dying, Riddle taunted him. He even pointed out that Fawkes was crying. Harry pulled the fang out of his arm, and Fawkes settled his head above Harry's wound. His tears magically healed Harry's injury.
 
   
 
===Aftermath===
Riddle then said that he would kill Harry with his own wand. Just as he was pointing the wand at Harry, Fawkes dropped the Diary to Harry's hands. Harry plunged the fang into the Diary destroying Riddle, saving Ginny, and unknowingly eliminating one of [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort's]] [[Horcrux]]es.
 
 
{{Quote|You will both receive Special Awards for Services to the School and — let me see — yes, I think two hundred points apiece for [[Gryffindor]].|Harry Potter and Ron Weasley are rewarded fir their bravery|Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets}}
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[[File:B2C18M1 Sword of Gryffindor engraving.png|250px|thumb|left|Harry Potter and Dumbledore discuss the previous events]]
 
When Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Lockhart emerged from the Chamber, they headed to the office of [[Minerva McGonagall]]. [[Albus Dumbledore|Dumbledore]] was in there when they arrived, as were Ginny's parents, [[Arthur Weasley|Arthur]] and [[Molly Weasley]]. Harry explained all that had happened, but tread lightly around Ginny's involvement. Dumbledore came to his rescue, by asking how [[Tom Riddle|Voldemort]] managed to enchant Ginny. Harry explained all about the [[T. M. Riddle's Diary|Diary]]. Ginny was not punished, and Harry and Ron both received [[Special Award for Services to the School|Special Awards for Services to the School]] and 200 points each for Gryffindor. Harry exposed Lockhart as a fraud, and he was sent to [[St Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries]].<ref name="COS18">{{COS|B|18}}</ref>
   
 
After slaying the Basilisk, the sword was impregnated with Basilisk venom; Basilisk venom was one of the rare ways to destroy a Horcrux, as its only cure was also incredibly rare: phoenix tears. Since the sword was in his possession, [[Albus Dumbledore]] used it to destroy [[Marvolo Gaunt's Ring]],<ref name="HBP23">{{HBP|B|23}}</ref> and, after his death, he left it to Harry Potter.<ref name="DH7">{{DH|B|7}}</ref> Ron Weasley used it to destroy the [[Slytherin's Locket|locket horcrux]],<ref name="DH19">{{DH|B|19}}</ref> and [[Neville Longbottom]] used it to decapitate [[Nagini]].<ref name="DH36">{{DH|B|36}}</ref>
==Aftermath==
 
{{Quote|You will both revive Special Awards for Services to the School and — let me see — yes, I think two hundred points apiece for [[Gryffindor]].|Albus Dumbledore|Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets}}
 
   
  +
==Behind the scenes==
[[File:Tumblr_n4b06pMvhJ1qdsqclo8_250.gif|frame|left|leaving the chamber]]
 
  +
[[File:Slaying the Basilisk - Mary Grandpre COS.jpg|thumb|This skirmish as illustrated by [[Mary GrandPré]]]]
 
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*In the [[Book with No Name]] in {{MA}}, when playing through this skirmish, the player can choose to drop the fang of the [[Serpent of Slytherin]] after defeating it and fight [[Tom Riddle]] directly. Players who do this and succeed will get a hidden prize of a library ticket afterwards.
When Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Lockhart emerged from the Chamber, they headed to the office of [[Minerva McGonagall]]. [[Albus Dumbledore|Dumbledore]] was in there when they arrived as were Ginny's parents, [[Arthur Weasley|Arthur]] and [[Molly Weasley]]. Harry explained all that had happened but tread lightly around Ginny's involvement. Dumbledore came to his rescue, by asking how [[Tom Riddle|Voldemort]] managed to enchant Ginny. Harry explained all about the&nbsp;[[Tom Riddle's Diary|Diary]]. Ginny was not punished, and Harry and Ron both won Awards for Special Services to the School and 200 points each for Gryffindor. Harry exposed Lockhart as a fraud, and he was sent to [[St Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries]].
 
===[[Godric Gryffindor's Sword]]===
 
After slaying the Basilisk, the sword was impregnanted with Basilisk Venom. Basilisk Venom is one of the rare ways to destroy a horcrux, as it's only cure is also incredibly rare: phoenix tears. Since the sword was in his possession, [[Albus Dumbledore]] used it to destroy [[Marvolo Gaunt's Ring]], and, after his death, he left it to Harry Potter. Ron Weasley used it to destroy the [[Salazar Slytherin's Locket|locket horcrux]], and [[Neville Longbottom]] used it to decapitate [[Nagini]].
 
   
 
==Appearances==
 
==Appearances==
*''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]]''
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{{Imagecat|Images of the skirmish in the Chamber of Secrets}}
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*{{COS}} {{1st}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (film)]]''
 
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*{{COS|F}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (video game)]]''
 
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*{{COS|G}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (film)]]'' {{Mention}}
 
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*{{POA}} {{Mention}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1]]'' {{Mention}}
 
  +
*{{GOF}} {{Indirect}}
*''[[LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4]]''
 
  +
*{{OOTP}} {{Mention}}
*''[[Pottermore]]''
 
  +
*{{HBP|F}} {{Mention}}
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*{{DH}} {{Indirect}}
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*{{DH|F1}} {{Mention}}
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*{{LEGO|Y1}}
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*{{LEGO|Y2}} {{Flashback}}
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*{{LEGO}}
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*{{PM}}
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*{{WW}}
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*{{HPV|CR}}
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*{{HPK}}
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*{{WU}} {{Mention}}
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*{{PAS}} {{Mention}}
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*{{MA}} {{BNN}}
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==Media==
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<gallery width="200" position="center" spacing="small" captionalign="center" hideaddbutton="true">
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File:Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (5 5) Movie CLIP - Basilisk Slayer (2002) HD|Death of the basilisk
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</gallery>
   
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==Notes and references==
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{{Reflist}}
 
{{Start box}}
 
{{Start box}}
 
{{Succession box
 
{{Succession box
|predecessor=[[Attack in the Underground Chambers]]
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|predecessor=[[Skirmish in Aragog's Lair]]
 
|position=Battles of the [[20th century]]
 
|position=Battles of the [[20th century]]
 
|years=[[29 May]] [[1993]]
 
|years=[[29 May]] [[1993]]
|successor=[[Sirius Black's break-in of Hogwarts Castle (1994)]]
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|successor=[[Sirius Black's break-in of Hogwarts Castle (1993)]]
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{End box}}
 
{{End box}}
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[[pl:Potyczka w Komnacie Tajemnic]]
[[Category:Events|Category:Events]]
 
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[[ru:Сражение в Тайной комнате]]
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[[pt-br:Conflito na Câmara Secreta]]
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[[Category:Articles related to Basilisks]]
 
[[Category:Articles related to Horcruxes]]
 
[[Category:Articles related to Horcruxes]]
[[Category:Articles related to basilisks]]
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[[Category:Battles and skirmishes]]
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[[Category:Creature attacks]]
 
[[Category:Plot to open the Chamber of Secrets]]
 
[[Category:Plot to open the Chamber of Secrets]]

Latest revision as of 11:34, 25 March 2024

"Now, Harry, I’m going to teach you a little lesson. Let’s match the powers of Lord Voldemort, Heir of Salazar Slytherin, against famous Harry Potter, and the best weapons Dumbledore can give him..."
— Harry Potter battles the Serpent of Slytherin and Slytherin's heir[src]

This skirmish was a conflict that took place on 29 May 1993 in the Chamber of Secrets, wherein Harry Potter slew Salazar Slytherin's Basilisk and destroyed Tom Riddle's Diary.[1]

It was precipitated when Tom Riddle's Diary (one of Lord Voldemort's Horcruxes) possessed first year Ginny Weasley and forced her to open the Chamber of Secrets and write frightening messages on the walls. As the 1992–1993 school year came to an end Riddle forced her into the Chamber itself.[1][3]

Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Gilderoy Lockhart came to the rescue. Ron and Lockhart were stuck behind an avalanche of stone,[3] so the battle was fought mostly by Harry. Harry managed to defeat both the Basilisk and the memory of Tom Riddle, thus saving Ginny's life.[1] He also unknowingly eliminated one of Voldemort's Horcruxes.[4]

History

Background information

"The Chamber of Secrets has been opened. Enemies of the Heir, beware."
— The threatening messages on the walls of Hogwarts[src]

On 31 December 1926, Tom Riddle was born to the pure-blood witch Merope Gaunt in a London orphanage. He was an odd boy and discovered in his eleventh year that he was a wizard. Believing death to be the realm of the weak, he initially believed his mother could not have been magical, given her death, and the young Tom focused on finding his father among the records at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.[5] However, his search was fruitless, as Tom Riddle Snr had never set foot in the school. After discovering this, he turned his attention to his mother's family and found the Gaunt line, direct descendants of Salazar Slytherin himself leaving near Little Hangleton.[6]

Riddle took some time to research his famous ancestor and in his fifth year, he found the fabled Chamber of Secrets. Having come to believe in fanatical pure-blood supremacy, Riddle planned to use the "terror within" the chamber to rid the school of those "unworthy" to learn magic; that is, Muggle-born wizards and witches.[1] Throughout the 1942-1943 school year, a series of Muggle-born students were petrified.

Harry-potter2-movie-screencaps

Young Hagrid is framed by Tom Riddle for opening the chamber

Finally, late in the school year, Myrtle Warren was killed, and the Headmaster threatened to close the school unless the culprit was apprehended. Not wanting to return to the Muggle orphanage from which he came, Riddle decided that he needed a patsy. He chose third year Gryffindor Rubeus Hagrid, who had a reputation already and took the information to Professor Dippet, the Headmaster.

Hagrid was expelled but allowed to remain as Gamekeeper, because the Transfiguration professor, Albus Dumbledore, did not believe him to be guilty.[7] Riddle used the girl's death to create his first Horcrux, Tom Riddle's Diary,[4] but he did not want his work forgotten, so later in his life, he planned with Lucius Malfoy that the diary makes its way back to Hogwarts, where it could finish Salazar Slytherin's work.[2]

After Voldemort's first defeat

Lucius Malfoy: "How should I know how the stupid little girl got hold of it?"
Harry Potter: "Because you gave it to her. In Flourish and Blotts. You picked up her old Transfiguration book and slipped the diary inside it, didn’t you?"
Lucius Malfoy: "Prove it."
Albus Dumbledore: "Oh, no one will be able to do that. Not now that Riddle has vanished from the book. On the other hand, I would advise you, Lucius, not to go giving out any more of Lord Voldemort’s old school things. If any more of them find their way into innocent hands, I think Arthur Weasley, for one, will make sure they are traced back to you..."
— Lucius Malfoy's role in the second opening of the chamber[src]
Harry-potter2-movie-screencaps

Lucius Malfoy planting the diary on Ginny Weasley

After Lord Voldemort's defeat, Mr Malfoy shelved the plan, until such time his master returned. However, after a decade had passed, he revived it, as a way to accomplish some personal goals. A new Muggle Protection Act was coming down from the British Ministry of Magic, and Mr Malfoy was desperate to derail it. Therefore, he planted the diary on Ginny Weasley in Flourish and Blotts in Diagon Alley, the daughter of the Act's chief proponent and his enemy, Arthur Weasley. He hoped that if the authorities discovered Arthur Weasley's daughter attacking Muggle-borns, the Act would die with Arthur Weasley's career.[8][2]

When Ginny discovered the diary among her possessions, she began to use it, and slowly, the piece of Tom Riddle's soul inside began to exert an influence over the young girl. By Hallowe'en, it could possess her entirely, and that night, it forced her to open the Chamber of Secrets for the first time in fifty years and to attack Mrs Norris.[9] Panic set in at Hogwarts as more students were attacked, including Colin Creevey[10] and Justin Finch-Fletchley. In December, when Harry Potter revealed that he was a Parselmouth in front of the entire Duelling Club, many students began to believe that he was the Heir of Slytherin. After the double attack on Justin Finch-Fletchley and Nearly-Headless Nick, the rash of attacks suddenly stopped.[11]

Harry-Potter-and-the-Chamber-of-Secrets-2002-books-male-characters-29996396-500-375

The trio discussing the diary after finding it in a washroom

Shortly before Valentine's Day, Harry found an old diary abandoned in Myrtle Warren's bathroom. While he found nothing in the diary, he was drawn to it. Late in the evening, he wrote in the diary and was shocked to see it write back. When asked about the Chamber of Secrets, the diary showed Harry Tom Riddle's capture of Hagrid. Not willing to believe that Hagrid was the culprit, Harry decided to ask him about it if another attack occurred.[7] Meanwhile, Ginny stole the diary back from Harry so it would not divulge her secrets. On a Saturday, early in May, Hermione Granger and Penelope Clearwater were attacked, and Harry and Ron felt that it was time to question Hagrid. Unfortunately, Hagrid was arrested by Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge, and Professor Dumbledore was suspended that night, but not before Hagrid gave them a cryptic clue about spiders.[12]

Harry-potter2-movie-spider aragog

Harry and Ron obtain information from Aragog

Following Hagrid's clue, they ventured into the Forbidden Forest with Hagrid's dog Fang, and encountered Aragog, an Acromantula and Hagrid's pet, who informed them that he was not the monster who attacked students, with them only narrowing escaping his carnivorous colony with the Flying Ford Anglia.[13] After this event, they both learned that Hagrid was innocent and that the girl who died was killed in a bathroom. Putting these clues together with Hermione's clue about the basilisk, Harry was able to intuit that the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets was in the second-floor girls' lavatory.[3]

Discovering the Chamber

"Her skeleton will lie in the Chamber forever."
Ginny Weasley is forced into the chamber[src]
Lockhart is in trouble

Harry and Ron confront Lockhart in his office

On 29 May, when the petrified students were to be cured and it appeared that life at Hogwarts was going to return to normal, the diary possessed Ginny again, forcing her to go down to the Chamber of Secrets and await her death. Before she went into the Chamber for the final time, the diary coerced her into scrawling "Her skeleton will lie in the Chamber forever" on the wall. This alerted the faculty to her disappearance. They appointed Gilderoy Lockhart to save her, as Lockhart had said the previous night at dinner he knew where the entrance to the Chamber was, mainly to get him out of the way, while they prepared for the worst. Lockhart, a charlatan, tried to sneak out of the school, but was stopped by Harry Potter and Ron Weasley, who intended to save Ginny Weasley.[3]

Harry-potter2 chamber entrance

The entrance in the girls' first-floor washroom

At wand point, Harry and Ron forced Lockhart to take them to the bathroom. Once there, Harry asked Myrtle about her death in the hope that she would confirm his hypothesis. She claimed that she heard a boy's voice speaking a strange language and then saw a pair of great yellow eyes. When he further inspected the lavatory, Harry found a broken tap with a snake engraved in the handle. He spoke to the engraving in Parseltongue, and the entrance to the Chamber opened, the entrance behind the sink was a pipe big enough for a man to crawl through. Ready to take the plunge, Harry and Ron forced Lockhart into the opening and followed.[3]

Entering the Chamber

"Slytherin’s gigantic stone face was moving. Horror-struck, Harry saw his mouth opening, wider and wider, to make a huge black hole... And something was stirring inside the statue’s mouth. Something was slithering up from its depths."
— The Basilisk is unleashed[src]
B2C16M3 Chamber of Secrets revealed

Harry upon entering a series of maze-like dungeons

Upon entering a series of maze-like dungeons, Harry, Ron, and Lockhart set out in search of Ginny. They found nothing until they came across a great snake skin, upon seeing which Lockhart feigned a collapse. Ron tried to force him to his feet, but Lockhart grabbed Ron's wand and told the boys that he was going to wipe their memories and escape. However, his plan failed, as the Memory Charm backfired, causing the ceiling to cave in. Ron and an amnesiac Lockhart were stuck behind the wall of rocks, and Harry had to venture into the Chamber by himself. As Harry turned to head deeper in the dungeon, Ron told Harry he would try moving some of the rock while he waited.[3]

B2C16M3 Snake entrance to the Chamber of Secrets

Snake entrance to the Chamber of Secrets

Harry next reached a set of doors engraved with serpents, and when he spoke in Parseltongue, they opened, allowing him into the Chamber properly. Reaching the end of the Chamber, Harry discovered Ginny collapsed at the foot of a statue of Salazar Slytherin.

Meeting Tom Riddle

Harry Potter: "Why do you care how I escaped? Voldemort was after your time..."
Tom Riddle: "Voldemort, is my past, present, and future, Harry Potter..."
— Tom Riddle revealing his true identity to Harry Potter[src]
Harry Ginny Tom Chamber of Secrets

Harry and an unconscious Ginny in the main chamber

As Harry tried to wake her, Tom Riddle appeared behind him telling Harry that she would not wake. Harry tried to tell Tom that they were in great danger, but Tom just scoffed. This confused Harry, as he had seen Riddle's capture of Hagrid and believed that he too wanted to stop the attacks. Then Riddle began asking Harry how he survived Voldemort's attack on him when he was a baby, which worried Harry more.[1]

"Speak to me, Slytherin, greatest of the Hogwarts Four."
— Tom Riddle's soul unleashing the Basilisk upon Harry Potter[src]

He then showed Harry that his name, Tom Marvolo Riddle, could be rearranged into I am Lord Voldemort. After Harry realised the truth, Riddle continued to question him. They argued over the merits of Voldemort's magical experimentation, and Harry told Riddle that Dumbledore was the greatest sorcerer in the world. His loyalty summoned Fawkes, Dumbledore's phoenix. Fawkes brought the old school Sorting Hat. When satisfactorily answered, Riddle used Parseltongue to order Salazar Slytherin's Basilisk to attack Harry.

Battling the Basilisk

"It lunged blindly — Harry dodged and it hit the Chamber wall. It lunged again, and its forked tongue lashed Harry's side. He raised the sword in both his hands — The basilisk lunged again, and this time its aim was true — Harry threw his whole weight behind the sword and drove it to the hilt into the roof of the serpent's mouth — But as warm blood drenched Harry's arms, he felt a searing pain just above his elbow. One long, poisonous fang was sinking deeper and deeper into his arm and it splintered as the basilisk keeled over sideways and fell, twitching, to the floor."
— Harry Potter slaying the Serpent of Slytherin with the Sword of Gryffindor[src]
Fawkes blinds basilisk

Fawkes blinds the Basilisk after coming to Harry Potter's aid

Dumbledore's phoenix, Fawkes, then came to the rescue. He was able to blind the Basilisk, which allowed Harry to fight her without the fear of being killed instantly by her gaze. While Harry ran with his eyes covered, Fawkes dug his claws into the basilisk's eyes, blinding it and allowing Harry to look at the monster. Unfortunately, the basilisk had an acute sense of hearing and smell. It continued its attack on Harry, but Harry dodged each time it lunged. Unsure of what to do, Harry suddenly saw Godric Gryffindor's Sword appear from the hat.[1]

COS piercing through Serpent of Slytherin

Impalement of Slytherin's Basilisk

Harry lured the serpent to the top of the Statue of Slytherin, where he slashed at the evil beast fiercely. The Basilisk lunged at him, and knocked Harry over, but just as she lunged again to kill him, Harry grabbed the sword and impaled the Basilisk through the roof of her mouth, mortally wounding her. Unfortunately, one of her fangs pierced Harry in his sword arm as a result of the struggle, and splintered off as the Basilisk pulled away and flailed around in agony before she ultimately lost her ability to live and her massive weight finally brought her crashing down to the floor.

Harry yanked the fang out, but knew it was too late: he had been wounded with her venom, and he felt the poison spreading. Harry was only saved by Fawkes's tears, and subsequently used the fang (on which his arm had been impaled) to destroy Riddle's diary, which he later discovered was one of Voldemort's seven Horcruxes.[14]

Destroying Tom Riddle's Diary

"For a split second, both Harry and Riddle, wand still raised, stared at it. Then, without thinking, without considering, as though he had meant to do it all along, Harry seized the basilisk fang on the floor next to him and plunged it straight into the heart of the book. There was a long, dreadful, piercing scream. Ink spurted out of the diary in torrents, streaming over Harry’s hands, flooding the floor. Riddle was writhing and twisting, screaming and flailing and then — He had gone. Harry’s wand fell to the floor with a clatter and there was silence. Silence except for the steady drip drip of ink still oozing from the diary. The basilisk venom had burned a sizzling hole right through it."
— Harry destroying the diary Horcrux[src]
Harry destroying Tom Riddle's Diary GIF

Harry stabbing the diary with a Basilisk fang

As Harry lay dying with the poison running through his veins, Riddle taunted him telling him "he'll be reunited with his dear Mudblood mother soon. Harry pulled the fang out of his arm and plunged it into the pages and front cover of the diary, destroying Riddle beyond magical repair, saving Ginny's life and unknowingly eliminating one of Lord Voldemort's seven Horcruxes.

The Horcrux essentially died with ink pouring from its pages like blood from an open wound and addiction with Riddle's screams. The diary was rendered useless and unable to function. Fawkes came to Harry's rescue by using his tears to heal Harry's wound poisoned by the basilisk venom.[1]

Aftermath

"You will both receive Special Awards for Services to the School and — let me see — yes, I think two hundred points apiece for Gryffindor."
— Harry Potter and Ron Weasley are rewarded fir their bravery[src]
B2C18M1 Sword of Gryffindor engraving

Harry Potter and Dumbledore discuss the previous events

When Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Lockhart emerged from the Chamber, they headed to the office of Minerva McGonagall. Dumbledore was in there when they arrived, as were Ginny's parents, Arthur and Molly Weasley. Harry explained all that had happened, but tread lightly around Ginny's involvement. Dumbledore came to his rescue, by asking how Voldemort managed to enchant Ginny. Harry explained all about the Diary. Ginny was not punished, and Harry and Ron both received Special Awards for Services to the School and 200 points each for Gryffindor. Harry exposed Lockhart as a fraud, and he was sent to St Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries.[2]

After slaying the Basilisk, the sword was impregnated with Basilisk venom; Basilisk venom was one of the rare ways to destroy a Horcrux, as its only cure was also incredibly rare: phoenix tears. Since the sword was in his possession, Albus Dumbledore used it to destroy Marvolo Gaunt's Ring,[4] and, after his death, he left it to Harry Potter.[15] Ron Weasley used it to destroy the locket horcrux,[16] and Neville Longbottom used it to decapitate Nagini.[17]

Behind the scenes

Slaying the Basilisk - Mary Grandpre COS

This skirmish as illustrated by Mary GrandPré

Appearances

Wiki
The Harry Potter Wiki has 5 images related to Skirmish in the Chamber of Secrets.

Media

Notes and references

  1. 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 17 (The Heir of Slytherin)
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 18 (Dobby's Reward)
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 16 (The Chamber of Secrets)
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 23 (Horcruxes)
  5. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 13 (The Secret Riddle)
  6. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 17 (A Sluggish Memory)
  7. 7.0 7.1 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 13 (The Very Secret Diary)
  8. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 4 (At Flourish and Blotts)
  9. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 9 (The Writing on the Wall)
  10. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 10 (The Rogue Bludger)
  11. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 11 (The Duelling Club)
  12. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 14 (Cornelius Fudge)
  13. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 15 (Aragog)
  14. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 17 (The Heir of Slytherin)
  15. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 7 (The Will of Albus Dumbledore)
  16. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 19 (The Silver Doe)
  17. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 36 (The Flaw in the Plan)