Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
#2 of 7 in Harry Potter Series
What’s inside...
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is the second novel in the Harry Potter series. The plot follows Harry's second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, during which a series of messages on the walls of the school's corridors warn that the 'Chamber of Secrets' has been opened and that the 'heir of Slytherin' would kill all pupils who do not come from all-magical families. Ever since Harry Potter had come home for the summer, the Dursleys had been so mean and hideous that all Harry wanted was to get back to the Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. But just as he’s packing his bags, Harry receives a warning from a strange impish creature who says that if Harry returns to Hogwarts, disaster will strike. And strike it does. For in Harry’s second year at Hogwarts, fresh torments and horrors arise, including an outrageously stuck-up new professor and a spirit who haunts the girls’ bathroom. But then the real trouble begins – someone is turning Hogwarts students to stone. Could it be Draco Malfoy, a more poisonous rival than ever? Could it possibly be Hagrid, whose mysterious past is finally told? Or could it be the one everyone at Hogwarts most suspects…Harry Potter himself!
Character compass
Harry Potter
Hermione Granger
Dobby
Ginny Weasley
Moaning Myrtle
Ron Weasley
Minerva McGonagall
Rubeus Hagrid
Gilderoy Lockhart
Albus Dumbledore
Severus Snape
Lucius Malfoy
Draco Malfoy
Tom Marvolo Riddle
Dudley Dursley
Lord Voldemort
Percy Weasley
Arthur Weasley
Cornelius Fudge
Dean Thomas
Filius Flitwick
James Potter
Seamus Finnigan
Vernon Dursley
Poppy Pomfrey
Katie Bell
Colin Creevey
Pomona Sprout
Molly Weasley
Parvati Patil
Rolanda Hooch
Petunia Dursley
Fred Weasley
George Weasley
Oliver Wood
Neville Longbottom
Discussion points
How did Harry's experiences at Hogwarts differ from his life with the Dursleys, and what does that tell us about the importance of friendship and belonging?
What choices did the characters make that showed their bravery, and how can we apply this kind of courage to our own challenges?
How does the idea of 'fearing the name increases fear of the thing itself' relate to facing problems in the real world?
What lessons did you learn about the power of cooperation and the dangers of prejudice from the story of the Chamber of Secrets?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts by sharing your own impressions and connecting them to real-life events.
Highlight key moments of character development to discuss moral choices and personal growth.
Use the rich fantasy world to talk about real-world issues, such as fear, discrimination, and the value of education.
Ask your child to imagine themselves at Hogwarts and talk about how they would navigate the challenges faced by the characters.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of courage
Explanation: Throughout the book, Harry Potter demonstrates courage when facing fearsome challenges, such as confronting the basilisk in the Chamber of Secrets.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears and challenges boldly, whether it’s standing up against bullying or trying new activities.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: Harry, Ron, and Hermione's strong friendship helps them to solve the mystery of the Chamber of Secrets and support each other in difficult times.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of teamwork and supporting friends through tough situations, enhancing social bonds and empathy.
Example Lesson: The consequences of prejudice
Explanation: The pure-blood prejudice in the wizarding world mirrors real-world issues of discrimination. Characters who overcome or reject this prejudice are portrayed positively.
Real-World Application: Children learn the negativity of discrimination and the importance of inclusivity and respecting others’ differences.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: Characters face various challenges and setbacks but persevere, such as Ginny’s possession by Voldemort and Harry’s repeated confrontations with him.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to persist through their own difficulties, understanding that perseverance is key to overcoming obstacles.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking
Explanation: Solving the mystery of the Chamber of Secrets requires critical thinking and piecing together information, which Harry and his friends demonstrate.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think critically in their daily lives, from solving simple puzzles to understanding complex situations.