Who Opened the Chamber of Secrets?
The Chamber of Secrets is a pivotal location in the Harry Potter series, first introduced in the second book and film, “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.” The Chamber, built by Salazar Slytherin, is said to contain a monster that only Slytherin’s heir can control. Over the course of the story, it is revealed that the Chamber has been opened on two separate occasions, with vastly different consequences.
First Opening: 1942-1943
The Chamber of Secrets was first opened approximately fifty years before the events of the Harry Potter series, during Tom Riddle’s time as a student at Hogwarts. Riddle, who would later become Lord Voldemort, was the true heir of Slytherin and the one who opened the Chamber.
Tom Riddle’s Diary
At the time, Tom Riddle was a model student, well-liked by his professors and peers. However, unbeknownst to anyone, Riddle had created a Horcrux in the form of his diary, which contained a fragment of his soul. This diary would later play a crucial role in the reopening of the Chamber.
Framing Hagrid
When the Chamber was first opened, the monster within, a basilisk, killed a student named Myrtle (who would later become known as Moaning Myrtle). Fearing that the school would be forced to close, Riddle sealed the Chamber and framed Rubeus Hagrid, who was a student at the time, as the one responsible for opening it. Hagrid’s pet acromantula, Aragog, was also implicated as the monster.
Consequences
Hagrid was expelled from Hogwarts and his wand was snapped, although Albus Dumbledore, who was the Transfiguration professor at the time, convinced then-Headmaster Armando Dippet to give Hagrid a job as gamekeeper. The threat of the Chamber being reopened was enough to keep the school open, as no further attacks occurred.
Second Opening: 1992-1993
The Chamber of Secrets was reopened during Harry Potter’s second year at Hogwarts, with much more dire consequences.
Ginny Weasley and the Diary
Unaware of its true nature, Ginny Weasley, the youngest Weasley child, found Tom Riddle’s diary and began writing in it. Riddle’s fragment of soul, preserved in the diary, began to possess Ginny and use her to reopen the Chamber. Ginny was forced to write threatening messages on the walls, release the basilisk, and ultimately be taken into the Chamber itself.
Attacks at Hogwarts
As the Chamber was reopened, several students and staff members were attacked by the basilisk. Those who made direct eye contact with the creature were killed, while those who saw it indirectly were petrified. Victims included Mrs. Norris, Colin Creevey, Justin Finch-Fletchley, Nearly Headless Nick, Hermione Granger, and Penelope Clearwater.
Harry Potter and the Basilisk
Harry Potter, the main protagonist of the series, discovered the entrance to the Chamber in the girls’ bathroom on the second floor, where Moaning Myrtle haunts. Using his ability to speak Parseltongue, a language associated with Slytherin, Harry opened the Chamber and confronted the basilisk. With the help of Fawkes the phoenix and the Sorting Hat, Harry defeated the basilisk and destroyed Riddle’s diary, freeing Ginny from its influence.
Consequences
The reopening of the Chamber and the attacks on students caused widespread fear and panic at Hogwarts. Hagrid was briefly sent to Azkaban, and Dumbledore was suspended as headmaster, though both were later cleared of any wrongdoing. The school nearly closed, but Harry’s actions ultimately saved the day and proved Hagrid’s innocence.
Parseltongue and the Heir of Slytherin
The ability to speak Parseltongue, the language of snakes, is a key factor in opening the Chamber of Secrets. This ability is believed to be passed down only to the heirs of Slytherin, which is why Tom Riddle and Harry Potter, who both possessed a piece of Voldemort’s soul, were able to open the Chamber.
Salazar Slytherin’s Legacy
Salazar Slytherin, one of the four founders of Hogwarts, was known for his prejudice against Muggle-born wizards and witches. The Chamber of Secrets was built as a way for Slytherin to purge the school of those he deemed unworthy. By creating the Chamber and its monster, Slytherin ensured that only his true heir would be able to unleash the creature upon the school.
Parseltongue and Prejudice
The ability to speak Parseltongue is often associated with dark magic and evil, due to its connection to Slytherin and Voldemort. This prejudice is seen in the reactions of Harry’s peers when they discover he can speak to snakes. However, the ability itself is not inherently evil, as evidenced by Harry’s use of it to save lives and defeat the basilisk.
Conclusion
The Chamber of Secrets, with its dark history and powerful monster, serves as a symbol of the prejudice and fear that can arise when people are judged based on their heritage or abilities. The story of its openings highlights the importance of standing up against injustice and the power of friendship, courage, and love to overcome even the darkest of forces.
FAQ
Who was the first person to open the Chamber of Secrets?
Tom Riddle, who would later become Lord Voldemort, was the first person to open the Chamber of Secrets during his time as a student at Hogwarts in the 1940s.
What happened when the Chamber was first opened?
When the Chamber was first opened, the monster within, a basilisk, killed a student named Myrtle. Riddle framed Rubeus Hagrid as the one responsible for opening the Chamber.
Who opened the Chamber of Secrets during Harry’s second year?
Ginny Weasley, under the influence of Tom Riddle’s diary, which contained a fragment of Voldemort’s soul, reopened the Chamber of Secrets during Harry Potter’s second year at Hogwarts.
What were the consequences of the Chamber being reopened in Harry’s second year?
Several students and staff members were attacked by the basilisk, either killed or petrified. Hagrid was briefly sent to Azkaban, and Dumbledore was suspended as headmaster, though both were later cleared.
How were Harry and Voldemort able to open the Chamber of Secrets?
Harry and Voldemort were able to open the Chamber due to their ability to speak Parseltongue, the language of snakes. This ability is believed to be passed down only to the heirs of Slytherin.
What happened when Harry confronted the basilisk in the Chamber?
With the help of Fawkes the phoenix and the Sorting Hat, Harry defeated the basilisk and destroyed Riddle’s diary, freeing Ginny from its influence and saving the school from being closed.
Is the ability to speak Parseltongue inherently evil?
No, the ability to speak Parseltongue is not inherently evil, despite its association with dark magic and Voldemort. Harry uses it to save lives and defeat the basilisk, proving that it can be used for good.Wikipedia Link: Chamber of Secrets
