[Snape is reading a newspaper. On the front cover is the moving image of Arthur's car flying. The headline reads "Flying Ford Anglia Mystifies Muggles"] [furiously]
You were seen! By no less than seven Muggles! [Throws down the newspaper and glares at Harry and Ron] Do you have any idea how serious this is?! You have risked the exposure of our world! Not to mention the damage you inflicted on a Whomping Willow that's been on these grounds since before you were born!
Honestly, Professor Snape, I think it did more damage to us.
Silence! I assure you that were you in Slytherin and your fate rested with me, the both of you would be on the train home! Tonight! As it is--
[appearing with Professor McGonagall]
They are not.
Professor Dumbledore. Professor McGonagall.
Headmaster... [points to Harry and Ron] these boys have flouted the Decree for the Restriction of Underage Wizardry. As such--
I am well aware of our bylaws, Severus, having written quite a few of them myself. However, as head of Gryffindor House, it is for Professor McGonagall to determine the appropriate action.
We'll go and get our stuff, then.
McGonagall What are you talking about, Mr. Weasley?
You're going to expel us, aren't you?
McGonagall [smiling slightly]
Not today, Mr. Weasley. [turning severe again] But I must impress on both of you the seriousness of what you have done. I will be writing to your families tonight, and you will both receive detention.
McGonagall Yes, Miss Granger?
Professor, I was wondering if you'd tell us about the Chamber of Secrets.
McGonagall [seeing everyone's faces]
Very well. Well, you all knew, of course, that Hogwarts was founded over a thousand years ago, by the four greatest witches and wizards of the age: Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw, and Salazar Slytherin. Now three of the founders co-existed quite harmoniously. One did not.
[sarcastic]
Three guesses who.
McGonagall Salazar Slytherin wished to be more selective about the students admitted to Hogwarts. He believed magical learning should be kept within all-magic families – in other words, "pure-bloods". Unable to sway the others, he decided to leave the school. Now according to legend, Slytherin had built a hidden chamber in this castle, known as the Chamber of Secrets. Though shortly before departing, he sealed it... until that time when his own true heir returned to the school. The heir alone would be able to open the chamber, and unleash... the horror within, and by so doing, purge the school of all those who, in Slytherin's view, were unworthy to study magic.
McGonagall [nods]
Well, naturally the school has been searched many times. No such chamber has been found.
Professor, what exactly does legend tell us lies within the Chamber?
McGonagall Well the Chamber is said to be home to something that only the Heir of Slytherin can control. it is said to be the home... of a monster.
[Hermione stares in shock, and Ron turns to Malfoy, who smirks]
McGonagall [Gryffindor common room: The Gryffindor students are talking with each other when McGonagall walks in holding a scroll]
Could I have your attention, please? Because of recent events, these new rules will be put into effect immediately. [Reads the scroll] "All students will return to their house common rooms by 6:00 every evening. All students will be escorted to each lesson by a teacher. No exceptions." I should tell you this. Unless the culprit behind these attacks is caught... it is likely the school will be closed. [walks out]
[to Ron]
We've got to talk to Hagrid, Ron. I can't believe it's him. But if he did set the monster loose last time, he'll know how to get inside the Chamber of Secrets. And that's a start.
But you heard McGonagall. We're not allowed to leave the tower except for class.
I think it's time to get my dad's old cloak out again.
McGonagall [McGonagall, Snape and the other faculty find another message that has been written on the wall in blood]
As you can see, the Heir of Slytherin has left another message. Our worst fear has been realized. A student has been taken by the monster into the chamber itself! The students must be sent home. I'm afraid this is the end of Hogwarts.
[entering]
So sorry. Dozed off. What have I missed?
A girl has been snatched by the monster, Lockhart. Your moment has come at last.
Weren't you saying just last night that you've known all along where the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets is?
McGonagall [Lockhart doesn't answer]
That's settled. We'll leave you to deal with the monster, Gilderoy. Your skills, after all, are legend.
Very well. I'll just be in my office getting... getting ready.
P Pomfrey
Who is it that the monster's taken, Minerva?
McGonagall Ginny Weasley.
[Harry and Ron are shocked and read the other message written in blood on the wall] [reading]
"Her skeleton will lie in the chamber forever". [despaired] Ginny...
