McGonagall
Yes, Miss Granger?
Hermione
Professor, I was wondering if you'd tell us about the Chamber of Secrets.
McGonagall
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.
Ron
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.
Hermione
Muggle-borns.
McGonagall
Well, naturally the school has been searched many times. No such chamber has been found.
Hermione
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]
