Harry can't wait for his holidays with the dire Dursleys to end.

But a small, self-punishing house-elf warns Harry of mortal danger awaiting him at Hogwarts School.

Returning to the castle nevertheless, Harry hears a rumour about a chamber of secrets, holding unknown horrors to wizards of Muggle parentage.

Now someone is casting spells that turn people to stone, and a terrible warning is found painted on the wall.

The chief suspect - always in the wrong place - is Harry.

But something much darker has yet to be unleashed.