Harry is desperate to get back to Hogwarts, but just as he's packing his bags, Dobby, one of the Hogwarts house elves, apparates at the Dursleys and warns him he must not return to Hogwarts. Ignoring him, Harry returns but Dobby was right about Hogwarts not being safe, as 'someone' has opened the Chamber of Secrets and the monster within is petrifying students. Hagrid is suspected, and the students fear they will all be sent home. But Harry, Hermione and Ron are determined they will find the real culprit, defeat the monster and clear Hagrid's name.