Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

In Harry's second year at Hogwarts, Voldemort attempts to reincarnate himself through the memories he stored within a diary. Also in this book, Harry realises his ability to speak parseltounge, the rare language of snakes that is often equated with the Dark Arts. The novel delves into the history of Hogwarts and a legend revolving around the "Chamber of Secrets", the underground lair of an ancient evil.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

The first book of the series highlights Harry's first year at Hogwarts and introduces most of the main characters, as well as many locations used throughout the rest of the series. Harry gains his two closest friends; Ron Weasley a kind hearted member of an ancient wizarding family, and Hermione Granger, an obsessively bookish witch of non-magical parentage. The plot includes the first steps Harry takes into the magical world, and concludes with his second confrontation with Voldemort, who in his quest for immortality, yearns to gain the power of the Philosophers Stone.