Post by Mike Meyer on Mar 22, 2007 23:56:35 GMT -5
The school's existence was threatened twice when the Chamber of Secrets was opened. The first was 1943, when Tom Riddle, the self-styled Heir of Slytherin and the future Lord Voldemort, opened the Chamber in his fifth year. When a student named Myrtle was killed, the Ministry of Magic threatened to close the school. Because Riddle spent his time away from Hogwarts in a Muggle orphanage, he did not want the school closed. He framed Rubeus Hagrid for the deed, using Hagrid's possession of a dangerous acromantula (a giant spider-like creature) within the school. Hagrid, d**ned by this undeniable fact, was expelled and Hogwarts remained open.
In Harry Potter's second year, the Chamber was opened by Ginny Weasley, who was influenced by Riddle's old diary (one of Lord Voldemort's Horcruxes). Lucius Malfoy had secretly planted the diary among her schoolbooks, with the hope that she would be caught, thus ending Arthur Weasley's Muggle Protection Act, as well as purging Hogwarts of non-pure-blood witches and wizards. The diary allowed Riddle's memory to possess Ginny, enabling him to act through her to open the Chamber a second time. However, Harry discovered the truth, destroyed the diary, and killed the basilisk that was living in the Chamber.
In Harry's fourth year, the dangerous Triwizard Tournament is revived, although with new safety measures. Death Eater Barty Crouch Jr, disguised as Professor Alastor Moody, cunningly enters Harry's name in the Goblet of Fire under a nonexistent fourth school, ensuring he is chosen by the Goblet, an impartial judge. Consequently, Harry becomes a Tri-Wizard champion, although many believe he cheated to enter. Crouch secretly helps Harry through each challenge, ensuring he will reach the Triwizard Cup. The cup is actually a Portkey that transports Harry to Little Hangleton graveyard where Lord Voldemort awaits. Harry escapes, but Voldemort succeeds in using Harry's blood in a complex spell that allows him to regain his bodily form and overcome some of Harry's magical protections.
At the end of Harry's sixth year, headmaster Albus Dumbledore is murdered by Severus Snape, a professor at the school. Following his death, Professor Minerva McGonagall is appointed acting Headmistress, although, it is unclear if the school will remain open. The faculty agree to follow "established procedures" and let the school governors ultimately decide.
In Harry Potter's second year, the Chamber was opened by Ginny Weasley, who was influenced by Riddle's old diary (one of Lord Voldemort's Horcruxes). Lucius Malfoy had secretly planted the diary among her schoolbooks, with the hope that she would be caught, thus ending Arthur Weasley's Muggle Protection Act, as well as purging Hogwarts of non-pure-blood witches and wizards. The diary allowed Riddle's memory to possess Ginny, enabling him to act through her to open the Chamber a second time. However, Harry discovered the truth, destroyed the diary, and killed the basilisk that was living in the Chamber.
In Harry's fourth year, the dangerous Triwizard Tournament is revived, although with new safety measures. Death Eater Barty Crouch Jr, disguised as Professor Alastor Moody, cunningly enters Harry's name in the Goblet of Fire under a nonexistent fourth school, ensuring he is chosen by the Goblet, an impartial judge. Consequently, Harry becomes a Tri-Wizard champion, although many believe he cheated to enter. Crouch secretly helps Harry through each challenge, ensuring he will reach the Triwizard Cup. The cup is actually a Portkey that transports Harry to Little Hangleton graveyard where Lord Voldemort awaits. Harry escapes, but Voldemort succeeds in using Harry's blood in a complex spell that allows him to regain his bodily form and overcome some of Harry's magical protections.
At the end of Harry's sixth year, headmaster Albus Dumbledore is murdered by Severus Snape, a professor at the school. Following his death, Professor Minerva McGonagall is appointed acting Headmistress, although, it is unclear if the school will remain open. The faculty agree to follow "established procedures" and let the school governors ultimately decide.