Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: Chapter 3 Summary.
The Burrow
Chapter 2 of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, titled “The Burrow”, revolves around Ron rescuing Harry from the Dursleys, and introduces The Burrow, the Weasley household.
Harry’s Rescue
Harry wakes up in the middle of the night to a tapping sound at his window. Looking out, he is astonished to see his best friend, Ron Weasley, hovering outside in a flying car along with his brothers, Fred and George. Ron explains that he became worried when Harry did not respond to their letters, and decided to come check up on him after learning about the warning Harry received for using magic in front of Muggles.
Harry explains that he has been locked up by the Dursleys, and therefore would not be able to attend Hogwarts this year. Ron scoffs at this and tells Harry that he is going with them to the Weasley’s house.
The brothers work together to remove the bars from Harry’s window using the enchanted car. Fred and George then sneak into the house and unlock the cupboard under the stairs to collect Harry’s belongings. As they are about to make their escape, Hedwig’s hooting awakens Uncle Vernon, who rushes to Harry’s room and attempts to stop him from leaving by grabbing his ankle. After a brief struggle, the Weasleys manage to pull Harry into the car, and they fly off into the night.
Flight to the Burrow
During the flight, Harry recounts the events that transpired with Dobby, including the house elf’s warning and the disaster at the Dursleys’ dinner party. Fred and George explain that even though they possess powerful magic, house elves typically cannot use their magic without their master’s permission. They believe that Dobby was sent to prevent Harry from returning to Hogwarts, possibly as part of a prank. They tell Harry that House Elves usually come with castles and manors, and typically serve old wizarding families with a lot of wealth.
His newfound knowledge makes him suspect Draco Malfoy, son of Lucius Malfoy, a wealthy death eater who was in Voldemort’s inner circle.
Ron shares more about his family and his father’s work at the Ministry of Magic. Mr. Weasley works in the Department of Misuse of Muggle Artifacts, and his job involves regulating and often confiscating enchanted Muggle objects. Despite the nature of his job, he enjoys tinkering with muggle artifacts, such as the flying car they are currently using.
Arrival at the Burrow
The group arrives at The Burrow, the Weasleys’ magical and welcoming home as dawn approaches. The Burrow is described as a tall, crooked house with many additions, appearing as though it is held together by magic (which, Harry realizes, it probably is). Harry is captivated by the sight of the house, which starkly contrasts with the Dursleys’ sterile and oppressive home.
Upon their arrival, the boys attempt to sneak in, but they are immediately caught by Mrs. Weasley. She is furious with her sons for taking the car without permission and risking their safety, but she quickly shifts to a warm and motherly demeanor upon seeing Harry, expressing her relief and happiness that he is safe and with them.
Meeting Ginny and De-Gnoming the Garden
During breakfast, Harry is introduced to Ron’s younger sister, Ginny, who is shy and starstruck upon meeting him. Ginny, who has a crush on Harry, squeaks in embarrassment and runs out of the kitchen when she sees him. Ron explains that Ginny has been talking about Harry all summer, highlighting her admiration and nervousness around him.
After breakfast, Mrs. Weasley assigns the boys the task of de-gnoming the garden. This task involves catching the garden gnomes, which are small, potato-like creatures, and throwing them out of the garden. Harry learns that de-gnoming is a common household chore in the wizarding world, and he eagerly participates, finding the experience both amusing and enlightening. Fred and George demonstrate the proper technique of swinging the gnomes by their ankles and hurling them over the garden wall. The gnomes, dazed and disoriented, attempt to find their way back, but the boys continue to drive them away. This task not only introduces Harry to another aspect of magical life but also reinforces the Weasleys’ practical and hands-on approach to dealing with magical creatures.
Mr. Weasley Comes Home
Right as they wrap up the de-gnoming, Mr. Weasley arrives home from his night shift at the Ministry of Magic. He enthusiastically shares his latest work tales, including an amusing incident involving shrinking keys. His cheerful mood is quickly interrupted when Mrs. Weasley starts scolding him for enchanting the car, which his sons used to fly to Harry’s house and back. Despite her yelling, Mr. Weasley is delighted to meet Harry and expresses curiosity about how the car performed during the flight.
Ron’s Room
Harry visits Ron’s room, which, though small and somewhat cramped, feels welcoming and full of character. The room is decorated with posters of Ron’s favorite Quidditch team, the Chudley Cannons, and filled with various magical artifacts, such as a moving model of the solar system. Despite its modest size, Harry appreciates the cozy atmosphere and the magical charm of the room, feeling much more at ease than he ever did at the Dursleys’ house. The warmth and personality of Ron’s room offer Harry a sense of belonging and comfort that he has long been missing.
This chapter ends on a positive note, rescuing Harry from his unhappy life with the Dursleys and introducing him to the warmth of the Weasley family. It sets the stage for Harry’s return to the magical world and highlights the strong bonds of friendship and loyalty that will be central to the story.
