Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s/Sorcerer’s Stone: Chapter 16 Summary.
Through the Trapdoor
Chapter sixteen of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, titled “Through the Trapdoor,” deals with Harry, Hermione, and Ron’s attempt to protect the Sorcerer’s Stone from being stolen.
Exam Season
With the end of the school year approaching, the students at Hogwarts are busy with their exams. The exams consist of both written and practical tests, challenging the students’ knowledge and magical abilities.
For instance, in Transfiguration, they are required to turn a matchstick into a needle, while in Charms, they must make a pineapple tap dance across a desk.
Despite the usual stress associated with exams, Harry’s mind is preoccupied with the safety of the Sorcerer’s Stone. Hermione excels in her exams, as expected, while Ron struggles with his nerves. Harry finds it hard to concentrate, his thoughts constantly drifting to the potential threat to the Stone.
Confronting Hagrid
After the exams are over, Harry becomes increasingly anxious about the Sorcerer’s Stone. He is convinced that someone will try to steal it soon.
They visit Hagrid to gather more information and discover that he accidentally told a stranger how to get past Fluffy, the three-headed dog. The stranger, who gave Hagrid a dragon egg, was perhaps someone trying to steal the Stone. This revelation shocks the trio and confirms their fears. The trio decides to inform Dumbledore.
Finding Out Dumbledore is Away
While waiting for him, the trio learns from Professor McGonagall that Dumbledore has been called away to London by an urgent owl message. Seeing no other way out, they decide to take things into their own hands. Harry feels a sense of urgency as Dumbledore’s absence leaves the Stone vulnerable.
Sneaking Out at Night
That night, Harry, Hermione, and Ron use the Invisibility Cloak to sneak out of their dormitory. As they are about to leave, they encounter Neville, who tries to stop them, fearing they will get into more trouble and lose more house points for Gryffindor.
A brief struggle ensues, and Hermione uses a body-bind curse on Neville to keep him from interfering.
They also encounter Peeves, the mischievous poltergeist, but manage to get rid of him by pretending to be the Bloody Baron, the ghost of the Slytherin House.
Finally, they manage to reach the forbidden third-floor corridor, and to their horror, the door is already ajar.
Getting Past Fluffy
Harry realizes that Snape is here already, and tells both Ron and Hermione that they can go back if they want to. They refuse instantly, and the three go inside.
The trio uses the flute Hagrid gave Harry to put Fluffy to sleep. They open the trapdoor near him and jump down into the unknown, finding themselves in a series of enchanted chambers designed to protect the Stone.
Devil’s Snare
First, Harry and Ron land in Devil’s Snare, a plant that constricts around them. Hermione, who jumped last, remembers that he plant likes dark, damp spaces, so Harry asks her to start a fire.
Hermione uses the same spell she used to light Snape’s robe on fire, and it works well. The plant loosens its grip quickly and eventually releases them. Together, the three go forward.
Flying Keys
The next room contains a swarm of flying keys and a few broomsticks. They must catch the correct key to unlock the door to the next chamber. The keys fly around in a way that makes it seem impossible for someone to catch hold of them.
Harry, however, being an excellent Seeker, manages to catch the right key with help from Ron and Hermione. With the right key in hand, Harry rushes to open the next door, and the trio walks in to face the next challenge.
Wizard’s Chess
The next challenge happens to be a life-sized game of Wizard’s Chess, where participants must take the place of pieces. As each piece gets taken, the opposing piece smashes it to pieces, displaying an enormous risk of life.
Ron takes charge, directing them to victory but sacrificing himself in the process. Hoping he is in no real danger, Harry and Hermione quickly make their way to the next room, promising to come back for him soon.
The Troll
In the next chamber, they encounter a knocked-out troll. It is already subdued, indicating that someone else has passed through recently. The sight of the troll adds to the tension and urgency of their mission but also offers relief since it would have been a difficult enemy to face.
They step carefully over the troll and make their way to the final room; Snape’s puzzle
The Potions Riddle
The second they step foot over the threshold, a purple fire springs up behind them. Almost simultaneously, black flames engulf the door in front of them.
Ahead lie seven differently shaped bottles and a piece of paper with a riddle. Three bottles contain poison, two contain wine, one gets you through the black fire, and one through purple.
Hermione decodes the puzzle easily and is able to determine which one allows safe passage. She correctly identifies the potion that will enable Harry to proceed safely to the final chamber, while she takes the other one to bring back up and help Ron.
With Hermione gone, Harry enters the final door to see someone waiting for him. However, it is neither Snape nor Voldemort.
The chapter ends with Harry proceeding alone to face the final challenge, ready to confront whatever lies ahead to protect the Sorcerer’s Stone.
