Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Harry Potter, #2)

by J.K. Rowling

“Beds empty! No note! Car gone — could have crashed — out of my mind with worry — did you care? — never, as long as I’ve lived — you wait until your father gets home, we never had trouble like this from Bill or Charlie or Percy —”

“At least no one on the Gryffindor team had to buy their way in,” said Hermione sharply. “They got in on pure talent.” The smug look on Malfoy’s face flickered. “No one asked your opinion, you filthy little Mudblood,” he spat.

“So Dobby stopped us from getting on the train and broke your arm. . . .” He shook his head. “You know what, Harry? If he doesn’t stop trying to save your life he’s going to kill you.”

“You’ll find that hard to prove,” said Hermione. “He lived about a thousand years ago; for all we know, you could be.”

And out of it came something that made Harry let out a long, piercing scream unheard by anyone —

“Because that’s what Hermione does,” said Ron, shrugging. “When in doubt, go to the library.”

It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”

“Proud?” said Harry. “Are you crazy? All those times I could’ve died, and I didn’t manage it? They’ll be furious. . . .” And together they walked back through the gateway to the Muggle world.