Chapter 17 Summary

Harry finds himself in an eerie, dark chamber. Many stone pillars with carved serpents entwined around them support the shadowy ceiling. Harry progresses slowly into the depths of the chamber to look for Ginny. He finds her, lying face down at the foot of a large statue, and is horrified to find she isn't moving, her face deathly pale, and her breathing barely noticeable. To his surprise, Tom Riddle is also in the chamber. He appeals to Tom for help, informing him about the Basilisk and the need to leave the chamber quickly. But Tom is in no hurry to leave, and Harry realizes that there is something strange about him.

Tom was a pupil at Hogwarts over fifty years ago, but he looks no older than sixteen, and an unusual light surrounds him. He looks at Harry in a peculiar way, holding...