I was always under the impression that this was my least favourite of all the books, but I think it’s actually the film which I disliked, because the book was excellent. I think I must have seen the film about 15 times with all the times it’s been shown on TV at Christmas, so I think it’s overwatching that’s made me not like it.

First of all, I just want to say how awesome the cover is for this book, very sinisterly red.

This book is the first introduction we get to Dobby, the adorably cute House Elf, although not so adorably cute in his actions in this book, trying to prevent Harry from returning to Hogwarts with some non-conventional methods. In his own words: “Dobby wants to save Harry Potter’s life! Better sent home, grievously injured, than remain here, sir! Dobby only wanted Harry Potter hurt enough to be sent home!”

I also enjoyed the first appearance of Hermione’s ‘bad side’, trying to persuade Harry and Ron to brew the Polyjuice potion with stolen ingredients even though Ron and Harry both think it’s a bad idea. And maybe after the effects of her particular mug of ‘Millicent Bullstrode’, Ron and Harry had a point…

I couldn’t help but read Moaning Myrtle’s part of the book with the voice from the film, just like when I read Lord of The Rings and couldn’t help but read Gollum with the film voice. I do remember the first time I watched The Chamber of Secrets and being surprised that they managed to get the voice so perfect for the part!

By far my favourite quote of the book comes from the Albus Dumbledore when Harry asks him why the sorting hat didn’t put him into Slytherin when that was what the hat initially suggested.

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

Prisoner of Azkaban up next, I wonder how far I can get by new year…