Back in the bathroom, Harry and Ron discover that Hermione accidentally transformed into a cat. Despite Moaning Myrtle's goading, however, they convince her to go to the hospital wing.

Harry and Ron are leaving the hospital wing when they hear Filch screaming a floor above. They run up to discover a crying Moaning Myrtle, upset because a diary has been thrown at her. Harry picks up the diary despite warnings from Ron, discovers it belongs to [T.M. Riddle], and pockets it.

Hermione gets out of the hospital wing and chats with Harry and Ron about [Riddle's diary]. They realize that Riddle was at school around the time of the Chamber of Secrets' first opening, but can't get it to do anything.

Though unable to explain why, Harry hangs on to [Riddle's diary]. The trio tries to find out more about Riddle, but can't come up with much.

Harry walks into the Great Hall and is shocked to find it decorated - by Lockhart, of course - for Valentine's Day. Lockhart announes a variety of festivities for the day, much to the consternation of the other teachers.

As Valentine's Day progresses, [dwarfs] periodically interrupt classs to deliver valentines - but none so memorable as a singing telegram for Harry. In the chaos surrounding it, Harry's bag splits and Malfoy grabs [Riddle's diary] - which, Harry soon notices, was untouched by the ink that spilled over the rest of his books.

Harry goes to bed early in order to try writing in [Riddle's diary] - and soon discovers that Riddle, in the diary, writes back. Riddle tells Harry he knows about the Chamber of Secrets, and offers to show Harry what happened.