Chapter 6 Summary

Ron and Harry experience the consequences of their behavior. Ron receives a furious howler from his mother, a magical letter that shouts at him in angry tones that everyone in the Great Hall is able to hear. She is outraged with Ron and Harry, and informs them that Mr. Weasley is now in trouble, too, being investigated by the ministry and in danger of losing his job. This sets a sober tone to the first day of school, with both boys feeling bad about the effect their behavior had on the Weasley family.

Gilderoy Lockhart has settled into his role at Hogwarts and is soon telling other people what to do. He tells the Herbology teacher how to repair the Whomping Willow (advice which doesn't impressed her, this being her subject, not his). He takes Harry to one side, under the impression that...