The book begins describing the eerie happenings at an abandoned house in Little Hagleton. This had been the residence of Tom Riddle and his family, all of whom perished in an inexplicable manner. The house had lain empty for years, cared for by an old gardener, Frank Bryce. On the night in question, Frank, attracted by unusual movement, goes up to the house to check what is happening. Here he stumbles across a strange conversation between a short, bald, beak-nosed man named Wormtail and Lord Voldemort. These two men are accompanied by a huge evil looking snake, Nagini. They speak of the murder of one called Bertha Jorkins and the planned murder of Harry Potter. Caught in the act of eavesdropping, Frank is struck down dead.

Harry Potter, staying at his aunt and uncle's house on vacation, has strange dreams and senses something strange when the...