Only the heir of Hogwarts' founder Salazar Slytherin can open the secret chamber to release the malevolent creature held inside.
While trying to solve the mystery, Harry is accused of being the heir because he is a Parseltongue who can communicate with snakes as Slytherin was able to do a thousand years earlier.
Misunderstood and concerned about the well-being of his best friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger in addition to his classmates, including Ron's younger sister Ginny who is held hostage in the chamber, Harry perseveres to save Hogwarts from destruction despite unfair allegations about his motives and character. He confronts his archenemy Lord Voldemort while questioning his own character and ancestry.
Harry's self-confidence and faith in his allies bolster his magical abilities, allowing him to vanquish his foes in the form of the villainous Voldemort and his own confusing insecurities.