The Aftermath and Revelations

Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Lockhart emerge from the Chamber and are brought to Professor McGonagall's office, where Dumbledore has returned. Harry explains everything that happened, including the role of the diary and Riddle's true identity as Lord Voldemort. Dumbledore reveals that Voldemort transferred some of his powers to Harry the night he tried to kill him, which is why Harry can speak Parseltongue. He also tells Harry that the Sorting Hat placed him in Gryffindor because he chose to be there, emphasizing that 'it is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.' Harry is awarded two hundred points for Gryffindor, and the school celebrates with a feast.