The Second Attack

Harry, feeling isolated after the Dueling Club incident, overhears Hufflepuff students discussing their belief that he is the Heir of Slytherin. Later, he discovers Justin Finch-Fletchley and Nearly Headless Nick both Petrified in a corridor. Justin is frozen solid, and Nick is no longer pearly-white but black and smoky, having been hit by the full force of the monster's stare. Peeves the Poltergeist raises the alarm, and Harry is found at the scene, further incriminating himself. He is taken to Dumbledore's office, where he meets Fawkes the phoenix for the first time. Dumbledore questions Harry but does not accuse him, instead offering a cryptic reassurance: 'Help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who ask for it.'