In lexicon.org/source/the-harry-potter-novels/cs/cs6/">Chapter 6 of Chamber of Secrets, titled “Gilderoy Lockhart,” we are introduced to two new magical items. Ron has the unfortunate privilege of allowing us to witness a Howler’s ability to deafeningly put someone in their place. And in the first Herbology class of the term we learn all about mandrakes and their fatal cries. I thought it was interesting that both new items are, to put it simply, loud. Knowing that Rowling planned these stories meticulously I started wondering what purpose she had in mind by connecting these brand new items by their volume. I don’t know for sure, but I think it’s meant to contrast all of the silence that occurs later in the book. For instance, the murmurs that only Harry can hear contrasts lexicon.org/character/weasley-family/molly-weasley/">Mrs. Weasley’s reprimand to Ron that everyone in the lexicon.org/place/hogwarts-school-of-witchcraft-and-wizardry/hogwarts-ground-floor/great-hall/">Great Hall heard. Also, the victims of the lexicon.org/magic/petrification/">Petrification are frozen and quiet, unable to tell anyone who attacked them. Their situation is opposite of the wriggly, crying baby mandrakes. Something else that I thought was interesting, was that we also meet two new Muggleborns in the chapter as well: lexicon.org/character/finch-fletchley-family/justin-finch-fletchley/">Justin Finch-Fletchley and lexicon.org/character/creevey-family/colin-creevey/">Colin Creevey. Where we only really got to know one Muggleborn, Hermione, in the first book, meeting Justin and Colin for more than a passing moment should have alerted us that Muggleborns would be important to the rest of the story.