This was my first foray into the world of Rowling’s ubiquitous little wizard. In this volume, Harry Potter works through another term at wizard’s school, dealing along the way with being stalked by a killer who is not what he seems, striving for an intramural sports championship, sneaking off the grounds, etc. The story is generally quite enjoyable, though I was struck repeatedly by what a complete weenie Potter himself seemed to be, simply submitting to his circumstances through much of the book. In fact, I found myself at times sympathizing with one of the professors who was Potter’s constant critic, as Potter often acted a selfish, unthinking boy I wouldn’t want my kids spending much time with. However, the twists of the plot and the humor make it a good journey, in spite of the occassionally annoying company one must keep along the way.