Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Introduction

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is the third book in J.K. Rowling’s beloved series. It follows Harry as he enters his third year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. This year is marked by the escape of Sirius Black, a notorious prisoner from Azkaban who is believed to be after Harry. With themes of loyalty, betrayal, and courage, the book dives deeper into Harry’s past while introducing elements like the Marauder’s Map, the Animagus transformation, and time travel.

Chapter Summaries

Chapter 1: Owl Post

Harry spends a miserable summer with the Dursleys, eagerly awaiting his return to Hogwarts. On his birthday, he receives gifts and letters from his friends Ron, Hermione, and Hagrid. These include a sneakoscope and permission slips for a school trip to Hogsmeade—provided he gets his uncle’s signature.

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Chapter 2: Aunt Marge’s Big Mistake

Uncle Vernon’s sister, Aunt Marge, visits and insults Harry’s parents. Unable to contain his anger, Harry accidentally inflates her like a balloon using magic. Fearing expulsion from Hogwarts, Harry runs away from the Dursleys.

Chapter 3: The Knight Bus

Harry is picked up by the Knight Bus, a magical transport for stranded witches and wizards. He learns from the conductor that Sirius Black, a dangerous criminal, has escaped Azkaban. Harry arrives at the Leaky Cauldron, where he is greeted warmly by the Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, who surprisingly doesn’t punish him.

Chapter 4: The Leaky Cauldron

Harry spends the remaining summer days in Diagon Alley. He reunites with Ron and Hermione, who have their adventures to share. Hermione has purchased a magical cat, Crookshanks, causing tension with Ron, whose pet rat, Scabbers, dislikes the feline. Harry also learns that Black might be after him.

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Chapter 5: The Dementor

On the train to Hogwarts, Harry, Ron, and Hermione meet Professor Lupin, the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. The train is stopped by Dementors—guards of Azkaban—who search for Black. A Dementor targets Harry, causing him to faint, but Lupin repels it with a Patronus Charm.

Chapter 6: Talons and Tea Leaves

Harry attends Divination class with Professor Trelawney, who predicts doom for him through the omen of the Grim—a large black dog symbolizing death. Meanwhile, Hagrid teaches his first Care of Magical Creatures class, introducing hippogriffs. Draco Malfoy is injured by Buckbeak, one of the creatures, after provoking it.

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Chapter 7: The Boggart in the Wardrobe

In Defense Against the Dark Arts, Professor Lupin teaches the class to defeat a Boggart—a shape-shifting creature that takes the form of a person’s worst fear. Harry notices Lupin avoids letting him face the Boggart, hinting at his protective instincts toward Harry.

Chapter 8: Flight of the Fat Lady

The Fat Lady, the guardian of Gryffindor Tower’s entrance, is attacked, and the castle is thrown into chaos. It is revealed that Sirius Black has infiltrated Hogwarts. Security measures, including the presence of Dementors, are increased.

Chapter 9: Grim Defeat

During a Quidditch match against Hufflepuff, Harry sees the Grim—a black dog—and faints when Dementors invade the pitch. Gryffindor loses the game, and Harry is devastated. Professor Lupin begins teaching Harry how to produce a Patronus Charm to fend off Dementors.

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Chapter 10: The Marauder’s Map

Fred and George Weasley give Harry the Marauder’s Map, a magical document showing everyone’s location at Hogwarts. Harry uses it to sneak into Hogsmeade, where he overhears a conversation revealing Sirius Black betrayed his parents to Voldemort.

Chapter 11: The Firebolt

Harry receives a Firebolt broomstick anonymously. Hermione reports it to Professor McGonagall, fearing it may be cursed. This causes tension among the trio, with Ron siding against Hermione. Meanwhile, Buckbeak’s trial for attacking Draco is scheduled.

Chapter 12: The Patronus

Harry practices the Patronus Charm with Lupin, eventually producing a faint silvery mist. Lupin reveals more about Dementors and their connection to despair. Meanwhile, the trio tries to investigate Sirius Black’s motives.

Chapter 13: Gryffindor Versus Ravenclaw

Harry wins a Quidditch match against Ravenclaw using the Firebolt, which is returned after being deemed safe. However, another encounter with the Grim and the discovery of Peter Pettigrew’s name on the Marauder’s Map leave Harry confused and anxious.

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Chapter 14: Snape’s Grudge

Snape confronts Harry about wandering the castle at night with the Marauder’s Map. Tensions rise as Snape’s resentment toward Harry’s father, James, becomes apparent. Lupin defends Harry, but Snape remains suspicious.

Chapter 15: The Quidditch Final

Gryffindor wins the Quidditch Cup after an intense final match against Slytherin. Harry feels a rare sense of triumph and camaraderie with his team.

Chapter 16: Professor Trelawney’s Prediction

During an exam, Trelawney predicts the return of Voldemort’s servant. Harry dismisses it as nonsense, but events soon escalate when they discover that Buckbeak has been sentenced to death.

Chapter 17: Cat, Rat, and Dog

While visiting Hagrid, the trio finds Scabbers, who had gone missing. They are attacked by the black dog, which drags them into the Shrieking Shack. The dog is revealed to be Sirius Black in his Animagus form. Lupin arrives and confirms that Scabbers is Peter Pettigrew, who faked his death and framed Sirius.

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Chapter 18: Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs

Lupin and Sirius recount their history with Harry’s father and how Peter betrayed the Potters. Snape interrupts, seeking revenge on Sirius, but is knocked unconscious. Peter is captured, and the group heads back to the castle.

Chapter 19: The Servant of Lord Voldemort

While transporting Pettigrew, a full moon causes Lupin to transform into a werewolf. Pettigrew escapes in the chaos, leaving Sirius to face the Dementors. Harry and Hermione save him using a time-turner, returning to free Buckbeak and Sirius.

Chapter 20: The Dementor’s Kiss

The past events replay as Harry and Hermione intervene subtly. Harry produces a powerful Patronus to save his past self and Sirius from the Dementors. Sirius escapes on Buckbeak, leaving Harry hopeful despite the unresolved danger.

Chapter 21: Hermione’s Secret

Hermione reveals she has been using the time-turner all year to attend multiple classes. With Sirius free, Harry grapples with the loss of the chance to live with him but is reassured by his friends’ support.

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