“I solemnly swear that I am up to no good.” — The Marauder’s Map
Chapter 1: Owl Post
Harry Potter is spending another miserable summer with the Dursleys when he receives a warning letter from his godfather, Sirius Black, who has escaped from Azkaban. Aunt Marge insults Harry’s parents, and he accidentally inflates her like a balloon, fleeing the house in fear.
Chapter 2: Aunt Marge’s Big Mistake
Harry runs away and is picked up by the Knight Bus, which takes him to the Leaky Cauldron. Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge assures him he won’t be punished for using magic outside school, as Black is believed to be hunting Harry.
Chapter 3: The Knight Bus
Harry reunites with Ron and Hermione in Diagon Alley. He learns more about Sirius Black’s supposed betrayal of his parents and his escape from Azkaban. Harry also buys new school supplies, including the Monster Book of Monsters for Care of Magical Creatures.
Chapter 4: The Leaky Cauldron
On the Hogwarts Express, Harry, Ron, and Hermione encounter Professor Lupin, the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Dementors board the train, searching for Black, and Harry faints upon hearing his mother’s screams in his head—a reaction Lupin explains is due to his traumatic past.
Chapter 5: The Dementor
At Hogwarts, Dumbledore warns students about the Dementors guarding the school. During Divination, Professor Trelawney gives Harry a grim prediction. Meanwhile, Hagrid introduces the class to Buckbeak, a Hippogriff, whom Malfoy provokes, leading to Buckbeak’s trial for attacking him.
Chapter 6: Talons and Tea Leaves
Harry receives a Firebolt broomstick anonymously but Hermione reports it to McGonagall, fearing it’s cursed. Harry is furious, straining their friendship. Meanwhile, Lupin begins teaching Harry the Patronus Charm to repel Dementors.
Chapter 7: The Boggart in the Wardrobe
Ron’s rat, Scabbers, appears ill, and Crookshanks, Hermione’s cat, stalks him relentlessly. Harry learns more about Lupin’s past and his father’s friendship with Sirius Black. Tensions rise as Buckbeak’s execution date approaches.
Chapter 8: Flight of the Fat Lady
Sirius Black breaks into Gryffindor Tower, slashing the Fat Lady’s portrait. The school goes on lockdown. Harry, Ron, and Hermione sneak into Hogsmeade using the Marauder’s Map, where Harry overhears that Black betrayed his parents—but something feels off.
Chapter 9: Grim Defeat
During a Quidditch match, Dementors swarm Harry, causing him to fall. His Firebolt is returned, deemed safe. Meanwhile, Hagrid loses his case to save Buckbeak, and the trio vows to help.
Chapter 10: The Marauder’s Map
Lupin confiscates the Marauder’s Map from Harry but privately admires it, recognizing it as his and his friends’ creation. Harry masters the Patronus Charm, producing a powerful stag. Scabbers goes missing, and Ron accuses Crookshanks of eating him.
Chapter 11: The Firebolt
Harry, Ron, and Hermione use a Time-Turner to save Buckbeak and Sirius Black. They discover Scabbers is actually Peter Pettigrew, the real traitor who framed Black. Lupin and Black reveal the truth about Harry’s parents’ betrayal.
Chapter 12: The Patronus
Pettigrew escapes, and Black is captured. Harry and Hermione travel back in time, rescuing Buckbeak and freeing Sirius. With Dumbledore’s help, Sirius escapes on Buckbeak. Harry receives a letter from Sirius, promising future contact.
Chapter 13: Gryffindor Versus Ravenclaw
Harry wins the Quidditch Cup for Gryffindor. Lupin resigns after Snape reveals he’s a werewolf. Harry learns Sirius is his godfather and gains hope for a future outside the Dursleys’ home.
Chapter 14: Snape’s Grudge
As the term ends, Harry returns to the Leaky Cauldron, no longer fearing the Dursleys, knowing he has Sirius and his friends’ support. He looks forward to a brighter future.
Chapter 15: The Quidditch Final
The school year concludes with celebrations, but Harry is already thinking about the mysteries yet to unfold. With new allies and revelations, he feels more prepared for the challenges ahead.
Key Ideas
- The power of friendship and loyalty in overcoming adversity.
- The dangers of unchecked authority, symbolized by the Dementors.
- The importance of questioning perceived truths, as seen with Sirius Black’s innocence.
- The theme of time and second chances, exemplified by Hermione’s Time-Turner.
- The struggle against fear, embodied in Harry’s Patronus lessons.
Notable Adaptations
| Year | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Film) | Directed by Alfonso Cuarón; praised for its darker tone. |
| 2019 | Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Video Game) | Action-adventure game based on the film. |
Who should read this book?
- Fans of fantasy seeking rich world-building and magical adventure.
- Readers who enjoy stories about friendship, bravery, and mystery.
- Those interested in themes of justice and overcoming fear.