Harry Potter, #3
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
by J.K. Rowling
Contents
CHAPTER EIGHT
Overview
Lupin’s classes flourish while tensions rise elsewhere: Snape grows vindictive, Crookshanks targets Scabbers, and Hogsmeade plans exclude Harry. Harry spends Hallowe’en speaking with Lupin, learning his greatest fear is fear itself, and witnesses Snape delivering a mysterious potion. The night ends in crisis when the Fat Lady’s portrait is savaged and Peeves names Sirius Black as the attacker, escalating the threat inside Hogwarts.
Summary
Defence Against the Dark Arts becomes the school’s favorite class as Professor Remus Lupin teaches Red Caps and Kappas with practical clarity. Meanwhile, Professor Snape, stung by rumors of his Boggart humiliation, bullies Neville and radiates hostility toward Lupin. Hagrid’s confidence falters, reducing Care of Magical Creatures to dull Flobberworm care. Quidditch training resumes under Oliver Wood’s urgent push to win the Cup.
News of the first Hogsmeade weekend excites everyone except Harry, who lacks a signed permission form. After Crookshanks viciously goes for Scabbers, Ron and Hermione quarrel. Harry appeals to Professor McGonagall but is firmly denied, heightening his disappointment.
On Hallowe’en, Harry stays behind as others visit Hogsmeade. After dodging Filch, Harry meets Lupin, who invites him in and shows a Grindylow. When Harry asks about the Boggart lesson, Lupin explains he avoided having Voldemort appear in the staff room, then praises Harry’s realization that he fears the Dementors—the embodiment of fear—most. Snape interrupts, delivering a complex potion for Lupin, which Lupin drinks despite its foulness.
That evening’s feast is festive, and Harry watches Lupin appear well while Snape keeps a wary eye on him. Afterward, students return to Gryffindor Tower but find the corridor blocked. The Fat Lady is missing, her portrait shredded. Dumbledore arrives; Peeves gleefully reports she fled in shame and that Sirius Black attacked after she refused him entry. The danger at Hogwarts becomes immediate and personal.
Who Appears
- Harry PotterLeft out of Hogsmeade; questions Lupin about the Boggart; learns he fears fear; witnesses aftermath of the Fat Lady’s attack.
- Remus LupinPopular DADA teacher; discusses Harry’s fear and Boggart; receives and drinks a complex potion from Snape.
- Ron WeasleyArgues with Hermione over Crookshanks; visits Hogsmeade; brings treats back and supports Harry.
- Hermione GrangerDefends Crookshanks; logical about Trelawney’s prediction; visits Hogsmeade; worries about Snape’s intentions.
- Severus SnapeVindictive in class; delivers a special potion to Lupin and watches him closely.
- Oliver WoodDrives Gryffindor Quidditch training with urgent determination to win the Cup.
- CrookshanksHermione’s cat; aggressively attacks Ron’s bag to reach Scabbers, intensifying tensions.
- ScabbersRon’s ailing rat; chased by Crookshanks and rescued, fueling Ron’s anger.
- Minerva McGonagallEnforces Hogsmeade permission rules; refuses Harry’s request to go without a signed form.
- Albus DumbledoreTakes charge after the Fat Lady’s portrait is destroyed; orders a search and questions Peeves.
- The Fat LadyGryffindor portrait guardian; flees after her canvas is slashed during an attempted forced entry.
- PeevesPoltergeist who reports that Sirius Black attacked the Fat Lady after she denied him entry.
- Lavender BrownMourns her rabbit Binky; cites Trelawney’s prediction as fulfilled.
- Parvati PatilComforts Lavender and supports belief in Trelawney’s prediction.
- Rubeus HagridTeaches dull Flobberworm care, showing shaken confidence after Buckbeak incident.
- Percy WeasleyAttempts to manage the crowd at the portrait; calls for Dumbledore.
- Argus FilchSuspiciously confronts Harry and later is tasked to search paintings for the Fat Lady.
- Draco MalfoyMocks Lupin’s attire and taunts Harry about Dementors.