Harry Potter, #3
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
by J.K. Rowling
Contents
CHAPTER ONE
Overview
Harry endures a miserable summer with the Dursleys, secretly completing homework at night. On turning thirteen, he receives owl-post gifts from Ron, Hermione, and Hagrid, plus a Hogwarts letter. The Hogsmeade permission form raises new stakes, as Harry doubts his guardians will sign, setting up conflict for the term.
Summary
Late at night at Privet Drive, Harry hides under his blankets to finish homework, reflecting on the Dursleys’ hostility and their efforts to suppress his magic by locking away his school things. He recalls Ron’s disastrous phone call that enraged Uncle Vernon, and notes Hermione has not contacted him either.
At one in the morning, Harry realizes he has turned thirteen. Looking out of his window, he watches three owls arrive: Errol collapses with a parcel from the Weasleys, Hedwig returns with another, and a third owl delivers a thick Hogwarts letter.
Harry opens Ron’s parcel to find a birthday card, a Daily Prophet clipping about the Weasleys’ prize trip to Egypt, and a Pocket Sneakoscope. Hermione’s parcel contains a letter from France and a Broomstick Servicing Kit. Hagrid’s gift proves troublesome: The Monster Book of Monsters snaps and scuttles around the room until Harry belts it shut.
Finally, Harry opens the Hogwarts letter. It confirms term dates, lists books, and encloses a Hogsmeade permission form requiring a parent or guardian’s signature, which Harry doubts he can obtain from the Dursleys. He ends the night comforted by his friends’ cards and gifts, but anxious about permission to visit Hogsmeade.
Who Appears
- Harry PotterSecretly does homework at night at the Dursleys; turns thirteen; receives gifts and a Hogsmeade form.
- Vernon DursleyAnswers Ron’s loud phone call furiously; forbids magic and contributes to Harry’s tense summer.
- Petunia DursleyShares the anti-magic stance; a likely obstacle to signing the Hogsmeade permission form.
- Dudley DursleySleeps noisily nearby; part of the oppressive household Harry endures.
- Ron WeasleySends a birthday card, a Pocket Sneakoscope, and news from Egypt; proposes meeting in London.
- Hermione GrangerWrites from France; sends a Broomstick Servicing Kit; hopes to meet in London before term.
- Rubeus HagridSends The Monster Book of Monsters with a note hinting it will be useful next year.
- HedwigHarry’s owl; returns with Hermione’s parcel and rests after the delivery.
- ErrolWeasley family owl; arrives exhausted with Ron’s parcel and recovers with water.
- Professor Minerva McGonagallSends the Hogwarts letter, booklist, and Hogsmeade permission form requiring a guardian’s signature.