Harry Potter, #3
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
by J.K. Rowling
Contents
CHAPTER FOUR
Overview
Harry revels in independence at the Leaky Cauldron and Diagon Alley, fixating on the new Firebolt and buying books for Care of Magical Creatures and Divination. Reuniting with Ron and Hermione, he witnesses Crookshanks attacking Scabbers. That night, Harry overhears Mr and Mrs Weasley: Sirius Black is hunting Harry, and Dementors will guard Hogwarts, raising safety and freedom stakes.
Summary
Harry settles into life at the Leaky Cauldron, enjoying unsupervised days in Diagon Alley. He completes homework at Florean Fortescue’s and resists extravagant purchases, though he becomes obsessed with the prototype Firebolt broom. Shopping for classes, he confirms Hagrid’s Monster Book of Monsters is required and begins Divination, where a book on death omens featuring a black dog unsettles him.
As term nears, Harry glimpses classmates and finally reunites with Ron and Hermione. Ron shows his new wand and worries over his aging rat, Scabbers. Hermione announces an ambitious timetable and hopes to buy an owl. At the Magical Menagerie, an enormous ginger cat, Crookshanks, attacks Scabbers; Ron retrieves the frightened rat, while Hermione buys Crookshanks despite Ron’s objections.
The Weasley family arrives at the Leaky Cauldron. Over dinner, Mr Weasley mentions Ministry cars will take them to King’s Cross, drawing teasing of Percy, newly made Head Boy. Later, Percy’s badge goes missing—actually pranked by Fred and George—while Ron searches for lost Rat Tonic.
On an errand, Harry overhears Mr and Mrs Weasley arguing: Arthur wants Harry warned that Sirius Black escaped Azkaban and is hunting him; Molly fears frightening him. Harry learns Dementors will surround Hogwarts with Dumbledore’s reluctant consent. Back in his room, Harry reasons Fudge’s leniency and extra security are because he’s a target. Trusting Dumbledore and the Dementors’ presence, he is less afraid than annoyed that Hogsmeade visits may be barred.
Who Appears
- Harry PotterEnjoys freedom in Diagon Alley, covets the Firebolt, buys schoolbooks, reunites with friends, and overhears that Sirius Black is targeting him.
- Ron WeasleyShows a new wand, worries over his rat Scabbers, chases him after Crookshanks attacks, and spars with Percy about packing.
- Hermione GrangerProud of an overloaded timetable; buys Crookshanks at the Magical Menagerie, dismissing Ron’s concerns about Scabbers.
- Arthur WeasleyGravely reveals Sirius Black is after Harry; arranges Ministry cars; supports Dementors guarding Hogwarts despite misgivings.
- Molly WeasleyArgues against telling Harry the danger; trusts Dumbledore; organizes family for travel.
- CrookshanksHermione’s newly purchased ginger cat; immediately attacks Scabbers, creating tension with Ron.
- ScabbersRon’s aging, ailing rat; flees from Crookshanks and needs Rat Tonic.
- Percy WeasleyNewly appointed Head Boy; loses his badge to Fred and George’s prank; quarrels with Ron.
- Fred WeasleyTeases Percy and modifies his badge to read ‘Bighead Boy’; jokes about Ministry cars.
- George WeasleyPartners with Fred in pranking Percy and banter at dinner.
- Ginny WeasleyShy around Harry; accompanies family to the Leaky Cauldron.
- Florean FortescueHelps Harry with homework and supplies frequent free sundaes.
- Flourish and Blotts ManagerBattles the Monster Book cage; sells Divination and core textbooks to Harry.
- Magical Menagerie WitchAssesses Scabbers’ condition, recommends Rat Tonic, and tries to restrain Crookshanks.