Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban facts for kids

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is the third book in the Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling. The book was released on 8 July 1999. It tells the story of Harry Potter's third year at Hogwarts. A movie based on the book came out on 31 May 2004. This is the only book where Lord Voldemort does not appear.

The Story Begins

Harry Potter is spending his summer with the Dursleys. One day, he accidentally inflates his Aunt Marge. This happens because he uses magic outside of school. Harry then leaves the Dursleys' house.

He catches a ride on a special magical bus. It is called The Knight Bus. On his way back to Hogwarts, Harry learns some shocking news. A dangerous wizard named Sirius Black has escaped. Black was held in Azkaban, the wizard prison. He was believed to have caused many deaths.

Sirius Black's Escape

Sirius Black is a very important character in this book. He is the first person to ever escape from Azkaban prison. The wizarding world is very worried about his escape. They believe he is a loyal follower of Lord Voldemort. They also think he wants to find and harm Harry.

Harry soon meets up with the Weasley family. He finds out that he will not be expelled from Hogwarts. Even though he used magic outside of school, he is allowed to return. Mr. Weasley warns his wife about Sirius Black. Harry overhears that Black might be looking for him. He is told to be very careful and not to go looking for Black.

New Teachers and Friends

At Hogwarts, Harry and his friends, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, meet new teachers. One new teacher is Professor Lupin. He teaches Defence Against the Dark Arts. Professor Lupin is a kind and helpful teacher. He teaches Harry a special spell called the Patronus Charm. This spell helps protect against creatures called Dementors.

Dementors are dark creatures that guard Azkaban prison. They feed on happy memories. They make people feel sad and hopeless. Dementors are sent to guard Hogwarts. This is to protect everyone from Sirius Black.

Unraveling the Mystery

As the school year goes on, strange things happen. Harry learns more about Sirius Black. He also learns about his parents' past. Harry starts to believe that Black was involved in his parents' death. He wants to find Black and get revenge.

However, the truth is more complicated. Harry, Ron, and Hermione discover secrets about Black. They also learn about Peter Pettigrew. Pettigrew was a friend of Harry's parents and Sirius Black. The friends find out that Pettigrew is still alive. He was thought to be dead.

The Truth Revealed

It turns out that Sirius Black is innocent. He was wrongly accused of a terrible crime. Peter Pettigrew was the real traitor. He betrayed Harry's parents to Lord Voldemort. Pettigrew then framed Sirius Black. He made it look like Black was the one who caused the deaths.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione help Sirius Black escape. They use a special magical item to travel back in time. This helps them save Black and an innocent creature. Sirius Black becomes a free wizard. He is Harry's godfather.

See also

In Spanish: Harry Potter y el prisionero de Azkaban para niños