Potter Redux: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, or why that blob in your teacup could be the beginning of the end

This post is part of my Harry Potter Re-read 2013.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

J. K. Rowling

Bloomsbury, 2000

Goodreads

Previous reads:
I think I was quite late to the Prisoner of Azkaban Appreciation Party. A lot of my friends always claimed this as their favourite, and I was always confused - but over time, I have come to appreciate it a lot more. (And it does baffle me that at first I preferred Chamber of Secrets!) Again, I would estimate I have probably read this book four or five times before now.

Re-read:
There is a definite turn towards the darker side of the Harry Potter universe in this book, with the Dementors invading the Hogwarts Express at the beginning, and Harry running away from the Dursleys' home. (I love the scene when Harry finally snaps at Aunt Marge, though, and in particular her characterisation, which seemed very Dahl-esque.) I don't think anyone will ever usurp McGonagall as my favourite member of teaching staff at Hogwarts, but Lupin is certainly up there.

It was nice to see more of Hermione in this book, and I liked her shady timetable dealings and the fact that she figured out Lupin's secret. I enjoyed reading the scenes with the Time Turner again, although I think watching the film more recently has warped my memory of them somewhat, even though they are mostly faithful.

I always forget how little time Harry and Sirius actually get together, and reading this book knowing what comes later is always a little bit bittersweet.

Harry's increasing exasperation at his death being predicted at every turn by Professor Trelawney made me laugh, as did McGonagall's dismissal of his looming death, which is why I have picked the following as my chosen quote (although Ron attempting to use the telephone was a close third).

Pick a quote:

“Ah, of course,” said Professor McGonagall, suddenly frowning. “There is no need to say any more, Miss Granger. Tell me, which of you will be dying this year?” 

Everyone stared at her. 

“Me,” said Harry, finally.