Melissa Reads :: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling

Synopsis:

For twelve long years, the dread fortress of Azkaban held an infamous prisoner named Sirius Black. Convicted of killing thirteen people with a single curse, he was said to be the heir apparent to the Dark Lord, Voldemort.

Now he has escaped, leaving only two clues as to where he might be headed: Harry Potter’s defeat of You-Know-Who was Black’s downfall as well; and the Azkaban guards heard Black muttering in his sleep, “He’s at Hogwarts . . . he’s at Hogwarts.”

Harry Potter isn’t safe, not even within the walls of his magical school, surrounded by his friends. Because on top of it all, there may well be a traitor in their midst.

 

My Rank: 5 cups of coffee and a plate of biscotti

I should start off by saying that I have a great dilemma when deciding which Potter book is my favorite. Fellow Potterheads will understand the predicament, I’m sure. But, if you really force me into picking one and just one, I’m going to go with Prisoner.

I could spend an hour listing all the reasons why, but I’ll spare you that and go with the one word I know that best describes my experience when reading Prisoner of Azkaban: joyous.

This. Book. Makes. Me. Happy.

And thank god for that because it gets pretty rough from here on out in the series, which isn’t a bad thing. (If you’re curious to know the other Potter books that constantly compete for top spot, it’s Goblet and Phoenix.)

But let’s get on with Prisoner! Where to begin? I ADORE Remus Lupin. He’s right up there with my love for Hagrid and Dumbledore. A sort of unconditional, in the gut, can do no wrong sort of love. And of course we have the newest addition, Professor Trelawney. Is it bad of me to say that I love her ridiculousness? And the ending — perfection.

Favorite Lines … um, the entire book?

“I solemnly swear that I am up to no good.”

—-

“I don’t go looking for trouble. Trouble usually finds me.”

—-

“Where is Wood?” said Harry, suddenly realizing he wasn’t there.

“Still in the showers,” said Fred. “We think he’s trying to drown himself.”

—-

“Harry!” said Fred, elbowing Percy out of the way and bowing deeply. “Simply splendid to see you, old boy-”

“Marvelous,” said George, pushing Fred aside and seizing Harry’s hand in turn. “Absolutely spiffing.”

Percy scowled.

“That’s enough, now,” said Mrs. Weasley.

“Mum!” said Fred as though he’d only just spotted her and seizing her hand too. “How really corking to see you-”

—-

“Don’t let the muggles get you down.”

—-

“Why, dear boy, we don’t send wizards to Azkaban just for blowing up their aunts.”

—-

“I’ll fix it up with Mum and Dad, then I’ll call you. I know how to use a fellytone now—”

“A telephone, Ron,” said Hermione. “Honestly, you should take Muggle Studies next year…”

—-

“I’m dying!” Malfoy yelled, as the class panicked. “I’m dying, look at me! It’s killed me!”

—-

“Sure you can manage that broom, Potter?” said a cold, drawling voice.

Draco Malfoy had arrived for a closer look, Crabbe and Goyle right behind him.

“Yeah, reckon so,” said Harry casually.

“Got plenty of special features, hasn’t it?” said Malfoy, eyes glittering maliciously. “Shame it doesn’t come with a parachute – in case you get too near a Dementor.”

Crabbe and Goyle sniggered.

“Pity you can’t attach an extra arm to yours, Malfoy,” said Harry. “Then it could catch the Snitch for you.”

—-

“That is the second time you have spoken out of turn, Miss Granger,” said Snape coolly. “Five more points from Gryffindor for being an insufferable know-it-all.”

—-

“Why would I go looking for someone I know wants to kill me?”

—-

“What would your head have been doing in Hogsmeade, Potter?” said Snape softly. “Your head is not allowed in Hogsmeade. No part of your body has permission to be in Hogsmeade.”

—-

“You think the dead we loved ever truly leave us?”