The Ending Of Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban Explained
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban changed the game for Harry Potter fans. Not only was it the first movie not directed by Christopher Columbus, but the story — in both book and film form — introduced characters and mythology that would impact Harry’s battle with Voldemort all the way through to the final installment. It’s also very complicated, with Time-Turners, scenes from multiple perspectives, and big reveals that have fans frequently shifting their allegiances.
Prisoner of Azkaban seems to follow a few different plot threads: Sirius Black has escaped the wizard prison Azkaban, and everyone assumes he’s out to kill Harry. Hogwarts also has a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Lupin, and he is super weird about the moon. Hagrid’s hippogriff, Buckbeak, is about to be executed for scratching Malfoy. Ron’s pet rat Scabbers is missing, presumed eaten by Hermione’s cat Crookshanks. And there’s a big dog out there that may portend death. All these threads seem independent, but they converge at the Shrieking Shack, delivering an ending to Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban that provides deep commentary on the series’ themes.
