======The Third Year at Hogwarts======
=====Location Information=====
  * **Type:** [[Hogwarts Curriculum|Academic Year]]
  * **Location:** [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]]
  * **Residents:** Students aged thirteen to fourteen
  * **Key Features:** Introduction of elective subjects, weekend visits to [[Hogsmeade]]
=====Description and History=====
The third year of study at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]] marks a significant transition in a young witch or wizard's education. At the end of their [[second year]], students are required to choose a minimum of two new subjects from a list of electives to add to their core curriculum. This decision is considered important as it can influence future career paths in the wizarding world.
The available elective subjects include [[Arithmancy]], [[Care of Magical Creatures]], [[Divination]], [[Muggle Studies]], and the [[Study of Ancient Runes]]. Core subjects such as [[Transfiguration]], [[Charms]], [[Potions]], [[History of Magic]], [[Defence Against the Dark Arts]], [[Astronomy]], and [[Herbology]] continue.
A major privilege granted to third-year students is the opportunity to visit the nearby all-wizarding village of [[Hogsmeade]] on designated weekends. However, this privilege is conditional upon receiving a signed permission slip from a parent or guardian.
=====Role in the Story=====
The third year is the primary setting for the events of //Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban//. The 1993-1994 school year was exceptionally eventful for [[Harry Potter]] and his friends. The wizarding world was in a state of alarm following the escape of the supposedly dangerous mass-murderer, [[Sirius Black]], from [[Azkaban]]. In response, the [[Ministry of Magic]] stationed [[Dementor]]s at the entrances to [[Hogwarts]] for security.
Two new professors joined the staff: Professor [[Remus Lupin]] became the [[Defence Against the Dark Arts]] teacher, proving to be the most competent and well-liked instructor [[Harry]] had ever had in the subject. Professor Lupin taught his students how to face a variety of dark creatures and, in private lessons, taught [[Harry]] the difficult [[Patronus Charm]] to defend himself against [[Dementor]]s. [[Rubeus Hagrid]] was appointed the new [[Care of Magical Creatures]] professor, though his tenure began with an unfortunate incident where [[Draco Malfoy]] was injured by the [[Hippogriff]] [[Buckbeak]], leading to a trial and a death sentence for the creature.
Unable to get a signed permission form from the [[Dursleys]], [[Harry]] was initially forbidden from visiting [[Hogsmeade]]. He was later able to sneak into the village using the [[Marauder's Map]], a gift from [[Fred and George Weasley]]. It was during this year that [[Harry]] discovered that [[Sirius Black]] was his godfather and was wrongly believed to have betrayed his parents, [[James and Lily Potter]].
The year culminated in the revelation that [[Peter Pettigrew]], disguised for twelve years as the [[Weasley]] family's pet rat [[Scabbers]], was the true traitor. [[Sirius Black]] was proven innocent to [[Harry]], [[Ron Weasley|Ron]], [[Hermione Granger]], and Professor Lupin, though he was forced to become a fugitive once more when [[Pettigrew]] escaped. Using a [[Time-Turner]] provided by Professor [[Minerva McGonagall|McGonagall]] to [[Hermione]] at the start of the year, [[Harry]] and [[Hermione]] were able to save both [[Buckbeak]] and [[Sirius]] from their respective fates.
=====Curriculum and Privileges=====
  * **Core Subjects Continued:**
    * [[Astronomy]]
    * [[Charms]]
    * [[Defence Against the Dark Arts]]
    * [[Herbology]]
    * [[History of Magic]]
    * [[Potions]]
    * [[Transfiguration]]
  * **Elective Subjects (Minimum of two required):**
    * [[Arithmancy]]
    * [[Care of Magical Creatures]]
    * [[Divination]]
    * [[Muggle Studies]]
    * [[Study of Ancient Runes]]
  * **Privileges:**
    * **[[Hogsmeade]] Visits:** Students with signed permission forms may visit the village on designated weekends.
=====Behind the Scenes=====
  * The novel //Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban// is often considered a pivotal book in the series, introducing a darker tone and a more complex backstory for the [[First Wizarding War]] and [[Harry Potter]]'s family history.
  * The film adaptation, directed by Alfonso Cuarón, is noted for a significant shift in visual style and tone from the previous two films, which is often seen as mirroring the maturation of the characters and the plot. (film)