The Third Year at Hogwarts

• Type: 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

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.

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 Dementors 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 Dementors. 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, 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 McGonagall to Hermione at the start of the year, Harry and Hermione were able to save both Buckbeak and Sirius from their respective fates.

• 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.

• 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)