Seven Things That Don’t Make Sense in “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban”

Every story has plot holes, as throughout time, fans always start asking questions regarding some situations in the story and realize that many things don’t really make sense. The Harry Potter series is no exception, so that’s why we decided to explore all the strange and illogical things in each part of the saga.

We’ve already covered the first two parts, and now let’s move on to The Prisoner of Azkaban. Even though it is the fan-favorite book and movie in the series, it also has some unexplainable moments. Let’s take a look at them, shall we?

1. Harry making magic at home

What’s the most important rule in the wizarding world? Right, no magic outside of Hogwarts. However, Harry, or to be more precise, the director of the movie, decided to ignore that rule and start the movie with this big plot hole. Yes, the scene looks cool, but accountability is far more important than setting a magical atmosphere, right?

Harry learns a new spell while at Privet Drive.

2. Permission for Hogsmeade

Actually, this would make sense, but only in one case: if students also had to have permissions for other far more dangerous activities as well, like playing Quidditch, joining the Dueling Club, or entering the Triwizard Tournament. Moreover, visiting Hogsmeade is probably the most harmless and safest thing to do. Even simple lessons at Hogwarts can be more hazardous than going to a peaceful village, visiting shops, and cafes.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione visit Hogsmeade.

3. Dementors guarding Hogwarts

Remember Dumbledore’s speech at the welcoming feast? “Dementors are vicious creatures. They will not distinguish between the one they hunt and the one who gets in their way.” So why were these vicious creatures guarding Hogwarts, full of hundreds of mischievous and playful kids? Any single one of them could have been hurt by these ruthless guards. Dementors in general raise a lot of questions. Why did the Ministry of Magic think that they were the best safekeepers? Couldn’t other wizards guard Azkaban or Hogwarts?

Dementors guard Hogwarts during Harry’s third year.

4. Students drinking alcohol

As we mentioned before, Hogsmeade is quite a safe place. But there’s one big “but”. Why were students allowed to freely drink Butterbeer or even Firewhisky? Weren’t there other, more appropriate activities for kids and teenagers? Or at least non-alcoholic beverages so that students can have a good time at the Three Broomsticks but not get drunk? Not that there were any cases described of someone being intoxicated, but still, we believe that this doesn’t make sense.

Hermione drinks Butterbeer

5. Harry seeing Peter Pettigrew on the map

Those who read the book know that this scene wasn’t in the original. So, the question goes to the director of the movie again. If Harry saw Pettigrew’s name on the Marauder’s Map, it means that Fred and George must have seen it too. In that case, wouldn’t they be curious about this guy named Peter who is constantly hanging out with Ron and even sleeping in his bed? Though we have to admit that this scene was very mysterious and tense in a good way. And fans could have accepted this moment if they had gotten a reasonable explanation as to why Pettigrew suddenly appeared on the map.

Peter Pettigrew’s name appears on the Marauder’s Map.

6. Time-Turner

And last, but not least, we have reached the most illogical magical artifact: the Time-Turner. There are many questions related to it. First of all, why did the Ministry of Magic think that it was okay to give a time-turner to a 13-year-old girl, even if she’s very smart and diligent? Haven’t they thought that Hermione could have used it wrong, and something bad could have happened to her or anyone else? Second, why did no one use it before or after Prisoner of Azkaban to prevent some horrible things from happening? For instance, the death of Harry’s parents and Cedric, or the return of Voldemort in Goblet of Fire?  Again, there could at least be an explanation that would fix this plot hole. Something about the Time-Turner not being able to prevent the death of human beings, or that it was invented after James and Lily’s deaths. Even in this case, it still raises a lot of questions.

Harry and Hermione go back in time to rescue Sirius and Buckbeak.

Did you pick up on these strange moments in Prisoner of Azkaban the first time you read the book or watched the film? Let us know in the comments below!