Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: Chapter 16 Summary
Professor Trelawney’s Prediction
Chapter 16 of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban titled “Professor Trelawney’s Prediction” deals with the events leading to Buckbeak’s trial, exams at Hogwarts, and an unsettling prophecy.
Rising Exam Tensions
Harry’s euphoria about winning the cup lasts for a week. As June approaches, the weather turns warm and inviting, making everyone long to relax by the lake. However, with final exams just days away, students are forced to stay indoors and study. Even Fred and George are seen working hard, as they get ready to give their O.W.L.s. Percy, who needs the top scores in his N.E.W.Ts for a position at the Ministry, becomes more intense than ever.
Hermione, however, seems even more anxious than Percy. Her schedule baffles Harry and Ron since her exam timetable shows two exams scheduled at the same time. Ron questions her about it, but she brushes him off and continues studying.
A few seconds later, Hedwig arrives with a note from Hagrid. The note reveals Buckbeak’s appeal is set for the sixth of June, which is also the last day of exams. It includes an unsettling detail: the Committee would include an official from the ministry and an executioner. The presence of an executioner makes them feel like the decision has already been made.
Exams Begin
Exam week begins, bringing a tense, hushed atmosphere to the castle. The third years struggle through their first Transfiguration exam, trying to turn teapots into tortoises with mixed results. Hermione frets over her tortoise looking like a turtle, irritating the others whose tortoises barely resemble animals at all. After a quick lunch, they tackle Charms, where Harry’s overenthusiastic attempt at a Cheering Charm leaves Ron in uncontrollable fits of laughter. It takes Ron an hour to calm down before he can begin his own exam.
On Tuesday, the trio has Care of Magical Creatures with Hagrid, who is visibly preoccupied and anxious about Buckbeak. The test, which requires them to keep flobberworms alive, is almost effortless, giving Harry, Ron, and Hermione a chance to ask about Buckbeak. Hagrid admits he’s bracing for the worst but tries to stay hopeful.
In Potions, Harry struggles with his Confusing Concoction under Snape’s watchful eye and receives a score that suspiciously looks like a zero.
Astronomy on Tuesday night and History of Magic on Wednesday are grueling, but they go by alright. On Wednesday afternoon, the third years are weary and sunburnt after Herbology, and all hope to finish exams soon. Finally, on Thursday, Professor Lupin’s Defense Against the Dark Arts test involves an outdoor obstacle course. Harry scores full marks, though Hermione is shaken after a vision of McGonagall in her boggart, harshly declaring her a failure.
After this exam, the trio encounters Cornelius Fudge outside the castle. Fudge confirms that he’s attending Buckbeak’s execution, shocking Ron, who had hoped for a chance to appeal. They watch Fudge lead the executioner, Macnair, and the officials down toward Hagrid’s cabin, realizing the execution is close at hand. Despite her brave front, Hermione is deeply shaken by the grim events to come.
Trelawney’s Prophecy and Hagrid’s Final Note
Harry’s final exam is Divination. Each student meets Professor Trelawney alone to gaze into a crystal ball. During his turn, Harry tries to invent visions to please her, but Professor Trelawney appears disappointed. Suddenly, her demeanor shifts, and she enters a trance-like state, speaking in an unfamiliar voice.
She delivers a cryptic prophecy, foretelling that Voldemort’s servant will break free that very night and return to his master, signaling Voldemort’s impending return to power. Professor Trelawney snaps out of the trance with no memory of her prediction, leaving Harry rattled.
Back in Gryffindor Tower, Harry finds Ron and Hermione holding a letter from Hagrid, confirming that Buckbeak’s appeal failed and that his execution is scheduled for sunset. Devastated, Harry insists they visit Hagrid. With exams over and determined to support their friend, Hermione decides to retrieve Harry’s Invisibility Cloak from its hiding spot under the one-eyed witch statue.
Buckbeak’s Execution
The trio sneaks down to Hagrid’s cabin under the Invisibility Cloak. Hagrid, although grateful, is almost too distraught to respond. Dumbledore has promised to attend the execution to provide support, but Hagrid seems beyond comfort. As they talk, Hermione discovers Ron’s missing pet rat Scabbers hiding inside a milk jug. Overjoyed, Ron snatches the frail rat, puzzled by his sudden reappearance.
A knock on the door interrupts them as Dumbledore, Fudge, and Macnair arrive for Buckbeak’s execution. Hagrid insists that the trio leave, reminding them they’ll be in serious trouble if caught. Hidden under the cloak, they slip out the back, unable to bear leaving Hagrid but left with no choice. Buckbeak, tied to a tree in Hagrid’s garden, seems agitated, sensing the grim proceedings.
Hagrid’s final words urge them to go quickly and avoid looking back. Moving slowly up the lawn toward the castle, the trio hears the executioner’s axe from behind the cabin.
The chapter ends on a grim note, with Hermione breaking into tears, and the trio realizing that Buckbeak is no more.
