Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban | Chapter 16 Summary

Chapter Sixteen:  Professor Trelawney’s Prediction

The Gryffindors are elated about the results of the Quidditch final (and the Slytherins are livid in their loss), but it is not long before they have to take their O.W.L.s (Ordinary Wizarding Level) as well as all of their regular exams. Harry and Ron discover that Hermione does in fact have two exams at once, and the two ponder how she is doing this. They corner Hermione, who avoids the question. Harry attends his Divination final where he “sees” a hippogriff flying away with its head totally intact. Professor Trelawney is disappointed, but as Harry turns to leave, Trelawney makes a real prediction that “IT WILL HAPPEN TONIGHT.” Trelawney further reveals that Voldemort’s servant will break free and rejoin his master. Harry runs to tell Ron and Hermione who are upset because Buckbeak lost his appeal and will be executed that evening. The three decide to join Hagrid for the grim event in order to support their friend during his most difficult time. Using the invisibility cloak, the three make their way down to Hagrid’s hut. At Hagrid’s, the three are surprised to find Scabbers, Ron’s rat, hiding under a milk jug. The three comfort Hagrid until the fear of being found out overtakes them. The executioners arrive and observe Buckbeak tied behind Hagrid’s hut as he is supposed to be.  As the three students leave (still under the invisibility cloak), they hear the unmistakable thud of an axe as Scabbers wiggles unceasingly, trying to escape Ron’s grasp.