Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban | Chapter 4 Summary

Chapter Four:  The Leaky Cauldron

Harry enjoys wandering around Diagon alley for many days while he buys his Hogwarts school supplies in the wizarding world safely. Harry even ogles over the coveted Firebolt, “the fasted broom in the world," which would be perfect for Quidditch (Harry’s favorite wizard sport, played on brooms). Harry thinks more and more about the ominous animal he caught glaring at him after leaving the Dursleys because he began reading a book about death omens.  Something happens to take his mind off of his worries for a while, however:  Harry Potter finally meets his good friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger right in Diagon Alley one day.  The three discuss the recent wizarding news and the vast number of subjects that Hermione is taking. Meanwhile, Harry has an owl named Hedwig; Ron has a rat named Scabbers; and Hermione has bought a new cat named Crookshanks.  The cat puts Hermione and Ron on edge. The three meet up with the rest of the Weasley family. Harry learns that Percy is “Head Boy” this year and overhears Mr. and Mrs. Weasley arguing about how much to tell Harry about Sirius Black. While eavesdropping, Harry learns that Sirius Black would try to enter Hogwarts to find Harry. Harry figures that Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic, (who just happened to be around when Harry entered the Leaky Cauldron) was lenient with Harry because he was found alive. Harry decides that he will always be safe with Dumbledore (the headmaster at Hogwarts) around.