The third entry in the franchise, The Prisoner of Azkaban movie is widely regarded as one of the best entries of the Harry Potter series. It's considerably darker than previous movies The Sorcerer's Stone and The Chamber of Secrets and sets the foundations for what's to follow. However, one of its biggest flaws is its failure to fully lift the lid on the Marauders: James Potter, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin and Peter Pettigrew.
The quartet was all at school together and, while that's something fans of the movies are aware of, the blockbusters didn't give out every little detail about their friendship.
10 The Whomping Willow Was Planted Because Of Lupin
Albus Dumbledore is a great wizard. He's kind and believes everybody deserves a fair crack at Hogwarts, regardless of their backstory or past. And that's why he allows Remus Lupin to study at the castle despite the fact he's a werewolf - one of the most dangerous creatures on the planet.
In order to ensure Lupin could become a werewolf away from the rest of the pupils at the school, Dumbledore has the Whomping Willow planted in the Hogwarts grounds. This allows him safe passage to the Shrieking Shack, where his howls and screams would spark rumors that the area is haunted.
9 ...And Wormtail Is The Key
In order to get into the Whomping Willow, it requires something - or somebody - small to press the knot in the tree. This makes the usually-aggressive thing turn passive, allowing people to enter it's premises. Sirius Black uses Crookshanks to hide out there during his time on the run.
But, years previously, the Marauders would rely on Peter Pettigrew. Pettigrew would turn into a rat, press the knot and permit entry to himself and others in the process. One time, however, things very nearly backfired...
8 Sirius And James Nearly Killed Snape
Harry's biggest enemy during his time at Hogwarts was Draco Malfoy. For the Marauders, however, it was Severus Snape. They completely loathed the future Potions Master and, on one occasion, James and Sirius nearly had Snape killed.
The pair, knowing that Snape was growing suspicious of Lupin and their own selves, laid a trap. They hoped the Whomping Willow would kill Snape when he attempted to join them going down to the Shrieking Shack but, at the very last minute, they chickened out. James called the whole thing off and it's just as well. If not, Snape could have died and would never have been able to protect Harry from Voldemort's wrath.
7 Lily Didn't Like Them
While we're on the subject of Snape, we may as well mention Lily Evans. Fans of the Harry Potter movies know that the Potions Master loved her dearly but she broke his heart, instead settling down and enjoying a happy, loving relationship with his big enemy James Potter.
What the movies don't show, however, is that Lily originally hated the Marauders - and James in particular. She considered him arrogant and Harry, during a secret dive into Snape's old memories, overhears her saying she'd never get with him. It appears James has some charm up his sleeve, eventually wooing her.
6 Only Remus Regretted His Behaviour Towards Snape
As mentioned above, the Marauders hated Snape. But, out of the quartet, the only one to show any remorse for the way they treated their big enemy was Remus Lupin.
Harry talks to Lupin during the events of the Order of the Phoenix, seeking some peace after witnessing his father bullying Snape in the Pensieve. It's there that the werewolf admits he and his friend's behavior was Snape was wrong, and that they should have known better. That said, it still doesn't change the fact there's a big mutual dislike.
5 Sirius Got Framed For More Than Pettigrew's 'Death'
In the Prisoner of Azkaban movie, Harry overhears a conversation between Cornelius Fudge, Madam Rosmerta and Minerva McGonagall inside the Three Broomsticks. There, he eavesdrops as they discuss how Sirius Black, having been confronted by Peter Pettigrew, obliterated his great friend.
What isn't mentioned, potentially because it's pretty dark, is that 13 muggles also died that night. Pettigrew didn't just frame Sirius for the deaths of himself, Lily and James but also innocent bystanders. Hauntingly, Sirius just laughed. He knew he'd been outsmarted but, deep down, swore revenge...
4 Sirius Escaped By Starvation
Another of the third movie's biggest flaws is that isn't doesn't actually explain how Sirius escaped Azkaban. It's a different story in the source material, however, with Sirius opening up on how he was able to get away - making wizarding world history in the process.
Sirius explains that he starved himself for months and months, surviving because of his sheer desire to get one over on Pettigrew - who he'd recognized in the Daily Prophet disguised as Scabbers hiding among the Weasleys. The Dementors didn't sense his presence as they can't detect happiness or hope. And, as a result, Sirius is able to squeeze himself through the bars to freedom.
3 They Transformed In Their Fifth Year
During Harry's fifth year at Hogwarts, he encounters his fair share of problems. The majority of the wizarding world doesn't believe him about Lord Voldemort's return, Dolores Umbridge is out to make his life a living misery and he's also got the small matter of his O.W.Ls, important wizarding exams that will shape his future.
Things were different for father James and his friend, however. After years of studying, they all became Animagi to keep Lupin company during his time as a werewolf. James becomes a stag, Sirius a dog and Peter a rat. Hence the nicknames Prongs, Padfoot and Wormtail respectively.
2 Lupin Became A Parent
One of the most-baffling exclusions from the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 was the decision to omit all mention of Teddy Lupin.
Fans of the books know that Remus and Nymphadora Tonks have a child together shortly before the battle of Hogwarts. Remus had previously considered abandoning his pregnant wife but, after Harry gave him a stern dressing down, he changed his mind. He made Harry godfather to Teddy shortly afterward and the Boy Who Lived, as he plans to break into Gringotts, thinks about his recklessness and how he's not too dissimilar to Sirius Black, his own godfather.
1 Wormtail Redeemed Himself
The last fans see of Wormtail is in the Deathly Hallows: Part 1. He gets knocked out as Harry and Ron flee the basement of Malfoy Manor with a little help from Dobby the House Elf.
But things are different in the book. Peter is confronted by Harry, reminding his father's old friend that he owes him a favor having saved his life four years previously. And Wormtail pauses, allowing the Chosen One to escape. He pays the ultimate price, however, with his own silver hand turning on him and choking him to death. Lord Voldemort had put contingency plans in place should his servant's loyalty ever waver again.
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September 28, 2020 at 05:30AM
