7 Scenes We Can’t Wait to See Illustrated in the New Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Earlier this year, JK Rowling’s official website Pottermore shared previews of illustrations from the new version of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, illustrated by Jim Kay, that hits bookstores October 3. In one portrait, Snape’s hair looks extra greasy, like he took the anti-shampoo trend a little too far, but his expression is more benevolent and less sneering than the way Alan Rickman portrayed him in the movies. Perhaps Kay gave him a kinder look to foreshadow the self-sacrifice that was his destiny? We’ll only find out by reading the newest installment when it hits shelves in October! Here are seven more scenes we can’t wait to see illustrated in the third book in this gorgeous series.

1. The Knight Bus’s Madcap Journey

The cover features the triple-decker Knight Bus, illuminated from within, pulling up to the surprised Harry. We hope the book includes more of the Knight Bus’s traffic-rules-eschewing journey through London.

2. A Return to Diagon Alley

Kay’s dynamic illustrations of Diagon Alley stretched for four pages in his version of the Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, each shop squeezed displaying its own personality, tilt, and energy, from the Magic Lantern with its glowing, multicolored lights, to the creepy-looking Flail & Hyde Boogermongers. Here’s hoping Kay takes readers on another trip down Diagon Alley and into the shadows of Knockturn Alley during the three weeks Harry stays there before school starts at the beginning of the book.

3. Professor Lupin’s Defense Against the Dark Arts Lessons

The two-page spread with mischievous blue Cornish Pixies romping through Gilderoy Lockhart’s Defense Against the Dark Arts class in The Chamber of Secrets was a highlight. Kay should have fun with the Boggarts Professor Lupin teaches the students to defeat.

4. The Introduction of the Chilling, Soul-Sucking Dementors

The Dementors, one of the most frightening foes Harry faces, make their first appearance in The Prisoner of Azkaban. The Dementors are sent to guard Hogwarts after Sirius Black’s escape from Azkaban. We can’t wait to see Kay’s interpretation of these creatures, whose job is to suck away happiness.

5. Buckbeak’s Escape

Hagrid’s pet hippogriff Buckbeak is in danger for much of this book, after Malfoy taunts him, he retaliates, and he’s sentenced to death. With the help of Hermione’s time-turner, Buckbeak makes a daring escape that should make for a dynamic illustration.

6. A Visit to the Shrieking Shack

The Shrieking Shack, an abandoned house in Hogsmeade, that according to Hermione is “meant to be the most haunted building in Britain,” should inspire a spooky, fun drawing.

7. Lupin’s Transformation Into a Werewolf

Let’s face it: no matter how many times you’ve seen the depiction of a person changing into an animal, from Manimal to Teen Wolf, it captures your attention. I’m looking forward to seeing how Jim Kay captures Lupin’s metamorphosis.