The first sequence of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban™ works much like a tutorial. From the moment you begin on the Hogwarts Express train to the first few minutes in Hogwarts School itself, it’s easy going. This allows you to learn how the game mechanics and controls work. Your first real test comes when Fred and George Weasley (Ron’s older twin brothers) offer you the opportunity to procure their beloved Marauder’s Map. However, this is not as easy as stepping through a door and snagging it (nothing at Hogwarts is ever easy) and that’s where this walkthrough begins. The following will give you a breakdown on how to get the map, while preparing you for some of the challenges you’ll face later.
Got to move that trunk
Switching Back and Forth After Fred and George ask you to find the secret passage, switch to Ron (press B). Ron—using his special ability—will immediately notice that something is amiss with one of the walls. Walk up to the highlighted wall and press A. Then, you’re in.
In the first area, ignore the gate (only Hermione can fit under it) and proceed through the only unlocked door. Take control of Harry in the next room and have him jump over the gaps to get to the first switch. Press it and jump to the right for the second switch; then, jump back and sidle against the wall by pressing against the wall, in the direction that you want to go. Walk left along the edge to the third switch. There is a time limit, so move fast. When all three switches are pressed, the door behind Ron will open and a flood of malicious pixies will be unleashed. Defeat these with the Flipendo spell and move on.
Switch back to Ron in the opened room, and you’ll discover that one of the walls is a secret passage. Open it using Ron, and move into the next room. Go up the stairs and into the next area.
It’s those pesky mirrors
Done with Mirrors The next sequence is a tricky mirror and light puzzle. First, use Ron and Harry to grab the trunk in the middle of the room and move it away to reveal the symbol beneath it. Move it against the back wall toward the first mirror touched by the light beam. Have Harry climb onto the trunk and then up onto the landing with the mirror. Follow the light from the first mirror to find the second one. Next, move Harry to that second mirror and turn it to the left. This will open up yet another area.
Use Harry or Ron in the next room and cast Flipendo on the gear mechanism in the middle of the room. Cast it on the target repeatedly until the large stone wall sinks down completely. Climb on top of the lowered wall, using Harry, and climb the rope. (Keep in mind that Harry’s the only character that can climb ropes.) Also, while Harry is taking care of business, you can use Ron to search near the bottom to uncover a few secret spots with goodies inside. Next, switch back to Harry. Take care of the pixies at the top of the rope, make you’re way over the narrow beam, and climb down. You can now move Harry (alone) into the next room.
Pixies at work
Mapped Out Open the chest in the next room (the one that the every-flavor-beans lead to) to reveal an owl treat. Defeat the flying book with the trusty Flipendo spell. (Be sure to attack when its mouth is open.) Next, find the owl stand and use the owl treat (you can assign it to Y or X in your inventory screen). Hedwig, Harry’s owl, will fly in. Take control of Hedwig, move him through the opening, and grab the Marauder’s Map, which should be clearly visible.
You’re done! Now, that wasn’t so hard, was it? This initial level should give you a good idea of the kinds of puzzles and experiences you can expect from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. It only gets better from here!
