Harry is on the verge of starting his third year at Hogwarts of Witchcraft and Wizardry and things have already started off badly. For one he's seen a black dog, he's been warned that the very man who turned on his parents that led to their deaths has escaped Azkaban, and of course there's trying to act nice to Uncle Vernon's sister while she comes to visit. It also doesn't help that Dementors have come to Hogwarts until Sirius Black, the wizard who has escaped Azkaban putting everyone on edge, so what could go worse? 
 The third book of J.K. Rowling's series takes a turn for Harry to grow up even more and learn more about his parents and the moments that led to their deaths. 
 At least this year they have a wicked D.A.D.A. professor. 
 So far this is my favorite book because to me this is the real transition of when Harry goes from being a pre-teen/teen to a young man taking on his own emotions and trials as he discovers the past.