Hermione's Time-Turner Secret

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Hermione's use of the Time-Turner to attend multiple classes, its discovery, and its ultimate role in saving Sirius and Buckbeak.

increasingupBearing stren­gth in each eventdowndecreasing
Hermione's impossible scheduleHermione's impossible schedule
The Overloaded Student The Mystery From the start of the year, Hermione is taking more subjects than any other student. She appears in three classes at the same time, which Ron and Harry find baffling. She is constantly exhausted, with dark circles under her eyes, and she snaps at anyone who questions her. The Secret Tool Hermione is using a Time-Turner, a magical device that allows her to travel back in time. She received it from Professor McGonagall, who arranged it with the Ministry. She uses it to attend overlapping classes, such as Arithmancy, Muggle Studies, and Divination. She has been successful all year, but the strain is immense. The Breaking Point As the year progresses, Hermione becomes more stressed. She falls asleep in class, forgets lessons, and nearly breaks down. She reveals the secret to Harry and Ron only when they are about to use the Time-Turner to save Sirius. The revelation shocks them, but they understand the burden she carried.
Using the Time-Turner to save SiriusUsing the Time-Turner to save Sirius
The Final Turn Dumbledore's Plan After the Shrieking Shack events, Dumbledore gives Harry and Hermione the Time-Turner. He tells them to go back three hours and save both Sirius and Buckbeak. Hermione reveals that she has been using it all year, and now she will use it for a greater purpose. The Journey Back Hermione turns the hourglass three times, and they travel back in time. They hide in the forest and watch their past selves. They free Buckbeak and later fly him to the tower to rescue Sirius. The entire operation is done without being seen by their past selves, avoiding paradox. The End of the Secret After the rescue, Hermione returns the Time-Turner to McGonagall. She decides to drop Muggle Studies and Divination, so she no longer needs it. She is relieved to have a normal schedule again. The Time-Turner's use is a testament to her intelligence and bravery.
Throughout the school year
Night of the execution