Harry Potter missed the Sorting Hat ceremony at the beginning of his third year at Hogwarts due to an unforeseen encounter with a Dementor on the Hogwarts Express.
The Unforeseen Dementor Encounter
At the start of his third year, as Harry Potter was traveling to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry aboard the Hogwarts Express, the train was unexpectedly stopped. A Dementor, a dark creature serving as a guard from Azkaban prison, boarded the train searching for the escaped convict Sirius Black. Harry, being particularly susceptible to these creatures due to his past, experienced a severe reaction to the Dementor's presence, causing him to faint.
Impact on the Sorting Ceremony
The traumatic run-in with the Dementor meant that Harry did not arrive at Hogwarts with the other students. He, along with his friends, was looked after by Professor Lupin, the new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, who had been on the train and successfully repelled the Dementor. This incident caused Harry to miss the traditional Sorting Ceremony, where first-year students are assigned to their houses by the Sorting Hat.
Hermione's Separate Reason for Absence
While Harry missed the ceremony due to the Dementor incident, his friend Hermione Granger also did not attend the Sorting Ceremony, though for a completely different reason. Hermione was occupied with a meeting with Professor McGonagall to discuss her incredibly packed timetable, which included an unprecedented number of courses.
The distinct reasons for their absence from the ceremony can be summarized as follows:
| Character | Reason for Missing Ceremony |
|---|---|
| Harry | Unexpected Dementor encounter on the Hogwarts Express |
| Hermione | Meeting Professor McGonagall about her extensive class schedule |
No Missed Classes
Despite missing the initial Sorting Ceremony, it is important to note that Harry did not miss any of his scheduled academic courses. He was able to commence his third year of studies, including the new Defence Against the Dark Arts lessons with Professor Lupin, without any academic setbacks. The Dementor incident primarily affected his arrival and the ceremonial start to the school year, rather than his curriculum.
For more information on the events of this period, you can explore details about Dementors and their impact in the Wizarding World.
