MuggleCast: The Harry Potter Re-Read Podcast

Dumbledoubt (HBP Chapter 29, 'The Phoenix Lament')

Has everyone got their tissues handy? Our chapter-by-chapter segment at last reaches the penultimate chapter of Half-Blood Prince, wherein the recent actions of a certain “Prince” are discovered by Harry and friends. Also, there’s a new headmistress in town and she intends to rule by committee?! Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura discuss all of that and more on episode 756 of MuggleCast. Chapter by Chapter: Half-Blood Prince Chapter 29, “The Phoenix Lament” Harry retraces Snape’s final steps. And they involve knocking out Flitwick! Is this protective or adversarial behavior from Snape? Could Snape have helped the Order when they were pinned in the corridor? Did he, and we just don’t know it? Harry refuses to tell McGonagall about his and Dumbledore’s mission. He thinks he’s being faithful, but is this smart? Is Harry’s decision partly to protect Minerva? Andrew has a HUGE foreshadow alert Micah blows Eric’s mind with a comparison between Hogwarts founders and the current heads of house Harry forces a funeral to happen for Dumbledore before the students leave. Is this safe? Odds and Ends: what does Horace mean that he thought he knew Severus Snape? You, like Bill Weasley, are bitten by a magically cursed beast, but not during the beast’s “time of the month.” What’s the beast you wanna be bit by and why? In this chapter, Harry feels the healing power of Fawkes’s song. In a 1984 study done by Roger Ulrich, he examined the healing properties of bird song in real life. Ulrich’s research, done between 1972 and 1981, took place in a hospital in which US State? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summary

Dumbledead (HBP Chapter 28, 'Flight of the Prince')

1w ago00:52:31Summary ready

This week, saddle up your Hippogriff and prepare for the hunt - there's a fleeing Potions Master on the loose. Join Andrew, Eric, Micah, and Laura as they pursue Snape across the Hogwarts grounds, determined to avenge their fallen Headmaster. Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Chapter 28 of Half-Blood Prince, “Flight of The Prince” With Dumbledore Dumbledead, Harry has no choice but to step up. Has Dumbledore adequately prepared him for the road ahead? MAX THAT BATTLE! Keep your mouth shut and your mind closed! Despite the circumstances, is Snape actually teaching Harry? Given the need to maintain Harry's hatred and preserve his cover, could Snape have acted differently during his escape, or was his approach the only one that could have worked? What is it about being called a coward that rocks Snape to his core? Buckbeak to The Rescue: Connecting The Threads to Chamber of Secrets and Prisoner of Azkaban Locket Loss: Who is RAB? Lynx Line: You’re Harry Potter, enraged at Severus Snape for killing your boy Albus Dumbledore. You’re ready to call him a name to accuse him of being the weak mean you think he is. But the word COWARD doesn’t come to mind. What’s the word you’re throwing at him to shake Snape to his core? Reminder: Year 5 of the MuggleCast Collectors Club is here! You can receive SIX exclusive stickers by joining us on Patreon. These stickers can go on the custom Collectors Club Card we released a few years ago, or you can put them wherever else you like! Sign up by June 10! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summary

Severus, Please... Order Fries (HBP Chapter 27, 'The Lightning Struck Tower')

2w ago00:55:18Summary ready

This week on MuggleCast: “SNAPE KILLS DUMBLEDORE!” It’s time to discuss one of the biggest shocks in the entire Harry Potter series. Join us as we begin to wrap up our chapter-by-chapter re-read of Half-Blood Prince! Chapter by Chapter continues with Chapter 27 of Half-Blood Prince, “The Lightning Struck Tower” (cue Andrew pitching Universal his attraction idea once again) Draco thinks he has the upper hand here, but Dumbledore shows grace and humility. Is Draco trying to blame Albus for the trouble they’re both in? Did Dumbledore know about the Vanishing Cabinet? This chapter offers us a couple of clues. Micah offers several fascinating bits of symbolism concerning the Lightning-Struck Tower itself. We look at how the idea to use coins to communicate has come around full circle, from Death Eaters, to Hermione, and back to Death Eaters. Did Dumbledore think such a large audience would witness his death? For a big planner like Albus, he may not’ve seen that twist coming. The Astronomy Tower has made several appearances across the Harry Potter series to date. We review the times that it’s popped up. Lynx Line: You’re Dumbledore in the afterlife. When Snape gets there next year, what’s the first thing you’re saying to him? Reminder: Year 5 of the MuggleCast Collectors Club is here! You can receive SIX exclusive stickers by joining us on Patreon. These stickers can go on the custom Collectors Club Card we released a few years ago, or you can put them wherever else you like! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summary

Visiting The 'Harry Potter' TV Show Set Turned a Skeptic Into a Believer

3w ago01:02:27Summary ready

On this week's episode... are Molly and Vernon are having an affair?! Join Andrew, Micah, Laura and special guest Amanda as we catch up on the latest Harry Potter TV show news and have fun discussing the newly released Full-Cast Audiobooks! Welcome to The Leaky Cauldron's Amanda Kirk, who visited the Harry Potter TV Show Set! Read her TV show set report. What was it like being on the set of the show, and how does one feel after getting to experience it? Amanda shares how she's feeling about the show after getting a first-hand experience! It's a Harry Potter TV Show-themed episode and Chamber of Secrets has been renewed for Season 2! What do we think this means for its release date? Basilisk Blasphemy! According to The Hollywood Reporter, Chamber of Secrets is the most disliked book! Do we agree? Why are Molly and Vernon so chummy in this paparazzi photo?! We discuss what we're most looking forward to in Philosopher's Stone and reveal what we think Will Be Impossible to Do Better Than The Movies! All seven Harry Potter Full-Cast Audiobooks are now available through Audible! What were some of our favorite chapters? Which voice actors stood out? Reminder: Year 5 of the MuggleCast Collectors Club is here! You can receive SIX exclusive stickers by joining us on Patreon. These stickers can go on the custom Collectors Club Card we released a few years ago, or you can put them wherever else you like! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summary

Masterful Magic (HBP Chapter 26, ’The Cave’)

4w ago00:58:42Summary ready

On this week's episode, we're following Dumbledore and Harry into an unholy place... and finding deep comparisons between the chosen location for Voldemort's most protected Horcrux, and the legacy of the item it is contained within. Join Andrew, Eric, Micah, and Laura as they discuss a particular cave filled with water you wouldn't want to drink, and an important bonding moment between Harry and his headmaster. This week we're discussing Half-Blood Prince Chapter 26, “The Cave” The hosts analyze a new metaphor for the Cave by comparing it to a mother's womb. Harry and Dumbledore hope to retrieve a life form from the center, but it will cost them. What is the significance between Voldemort choosing his mother's locket, and this natural formation as its hiding spot? Real Talk, Part One: Could Harry have ever "beaten" the cave without Dumbledore's help? Real Talk, Part Two: Does the punishing difficulty of the Cave set an unreasonably high standard for readers regarding future Horcrux retrievals? Are Dumbledore's secrets being revealed while he takes the potion? Just what can we make of what he is experiencing, based on what he says? Micah's new theory about Dumbledore's visions stuns Eric. Do our Ariana Dumbledore theories re: the cave and Albus's protestations still hold water? Lynx Line: You are drinking from the basin and going through all the feelings. What are you screaming to the person who is forcing the liquid down your throat? Quizzitch: With a span of over 426 mapped miles, made of limestone, WHERE is the world’s longest known cave system located? In Bonus MuggleCast, we watch and react to 5 classic episodes by the Potter Puppet Pals! Only half of the hosts have ever seen these classic fan entries into canon, despite their popularity! What things new and old will we find in the content? Watch along with us and discover, only on our Patreon, located at Patreon.com/MuggleCast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summary

Dumbledore's Biggest Secret Ever (HBP Chapter 25, 'The Seer Overheard')

May 1300:53:12Summary ready

On this week's episode, don't talk to your Divination professor when she’s had a few too many because she might just SET YOU OFF! Join Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura as they confront Dumbledore about that night at the Hog's Head. Year 5 of the MuggleCast Collectors Club is here! You can receive SIX exclusive stickers by joining us on Patreon. These stickers can go on the custom Collectors Club Card we released a few years ago, or you can put them wherever else you like! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Chapter 25 of Half-Blood Prince, The Seer Overheard Harry is contemplating retrieving the Prince’s book from the Room of Requirement. Hasn't Harry learned anything from trusting mysterious books? Hermione discovers an old newspaper clipping featuring Eileen Prince, Captain of the Hogwarts Gobstones Team. But the Prince can't be a woman, right?! Connecting the Threads: much like Hermione discovers the monster in the Chamber of Secrets is a basilisk, she begins to unravel the identity of the Half-Blood Prince. Trelawney seems pretty miffed at Dumbledore these days. Now that's she served her purpose, is Sybill old news? Or is Albus just too busy for anyone not named Horcrux? Could Snape overhearing the prophecy be the biggest secret that Dumbledore has kept from Harry? Does Dumbledore downplay the impact of this revelation? Was he ever planning to tell Harry? The Lightening-Struck Tower: we recall the first time we read this chapter... and not feeling good about Dumbledore’s chances. Hunting Horcruxes: does Dumbledore sacrifice the safety of the school to go on an adventure with Harry? Lynx Line: You’re Harry and you run into Snape on your way to Dumbledore’s office after just learning he overheard the prophecy… What happens? Quizzitch: What is the more common name of the ailment known as pertussis? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summary

Horcrux Marks the Spot (HBP Chapter 24, ’Sectumsempra’)

May 600:58:12Summary ready

On this week's episode, don’t get on Harry’s bad side! Join Andrew, Eric, Micah, and Laura as they discuss the bathroom duel between Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter. This week we're discussing Half-Blood Prince Chapter 24, “Sectumsempra” What did Harry hope to achieve in barging in on Draco? Would it have been smarter for him to have waited and developed a plan? Given the escalation in severity of the spells cast, was Harry right to use Sectumsempra on Draco? What made Harry’s casting of the spell so successful the very first time he tried? Was it his being in imminent danger? Was Snape tailing Draco and therefore able to get to the bathroom so quickly? Why else might he have been nearby? Snape calls Harry a liar. Does he KNOW from which source Harry learned that particular spell? We notice that the Prince’s diary is hidden right next to a Horcrux, and feel it fits. Is the Room of Requirement more, or less, secure becoming the same room for everyone that wants to hide or dispose of their valuables? Is Harry’s punishment of weekly detentions fitting for the circumstance, or too much? Ginny and Dean split up! She’s single. Harry is free! Andrew asks: would the hosts ever date the sibling of a friend? Lynx Line: What would you hide in the Room of Requirement and why? Quizzitch: In this chapter Gryffindor has to succeed over Ravenclaw by at least 300 points, which they do. In US College Football, a record-holding October 1916 match ended in Georgia Tech scoring 222-0 over their opponent. Who was that match against? In Bonus MuggleCast, we discuss the state of MuggleNet.com, which has removed all of its volunteer-generated content and is the subject of new litigation from its former staff members. Topics such as these arend others relevant to Harry Potter fans can always be found on our Patreon, located at Patreon.com/MuggleCast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summary

Dark Magic Who Shall Not Be Named (HBP Chapter 23, 'Horcruxes')

Apr 2900:54:06Summary ready

On this week's episode, get ready for the worst scavenger hunt ever! Join Eric, Micah, Laura and special guest Rachel as they take a trip down Horcrux memory lane and learn what near-impossible task lies ahead for Harry and company! Welcome Slug Club member and host of The Menuscript, Rachel! This week we're discussing Half-Blood Prince Chapter 23, "Horcruxes" The Slughorn Files: UNREDACTED What do we make of Slughorn's interest in Tom becoming Minister of Magic? Did Tom learn some of his less-than-wholesome skills from observing Slughorn? What was the inciting event that made Dumbledore so “fierce” about a no-Horcrux curriculum? And should Horcruxes be a banned topic at Hogwarts? Why was Voldemort willing to risk part of his soul to reopen the Chamber of Secrets? Hallows Happy Dumbledore: with both the Elder Wand and Resurrection Stone in his possession, why didn't Albus ask Harry for his Invisibility Cloak and just dip? When Dumbledore suggests the possibility of a living Horcrux in Nagini, should this not have been MAJOR confirmation that Harry was a Horcrux as well? Why does Harry’s capacity for love give him power the Dark Lord knows not? Lynx Line: If Horcruxes were a subscription service, what would their tagline be? Quizzitch: On July 7th, 2007, the “New 7 Wonders of the Modern World” were unveiled by the New 7 Wonders Committee in Switzerland, with input from around the world. Of the NEW 7 Wonders of the Modern world, which one is the MOST modern? In Bonus MuggleCast, we're keeping with the Horcrux theme… and giving the Harry Potter TV show license to change one major character death. Find out what the hosts came up with at Patreon.com/MuggleCast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summary

The Psychology of Slughorn (HBP Chapter 22, ‘After the Burial’)

Apr 2200:57:09Summary ready

On this week's episode, it's time for Slughorn Unfiltered. We're going into the true memory that Dumbledore and Harry have been after, opening a significant path forward in the quest to defeat Voldemort! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 22: After the Burial Is Hagrid being a bad friend by asking the trio to break curfew? This isn't the first time Hagrid has put Harry in danger re: Aragog; we recall moments in Chamber of Secrets which connect. Hermione and Ron's reactions to Harry taking liquid luck still make us giggle. How did Hagrid actually fend off all of Aragog's family to get him to his hut? Is Harry being a bad friend to Hagrid by inviting Slughorn to the funeral, knowing Slughorn wants to turn a profit? Could Harry have gotten Horace's memory without using Felix Felicis? We go through why Harry is successful and what steps are taken which ensure his victory with the memory. Does Horace Slughorn appear again in this book? Does he avoid Harry after this? Odds and Ends discuss the first Potions lesson of the year, which was an important one for both Harry and Draco. Lynx Line: When did you successfully persuade someone to do something they didn’t want to do, and how did you do it? Quizzitch: 1 On which Earth continent would you find the world’s biggest spider, Theraposa blondi aka “The Goliath Birdeater”? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summary

Moaning With Dr. Myrtle (HBP Chapter 21, 'The Unknowable Room')

Apr 1500:51:02Summary ready

On this week's episode, we hope you know the difference between a ghost and an Inferius, lest you want to incur the sass of Severus Snape. Join Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura as we suffer through Defense Against The Dark Arts while trying very hard to break into the Room of Requirement. Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 21: The Unknowable Room Main Discussion #1: Distracted by Draco Fudge Flashback: We reflect on the Minister's comments in the very first chapter of this book: "The other side can do magic too." As Hermione consistently reminds Harry throughout the chapter, he is taking his eyes off the prize. Why is Harry not more focused given how testy Dumbledore was with him during their last lesson? We debate whether or not Dumbledore should have offered Harry more guidance Snitch Report: Given how Dobby behaves after tailing Draco, should Harry have been more mindful of what he was asking the former Malfoy house-elf to do? Why did it take Harry (and Hermione) 452 pages to realize Draco was using the Room of Requirement? Main Discussion #2: EMO Slytherins Snape is in rare form. Do we attribute his more-than-sassy nature to Draco? Dumbledore? Or did he just not have his coffee? Draco is in over his head. Do we have any sympathy for him? Lynx Line: What would you say to make the Room of Requirement open for you to reveal what Draco is up to? [Wrong answers only] Quizzitch: In Chapter 21, Harry is searching for a phrase that’ll get him into the Room of Requirement… kind of like a password. WHO was the host of the United States television game show called “Password,” from 1961 to 1975? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summary

MuggleCast: The Harry Potter Re-Read Podcast

All episodes

Dumbledoubt (HBP Chapter 29, 'The Phoenix Lament')

Dumbledead (HBP Chapter 28, 'Flight of the Prince')

Severus, Please... Order Fries (HBP Chapter 27, 'The Lightning Struck Tower')

Visiting The 'Harry Potter' TV Show Set Turned a Skeptic Into a Believer

Masterful Magic (HBP Chapter 26, ’The Cave’)

Dumbledore's Biggest Secret Ever (HBP Chapter 25, 'The Seer Overheard')

Horcrux Marks the Spot (HBP Chapter 24, ’Sectumsempra’)

Dark Magic Who Shall Not Be Named (HBP Chapter 23, 'Horcruxes')

The Psychology of Slughorn (HBP Chapter 22, ‘After the Burial’)

Moaning With Dr. Myrtle (HBP Chapter 21, 'The Unknowable Room')