MuggleCast: The Harry Potter Re-Read Podcast

On this week's episode, unless you have a bezoar (and a bit of cheek) handy, we highly recommend you brush up on on all of Golpalott’s laws! Join Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura for a show full of alchemy, apparition and plenty of teenage angst! News: Warner Bros. Discovery has a new home in Paramount; plus several dozen young actors have been cast as various Hogwarts students Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 18: Birthday Surprises We analyze Golpalott’s Third Law: could this Potions class teach Harry something about how to ultimately destroy Voldemort? Does the creation of a Horcrux have an alchemical element to it? How does alchemy present in other book series, such as The Secrets of the Immortal Nicolas Flamel? Can we expect to learn more about Dumbledore and Flamel's partnership in the new Harry Potter TV Show? Apparition: Just put your mind to it! Does this class pass our sniff test? Bezoar! Hermione is upset (again) with Harry’s success in Potions. Does Harry's cheek make him a bit to overconfident when trying to acquire Slughorn’s unredacted memory? When Harry can't locate Malfoy on the Marauder's Map, why does overlook the Room of Requirement? MVP: Destination. Determination. Deliberation. Which is the of the Three D’s? Lynx Line: Name a time in school where you found yourself totally out of your depth subject-wise. Did you overcome your knowledge gap? If so, was it due to hard work and determination? A good teacher or tutor? Or did you merely squeak by in class and never take up the subject again? Quizzitch: In this chapter, a bezoar from the stomach of a goat is used as a cure for poison. In reality, bezoars can appear in humans as ailments. What popular soft drink brand is used to treat bezoars in humans? Answer next week's question via the Quizzitch Form! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's time for a very important H-word to be introduced to Harry. No, Fat Lady, it's not the one you experienced over your holiday break! Join the MuggleCasters as we discuss Chapter 17 of Half-Blood Prince, in which Dumbledore introduces Harry to 'A Sluggish Memory'. The Fat Lady seems to be telling herself to practice abstinence after the holidays. Sounds like it was a party in the portraits over Christmas! How do students end up missing the new Common Room passwords? Is it the school's fault, or is it the students? It's time for the students to learn how to apparate! ... For a price. We look at why Hogwarts and the Ministry might be charging for these additional lessons. Dismissive Dumby: Albus' ego is on full display as he plays off Harry's questions about Snape and Draco. As expected, Andrew comes in with a #DumbleDefense. Back in the memories, Dumbledore shows Harry more about Tom Riddle's time at Hogwarts. Why didn't Dumbledore do more when Tom Riddle was at school and clearing causing trouble? We learn the real reason Dumbledore asked Slughorn back to teach, and we hear that certain H-word a first time (No, it's not 'Hufflepuff' or 'Horace') Connecting the Threads: There are some big parallels between Chapter 17 of Chamber of Secrets, and this Chapter of Half-Blood Prince! MVP: Which memory truly is THE most important memory Dumbledore has collected? Lynx Line: You've just learned to Apparate. Where are you going first? Quizzitch: While Lord Voldemort commits patricide by killing Tom Riddle Sr., what is the broader term used when someone kills a near-relative of theirs such as a grandparent? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Andrew, Micah and Laura enter a new era of MuggleCast, as we kick off the first in a series of monthly episodes focused on the new Harry Potter TV Show. The Trio talk about the latest news, lay down some predictions and play some new games! Set photos of the TV Show's Hogwarts Courtyard have leaked: will these new House Sigil Hedges come to life? Laura and Micah react to Ravenclaw’s sigil finally being an eagle! How much are the show's creators taking inspiration from Hogwarts Legacy? Beyond The Books: Lox Pratt, the actor playing Young Draco, says we’ll be seeing Draco at Malfoy Manor in the first season! Nick Frost manifested getting the role of Hagrid by writing Hagrid 7,000 times while watching the movies. He also took up knitting! MAX That: Can we expect to see more Vampires in this version of the Wizarding World? The hosts test their Harry Potter knowledge: Was This Line in the Sorcerer’s Stone Book AND Movie? Our Lynx Line asked our patrons: Who will be the first character to appear on screen? When can we expect our first trailer? In Bonus MuggleCast, available exclusively on Patreon: We make our official predictions for the new TV show and even throw down a few knuts to keep things interesting! Will we see Voldemort on screen in Episode 1? Will the Sorting Hat sing the full song? Over the series, will we ever get a full episode without Harry present? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bundle up, because it’s about to get really cold inside the Burrow! The MuggleCasters have reached “A Very Frosty Christmas” in their Chapter-by-Chapter reread of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. And they’re not alone. This week the Real Weird Sisters Alice and Martha have joined us! Topics cover the new Minister for Magic’s cunning, Mrs. Weasley’s faults, and the Weasley Brothers’ violent tendencies. New Throwback Content: Be sure you’re following us Lon our Twitch where we are currently streaming the Chamber of Secrets PC game as part of our lookback content this year. All videos will eventually be posted also on our YouTube channel. Welcome Alice and Martha of the Real Weird Sisters! They have been podcasting for 10+ years and are awesome. Chapter by Chapter continues with Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 16: A Very Frosty Christmas The MC Pensive segment takes us back to an episode we recorded seven years ago. Are we surprised that people still aren't believing Harry about Draco, even Ron? What's with all the rough housing going on in the Burrow between Ron and his brothers? Is this a dangerous escalation or par for the course? Should Bill be stepping in between Fleur and Mrs. Weasley's feud? The hosts analyze Remus Lupin's story and his backstory. What is Lavender expecting from Ron, as indicated by her flashy piece of jewelry for him? Does anyone buy Scrimgeour's story that he and Percy were "just in the area"? Is Scrimgeour any more smooth than Cornelius Fudge was? Did Percy give Scrimgeour advice on tips for how to appeal to Harry? It kinda feels like he did, which is why Rufus failed so badly. Our MVP segment asks what Harry’s sassiest line in the chapter is. Our Lynx Line topic this week for Slug Club patrons: What did Fred and George try to make Ron do with the Unbreakavable Vow? Coming up on Bonus MuggleCast for Slug Club patrons, we analyze our personal romantic histories broken down by the Hogwarts houses of our partners. It's a not-to-miss discussion! Participate in our weekly trivia segment by answering this week’s Quizzitch question at MuggleCast.com/Quizzitch! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Valentine's Day approaches in the Muggle world, romance is also a focus in this area of Half-Blood Prince. Join Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura as they watch Harry watch Draco, watch Hermione regret her revenge against Ron, and watch Snape learn that Harry is suddenly good at Potions. New Throwback Content: This Saturday, February 14 at 11am ET, MuggleCast will stream the Chamber of Secrets PC Game LIVE on our Twitch! It will later be available on our YouTube channel. A listener recently reviewed us being “as cozy as a warm blanket on a cold day.” We’re very touched! If you feel similarly, be sure to tell us by leaving a review. Chapter by Chapter continues with Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 15: The Unbreakable Vow The MC Pensive segment takes us back to an episode we recorded seven years ago. Hermione decides to take Cormac McLaggen to Slughorn's Christmas Party, just as Ron feared she would. Is this revenge satisfying for the readers? Do we feel bad when it doesn't work out for Hermione? Should love potions be taken more seriously than they are, by everyone? Harry is (rightly) worried. Eric asks, how does Cormac not know how to show someone a good time? Harry says that he kinda always thought Filch and Madame Prince were a thing. The hosts pick apart that offhand comment... ...and then we speculate. COULD that be a thing? Filch and Madame Prince? What do they have in common? How does Mrs. Norris feel? Is Snape's attempt to detect Draco's lying ethical? We know there's more in it at stake for him. Should Draco have been suspicious that Snape was working for Dumbledore, based on Snape's emphasis on the importance of DADA for Crabbe and Goyle? What If?: Harry overheard that Draco's mission was to kill Dumbledore? What if it was said aloud? What would Harry do? Odds and Ends include the Number 12 (our favorite), and vampires. Our MVP segment asks who is the best character to take to Slughorn's Christmas party? Our Lynx Line topic this week for Slug Club patrons: Who should Snape and Trelawney have invited as their dates to Slughorn's party? And, what would their pick-up lines have been? Participate in our weekly trivia segment by answering this week’s Quizzitch question at MuggleCast.com/Quizzitch! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Who feels lucky? The only thing bottled up and ready to be unleashed in this chapter is a tidal wave of teenage angst! Join Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura as they navigate the emotions of Harry, Ginny, Ron and Hermione. Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 14: Felix Felicis Slug Club invite: was Hermione making a romantic push towards Ron? Does Harry have legitimate concerns about becoming The Third Wheel? What would happen to the Trio if it all went wrong with Ron and Hermione? Ron is looking for fight, but picks the WRONG opponent in Ginny! Should Hermione have had more confidence in Ron's Quidditch abilities? Did Harry do more harm than help by giving Ron a Felix Felicis placebo? Was Ron intentionally trying to make Hermione jealous with Lavender? Could Harry's raging chest monster be partially influenced by the Horcrux? Our MVP segment asks who is the most chaotic character of the chapter? Our Lynx Line topic this week for Slug Club patrons: Have you ever started dating someone that you knew for years first, or were friends with, and if so, how did it turn out? Participate in our weekly trivia segment by answering this week’s Quizzitch question at MuggleCast.com/Quizzitch! Throwback Content includes a video game playthrough with Eric, Meg and Martha of the “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone PC Game” over on our MuggleCast YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, bring your finest gin (Andrew's is indigo!) to a party at the Muggle orphanage where Mrs. Cole is meets Dumbledore, as our Chapter-by-Chapter series continues discussing Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Our Chapter 13 discussion of "The Secret Riddle" is thought-provoking and focused largely on Dumbledore's actions and his intentions, based on what he might have known about things way back in the early 1940's. News: We discuss two new castings for the recent Prisoner of Azkaban full cast audiobook release. Stay tuned for a review of these new audiobooks! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 13: The Secret Riddle Is Harry treating Dumbledore differently at the start of the chapter than Young Tom Riddle treats him during the memory? What changes in Dumbledore's response to Harry if he already knows what Harry is saying about Draco is true? The Pensieve memory with Burke might seem different - but we've actually seen something like it before! A listener email asks, could Dumbledore have sent Mundungus to raid Grimmauld Place for Aberforth? How is what Dumbledore does to Mrs. Cole different than what Young Tom does to his fellow orphans? What made Merope still honor her father when naming Tom? We discuss Tom Riddle's mental state and one possibly identifiable diagnosis for his behavior. How come Harry didn't turn out like Tom Riddle given their similar trajectories? Was Dumbledore intentionally trying to impress Tom by making fire? Is he therefore playing with fire? Our MVP segment asks what the creepiest thing Young Tom Riddle does in this chapter? Our Lynx Line topic this week for Slug Club patrons: Which character would you most like to Confund and get to spill all the tea? Participate in our weekly trivia segment by answering this week’s Quizzitch question at MuggleCast.com/Quizzitch! Coming up in Bonus MuggleCast: it's another edition of Harry Potter Hot Takes, NSFW! Pledge to MuggleCast on Patreon to listen to this and all of our bonus episodes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, be careful what you say, be careful what you touch! From sinister nonverbal spells to cursed jewelry, Hogwarts is more of a security nightmare than normal! Join Andrew, Eric, Micah, Laura and Channell as they brave the frigid cold of Hogsmeade. Welcome, Slug Club member Channell! Music to our ears! Hans Zimmer will score the new Harry Potter TV Show! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 12: Silver and Opals Where the hell is Dumbledore and what is he doing? Harry is asking, not us! What is it about the Prince that endears Harry to him? How are spells created in the Wizarding World? We explore this question in great detail in this week's Bonus MuggleCast and Andrew even challenges the hosts with some creations of his own! Reckless Harry! Why is he casting spells with no clue what they do? Should Harry use the Prince’s work to help curry Slughorn’s favor? Hot Take: Snape would have been a great teacher if he taught with the same enthusiasm he has when writing his notes! Do we think Slughorn is even more interested in Harry given it’s been so hard to get him to come to the Slug Club? Connecting The Threads to Chamber of Secrets: More bathroom problems! Why doesn't anybody believe Harry? The evidence is starting to pile up against Draco! Our MVP segment asks what would have happened if Dumbledore had received the cursed necklace? Our Lynx Line topic this week for Slug Club patrons: how could Hogsmeade do a better job of protecting visitors and residents from security nightmares? Participate in our weekly trivia segment by answering this week’s Quizzitch question at MuggleCast.com/Quizzitch! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy 2026! No trio member is safe, as Chapter by Chapter covers Chapter 11 of Half-Blood Prince, “Hermione’s Helping Hand.” Does Hermione do the wrong thing for the right reasons? Should Harry do the right thing and expose her actions or, even worse, not choose Ron for the Gryffindor Quidditch team? And, separately, is Hagrid letting his brother join classes? All that and more on this latest episode of MuggleCast. What did the hosts get from Santa this year? And is Andrew about to reveal more than ever before? Chapter by Chapter continues with Half-Blood Prince Chapter 11, “Hermione’s Helping Hand.” Nonverbal spells are now standard in several classes, but does the trio ever learn them? Should teachers be required to eat meals in the Great Hall? Some appear to be skipping out. A comment from Hermione makes Harry warm, and may ignite some fires in the shipping community. Do we pity Ron for his need to show off and overcompensate? What Hermione does at Quidditch practice is highly risky. Why does she take the chance when she could be exposed? Should Harry have made another decision once he discovers Hermione’s actions? Despite his friendship with Ron? An email asks: should Hermione have kept Care of Magical Creatures given her established future career trajectory? It turns out Hagrid is dealing with more than just the kids not taking his class. Should the kids have to lie about another teacher just to make Hagrid feel better about himself? Our MVP segment has us ranking the beasts that Hagrid introduced the trio to. Our Lynx Line topic this week for Slug Club patrons: “Have you ever stacked the odds in favor of a friend for something that they wanted? And did you cheat to do it?” Participate in our weekly trivia segment by answering this week’s Quizzitch question at MuggleCast.com/Quizzitch! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MuggleCast is off from releasing new episodes until 2026, but we wanted to share this Bonus episode recorded for Patreon earlier in the year! In it, we reminisce over the greatest month in Harry Potter fandom history: July 2007, when the Deathly Hallows book and Order of the Phoenix movie were released. We look at what we were doing while working for MuggleNet / MuggleCast, and share some unforgettable stories. Get two bonus episodes of MuggleCast every month by becoming a member at Patreon.com/mugglecast today! Your support helps us run this show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we make a few end-of-year predictions for what 2026 will hold in store for Harry Potter fans, and open up the MuggleMail bag further than ever, as we read recent comments from YouTube and Spotify in addition to Discord, voicemails and e-mail! Join Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura for our final episode of 2025! Looking ahead: what news will we get about a Hogwarts Legacy sequel? How about the HBO TV series? Will more series be green lit? Andrew leads the group in making unhinged predictions including genderbent books and a line of adults-only official merchandise. Our own 2026 plans for MuggleCast include content that looks ahead as well as back, including more talks on the TV show and classic components of HP fandom history. Voicemails sent in include a Hermione Granger impression, and ask the question, "how do children learn Voldemort's name?" Was Arthur Weasley's originally-planned death hinted at in the text of Book 5 and before? Spotify listeners want to know: is Snape projecting? What is the general skill level of your average every day wizard? And will Micah tell more dad jokes? Is Severus Snape a good teacher? What about his old Potions book? Why doesn't Dumbledore ever tell Harry exactly how to destroy the Horcruxes? And, does Hermione belong in Ravenclaw? Additionally, folks tell us their feelings on the Full Cast Harry Potter Audiobooks as well as the Tonks and Lupin romantic subplot. Our Lynx Line segment asks our most dedicated listeners for recommendations of books they've read this year and enjoyed. See the full list of suggestions here! Bonus MuggleCast, available over on our Patreon, will have the hosts discussing their behind-the-scenes stories of contributing to MuggleNet.com MuggleCast will return January 12, 2026! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

0:00:00 – Intro 0:03:41 – Chapter by Chapter: “The House of Gaunt” 0:13:32 – Trelawney’s Cards & Tarot Analysis 0:29:43 – Bob Ogden’s Memory & the Gaunt Family 0:58:34 – Horcrux Clues & Why This Memory Matters Help MuggleCast grow! It’s the holiday season and you can get 20% off your Patreon membership at Patreon.com/MuggleCast. Just use code HOLIDAY at checkout and receive a slew of great benefits instantly! And don’t forget, Patreon memberships can be gifted! Receive great benefits, like this holiday hangout with the hosts! Get cozy this winter with a MuggleCast hoodie, Laura’s pants, or a long-sleeve tee! And if you’re Down Under, stay cool this summer with a short sleeve tee or crop top. Get 20% off all official merch at MuggleCastMerch.com when using code HOLIDAY at checkout! Pick up overstock items from years past at MuggleMillennial.Etsy.com! This week, we're taking a trip down Gaunt memory lane. Join Andrew, Eric, Micah, Laura, Bob, Harry and Dumbledore as they visit the outskirts of Little Hangleton for a mighty Morfin good time! The new Chamber of Secrets audiobook is now out, featuring Game of Thrones star Kit Harington as Gilderoy Lockhart. Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 10: The House of Gaunt. The MuggleCast Pensieve segment highlights our last discussion of this chapter back on MuggleCast #390! With Harry continuing to use the Half-Blood Prince's Potions book, the hosts revisit their original positions about the ethics of Harry’s work. Does the Half-Blood Prince's handwriting provide any clues to their true identity? What conclusions can be drawn from the cards Harry overhears Trelawney reading? Dumbledore claims that much of his lesson time with Harry will be based on the wildest of guesswork. We beg to differ! Marvolo, Morfin and Merope: we analyze the Gaunt family dynamic and their connection to Salazar Slytherin What is the main reason Dumbledore chose to show Harry this memory? MVP: Best Bob Ogden Moment The Lynx Line asks our patrons what Salazar Slytherin would have thought about the Gaunts as his direct descendants. Participate in our weekly trivia segment by answering this week’s Quizzitch question at MuggleCast.com/Quizzitch! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Help MuggleCast grow! It's the holiday season and you can get 20% off your Patreon membership at Patreon.com/MuggleCast. Just use code HOLIDAY at checkout and receive a slew of great benefits instantly! And don't forget, Patreon memberships can be gifted! Get cozy this winter with a MuggleCast hoodie, Laura’s pants, or a long-sleeve tee! And if you’re Down Under, stay cool this summer with a short sleeve tee or crop top. Get 20% off all official merch at MuggleCastMerch.com when using code HOLIDAY at checkout! Pick up overstock items from years past at MuggleMillennial.Etsy.com! This week, explore the various teaching competencies of Hogwarts staff, and join the MuggleCasters as Harry dusts off an old potions book to find a cramped surprise within! With Slug Club member Audrey joining the discussion, it’s a can’t-miss episode covering the ethics of letting someone else do all the work. Welcome to the show Slug Club member Audrey! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 9: The Half-Blood Prince The MuggleCast Pensieve segment highlights our last discussion of this chapter back on MuggleCast #389! How does McGonagall’s attentiveness, which makes her a great teacher, compare with Slughorn’s incentivizing students to achieve their best work yet? Do less successful teachers (cough, Trelawney, cough, Snape) have something to learn from other teaching styles? Does the arrangement between Firenze and Trelawney to both teach Divination make sense? Was Snape really going to attack Harry? (All signs point to yes!) Crackpot Theory: Is Snape only being as awful as ever to Harry because Malfoy, now a Death Eater, is watching? Is Horace Slughorn... a good teacher?! His first lesson seems amazing. What would he be like with younger students? What are the pros and cons of Harry coming clean, and is what he chooses to do ethical? Is Hermione or Ginny closer to being right? Connections between this chapter and books 2 and 1 are plentiful! We discuss all the ones we found. MVP: Top sassy Harry lines that AREN’T “There’s no need to call me sir, professor.” Lynx Line: Have you ever had a school subject that you loved be taught by someone that you didn’t? How did it go? Participate in our weekly trivia segment by answering this week’s Quizzitch question at MuggleCast.com/Quizzitch! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Holy Horcrux! WB is selling Harry Potter to Netflix! What does Netflix's acquisition of Warner Bros mean for the future of the Wizarding World franchise? How will it impact the new Harry Potter TV Show? What does it mean for potential spin-offs? Join Andrew and Micah as they react to the breaking news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're off for Thanksgiving, but here's a look at the fun you can experience in Bonus MuggleCast on our Patreon! To celebrate Back to Hogwarts month, the MuggleCasters are creating their own Hogwarts Houses from scratch! We share the name of each of our Houses, the sigil, how to get into the Common Room, what each of these new Houses stands for, and so much more! Which of these Houses would you join? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Help MuggleCast grow! It's the holiday season and you can get 20% off your Patreon membership at Patreon.com/MuggleCast. Just use code HOLIDAY at checkout and receive a slew of great benefits instantly! And don't forget, Patreon memberships can be gifted! Get cozy this winter with a MuggleCast hoodie, Laura’s pants, or a long-sleeve tee! And if you’re Down Under, stay cool this summer with a short sleeve tee or crop top. Get 20% off all official merch at MuggleCastMerch.com when using code HOLIDAY at checkout! Pick up overstock items from years past at MuggleMillennial.Etsy.com! This week, make sure you're on time for the start of term feast, lest you want to be berated by your (least) favorite Hogwarts professor! Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah for an angst-ridden stroll up to the castle. TV Show Update: Daniel Radcliffe pens letter to Dominic McLaughlin Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 8: Snape Victorious. The MuggleCast Pensieve segment highlights our last discussion of this chapter back on MuggleCast #388! What if… no one had discovered Harry was missing before the train left Hogsmeade? Why doesn’t Hogwarts staff or the conductor perform a sweep? Micah doesn't see an issue, but others on the panel see a big nightmare. Why isn’t Dumbledore searching for Harry the moment he doesn’t show up? What causes one’s Patronus to change? The hosts retake the quiz! Oh hell, Doe! Snape is in no position to criticize someone else's Patronus! Do we think Snape is projecting his bitterness toward James onto Harry? Could Snape’s taunting be an attempt to get Harry to reveal what happened? We connect Harry's "grand entrance" back to Chamber of Secrets Slughorn is the new... POTIONS MASTER?!? Which means... Snape is the new... Defense Against The Darks Arts Professor?!?! NOOOOO! MVP: Who wore their injury better? Harry or Dumbledore? Lynx Line: If Snape had never met Lily, what form do you think his Patronus would take? Participate in our weekly trivia segment by answering this week’s Quizzitch question at MuggleCast.com/Quizzitch! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Help MuggleCast grow! Join us at Patreon.com/mugglecast, and receive a slew of great benefits instantly, including bonus episodes, recording studio access, ad-free episodes, and much more! Listeners can browse our official merch at MuggleCastMerch.com and pick up overstock items from years past at MuggleMillennial.Etsy.com, now more affordable than ever! This week, MuggleCast discusses a surprise invitation for Harry to the inaugural meeting of this year’s Slug Club. And one of our own Slug Club members, Nicole, joins us to chat! Plus, she and Andrew just met up in the new Wizarding World - Ministry of Magic themed land at Epic Universe, and are reviewing the latest park! Welcome back Nicole! She last co-hosted the show with us on MuggleCast 391. Andrew and Nicole recently met up inside Universal Orlando's Epic Universe, and give their take on the new Wizarding World land. How does the new Ministry of Magic ride stack up against the other Harry Potter rides, and why did 1920's Paris leave Andrew's jaw on the floor? Nicole discusses the Circus Arcanus-themed attraction which she was very impressed by. Despite the glowing review, Andrew still recommends waiting to visit Epic Universe while they work out the kinks. Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Half-Blood Prince Chapter 7: The Slug Club The MuggleCast Pensieve segment highlights our last discussion of this chapter on MuggleCast #387 Why don’t Ron and Hermione believe Harry about Draco? Are Ron and Hermione basing their agreeability on the recent fiasco at the Ministry, where Harry bungled things? What would an alternate explanation be for what Draco is up to, that the trio saw? Does Harry have a sixth sense about Draco because of his Horcrux connection to Voldemort? We analyze and pick apart the incredulity around Voldemort recruiting Draco, Age 16 for his followers. There is series precedent! Micah makes several brilliant comparisons between Slughorn and slugs. Why aren’t there any Hufflepuffs at this Slug Club meeting? Harry underestimates Draco, in a huge way, and pays the price. Oops. Lynx Line: Patrons invent their own version of the Slug Club based on their strengths, and tell us who would be in it! Participate in our weekly trivia segment by answering this week’s Quizzitch question at MuggleCast.com/Quizzitch! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Help MuggleCast grow! Join us at Patreon.com/mugglecast, and receive a slew of great benefits instantly, including bonus episodes, recording studio access, ad-free episodes, and much more! Listeners can browse our official merch at MuggleCastMerch.com and pick up overstock items from years past at MuggleMillennial.Etsy.com, now more affordable than ever! This week, don’t get distracted by the WonderWitch product line; a love potion is captivating but Draco Malfoy sneaking off is gonna have longer-lasting implications! Join Micah, Eric and Julian as they wind their way through the twists and turns of an otherwise dark and desolate Diagon Alley. Welcome back Professor Julian Wamble, PhD - host of Critical Magic Theory podcast! We first spoke with Julian on MuggleCast 619 (Professor Trelawney’s Prediction) and then recently on MuggleCast 708 (Snape’s Worst Memory). You can also find him on Instagram and TikTok! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Half-Blood Prince Chapter 6: Draco's Detour The MuggleCast Pensieve segment, highlighting our last discussion of this chapter on MuggleCast #384, features a deep analysis of U-No-Poo! The Ice Cream Man: Florean Fortescue had a ghost plot? How is Bill able to take Harry's money out of Gringotts without his permission? Why did Dumbledore refuse Auror protection for Harry in Diagon Alley? And is Hagrid really the best alternative? We discuss Weasley's Wizard Wheezes being a beacon of light in an otherwise very dark time Does Molly's concern for Fred and George stem from the loss of her brothers Gideon and Fabian in the First Wizarding War? Inside Madam Malkin's: who was worse, Narcissa or Harry? We compare the this confrontation to the one inside Flourish & Blott's in Chamber of Secrets. Why is Draco trying to operate in secrecy from his mother? And what in the world was Hermione thinking at the end of the chapter? Lynx Line: Patrons tell us what's really on Malfoy’s forearm (wrong answers only!) Participate in our weekly trivia segment by answering this week’s Quizzitch question at MuggleCast.com/Quizzitch! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Help MuggleCast grow! Join us at Patreon.com/mugglecast, and receive a slew of great benefits instantly, including bonus episodes, recording studio access, ad-free episodes, and much more! Listeners can browse our official merch at MuggleCastMerch.com and pick up overstock items from years past at MuggleMillennial.Etsy.com, now more affordable than ever! This week, get ready for Veela kisses on both of your cheeks, as Andrew, Eric, Micah, Laura, and special guest Kathlyn, discuss "An Excess of Phlegm" from our Book 6 chapter-by-chapter re-read! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Half-Blood Prince Chapter 5: An Excess of Phlegm The MuggleCast Pensieve segment, highlighting our last discussion of this chapter on MuggleCast #383, features questions about that special clock. SEVERAL people tell Harry he wasn't expected for many more hours. Just what was Dumbledore's backup plan if Slughorn were not so easily persuaded? Does Dumbledore have a "dropping in on people" problem? Arthur is the only one following the Ministry's guidelines around security... and we stan him for it. Molly's opinions of Bill and Flaur's engagement spark a real life discussion about marriage in tough times. The hosts sympathize with Fleur Delacour and understand why she was excited to see Harry after waht must have been a tumultuous week. Eric questions Bill's intentions in leaving Fleur to "the wolves" of the Weasleys. Was there a better alternative to them getting to know her? Slug Club guest Kathlyn talks about the differences between UK culture and the other European countries, which provides insight into the Wealseys' reactions to Fleur. Harry's confiding in Ron and Hermione warms his heart... and ours, too. Hosts rate the most surprising grade of Harry's for O.W.L.'s. Lynx Line: Patrons tell us adorable pet names that they have for their loved ones, and the stories behind them! Participate in our weekly trivia segment by answering this week’s Quizzitch question at MuggleCast.com/Quizzitch! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Help MuggleCast grow! Join us at Patreon.com/mugglecast, and receive a slew of great benefits instantly, including bonus episodes, recording studio access, ad-free episodes, and much more! Listeners can browse our official merch at MuggleCastMerch.com and pick up overstock items from years past at MuggleMillennial.Etsy.com, now more affordable than ever! This week, get ready to apparate to the charming village of Budleigh Babberton - but keep your wands at the ready because something is afoot! Join Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura as they attempt to find... and recruit an old friend out of retirement! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Half-Blood Prince Chapter 4: Horace Slughorn The MuggleCast Pensieve segment, highlighting our last discussion of this chapter on MuggleCast #381, features some raspberry jam analysis! Why don’t Dumbledore and Harry simply Apparate into Slughorn’s home? Should Harry have so willingly trusted that Dumbledore was, in fact, Dumbledore, given the danger and uncertainty of the times? What do we think of Dumbledore’s plan to use Harry to lure Slughorn back to Hogwarts—is it clever strategy or subtle manipulation? What does it say about Slughorn that he isn’t aligned with Voldemort, yet refuses to take a stand against him? Slughorn “The Collector” is one of the most morally gray Slytherins of the series How does Slughorn’s casual bigotry—his need to say “You musn't think I'm prejudiced!”—reveal a subtler form of bias in the wizarding world? Does Slughorn’s “collector” mentality mirror real-world networking culture? Isn't the Slug Club just Hogwarts’ version of a professional society? MVP: What's the best perk Slughorn gets from his Slug Club alumni? Lynx Line: Patreons tell us about a talent/accomplishment that would get them recruited to the Slug Club! Participate in our weekly trivia segment by answering this week’s Quizzitch question at MuggleCast.com/Quizzitch! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices