Melting Potter

S02E05 of Melting Potter delves into chapter five of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, The Whomping Willow. First, we try to wrap our heads around the fact that the adults don’t seem more concerned that Harry and Ron disappeared with a flying car and were nowhere to be seen at the feast. Then, we’re appalled that a tree seems to be more important than them, only to admit Ron was reckless and his plan was weak. Speaking of weak plans, Lucius’ plan to get the diary to Hogwarts, although ultimately successful, was not the best. Plot convenience much? We imagine what would have happened if Ginny really had forgotten to pack the diary, we look at how 3 adults (Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Snape) decide to handle the flying car situation, and we get into Harry’s privilege and how he has come to expect preferential treatment knowing he will never get into that much trouble. As a bonus, we have a spirited debate over who the worst father in the Wizarding World is. Expect random D&D tangents, multiple F bombs, and an interesting theory regarding whether the rumour of Snape wanting the Dark Arts position was actually spread intentionally by Dumbledore and Snape.

Melting Potter episode 4 discussing chapter 4 of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, At Flourish and Blotts - it’s a long one! We talk at length about Wizarding World politics such as disposing of dark magical artefacts vs. preserving them, regime changes and how the opposition vilifies the ruling party, and how ordinary people can have no choice but to become accomplices and how we shouldn’t judge them. for that We also discuss the connection between what’s happening in the Wizarding World and what happened in post World War II Germany, including the importance of bearing witness and of keeping tangible proof so as not to give deniers a chance to say some things never happened, and how persecuting people who are just nostalgic about old times can be a double edged sword. In our talk, we touch upon Molly’s attitude toward Gilderoy and whether it’s meant to be endearing or signal a larger problem in her marriage. We also include a POV retelling through Lucius’ eyes, and we discuss Arthur’s internalised sense of worthlessness when it comes to the Malfoys. On a lighter note, Harry is being unnecessarily sneaky and we try to figure out why on earth would Dumbledore hire Gilderoy. Finally, are Madame Hooch and Professor Sprout in a loving relationship? We think so!

What about Molly Weasley? In episode 3 of season 2 of Melting Potter, we analyze the happenings at the burrow through Molly's perspective. Join us as we empathize with the most badass witch & mother in the Wizarding World. What you can hear in this episode: Miriam impersonating Molly in a very cute bit that she improvised. Bogdan & Andreea discuss how entitled the Weasleys are and Andreea empathizes with Ron (shocking, I know!) about how Harry's enthusiasm at seeing the magical home of the Burrow changes Ron's perspective over his whole life. There's a lot to dig into this episode so buckle up, wands at the ready, let's go!