Promptly Potter is a MuggleNet.com podcast where we flex our critical analysis muscles and break down a question about the Harry Potter novels. During this year-long exploration, episodes will showcase alternating hosts covering one chapter through the le
- In the Epilogue of Deathly Hallows, the now-grown Harry, Ginny, Ron, and Hermione meet at Platform 9 3/4 to send their oldest children off to Hogwarts.- Today's prompt is: Agree or disagree: The epilogue was unnecessary. - This episode is hosted by Geoff Hutton.- Join in the conversation on MuggleNet's social media channels by using #PromptlyPotter
- In Chapter 36 of Deathly Hallows, Harry and Voldemort both regain consciousness but Harry pretends to be dead. Voldemort displays the young wizard's body to all of Hogwarts, declaring victory, only to be enraged when Neville slays Nagini and Harry reveals himself as alive. The Dark Lord and the Boy Who Lived battle once more, resulting in Voldemort's final, permanent death.- Today's prompt is: How does Harry's intended sacrifice protect everyone even though they are not related by blood?- This episode is hosted by Richa Venkatraman.- Join in the conversation on MuggleNet's social media channels by using #PromptlyPotter
- In Chapter 35 of Deathly Hallows, Harry awakens in what appears to be King's Cross Station. There, Dumbledore answers his questions and explains that Harry can choose to return to the land of the living if he wishes.- Today's prompt is: What is happening to Lord Voldemort while Harry and Dumbledore are in King's Cross?- This episode is hosted by Amy Hogan.- Join in the conversation on MuggleNet's social media channels by using #PromptlyPotter
- In Chapter 34 of Deathly Hallows, Harry makes his way to confront Voldemort for the final time. He ensures that Neville has instructions to kill the only other remaining Horcrux - Nagini - and tries to make peace with his fate by using the Resurrection Stone to see his family. Finally, Harry allows Voldemort to cast the Killing Curse at him.- Today's prompt is: If Harry approached Ginny before going into the forest, would she accept it as part of his mission or try to stop him?- This episode is hosted by Marica Laing.- Join in the conversation on MuggleNet's social media channels by using #PromptlyPotter
- In Chapter 33 of Deathly Hallows, Harry views Snape's memories in the pensieve. The memories depict Snape and Harry's mother as children, their friendship, and their estrangement. Harry also learns that he himself was made into a Horcrux when Voldemort attempted to murder him.- Today's prompt is: Would Petunia have resented Lily's magic no matter what, or were her feelings exacerbated by Snape?- This episode is hosted by Princess Jhode Datu.- Join in the conversation on MuggleNet's social media channels by using #PromptlyPotter
- In Chapter 32 of Deathly Hallows, Voldemort murders Snape. The Trio witnesses the entire thing from beneath the Invisibility Cloak. Harry is able to retrieve important memories from Snape before he fully passes on.- Today's prompt is: What would have happened if Snape did not have the opportunity to give Harry his memories before he died?- This episode is hosted by Marica Laing.- Join in the conversation on MuggleNet's social media channels by using #PromptlyPotter
- In Chapter 31 of Deathly Hallows, The Battle of Hogwarts begins as Death Eaters attack the school in search of Harry. In the chaos, Fred is killed by an explosion.- Today's prompt is: The fandom has often been divided over whether Percy should have died instead of Fred. What do you think?- This episode is hosted by Geoff Hutton.- Join in the conversation on MuggleNet's social media channels by using #PromptlyPotter
- In Chapter 30 of Deathly Hallows, Voldemort and the Death Eaters are alerted to Harry's presence at Hogwarts. McGonagall forces Snape to flee as the castle's inhabitants ready themselves for battle.- Today's prompt is: How do you imagine the other professors protected their students and continued to teach them, in the face of Snape and the Carrows?- This episode is hosted by Marica Laing.- Join in the conversation on MuggleNet's social media channels by using #PromptlyPotter
- In Chapter 29 of Deathly Hallows, Neville appears and leads Harry, Ron, and Hermione through a newly-formed secret passageway to the Room of Requirement. Harry makes his way to the Ravenclaw Common Room in search of what he believes to be the final Horcrux: Rowena Ravenclaw's Diadem.- Today's prompt is: How did Neville develop such a strong relationship with the Room of Requirement, and does that cause the room to adapt more successfully? - This episode is hosted by Rex Hadden.- Join in the conversation on MuggleNet's social media channels by using #PromptlyPotter
- In Chapter 28 of Deathly Hallows, Aberforth Dumbledore rescues the Trio after they are almost caught apparating into Hogsmeade. While hiding the young wizards in his home, Aberforth reveals the tragic story of Ariana Dumbledore.- Today's prompt is: Was Aberforth correct about Albus's mistreatment of Harry?- This episode is hosted by Richa Venkatraman.- Join in the conversation on MuggleNet's social media channels by using #PromptlyPotter
- In Chapter 27 of Deathly Hallows, the Trio manages to safely disembark from the dragon's back. Harry realizes that Voldemort knows his Horcruxes have been discovered. The race is on to see who can get to the final Horcrux first.- Today's prompt is: Lucius and Bellatrix flee from Voldemort's rage-fueled killing spree after he discovers that Hufflepuff's cup has been stolen. Would he have killed his most faithful servants?- This episode is hosted by Steph Martin.- Join in the conversation on MuggleNet's social media channels by using #PromptlyPotter
- In Chapter 26 of Deathly Hallows, Harry, Ron, and Hermione successfully infiltrate Gringotts and reach the Lestranges' vault before being detected. They manage to retrieve the suspected Horcrux but are forced to make a messy escape. The Trio frees a dragon that was being forced to guard the bank's deepest and most valuable vaults and hitch a ride to safety on its back. - Today's prompt is: What has changed about Harry or his circumstances that he can coolly perform the Imperius Curse in a dire situation?- This episode is hosted by Steph Martin.- Join in the conversation on MuggleNet's social media channels by using #PromptlyPotter
- In Chapter 25 of Deathly Hallows, Griphook agrees to help the Trio break into the Lestrange vault but demands the Sword of Gryffindor as payment. Harry deceptively agrees, knowing that the sword cannot be given to Griphook until the Horcrux hunt is over.- Today's prompt is: Could implementing the goblin concept of ownership create a more equitable wizarding society?- This episode is hosted by Geoff Hutton.- Join in the conversation on MuggleNet's social media channels by using #PromptlyPotter
- In Chapter 24 of Deathly Hallows, Dobby's death provides Harry with some much-needed perspective. He tells his friends that Voldemort is searching for the Elder Wand and that there may be a Horcrux hidden in the Lestrange Vault.- Today's prompt is: Griphook calls Harry "an unusual wizard." Does that reflect the views of the wider goblin community?- This episode is hosted by Amy Hogan.- Join in the conversation on MuggleNet's social media channels by using #PromptlyPotter
- In Chapter 23 of Deathly Hallows, Harry, Ron, and Hermione are captured and taken to Malfoy Manor. There, they are tortured for information. Using his shard of the two-way mirror, Harry sends a plea for help. Dobby arrives and successfully liberates the trio from their captors but at the cost of his own life. - Today's prompt is: Why did Wormtail seek protection from a master who was liable to torture or kill him, as opposed to Dumbledore?- This episode is hosted by Princess Jhode Datu.- Join in the conversation on MuggleNet's social media channels by using #PromptlyPotter
- In Chapter 22 of Deathly Hallows, Harry becomes obsessed with the Hallows in a way that isn't all that dissimilar to Voldemort. During a conversation with Ron and Hermione, Harry accidentally says Voldemort's name aloud, causing their location to be revealed to a gang of Snatchers.- Today's prompt is: Is it out of character for Harry to become so deeply obsessed with the Deathly Hallows?- This episode is hosted by Tracy Dunstan.- Join in the conversation on MuggleNet's social media channels by using #PromptlyPotter
- In Chapter 21 of Deathly Hallows, the trio learns the story of the Deathly Hallows from Xenophilius Lovegood. Their visit turns them into unwitting hostages when Mr. Lovegood tries to exchange them for a recently-captured Luna. Luckily, Harry, Hermione, and Ron are able to escape.- Today's prompt is: "You're supposed to say the Cloak." Between the Resurrection Stone and Elder Wand, which Deathly Hallow would you choose? - This episode is hosted by Rex Hadden.- Join in the conversation on MuggleNet's social media channels by using #PromptlyPotter
- In Chapter 20 of Deathly Hallows, Ron catches his friends up on what he experienced while away from the group. Hermione realizes there is an odd symbol in the book Dumbledore left her, and the trio decides to visit Xenophilius Lovegood.- Today's prompt is: “Luna's got ten times his guts.” How would Luna feel about her father's reluctance to help Harry in order to protect her?- This episode is hosted by Geoff Hutton.- Join in the conversation on MuggleNet's social media channels by using #PromptlyPotter
- In Chapter 19 of Deathly Hallows, Harry sees a Patronus in the woods and follows the mysterious silver doe to a lake where the sword of Gryffindor can be seen underneath the water. Sensing its impending doom, the locket Horcrux around Harry's neck attempts to strangle him. Luckily, Ron has found his way back to the camp just in time.- Today's prompt is: "He must've known you'd always want to come back.” How might Dumbledore have envisioned Ron needing and using the Deluminator?- This episode is hosted by Amy Hogan.- Join in the conversation on MuggleNet's social media channels by using #PromptlyPotter
- In Chapter 18 of Deathly Hallows, Hermione shows Harry the copy of Rita Skeeter's book, The Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore, that she stole from Godric's Hollow. The two of them read about Dumbledore's past- at least, his past according to Rita Skeeter.- Today's prompt is: Does Dumbledore's personal history contribute to or impact Harry's actions in a meaningful way?- This episode is hosted by Princess Jhode Datu.- Join in the conversation on MuggleNet's social media channels by using #PromptlyPotter
- In Chapter 17 of Deathly Hallows, Harry and Hermione are lured into a trap. Nagini, disguised as Bathilda Bagshot, attempts to kill Harry, and while the friends escape, Harry's wand is broken in the process.- Today's prompt is: If the trio went to Godric's Hollow first as Harry wanted, how would events have unfolded differently?- This episode is hosted by Rex Hadden.- Join in the conversation on MuggleNet's social media channels by using #PromptlyPotter
- In Chapter 16 of Deathly Hallows, Harry and Hermione try to continue on their quest without Ron, but their hearts just aren't in it. On Christmas, Harry asks to visit his parent's graves in Godric's Hollow.- Today's prompt is: Does Harry's visit to his parents' grave better prepare him for his eventual sacrifice?- This episode is hosted by Richa Venkatraman.- Join in the conversation on MuggleNet's social media channels by using #PromptlyPotter
- In Chapter 15 of Deathly Hallows, Harry, Ron, and Hermione continue camping in secluded places. Their attempts to destroy the Horcrux continue to fail and the pressure mounts until Ron leaves after an argument.- Today's prompt is: Would Ron have left if Harry had not told him to do so in the heat of the moment?- This episode is hosted by Bailey Alfaro.- Join in the conversation on MuggleNet's social media channels by using #PromptlyPotter
- In Chapter 14 of Deathly Hallows, Harry, Ron, and Hermione are forced to set up camp in a remote location because Grimmauld Place is no longer safe. Harry has a vision of Voldemort who is searching for Gregorovitch.- Today's prompt is: What is happening to the other characters caught up in the trio's escape, namely Kreacher and/or the Cattermoles?- This episode is hosted by Steph Martin.- Join in the conversation on MuggleNet's social media channels by using #PromptlyPotter
- In Chapter 13 of Deathly Hallows, the trio wreaks havoc on their way out of the Ministry but they manage to get everything they came for and more. Unfortunately, a Death Eater is able to tag along as the trio attempts to apparate back to Grimmauld Place, meaning the house's protective enchantments no longer work.- Today's prompt is: Is the Muggle-born Registration Commission Umbridge's own brainchild or an order from the infiltrated regime that she is just happy to execute?- This episode is hosted by Tracy Dunstan.- Join in the conversation on MuggleNet's social media channels by using #PromptlyPotter
- In Chapter 12 of Deathly Hallows, Harry, Ron, and Hermione break into the Ministry using Polyjuice Potion to disguise themselves as employees. Even though they planned for weeks, a major hitch develops with Ron's stolen identity.- Today's prompt is: Is the trio's plan to break into the Ministry wildly reckless, both for themselves and the other people they involve?- This episode is hosted by Amy Hogan.- Join in the conversation on MuggleNet's social media channels by using #PromptlyPotter
- In Chapter 11 of Deathly Hallows, Lupin and Harry have a falling out. Harry doesn't have long to dwell on the argument, however, because the Trio has to begin planning their retrieval of the next Horcrux.- Today's prompt is: How might Lupin have helped the trio if he had accompanied them even for a short time, and was his desire to join them valid?- This episode is hosted by Tracy Dunstan.- Join in the conversation on MuggleNet's social media channels by using #PromptlyPotter
- In Chapter 10 of Deathly Hallows, the trio begins unraveling the secrets of Voldemort's mysterious locket Horcrux. Kreacher's attitude toward Harry changes after the young wizard shows him kindness.- Today's prompt is: Based on Kreacher's account, how did Regulus Black figure out that the locket was a Horcrux?- This episode is hosted by Princess Jhode Datu.- Join in the conversation on MuggleNet's social media channels by using #PromptlyPotter
- In Chapter 9 of Deathly Hallows, Harry, Ron, and Hermione disapparate to Central London as they flee Death Eaters. Realizing they've been followed, the trio head to Grimmauld Place instead.- Today's prompt is: What is the point of Moody's Tongue-Tying Curse when Snape or another intruder could use a nonverbal spell?- This episode is hosted by Tracy Dunstan.- Join in the conversation on MuggleNet's social media channels by using #PromptlyPotter
- In Chapter 8 of Deathly Hallows, Bill and Fleur's wedding day arrives and Harry joins the festivities albeit disguised. The celebration is cut short when Kingsley Shacklebolt's Patronus arrives with a warning: The Ministry has fallen. Scrimgeour is dead. The Death Eaters are coming.- Today's prompt is: How might Xenophilius Lovegood have conducted research on Gernumbli (gnome) magic?- This episode is hosted by Richa Venkatraman.- Join in the conversation on MuggleNet's social media channels by using #PromptlyPotter
- In Chapter 7 of Deathly Hallows, Rufus Scrimgeour arrives at the Burrow to fulfill Dumbledore's will. He questions the objects left to the Trio by Dumbledore, adamant that they must be suspicious. - Today's prompt is: For what purpose did Dumbledore originally invent the Deluminator? Did it always have a greater purpose, and did Dumbledore ever need it to guide him?- This episode is hosted by Marica Laing.- Join in the conversation on MuggleNet's social media channels by using #PromptlyPotter
- In Chapter 6 of Deathly Hallows, Harry, Ron, and Hermione try to prepare for their upcoming Horcrux hunt. In the meantime, preparation is in full swing for Bill and Fleur's upcoming wedding.- Today's prompt is: How does remorse repair a damaged soul after making a Horcrux? What is the process Hermione refers to as "excruciatingly painful"?- This episode is hosted by Geoff Hutton.- Join in the conversation on MuggleNet's social media channels by using #PromptlyPotter
- In Chapter 5 of Deathly Hallows, Harry arrives at the Burrow where the Order are assessing their losses. There, he learns that Mad-Eye Moody was killed and George Weasley was gravely injured during his escape.- Today's prompt is: Andromeda Tonks is connected to many significant characters but appears in the story only briefly. How could she have been more involved in Harry's journey?- This episode is hosted by Bailey Alfaro.- Join in the conversation on MuggleNet's social media channels by using #PromptlyPotter
- In Chapter 4 of Deathly Hallows, a handful of the most trusted members of the Order of the Phoenix arrive at Privet Drive. In order to safely escort Harry to a safe house, they hatch a plan to create six "decoy Harry Potters" with Polyjuice Potion. As most things involving Harry do, the plan goes awry.- Today's prompt is: Was it irresponsible to put so much trust in Mundungus and make him an unwilling participant in a dangerous mission, and why was it worth the risk to include him?- This episode is hosted by Rex Hadden.- Join in the conversation on MuggleNet's social media channels by using #PromptlyPotter
- In Chapter 3 of Deathly Hallows, Harry insists that the Dursleys will be safer if they leave Privet Drive until Voldemort is defeated. Vernon is reluctant, but Dudley takes Harry's side (for once in his life).- Today's prompt is: Where are the Dursleys going into hiding and how will they be protected?- This episode is hosted by Princess Jhode Datu.- Join in the conversation on MuggleNet's social media channels by using #PromptlyPotter
- In Chapter 2 of Deathly Hallows, Harry prepares to leave Privet Drive one last time. As he is packing his belongings, he sorts through recent newspapers to find Dumbledore's obituary.- Today's prompt is: Who benefits more from Rita Skeeter's exposure of Dumbledore's dark past: Voldemort or the Order of the Phoenix?- This episode is hosted by Steph Martin.- Join in the conversation on MuggleNet's social media channels by using #PromptlyPotter
- In Chapter 1 of Deathly Hallows, Voldemort meets with his most loyal followers at Malfoy Manor. The meeting ends with the casual murder of Charity Burbage, a former Hogwarts Muggle Studies professor.- Today's prompt is: Does seeing his longtime colleague Charity Burbage begging for help cause Snape distress, or is he so singleminded in his mission that it does not faze him?- This episode is hosted by Marica Laing.- Join in the conversation on MuggleNet's social media channels by using #PromptlyPotter
- In Chapter 30 of Half-Blood Prince, Dumbledore's funeral is held at Hogwarts. After the service, Harry breaks things off with Ginny and confides in Ron and Hermione that he is going to find the other Horcruxes. His two best friends vow to follow and help him.- Today's prompt is: Some readers view Half-Blood Prince primarily as set-up for Deathly Hallows rather than an installment that stands on its own. Discuss.- This episode is hosted by Amy Hogan.- Join in the conversation on MuggleNet's social media channels by using #PromptlyPotter
- In Chapter 29 of Half-Blood Prince, the aftermath of Dumbledore's death sets in. McGonagall and the heads of houses consider closing the school, and various Order of the Phoenix members deal with personal issues.- Today's prompt is: Should Dumbledore and/or Harry have told McGonagall any information about their mission to find and destroy Horcruxes that might have enabled her to help?- This episode is hosted by Geoff Hutton.- Join in the conversation on MuggleNet's social media channels by using #PromptlyPotter
- In Chapter 28 of Half-Blood Prince, Snape and Draco flee Hogwarts alongside other Death Eaters. Harry gives chase but is unsuccessful, and the Death Eaters are able to escape. After the chaos, Dumbledore's body is found, lifeless, near the base of the astronomy tower.- Today's prompt is: Why does Snape choose to tell Harry that he is the Half-Blood Prince?- This episode is hosted by Richa Venkatraman.- Join in the conversation on MuggleNet's social media channels by using #PromptlyPotter
- In Chapter 27 of Half-Blood Prince, Harry and Dumbledore return to Hogsmeade only to see the Dark Mark above Hogwarts. They rush to the astronomy tower where Draco immediately appears and disarms Dumbledore. Because he cannot bring himself to kill the headmaster, Draco is pushed aside by Snape who ultimately kills Dumbledore himself.- Today's prompt is: What role might the Malfoys have played in the war if Draco had accepted Dumbledore's offer of protection?- This episode is hosted by Marica Laing.- Join in the conversation on MuggleNet's social media channels by using #PromptlyPotter
- In Chapter 26 of Half-Blood Prince, Harry and Dumbledore apparate to a cave where Voldemort has hidden a Horcrux. To access the Horcrux, Dumbledore has to drink a potion that severely weakens him. The two wizards flee as Inferi erupt from the water around them.- Today's prompt is: If Harry had not touched the water, what protections might have tried to prevent him and Dumbledore from leaving the cave with the Horcrux?- This episode is hosted by Rex Hadden.- Join in the conversation on MuggleNet's social media channels by using #PromptlyPotter
- In Chapter 25 of Half-Blood Prince, things at Hogwarts escalate. Harry learns that Draco is suspiciously happy, but he can't investigate why because Dumbledore has requested his help with a Horcrux.- Today's prompt is: Is Trelawney's pulling and reading of the Lightning-Struck Tower card an example of her prophetic ability or pure coincidence?- This episode is hosted by Amy Hogan.- Join in the conversation on MuggleNet's social media channels by using #PromptlyPotter
- In Chapter 24 of Half-Blood Prince, Harry uses Sectumsempra on Draco without knowing what the spell does. Snape is able to heal the young Slytherin's mortal wounds and gives Harry detention. After detention, Harry works up the courage to finally kiss Ginny.- Today's prompt is: If Draco had died from Harry's use of Sectumsempra, would that constitute Snape breaking the Unbreakable Vow?- This episode is hosted by Princess Jhode Datu.- Join in the conversation on MuggleNet's social media channels by using #PromptlyPotter
- In Chapter 23 of Half-Blood Prince, Harry and Dumbledore watch Slughorn's memory of Voldemort. The memory confirms Dumbledore's suspicions; Voldemort made six Horcruxes, and now they all needed to be destroyed.- Today's prompt is: Could Dumbledore and Harry have successfully pursued the Horcruxes without Slughorn's true memory?- This episode is hosted by Richa Venkatraman.- Join in the conversation on MuggleNet's social media channels by using #PromptlyPotter
- In Chapter 22 of Half-Blood Prince, Aragog's death provides Harry with a unique opportunity to corner Slughorn and confront him about his memories of Voldemort.- Today's prompt is: Is the unethical use of animal products so prevalent in the wizarding world due to special properties that can't be replicated with spellwork, plants, or inorganic materials?- This episode is hosted by Steph Martin.- Join in the conversation on MuggleNet's social media channels by using #PromptlyPotter
- In Chapter 21 of Half-Blood Prince, Harry attempts to gain entry into the Room of Requirement. Fortunately for Draco, the room seems to be designed to keep secrets.- Today's prompt is: How did the Room of Requirement come to be, and how did Tom Riddle find it?- This episode is hosted by Bailey Alfaro.- Join in the conversation on MuggleNet's social media channels by using #PromptlyPotter
- In Chapter 20 of Half-Blood Prince, Harry and Dumbledore view two more memories related to young Voldemort.- Today's prompt is: What might Voldemort have been doing that Dumbledore heard rumors of but did not yet make him a criminal wanted by the Ministry?- This episode is hosted by Geoff Hutton.- Join in the conversation on MuggleNet's social media channels by using #PromptlyPotter
- In Chapter 19 of Half-Blood Prince, Harry suffers a nasty Quidditch injury at the hands of Cormac McLaggen. While in the hospital wing, Harry sends Kreacher and Dobby to spy on Draco.- Today's prompt is: Why would Voldemort have wanted Slughorn on his side, and why might he be valuable to Dumbledore aside from the memory?- This episode is hosted by Steph Martin.- Join in the conversation on MuggleNet's social media channels by using #PromptlyPotter
- In Chapter 18 of Half-Blood Prince, Ron accidentally drinks a love potion and Harry rushes him to Slughorn for an antidote. While there, Ron (once again, accidentally) drinks poisoned mead and Harry saves his life using a bezoar.- Today's prompt is: Love potions should be illegal, and the use of them should be severely disciplined and litigated. Discuss.- This episode is hosted by Princess Jhode Datu.- Join in the conversation on MuggleNet's social media channels by using #PromptlyPotter
- In Chapter 17 of Half-Blood Prince, Dumbledore tells Harry that Slughorn is withholding an important memory about young Voldemort. Now, Harry is meant to figure out how to get the memory from a very reluctant Slughorn.- Today's prompt is: What magic is involved in tampering with a memory in the way that Slughorn does?- This episode is hosted by Rex Hadden.- Join in the conversation on MuggleNet's social media channels by using #PromptlyPotter