Podcasts about slug club

Help MuggleCast grow! Become a MuggleCast Member and get great benefits like Bonus MuggleCast! Patreon.com/MuggleCast  Grab official merch! MuggleCastMerch.com Pick up overstock merch from years past, including our 19th Anniversary Shirt! MuggleMillennial.Etsy.com On this week's episode, listen during Chapter-by-Chapter as the MuggleCasters discuss Harry juggling TWO dates in Hogsmeade. One which may have been doomed from the start (with Cho), and another which likely changes the course of Wizarding history (with Rita). Andrew, Eric, Laura, Micah, and Slug Club guest Katie dig in, because it's time for Chapter 25 of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Welcome Slug Club member, Katie! The hosts wish to reassert their disavowal of J.K. Rowling for her role in making women less safe in the U.K. Please visit GLAAD's amazing page for links including FAQs, resources, and tips for allies. Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 25: The Beetle at Bay. MuggleCast last discussed this chapter on Episode 462! Harry's feelings toward his fellow students in light of the Azkaban breakout headlines have us once more feeling like we are living in the books today. The Ministry's control of information and issuance of propaganda, the extent which is confirmed in this chapter, is massive but not perfect. Some who look deeper are beginning to see the cracks in the facade. Umbridge's power grabs are becoming unenforceable. The hosts discuss how her main goal appears to be to frighten and dissuade dissenters, even among the staff. Harry and students are impressed by Neville's recent hard work in the D.A. This reminds us about when we made the "Neville Gets Swole" Spotify playlist, perfect for your summertime runs and workouts! Is Hermione single-handedly changing the course of the Wizarding world? We think so. Is there anything the students can/should be doing about Hagrid and his probation? Or is his behavior just too weird, and the students too buried in coursework? Ron has a fair idea, but Hermione shuts him down cold. We hold a memorial service for Ron's strategical aptitude subplot from Book 1. In what ways was "Madame Puddifoot's" NOT the perfect Valentine's spot, and whose fault is it that Harry and Cho's date is a disaster? Was it doomed from the start? Is Rita Skeeter looking for redemption, or just some hot goss? Odds & Ends asks why Ron, Fred or George do not seem to know about Antonin Dolohov's connection with their uncles, nor do they mention it. Most #RealTalk moment of the week? Hosts weigh in. Lynx Line: we asked our Patrons to submit a one-sentence headline sure to grab all of the attention. Quizzitch: What prison was the site of the largest jailbreak in British history - when 38 inmates, members of the Irish Republican Army, overpowered guards in 1983? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Episode 444 we discuss...→ The Slug Club could have fostered inner house unity but didn't→ Neville's new wand symbolizes his growth and potential→ The Calculated Moves of Horace Slughorn→ Contrasting Upbringings: Harry vs. Neville→ Draco's connections hint at deeper themes of loyalty and betrayal→ Harry's modesty contrasts with Tom Riddle's arrogance→ Wand lore and character identitiesBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/alohomora-the-original-harry-potter-book-club--5016402/support.

Chapter 7 - The Slug Club, covered by Sarah!Harry knows he's always suspicious of Draco but he know's he right this time. Harry gets some unwanted attention then really gets some unwanted attention. Draco is riding high now, but for how long?⚡️

Help MuggleCast grow! Become a MuggleCast Member and get great benefits! Patreon.com/mugglecast Grab official merch! MuggleCastMerch.com Pick up overstock merch from years past! MuggleMillennial.Etsy.com On this week's episode, we're preparing to be inspected as the new High Inquisitor of Hogwarts sets her eyes on some easy prey. Chapter-by-Chapter covers OotP 15, and we also discuss the latest (huge) Dumbledore casting rumor for the HP TV series!. Welcome to the show, Slug Club guest host Jordan! The latest HP TV Show news is that actor John Lithgow is close to finalizing talks to play Albus Dumbledore. The hosts react! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with  Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 15: The Hogwarts High Inquisitor. Our Time Turner segment has us spinning an old recording from past discussions! Be sure to check out Episode 451 for our prior Chapter 15 analysis! Laura takes us back through the history of various “inquisitors.” How clued-in is Percy to the inner workings of Umbridge and Fudge's plot? Did Dumbledore know the Ministry would pass midnight legislation if he did not fill the DADA vacancy? Did he choose not to act? Do we think the Ministry SHOULD have greater oversight into Hogwarts? Snape gets a T for Tool. Or, is that Troll? Have any of the hosts ever been inspected while doing their job? Where does Hermione err in her confrontation with Umbridge? What was Dean Thomas doing to his mouse in Transfiguration? Lynx Line: What educational decree would YOU pass / what rule would YOU enforce at Hogwarts? Our Patrons were asked! Quizzitch: in the USA, the College Board administers the SAT, which has a possible perfect score of 1600. What is the lowest score possible to receive on the SAT? Don't forget you can support the show over at Patreon.com/Mugglecast! You'll get great benefits such as Bonus MuggleCast, live streams, yearly stickers, Lynx Line participation, a physical gift, a video message from one of the four of us made just for you, our private Facebook and Discord groups where you can hang out with fellow Potter fans, and so much more! Visit MuggleCast.com for transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our first Muggle Mail episode of the year is here! And more than ever, listeners are boldly telling us who we have been too critical of in our latest read-through of Order of the Phoenix. Does planning things out make them worse? Can Sirius be blamed for his behaviors? And where does little Dumbledore go when he's not on the Chocolate Frog cards? All this and more on Episode 690. Welcome to the show Slug Club guest Evalynda! In the middle of this Winter season our Comfy Coz Combo Pack is nearly sold out! Containing our MuggleCast show beanie and our specialty throwback socks, grab these soft and warming items before it's too late over at the MuggleMillennial Etsy store! In our first voicemail of 2025, a listener points out something very interesting about the Triwizard competitors and their Hogwarts house affiliations. We look back on our Books 4 and 3 discussions with a round of MuggleMail regarding Karkaroff and Remus Lupin. Given the importance to Dumbledore of his appearing on the Famous Witch and Wizard Cards, could he be using them to spy on unsuspecting kids like Harry?! On the upcoming TV show, what changes to Snape might be concerning, and which ones wouldn't? Petunia and Vernon's relationship to each other and to the Potters is examined in depth! Are all of the adults in the Order just disorganized? Does Arthur Weasley deserve a pass for not scouting the route? Are Muggle primary schools looking for the M.I.A. Hogwarts students? Why doesn't Sirius ever seek out his favorite cousin, Andromeda? Should the role of Hogwarts Prefect come with a set of clear instructions? The Lynx Line segment asks for everyone's takeaways regarding our Book 5 read-through so far. Quizzitch: Which US fast-food chain was the first to add savory biscuits to their menu, in the 1970s? Don't forget you can support the show over at Patreon.com/Mugglecast! You'll get great benefits such as Bonus MuggleCast, live streams, yearly stickers, Lynx Line participation, a physical gift, a video message from one of the four of us made just for you, our private Facebook and Discord groups where you can hang out with fellow Potter fans, and so much more! Visit MuggleCast.com for transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's the day of Harry's hearing in our Chapter-by-Chapter re-read of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, and we wouldn't blame you if you lost sleep over it. While the odds are stacked firmly against Harry in several ways, Dumbledore decides to save Harry and us all by standing up against the increasingly-fascist Ministry of Magic. Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and our Slug Club guest Monet as they tackle Chapter 8, “The Hearing.” Welcome to the show, Slug Club guest Monet! Just like Monet, YOU can guest-host the show if you pledge to our Patreon at the Slug Club level. In addition, you can now gift a Patreon subscription to a friend! Additionally, we're hosting a Black Friday sale (use code: SIRIUS, get it?!) on our MuggleCastMerch.com online store! Get 15% off your order now through Cyber Monday (December 1st). Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 8: The Hearing. And our Time Turner segment has us spinning some old recordings from past discussions! Be sure to check out Episode 441 and Episode 240 for prior Chapter 8 analysis! How does this chapter hit differently for us now, versus in 2003? Laura says the trial seems a lot more believable. Eric lists the ways that the trial impugns on Harry's rights and is designed to be cruel and throw him off of his game. Monet points out a direct parallel between this trial, and the one we see for Mary Cattermole in Deathly Hallows. Andrew admires Dumbledore's show of force, his preparedness too, and for once we all agree with him! Had Dumbledore not arrived, would Harry have been convicted? Would his wand have been smashed before anyone could do anything about it? Dumbledore's calm and even tone, and his humility - allowing the Minister and co. to save face - is critical to his success, Laura says. The connection between a know-it-all headmaster, the ignorant Minister, and the country's slow descent into Voldemort's rule is analyzed. Does Dumbledore's interference here cause the Ministry to retaliate later in the year? Lynx Line: What crime would listeners have to face a disciplinary hearing at the Ministry over? And, who would we want as our defense? Quizzitch: The UK judicial system established a Supreme Court in 2009. Prior to that, what was the highest court in the UK?? Don't forget you can support the show over at Patreon.com/MuggleCast! You'll get great benefits such as Bonus MuggleCast, live streams, yearly stickers, Lynx Line participation, a physical gift, a video message from one of the four of us made just for you, our private Facebook and Discord groups where you can hang out with fellow Potter fans, and so much more! Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, Harry is rude to his owl. Then someone breaks into his home. It's very exciting to be leaving Privet Drive! Join us for a chapter of highs and lows as Chapter-by-Chapter covers Chapter 3 of "Order of the Phoenix," and the hosts as well as Slug Club member Katie discuss the recent passing of Maggie Smith, take answers from our Lynx Line, and generally have a nice time as usual. Welcome to our Slug Club guest Katie! The hosts reflect on the amazing life of Dame Maggie Smith, who has passed away. Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 3: The Advance Guard. And our Time Turner segment has us spinning some old recordings from past discussions! Check out Episode 435 and Episode 229! Harry interrupts Hedwig's dinner. Is this one step too far on making his friends' lives miserable? Andrew loves Harry's plan to ensure his friends give him answers, but it may remind us all of Professor Umbridge. Does the delay between the last chapter and the night the Advance Guard arrives exist because Dumbledore needed time to implement the escape route? Is the real Moody overcompensating on security? The Dursleys are back to their old tricks, of abusing Harry… and Harry is back to his old tricks of appearing indifferent to them. The hosts rank this rescue effort against all the other times Harry was saved from Privet Drive. Should Harry have been more aggressive about intruders in his home? Doesn't everybody at this point know Harry's Patronus? How secure is Lupin's question exactly? If this is the Advance Guard, who is in the Rear Guard? Lynx Line: What five Potter characters would our patrons have in their Advance Guard? Where's Dumbledore?, the segment, returns! Our Most Trustworthy Advance Guard Member of the Week: the hosts explain. Quizzitch: “What well-kept lawn in London has been home to a zebra, an elephant, and a helicopter landing pad?” Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Does Horace Slughorn's neutrality make him a hero or a coward? Join us on Critical Magic Theory as we dissect this enigmatic Potions Master from the Harry Potter series, exploring his ambiguous moral compass. Discover the depths of Slughorn's relationship with Tom Riddle, a connection that becomes a mirror reflecting his own darker ambitions. Our discussion highlights his opportunistic nature and the internal struggle he faces when confronted by Riddle—a student who embodies Slughorn's worst traits. This episode offers a nuanced look at Slughorn's motivations, from his creation of the Slug Club to his reluctance to take a stand against Voldemort. We also delve into his subtle biases and self-preservation tactics, weighing his impact on the broader wizarding society. Don't miss this layered analysis of one of Hogwarts' most complex characters, enriched by insights from our passionate community.Special Thanks to our AMAZING Patreon subscribers/member!! Join us there for our post-episode discussion! Barty Crouch, Sr. CMT SURVEY

Chapter 13 - The Secret Riddle‘Ah,' said Dumbledore, ‘perhaps she could. But it is my belief – I am guessing again, but I am sure I am right – that when her husband abandoned her, Merope stopped using magic. I do not think that she wanted to be a witch any longer. Of course, it is also possible that her unrequited love and the attendant despair sapped her of her powers; that can happen. In any case, as you are about to see, Merope refused to raise her wand even to save her own life.'‘She wouldn't even stay alive for her son?' Dumbledore raised his eyebrows. ‘Could you possibly be feeling sorry for Lord Voldemort?' ‘No,' said Harry quickly, ‘but she had a choice, didn't she, not like my mother –' ‘Your mother had a choice, too,' said Dumbledore gently. ‘Yes, Merope Riddle chose death in spite of a son who needed her, but do not judge her too harshly, Harry. She was greatly weakened by long suffering and she never had your mother's courage. And now, if you will stand …'Q1 - What does Dumbledore mean that Lily had a choice?Q2 - It mentions that Dumbledore's hair was Auburn…is he a Weasley?And then –' Mrs Cole took another swig of gin, slopping a little over her chin this time, ‘on the summer outing – we take them out, you know, once a year, to the countryside or to the seaside – well, Amy Benson and Dennis Bishop were never quite right afterwards, and all we ever got out of them was that they'd gone into a cave with Tom Riddle. He swore they'd just gone exploring, but something happened in there, I'm sure of it. And, well, there have been a lot of things, funny things …'Q3 - Should Dumbledore have denied entrance for Tom knowing these things?‘I don't believe you,' said Riddle. ‘She wants me looked at, doesn't she? Tell the truth!' He spoke the last three words with a ringing force that was almost shocking. It was a command, and it sounded as though he had given it many times before. His eyes had widened and he was glaring at Dumbledore, who made no response except to continue smiling pleasantly. After a few seconds Riddle stopped glaring, though he looked, if anything, warier still.‘I can make things move without touching them. I can make animals do what I want them to do, without training them. I can make bad things happen to people who annoy me. I can make them hurt if I want to.'Q4 - Is it alarming that he is this advanced in magic already?‘I knew I was different,' he whispered to his own quivering fingers. ‘I knew I was special. Always, I knew there was something.'Q5 - What do you think of Tom and Dumbledore's interaction?‘He believed it much quicker than I did – I mean, when you told him he was a wizard,' said Harry. ‘I didn't believe Hagrid at first, when he told me.'Q6 - What's the difference in Harry and Tom?‘Did you know – then?' asked Harry. ‘Did I know that I had just met the most dangerous Dark wizard of all time?' said Dumbledore. ‘No, I had no idea that he was to grow up to be what he is. However, I was certainly intrigued by him. I returned to Hogwarts intending to keep an eye upon him, something I should have done in any case, given that he was alone and friendless, but which, already, I felt I ought to do for others' sake as much as his.‘Firstly, I hope you noticed Riddle's reaction when I mentioned that another shared his first name, “Tom”?' Harry nodded. ‘There he showed his contempt for anything that tied him to other people, anything that made him ordinary. Even then, he wished to be different, separate, notorious. He shed his name, as you know, within a few short years of that conversation and created the mask of “Lord Voldemort” behind which he has been hidden for so long.‘I trust that you also noticed that Tom Riddle was already highly self-sufficient, secretive and, apparently, friendless? He did not want help or companionship on his trip to Diagon Alley. He preferred to operate alone. The adult Voldemort is the same. You will hear many of his Death Eaters claiming that they are in his confidence, that they alone are close to him, even understand him. They are deluded. Lord Voldemort has never had a friend, nor do I believe that he has ever wanted one‘And lastly – I hope you are not too sleepy to pay attention to this, Harry – the young Tom Riddle liked to collect trophies. You saw the box of stolen articles he had hidden in his room. These were taken from victims of his bullying behavior, souvenirs, if you will, of particularly unpleasant bits of magic. Bear in mind this magpie-like tendency, for this, particularly, will be important later.Q7 - Why is this important?Q8 - What happened to the ring?Chapter 14 - Felix Felicis‘But I still don't get why Dumbledore's showing you all this. I mean, it's really interesting and everything, but what's the point?' ‘Dunno,' said Harry, inserting a gum shield. ‘But he says it's all important and it'll help me survive.'Q1 - Why is Dumbledore showing him all this?‘“Slug Club”,' repeated Ron with a sneer worthy of Malfoy. ‘It's pathetic. Well, I hope you enjoy your party. Why don't you try getting off with McLaggen, then Slughorn can make you King and Queen Slug –' ‘We're allowed to bring guests,' said Hermione, who for some reason had turned a bright, boiling scarlet, ‘and I was going to ask you to come, but if you think it's that stupid then I won't bother!'Q2 - Is Ron being stupid?Q3 - Is Harry an idiot for interrupting their communication session?When Harry pushed open the tapestry to take their usual short cut up to Gryffindor Tower, however, they found themselves looking at Dean and Ginny, who were locked in a close embrace and kissing fiercely as if glued together. It was as though something large and scaly erupted into life in Harry's stomach, clawing at his insides: hot blood seemed to flood his brain, so that all thought was extinguished, replaced by a savage urge to jinx Dean into a jelly.Q4 - Have you experienced the large scaly thing in your stomach?‘You go!' said Ginny. ‘I want a word with my dear brother!' Dean left, looking as though he was not sorry to depart the scene. ‘Right,' said Ginny, tossing her long red hair out of her face and glaring at Ron, ‘let's get this straight once and for all. It is none of your business who I go out with or what I do with them, Ron –' ‘Yeah, it is!' said Ron, just as angrily. ‘D'you think I want people saying my sister's a –' ‘A what?' shouted Ginny, drawing her wand. ‘A what, exactly?' ‘He doesn't mean anything, Ginny –' said Harry automatically, though the monster was roaring its approval of Ron's words.Q5 - What was Ron going to call her?‘Been kissing Pigwidgeon, have you? Or have you got a picture of Auntie Muriel stashed under your pillow?'Q6 - Is Ginny a savage?They hurried up the stairs and along a seventh-floor corridor. ‘Oi, out of the way!' Ron barked at a small girl who jumped in fright and dropped a bottle of toad-spawn. Harry hardly noticed the sound of shattering glass; he felt disorientated, dizzy; being struck by a lightning bolt must be something like this. It's just because she's Ron's sister, he told himself. You just didn't like seeing her kissing Dean because she's Ron's sister …Q7 - Harry loves Ginny, right?It seemed as though Gryffindor could do no wrong. Again and again they scored, and again and again, at the other end of the pitch, Ron saved goals with apparent ease. He was actually smiling now, and when the crowd greeted a particularly good save with a rousing chorus of the old favorite Weasley is our King, he pretended to conduct them from on high.Q8 - What was your favorite sports moment that made you feel like Ron?‘I didn't put it in!' said Harry, now grinning broadly. He slipped his hand inside his jacket pocket and drew out the tiny bottle that Hermione had seen in his hand that morning. It was full of golden potion and the cork was still tightly sealed with wax. ‘I wanted Ron to think I'd done it, so I faked it when I knew you were looking.' He looked at Ron. ‘You saved everything because you felt lucky. You did it all yourself.'Q9 - Is Liquid Luck a placebo?Q10 - What's the deal with Ron and Hermione? Chapter 15 - The Unbreakable VowHarry had to put up with the frequent presence of Lavender Brown, who seemed to regard any moment that she was not kissing Ron as a moment wasted.‘She can't complain,' he told Harry. ‘She snogged Krum. So she's found out someone wants to snog me, too. Well, it's a free country. I haven't done anything wrong.'‘I never promised Hermione anything,' Ron mumbled. ‘I mean, all right, I was going to go to Slughorn's Christmas party with her, but she never said … just as friends … I'm a free agent …'Q1 - What will the outcome of this be between the two?‘There isn't anyone I want to invite,' mumbled Harry, who was still trying not to think about Ginny any more than he could help, despite the fact that she kept cropping up in his dreams in ways that made him devoutly thankful that Ron could not perform Legilimency.Q2 - What is Harry dreaming about?Q3 - What's your favorite prom/dance story?Q4 - Hermione mentions that love potions aren't dark…is she right?‘The library is now closed,' she said. ‘Mind you return anything you have borrowed to the correct – what have you been doing to that book, you depraved boy?' ‘It isn't the library's, it's mine!' said Harry hastily, snatching his copy of Advanced Potion-Making off the table as she lunged at it with a clawlike hand. ‘Despoiled!' she hissed. ‘Desecrated! Befouled!' ‘It's just a book that's been written in!' said Harry, tugging it out of her grip. She looked as though she might have a seizure; Hermione, who had hastily packed her things, grabbed Harry by the arm and frogmarched him away.Q5 - Do you write in books?Q6 - Harry mentions there might be something going on between Pince and Filch. Is that possible?‘She's a bit upset,' said Luna. ‘I thought at first it was Moaning Myrtle in there, but it turned out to be Hermione. She said something about that Ron Weasley …' ‘Yeah, they've had a row,' said Harry. ‘He says very funny things sometimes, doesn't he?' said Luna, as they set off down the corridor together. ‘But he can be a bit unkind. I noticed that last year.'Q7 - Is Ron unkind?‘Hi, Harry,' said Parvati who, like him, looked faintly embarrassed and bored by the behavior of their two friends. ‘Hi,' said Harry. ‘How're you? You're staying at Hogwarts, then? I heard your parents wanted you to leave.' ‘I managed to talk them out of it for the time being,' said Parvati. ‘That Katie thing really freaked them out, but as there hasn't been anything since … oh, hi, Hermione!'Q8 - Let's rehash what has happened at Hogwarts…There was a noise like a plunger being withdrawn from a blocked sink and Ron surfaced.Q9 - Is Hermione kinda a low-key it girl?Ron looked strangely blank and said nothing. Harry was left to ponder in silence the depths to which girls would sink to get revenge.Q10 - Is Rufus Scrimgeor a vampire?Q11 - Are Slughorn's parties good parties?Q12 - Should Harry have a biography written about him?‘Harry Potter!' said Professor Trelawney in deep, vibrant tones, noticing him for the first time. ‘Oh, hello,' said Harry unenthusiastically. ‘My dear boy!' she said in a very carrying whisper. ‘The rumors! The stories! The Chosen One! Of course, I have known for a very long time … the omens were never good, Harry … but why have you not returned to Divination? For you, of all people, the subject is of the utmost importance!'Q13 - Should Harry have taken divination this year?‘Remind me what other subjects you're taking, Harry?' asked Slughorn. ‘Defense Against the Dark Arts, Charms, Transfiguration, Herbology …' ‘All the subjects required, in short, for an Auror,' said Snape, with the faintest sneer. ‘Yeah, well, that's what I'd like to be,' said Harry defiantly. ‘And a great one you'll make, too!' boomed Slughorn. ‘I don't think you should be an Auror, Harry,' said Luna unexpectedly. Everybody looked at her. ‘The Aurors are part of the Rotfang Conspiracy, I thought everyone knew that. They're working from within to bring down the Ministry of Magic using a combination of Dark magic and gum disease.'Filch's expression of outraged disappointment was perfectly predictable; but why, Harry wondered, watching him, did Malfoy look almost equally unhappy? And why was Snape looking at Malfoy as though both angry and … was it possible? … a little afraid?Q14 - Why is Snape afraid?‘Who suspects me?' said Malfoy angrily. ‘For the last time, I didn't do it, OK? That Bell girl must've had an enemy no one knows about – don't look at me like that! I know what you're doing, I'm not stupid, but it won't work – I can stop you!' There was a pause and then Snape said quietly, ‘Ah … Aunt Bellatrix has been teaching you Occlumency, I see. What thoughts are you trying to conceal from your master, Draco?'Q15 - Is it shocking to know that Draco has learned Occlumency?Q16 - Who is his master?‘Looks like you'll have to break it, then, because I don't need your protection! It's my job, he gave it to me and I'm doing it. I've got a plan and it's going to work, it's just taking a bit longer than I thought it would!'Q17 - What is going on?Chapter 16 - A Very Frosty Christmas‘An Unbreakable Vow?' said Ron, looking stunned. ‘Nah, he can't have … are you sure?' ‘Yes, I'm sure,' said Harry. ‘Why, what does it mean?' ‘Well, you can't break an Unbreakable Vow …' ‘I'd worked that much out for myself, funnily enough. What happens if you break it, then?' ‘You die,' said Ron simply. ‘Fred and George tried to get me to make one when I was about five. I nearly did, too, I was holding hands with Fred and everything when Dad found us. He went mental,' said Ron, with a reminiscent gleam in his eyes. ‘Only time I've ever seen Dad as angry as Mum. Fred reckons his left buttock has never been the same since.'Q1 - Thoughts on Fred and George wooing muggle women with magic tricks?There was silence for a moment or two, then Ron said, ‘Course, you know what they'll all say? Dad and Dumbledore and all of them? They'll say Snape isn't really trying to help Malfoy, he was just trying to find out what Malfoy's up to.' ‘They didn't hear him,' said Harry flatly. ‘No one's that good an actor, not even Snape.' ‘Yeah … I'm just saying, though,' said Ron. Harry turned to face him, frowning. ‘You think I'm right, though?' ‘Yeah, I do!' said Ron hastily. ‘Seriously, I do! But they're all convinced Snape's in the Order, aren't they?'Q2 - Do we trust Snape?‘You are determined to hate him, Harry,' said Lupin with a faint smile. ‘And I understand; with James as your father, with Sirius as your godfather, you have inherited an old prejudice.Q3 - Do you think this is true?Q4 - What do you think of Lupin's background and being bitten by Greyback?Everybody was wearing new sweaters when they all sat down for Christmas lunch, everyone except Fleur (on whom, it appeared, Mrs Weasley had not wanted to waste one) and Mrs Weasley herself, who was sporting a brand new midnight-blue witch's hat glittering with what looked like tiny starlike diamonds, and a spectacular golden necklace.Q5 - Is Fleur that unbearable?She gave Lupin an annoyed look, as though it was all his fault she was getting Fleur for a daughter-in-law instead of Tonks, but Harry, glancing across at Fleur, who was now feeding Bill bits of turkey off her own fork, thought that Mrs Weasley was fighting a long-lost battle. He was, however, reminded of a question he had with regard to Tonks, and who better to ask than Lupin, the man who knew all about Patronuses? ‘Tonks's Patronus has changed its form,' he told him. ‘Snape said so, anyway. I didn't know that could happen. Why would your Patronus change?' Lupin took his time chewing his turkey and swallowing before saying slowly, ‘Sometimes … a great shock … an emotional upheaval …' ‘It looked big, and it had four legs,' said Harry, struck by a sudden thought and lowering his voice. ‘Hey … it couldn't be –?'Q6 - What was Tonk's new patronus form?Q7 - What do you think of Scrimgeor and his proposal?Q8 - HOW is Umbridge still working at the ministry?‘I don't want to be used,' said Harry. ‘Some would say it's your duty to be used by the Ministry!'You don't care whether I live or die, but you do care that I help you convince everyone you're winning the war against Voldemort. I haven't forgotten, Minister …' He raised his right fist. There, shining white on the back of his cold hand, were the scars which Dolores Umbridge had forced him to carve into his own flesh: I must not tell lies.Q9 - Is Harry right or wrong?‘Well, it is clear to me that he has done a very good job on you,' said Scrimgeour, his eyes cold and hard behind his wire-rimmed glasses. ‘Dumbledore's man through and through, aren't you, Potter?' ‘Yeah, I am,' said Harry. ‘Glad we straightened that out.'

This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Adversity in Chapter 7 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Luna's friendships, Ginny's bat-bogey hex, and the titular Slug Club! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how does adversity shape our perspective?Thank you to Kate for this week's voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 8, Snape Victorious, through the theme of Chance with Micaela Blei.--It's two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars to join our Patreon for extra bloopers every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Gratitude in Chapter 6 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss the twins' joke shop, Harry's wealth, and the changes in Diagon Alley! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we maintain gratitude?Thank you to Sarah for this week's voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 7, The Slug Club, through the theme of Adversity with Matt Potts.--It's two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars to join our Patreon for extra bloopers every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, witness the return of Lord Voldemort himself after 13 years without a proper body! To celebrate this ‘rebirthing party', we'll be discussing two chapters of Goblet of Fire! LAST CHANCE to grab this year's physical gift... The MuggleCast 19 Years Later t-shirt! If you aren't a Patron, now's a great time to join! Pledge today at the Slug Club level and fill out the form by July 19 to be eligible. Note: you will only receive your shirt after you've been a Patron at this level for a minimum of three months. In addition, you'll get other great benefits such as twice-monthly Bonus MuggleCast, the chance to co-host the show, a video message from one of the four of us and much more! Visit Patreon.com/MuggleCast today! Thanks to everyone who came out to see us at LeakyCon Portland! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 31: Flesh, Blood and Bone and Chapter 32: The Death Eaters 7-Word Summary #1: Cedric falls to his untimely, sad demise Main Discussion #1: The Death of Cedric Diggory In such a frantic state, how can Wormtail muster the ability to cast the Killing Curse? Would Cedric have a had chance at survival if not for helping Harry? Does Harry have any time to process what's just happened to Cedric? Kill The Spare: Voldemort shows his complete disregard for human life Main Discussion #2: The Dark Lord's Return We walk through the steps one must take in order to recreate a Dark Lord and analyze the symbolism of Voldemort in baby form Bone of the Father, Unknowingly Given. Why is it necessary for Voldemort to use his father's bone given the magic comes from his mother's side of the family? Flesh of the Servant, Willingly Given. How can one hand regenerate an entire body? By severing his right hand, has Wormtail eliminated any hope of Sirius' innocence? Blood of the Enemy, Forcibly Taken. Why did Voldemort have to wait for Harry? 7-Word Summary #2: Loyalists arrive and worship Voldemort's triumphant revival Main Discussion #3: Voldemort Is Feeling “Chatty” How much does Voldemort know about his mother and father's relationship? Should Voldemort really be giving lessons on Chosen Family? Are any of his Death Eaters truly loyal to him? If Voldemort knew of Wormtail's debt to Harry, would he have killed him right there? Roll Call: We analyze the Death Eaters who are and are not present in the graveyard Main Discussion #4: How Did Voldemort Do It? Horcrux Tease! How much do the Death Eaters know about the lengths Voldemort went to in order to avoid death? Did Nagini's venom help Voldemort resume a more human form because Nagini herself used to be human? Quizzitch: What does the shadow of James Potter tell Harry he must do? Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosts David and Kyle get another look at the new professor, Horace Slughorn, and one host finds his presence on the Hogwarts Express a little gross. Harry becomes fixated/obsessed with spying on Draco, which doesn't end well for him in this chapter. Plus, is Hermione a psychopath? The answer isn't necessarily a straight no.

Get ready for an A-MAZE-ING episode as we take on the Third Task of the Triwizard Tournament! Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah as they discuss Chapter 31 of Goblet of Fire, "The Third Task." Reminder: This year's physical gift for Slug Club patrons is here...  The MuggleCast 19 Years Later t-shirt (Shirt Model 1, Shirt Model 2)! If you aren't a Patron, now's a great time to join! Pledge today at the Slug Club level and fill out the form by July 19 to be eligible. Note: you will only receive your shirt after you've been a Patron at this level for a minimum of three months. In addition, you'll get other great benefits such as twice-monthly Bonus MuggleCast, the chance to co-host the show, a video message from one of the four of us and much more! Visit Patreon.com/MuggleCast today! News: the Harry Potter TV show has found its showrunner and director Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 30: The Pensieve 7-Word Summary: Riddles guard the misleading way to victory Main Discussion #1: Family Matters Hermione, Ron and Harry are all becoming quite adept at useful spells. They're such good friends! Rita Skeeter's awful latest article is setting up the exact tone that the Ministry uses next year to discredit Harry Potter. Could Fudge have ushered along the publication of Rita's hit piece on Harry, in retaliation for embarrassing him in the previous chapter? How can Molly Weasley tell Amos Diggory he's overreacting, only to then go and treat Hermione poorly for Rita's earlier article? What If?: The Dursleys actually did show up at Hogwarts for Harry's Third Task? Main Discussion #2: The Maze Are there a sufficient amount of obstacles in The Maze for the champions to face? Is Mad-Eye Fakey removing some of them to make Harry's job easier? Harry's performance during the Third Task underscores how much he cares about other people. We examine each of the creatures and puzzles Harry faces in the maze. Micah, as a throwback to his own former section on MuggleNet, gets really into the origins of the sphinx. Could the sphinx's riddle actually be pertaining to Snape? is Harry's latest casting of Expelliarmus his most egregious yet? Would Fakey have allowed Cedric to take the cup on his own? Odds and Ends cover a future romance for Bill Weasley, as well as one in his past...?! Quizzitch: What are Voldemort's first words after he climbs out of the cauldron, fully grown? Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Reminder: Micah and Eric will be at LeakyCon! Visit LeakyCon.com to check out the latest guests, the full con schedule and use code ‘MUGGLE' while registering for a discount! For a list of MuggleCast appearances at the con, visit MuggleCast dot com/live. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Draco in his dumb era. Rate! Review! Subscribe! Instagram | YouTube We are a proud member of the The Ampliverse

This week, we're diving headfirst into Dumbledore's memories that he definitely didn't leave accessible on purpose. So get ready to stand trial with Andrew, Micah, Laura and Morgan as we try to piece it all together before The Third Task begins! Reminder: This year's physical gift for Slug Club patrons is here... The MuggleCast 19 Years Later t-shirt (Shirt Model 1, Shirt Model 2)! If you aren't a Patron, now's a great time to join! Pledge today at the Slug Club level and fill out the form by July 19 to be eligible. Note: you will only receive your shirt after you've been a Patron at this level for a minimum of three months. In addition, you'll get other great benefits such as twice-monthly Bonus MuggleCast, the chance to co-host the show, a video message from one of the four of us and much more! Visit Patreon.com/MuggleCast today! Welcome, Slug Club guest Morgan of That Nerd Thing podcast! News: Dan Radcliffe wins his first Tony Award Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 30: The Pensieve 7-Word Summary: Dumbledore craftily leaves exposed memories inside basin Main Discussion #1: The Trials & The Pensieve Dumbledore intentionally left the Pensieve cabinet door open for Harry, right? Why are there constant references to Dumbledore looking old? YUCK! It's our first taste of the wizarding world justice system! Karkaroff the Canary: the hosts react to Snape's Death Eater reveal! Ludo's celebrity status bends the rules of justice! Can we make any real world compairsons? Should there have been any consequences for his actions? Hi, Bellatrix! ;) How was it determined that Barty Crouch Jr. actually took part in the torture of the Longbottoms? Could it be guilt by association? Looking at the memories all together, where is Dumbledore's mind right now? Main Discussion #2: Dream Recap While still baffled by what's happening at Hogwarts, Dumbledore is starting to put the pieces of Horcruxgate together! What does Dumbledore make of both Frank Bryce and Bertha Jorkins disappearing?  Why is Barty Crouch Sr. vanishing at Hogwarts not a huge red flag? The truth about Neville's parents is revealed! Quizzitch: Which Weasley family members are not present for the Third Task? (you must list them all) Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Reminder: Micah and Eric will be at LeakyCon! Visit LeakyCon.com to check out the latest guests, the full con schedule and use code ‘MUGGLE' while registering for a discount! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, get ready to be undoubtedly stimulated by the extraordinary clairvoyant vibrations of Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura as your hosts deal with being grounded by not one, but two adults, processing wild dreams and battling Voldemort-inducing headaches! This year's physical gift for Slug Club patrons is here... The MuggleCast 19 Years Later t-shirt (Shirt Model 1, Shirt Model 2)! If you aren't a Patron, now's a great time to join! Pledge today at the Slug Club level and fill out the form by July 19 to be eligible. Note: you will only receive your shirt after you've been a Patron at this level for a minimum of three months. In addition, you'll get other great benefits such as twice-monthly Bonus MuggleCast, the chance to co-host the show, a video message from one of the four of us and much more! Visit Patreon.com/MugglecCast today! Welcome, Slug Club guest Feryal! News: Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown fancies himself a Harry Potter fan Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 29: The Dream 7-Word Summary: Sirius grounds Harry because he is naughty Main Discussion #1: Grounded for His Own Good Why wasn't the Ministry called to investigate immediately? Did Harry, Ron and Hermione's experiences with Mad-Eye Moody (Fakey) and Barty Crouch Sr. feed the Ministry distrust we see develop in Order of the Phoenix? How many more "perfect cover" situations does Mad-Eye Moody (Fakey) have left in his arsenal? Are there signs he is starting to crack under the weight of it all? Does Harry's lack of a true parental figure inform his reaction to Sirius' letter? Main Discussion #2: The Dream and its Aftermath Why does Harry get regularly triggered inside of Trelawney's classroom? Why is Harry's perspective during the dream so erratic? While not mentioned by name, should Harry have picked up on the letter (he helped deliver) being about Barty Crouch Sr.? Could this be THE moment when Voldemort realizes the connection between himself and Harry? Why is Dumbledore's office password-protected? Shouldn't he at least have a doorbell? Or an assistant? Fudge begins to reveal his true colors! How delicious of a moment is the Dumbledore's office scene for Barty Crouch Jr.? Odds & Ends cover Fred and George's private business matters, Mars, humming insects, Snape the Bat and Cockroach Clusters! What If?! Barty Crouch Sr. had not fired Winky? Could she have saved him (and Cedric) from a horrible fate? Quizzitch: After Ludo Bagman's trial, what Quidditch match does a jury member congratulate him on? Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Reminder: Micah and Eric will be at LeakyCon! Visit LeakyCon.com to check out the latest guests, the full con schedule and use code ‘MUGGLE' while registering for a discount! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Book 6, Chapter 7: The Slug Club

Elizabeth is back to discuss an interesting chapter where we are in introduced to Slughorn's exclusive club of talented and well-connected students. We also talk about Harry's interesting decision to spy on Draco. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hogwarts-a-podcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hogwarts-a-podcast/support

This week Chapter by Chapter returns as Harry faces off against the CLEARLY most-dangerous dragon. Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah and special Slug Club guest Catherine as they tackle Chapter 20 of Goblet of Fire, “The First Task.” Welcome to the show, Slug Club guest Catherine, who is a college professor of psychology! In the news: Helena Bonham Carter was asked about Miriam Margolyes' recent, controversial remarks about adult Harry Potter fans! We discuss Helena's response. Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 20: The First Task 7-Word Summary: Dragons are afoot inside Hogwarts' grounds AHHHHHHH Harry “does the right thing” with Cedric. What does this tell us about his character? Mad-Eye Fakey's dark detectors are going off, but not for the reason he says! Professor McGonagall is a mother figure to Harry, and we get an inkling of it in this chapter. Should the Triwizard Tournament feature four of the same dragon? Why does Ludo Bagman keep asking Harry to cheat? Harry and Ron are friends again, and we discuss what was missing in Harry's life while he was gone. Who do we think had the best solution for the First Task? Karkaroff gives Harry a FOUR. Isn't there a rubric or a better way to prevent against this absurd favoritism?! Odds and Ends touch on Poor Poppy Pomfrey, pointed caps, Trelawney nonsense, and a cool connection between books 1, 4 and 7. Quizzitch question: What is the pattern of Dobby's tie when Harry first encounters him in the Hogwarts kitchens? Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Coming up in Bonus MuggleCast, we play a quiz where we try to name all the Harry Potter characters mentioned more times than Seamus Finnigan. For twice-monthly Bonus MuggleCast, as well as other great benefits, visit Patreon.com/MuggleCast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we find out which of our co-hosts should switch to Divination as their primary hobby as we check back in on our predictions about one another. In Chapter-by-Chapter, Harry develops a resistance to the Imperius Curse cast upon him repeatedly by Mad-Eye Fakey, who is TOTALLY casting those curses with the full knowledge and approval of Dumbledore... right? And, everybody's getting ready for the arrival of more students! Listen as Andrew, Eric, Micah and special Slug Club guest Katie tackle Chapter 15 of Goblet of Fire, "Beauxbatons and Durmstrang" Welcome Slug Club guest Katie to the show! Did our host predictions from last week net any accurate results? We check in. Spotify now lets users review individual episodes! Be kind to us and let us know what you liked! Coming up in Bonus MuggleCast, we play MuggleCast's first ever edition of The Snogging Club! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 15: Beauxbatons and Durmstrang 7-Word Summary: Foreigners arrive at the clean, squeaky school Main Discussion #1: Mad-Eye Fakey's never-ending Imperius Curses Is there any way Dumbledore actually knows what's going on? Is Moody's lesson tailored for Harry and, thus, only for this one class of Fourth Years? Is Moody chewing with his food before he eats it, or is he actually helping Harry to resist Voldemort? Why do NONE of the students say anything to other professors about these illegal happenings? Inside Imperius: Does the description in the book meet what we would expect for such a curse? Is Harry's Horcrux helping him to do what no other student can, and resist? Main Discussion #2: Tournament Anticipation Ron insults Cedric Diggory. What's the beef? Teachers get the school in tip-top shape. But, it's a centuries-old castle. How successful are they? Odds and Ends touches on Hermione's continuing efforts with S.P.E.W., and Snape's threat to poison the students. Is Snape trying to out-do Mad-Eye Fakey? Quizzitch: Which Durmstrang student asks Igor karkaroff to have some wine? Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Choo Choo! It's time to return to Hogwarts as our Chapter-by-Chapter series continues with Goblet of Fire Chapter 11, "Aboard the Hogwarts Express." Join Andrew, Laura, Eric and Slug Club member Ning Xi as they dive deep into the topics that stand out on our latest reread. Our official Etsy store now contains some special discount and bundled items, such as the Comfy Cozy Combo Pack! Fancy yourself some socks and a warm beanie? Check out the full assortment of items available now! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire Chapter 11: Aboard the Hogwarts Express 7-Word Summary: Traveling by train proves informative for Harry Amos Diggory appears at the Burrow! In... the fireplace? Why!? What makes (and doesn't make) the Floo Network a fitting medium for the equivalent of telephone communications? The hosts all examine. The toast Molly offers is Eric's "I love magic" moment. Mad-Eyes and misdirection abound. Does the fact that Arthur and Dumbledore like Alastor Moody make us more likely, or less, to believe that he is overly paranoid? What would the function of real Muggle "Please-men" actually be? We speculate. On the train to Hogwarts, Draco boasts that Durmstrang School does not let Muggleborns in. But, is that REALLY possible given the Statute of Secrecy? How would a school that teaches Dark Arts, not just Defense Against the Dark Arts, actually operate? Are the locations of the Wizarding schools hidden from the parents of the students who attend? Or just not known to Hermione in particular? Should Arthur have told Ron, Harry et al about the Triwizard Tournament, which would have prevented Draco from bullying them for not knowing? Shout-out to Barty Crouch Jr. who is actually pretty darn good at what he does. We'll... be keeping track of that. In Bonus MuggleCast this week over on MuggleCast's Patreon, we review the recently announced sales figures for Hogwarts Legacy and discusswhat the future for Wizarding world video games may be given the game's success. Next week's Quizzitch question: Name 2 of the 3 items that Filch has added to the list of forbidden objects (at the start of Harry's year 4) Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us

Dementors are known to be one of the more frightening creatures plaguing both the Magical and Muggle Worlds. In this episode, Slug Club members review the fiend's origins, the morally questionable decisions made by the Ministry of Magic involving their employment, Rob's newly invented curse, and the highly anticipated reveal of Liz's corporeal patronus form!

In which Slug forms a club. Email us at restrictedsectionpod@gmail.com to tell us what you thought of The Slug Club or even what you think of us! We'd love to read your email on the show. Be sure to subscribe to know right away about new episodes, and rate and review! SUPPORT US ON OUR PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/therestrictedsection THANK YOU LOVE YOU BUY OUR MERCH: https://www.teepublic.com/user/restricted-section-podcast THANK YOU LOVE YOU IG: https://www.instagram.com/restrictedsectionpod/ TW: https://twitter.com/restrictedpod FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rspoddetentioncrew/   Check out our other amazing Deus Ex Media podcasts! www.deusexmedia.org   This episode featured: Christina Kann https://linktr.ee/christinakann Christina plugged Camp Lilac https://www.camplilac.org/ Lelia Hilton IG @leelz4realz http://instagram.com/leelz4realz Lelia plugged Color the World lipstick https://colortheworldlipsticks.com/?campaign=17321031994&content=&keyword=&gad=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwi7GnBhDXARIsAFLvH4ntR1YrnBBd0VP-63ePDnMj38FRwoCuZfDDBrB9fnnz0UkdJRnnpfYaAvtXEALw_wcB Special guest Taylor IG @taylorfromcabin6 www.instagram.com/taylorfromcabin6/ Taylor plugged What If? by Randall Munroe https://bookshop.org/a/82745/9780544272996

Welcome to Harry Potter Theory. Today we're discussing professor Horace Slughorn, and his famed ‘Slug Club'- a club which can best be described through the wise words of Albus Dumbledore: “Horace,” said Dumbledore, relieving Harry of the responsibility to say any of this, “likes his comfort. He also likes the company of the famous, the successful, and the powerful. He enjoys the feeling that he influences these people. He has never wanted to occupy the throne himself; he prefers the backseat — more room to spread out, you see. He used to handpick favorites at Hogwarts, sometimes for their ambition or their brains, sometimes for their charm or their talent, and he had an uncanny knack for choosing those who would go on to become outstanding in their various fields.” “Horace formed a kind of club of his favorites with himself at the center, making introductions, forging useful contacts between members, and always reaping some kind of benefit in return, whether a free box of his favorite crystallized pineapple or the chance to recommend the next junior member of the Goblin liaison Office.” Horace Slughorn's ‘Slug Club' was an out-of-hours dining and social club made up of his most well-liked and famous students. The club provided its members with unique opportunities, mentorship, and access to influential contacts, opening doors for their future successes. It's origins date back to when he first began teaching at the school in 1931. You see, Slughorn had a keen eye to identify if someone would go on to achieve greatness in some capacity, and would take great pride in their accomplishments.  While we are given some indication as to who is actually in this club in the books and films, we aren't provided with a complete list. Names are mentioned, and in the film adaptation Slughorn's ‘wall' is shown, where he proudly displays the members of his club, but we want to know more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chapter 14 - Felix Felicis‘But I still don't get why Dumbledore's showing you all this. I mean, it's really interesting and everything, but what's the point?' ‘Dunno,' said Harry, inserting a gum shield. ‘But he says it's all important and it'll help me survive.'Q1 - Why is Dumbledore showing him all this?‘“Slug Club”,' repeated Ron with a sneer worthy of Malfoy. ‘It's pathetic. Well, I hope you enjoy your party. Why don't you try getting off with McLaggen, then Slughorn can make you King and Queen Slug –' ‘We're allowed to bring guests,' said Hermione, who for some reason had turned a bright, boiling scarlet, ‘and I was going to ask you to come, but if you think it's that stupid then I won't bother!'Q2 - Is Ron being stupid?Q3 - Is Harry an idiot for interrupting their communication session?When Harry pushed open the tapestry to take their usual short cut up to Gryffindor Tower, however, they found themselves looking at Dean and Ginny, who were locked in a close embrace and kissing fiercely as if glued together. It was as though something large and scaly erupted into life in Harry's stomach, clawing at his insides: hot blood seemed to flood his brain, so that all thought was extinguished, replaced by a savage urge to jinx Dean into a jelly.Q4 - Have you experienced the large scaly thing in your stomach?‘You go!' said Ginny. ‘I want a word with my dear brother!' Dean left, looking as though he was not sorry to depart the scene. ‘Right,' said Ginny, tossing her long red hair out of her face and glaring at Ron, ‘let's get this straight once and for all. It is none of your business who I go out with or what I do with them, Ron –' ‘Yeah, it is!' said Ron, just as angrily. ‘D'you think I want people saying my sister's a –' ‘A what?' shouted Ginny, drawing her wand. ‘A what, exactly?' ‘He doesn't mean anything, Ginny –' said Harry automatically, though the monster was roaring its approval of Ron's words.Q5 - What was Ron going to call her?‘Been kissing Pigwidgeon, have you? Or have you got a picture of Auntie Muriel stashed under your pillow?'Q6 - Is Ginny a savage?They hurried up the stairs and along a seventh-floor corridor. ‘Oi, out of the way!' Ron barked at a small girl who jumped in fright and dropped a bottle of toad-spawn. Harry hardly noticed the sound of shattering glass; he felt disorientated, dizzy; being struck by a lightning bolt must be something like this. It's just because she's Ron's sister, he told himself. You just didn't like seeing her kissing Dean because she's Ron's sister …Q7 - Harry loves Ginny, right?It seemed as though Gryffindor could do no wrong. Again and again they scored, and again and again, at the other end of the pitch, Ron saved goals with apparent ease. He was actually smiling now, and when the crowd greeted a particularly good save with a rousing chorus of the old favorite Weasley is our King, he pretended to conduct them from on high.Q8 - What was your favorite sports moment that made you feel like Ron?‘I didn't put it in!' said Harry, now grinning broadly. He slipped his hand inside his jacket pocket and drew out the tiny bottle that Hermione had seen in his hand that morning. It was full of golden potion and the cork was still tightly sealed with wax. ‘I wanted Ron to think I'd done it, so I faked it when I knew you were looking.' He looked at Ron. ‘You saved everything because you felt lucky. You did it all yourself.'Q9 - Is Liquid Luck a placebo?Q10 - What's the deal with Ron and Hermione? Chapter 15 - The Unbreakable VowHarry had to put up with the frequent presence of Lavender Brown, who seemed to regard any moment that she was not kissing Ron as a moment wasted.‘She can't complain,' he told Harry. ‘She snogged Krum. So she's found out someone wants to snog me, too. Well, it's a free country. I haven't done anything wrong.'‘I never promised Hermione anything,' Ron mumbled. ‘I mean, all right, I was going to go to Slughorn's Christmas party with her, but she never said … just as friends … I'm a free agent …'Q1 - What will the outcome of this be between the two?‘There isn't anyone I want to invite,' mumbled Harry, who was still trying not to think about Ginny any more than he could help, despite the fact that she kept cropping up in his dreams in ways that made him devoutly thankful that Ron could not perform Legilimency.Q2 - What is Harry dreaming about?Q3 - What's your favorite prom/dance story?Q4 - Hermione mentions that love potions aren't dark…is she right?‘The library is now closed,' she said. ‘Mind you return anything you have borrowed to the correct – what have you been doing to that book, you depraved boy?' ‘It isn't the library's, it's mine!' said Harry hastily, snatching his copy of Advanced Potion-Making off the table as she lunged at it with a clawlike hand. ‘Despoiled!' she hissed. ‘Desecrated! Befouled!' ‘It's just a book that's been written in!' said Harry, tugging it out of her grip. She looked as though she might have a seizure; Hermione, who had hastily packed her things, grabbed Harry by the arm and frogmarched him away.Q5 - Do you write in books?Q6 - Harry mentions there might be something going on between Pince and Filch. Is that possible?‘She's a bit upset,' said Luna. ‘I thought at first it was Moaning Myrtle in there, but it turned out to be Hermione. She said something about that Ron Weasley …' ‘Yeah, they've had a row,' said Harry. ‘He says very funny things sometimes, doesn't he?' said Luna, as they set off down the corridor together. ‘But he can be a bit unkind. I noticed that last year.'Q7 - Is Ron unkind?‘Hi, Harry,' said Parvati who, like him, looked faintly embarrassed and bored by the behavior of their two friends. ‘Hi,' said Harry. ‘How're you? You're staying at Hogwarts, then? I heard your parents wanted you to leave.' ‘I managed to talk them out of it for the time being,' said Parvati. ‘That Katie thing really freaked them out, but as there hasn't been anything since … oh, hi, Hermione!'Q8 - Let's rehash what has happened at Hogwarts…There was a noise like a plunger being withdrawn from a blocked sink and Ron surfaced.Q9 - Is Hermione kinda a low-key it girl?Ron looked strangely blank and said nothing. Harry was left to ponder in silence the depths to which girls would sink to get revenge.Q10 - Is Rufus Scrimgeor a vampire?Q11 - Are Slughorn's parties good parties?Q12 - Should Harry have a biography written about him?‘Harry Potter!' said Professor Trelawney in deep, vibrant tones, noticing him for the first time. ‘Oh, hello,' said Harry unenthusiastically. ‘My dear boy!' she said in a very carrying whisper. ‘The rumors! The stories! The Chosen One! Of course, I have known for a very long time … the omens were never good, Harry … but why have you not returned to Divination? For you, of all people, the subject is of the utmost importance!'Q13 - Should Harry have taken divination this year?‘Remind me what other subjects you're taking, Harry?' asked Slughorn. ‘Defense Against the Dark Arts, Charms, Transfiguration, Herbology …' ‘All the subjects required, in short, for an Auror,' said Snape, with the faintest sneer. ‘Yeah, well, that's what I'd like to be,' said Harry defiantly. ‘And a great one you'll make, too!' boomed Slughorn. ‘I don't think you should be an Auror, Harry,' said Luna unexpectedly. Everybody looked at her. ‘The Aurors are part of the Rotfang Conspiracy, I thought everyone knew that. They're working from within to bring down the Ministry of Magic using a combination of Dark magic and gum disease.'Filch's expression of outraged disappointment was perfectly predictable; but why, Harry wondered, watching him, did Malfoy look almost equally unhappy? And why was Snape looking at Malfoy as though both angry and … was it possible? … a little afraid?Q14 - Why is Snape afraid?‘Who suspects me?' said Malfoy angrily. ‘For the last time, I didn't do it, OK? That Bell girl must've had an enemy no one knows about – don't look at me like that! I know what you're doing, I'm not stupid, but it won't work – I can stop you!' There was a pause and then Snape said quietly, ‘Ah … Aunt Bellatrix has been teaching you Occlumency, I see. What thoughts are you trying to conceal from your master, Draco?'Q15 - Is it shocking to know that Draco has learned Occlumency?Q16 - Who is his master?‘Looks like you'll have to break it, then, because I don't need your protection! It's my job, he gave it to me and I'm doing it. I've got a plan and it's going to work, it's just taking a bit longer than I thought it would!'Q17 - What is going on?Chapter 16 - A Very Frosty Christmas‘An Unbreakable Vow?' said Ron, looking stunned. ‘Nah, he can't have … are you sure?' ‘Yes, I'm sure,' said Harry. ‘Why, what does it mean?' ‘Well, you can't break an Unbreakable Vow …' ‘I'd worked that much out for myself, funnily enough. What happens if you break it, then?' ‘You die,' said Ron simply. ‘Fred and George tried to get me to make one when I was about five. I nearly did, too, I was holding hands with Fred and everything when Dad found us. He went mental,' said Ron, with a reminiscent gleam in his eyes. ‘Only time I've ever seen Dad as angry as Mum. Fred reckons his left buttock has never been the same since.'Q1 - Thoughts on Fred and George wooing muggle women with magic tricks?There was silence for a moment or two, then Ron said, ‘Course, you know what they'll all say? Dad and Dumbledore and all of them? They'll say Snape isn't really trying to help Malfoy, he was just trying to find out what Malfoy's up to.' ‘They didn't hear him,' said Harry flatly. ‘No one's that good an actor, not even Snape.' ‘Yeah … I'm just saying, though,' said Ron. Harry turned to face him, frowning. ‘You think I'm right, though?' ‘Yeah, I do!' said Ron hastily. ‘Seriously, I do! But they're all convinced Snape's in the Order, aren't they?'Q2 - Do we trust Snape?‘You are determined to hate him, Harry,' said Lupin with a faint smile. ‘And I understand; with James as your father, with Sirius as your godfather, you have inherited an old prejudice.Q3 - Do you think this is true?Q4 - What do you think of Lupin's background and being bitten by Greyback?Everybody was wearing new sweaters when they all sat down for Christmas lunch, everyone except Fleur (on whom, it appeared, Mrs Weasley had not wanted to waste one) and Mrs Weasley herself, who was sporting a brand new midnight-blue witch's hat glittering with what looked like tiny starlike diamonds, and a spectacular golden necklace.Q5 - Is Fleur that unbearable?She gave Lupin an annoyed look, as though it was all his fault she was getting Fleur for a daughter-in-law instead of Tonks, but Harry, glancing across at Fleur, who was now feeding Bill bits of turkey off her own fork, thought that Mrs Weasley was fighting a long-lost battle. He was, however, reminded of a question he had with regard to Tonks, and who better to ask than Lupin, the man who knew all about Patronuses? ‘Tonks's Patronus has changed its form,' he told him. ‘Snape said so, anyway. I didn't know that could happen. Why would your Patronus change?' Lupin took his time chewing his turkey and swallowing before saying slowly, ‘Sometimes … a great shock … an emotional upheaval …' ‘It looked big, and it had four legs,' said Harry, struck by a sudden thought and lowering his voice. ‘Hey … it couldn't be –?'Q6 - What was Tonk's new patronus form?Q7 - What do you think of Scrimgeor and his proposal?Q8 - HOW is Umbridge still working at the ministry?‘I don't want to be used,' said Harry. ‘Some would say it's your duty to be used by the Ministry!'You don't care whether I live or die, but you do care that I help you convince everyone you're winning the war against Voldemort. I haven't forgotten, Minister …' He raised his right fist. There, shining white on the back of his cold hand, were the scars which Dolores Umbridge had forced him to carve into his own flesh: I must not tell lies.Q9 - Is Harry right or wrong?‘Well, it is clear to me that he has done a very good job on you,' said Scrimgeour, his eyes cold and hard behind his wire-rimmed glasses. ‘Dumbledore's man through and through, aren't you, Potter?' ‘Yeah, I am,' said Harry. ‘Glad we straightened that out.'

Chapter 9 - The Half-Blood PrinceHermione's remonstration was drowned by a loud giggle; Lavender Brown had apparently found Ron's remark highly amusing. She continued to laugh as she passed them, glancing back at Ron over her shoulder. Ron looked rather pleased with himself.Q1 - Does Lavender like Ron?‘Humph,' snorted Professor McGonagall. ‘It's high time your grandmother learned to be proud of the grandson she's got, rather than the one she thinks she ought to have – particularly after what happened at the Ministry.'Q2 - Do you ever think McGonagall could go bad?Q3 - Do you think Gryffindor will win the Quidditch Cup this year?Snape set off around the edge of the room, speaking now in a lower voice; the class craned their necks to keep him in view. ‘The Dark Arts,' said Snape, ‘are many, varied, ever-changing and eternal. Fighting them is like fighting a many-headed monster, which, each time a neck is severed, sprouts a head even fiercer and cleverer than before. You are fighting that which is unfixed, mutating, indestructible.' Harry stared at Snape. It was surely one thing to respect the Dark Arts as a dangerous enemy, another to speak of them, as Snape was doing, with a loving caress in his voice?His Shield Charm was so strong Snape was knocked off-balance and hit a desk. The whole class had looked round and now watched as Snape righted himself, scowling. ‘Do you remember me telling you we are practicing non-verbal spells, Potter?' ‘Yes,' said Harry stiffly. ‘Yes sir.' ‘There's no need to call me “sir”, Professor.'Q4 - Do you view Harry as a better wizard than Snape?This left Harry, Ron and Hermione to share a table with Ernie. They chose the one nearest a gold-coloured cauldron that was emitting one of the most seductive scents Harry had ever inhaled: somehow it reminded him simultaneously of treacle tart, the woody smell of a broomstick handle and something flowery he thought he might have smelled at The Burrow. He found that he was breathing very slowly and deeply and that the potion's fumes seemed to be filling him up like drink. A great contentment stole over him; he grinned across at Ron, who grinned lazily back.Q5 - What do you think of the Amortentia?It's supposed to smell differently to each of us, according to what attracts us, and I can smell freshly mown grass and new parchment and –' But she turned slightly pink and did not complete the sentence.Q6 - What is the last smell Hermione smells?‘No, I don't think so, sir. I'm Muggle-born, you see.' Harry saw Malfoy lean close to Nott and whisper something; both of them sniggered, but Slughorn showed no dismay; on the contrary, he beamed and looked from Hermione to Harry, who was sitting next to her. ‘Oho! “One of my best friends is Muggle-born and she's the best in our year!” I'm assuming this is the very friend of whom you spoke, Harry?' ‘Yes, sir,' said Harry. ‘Well, well, take twenty well-earned points for Gryffindor, Miss Granger,' said Slughorn genially.Q7 - Is Slughorn growing on you?‘Amortentia doesn't really create love, of course. It is impossible to manufacture or imitate love. No, this will simply cause a powerful infatuation or obsession. It is probably the most dangerous and powerful potion in this room – oh yes,' he said, nodding gravely at Malfoy and Nott, both of whom were smirking skeptically. ‘When you have seen as much of life as I have, you will not underestimate the power of obsessive love …Q8 - What do you think of this line?Q9 - What do you think of Liquid Luck?Q10 - What is a time when you beat everyone in class at something?‘The clear winner!' he cried to the dungeon. ‘Excellent, excellent, Harry! Good Lord, it's clear you've inherited your mother's talent, she was a dab hand at Potions, Lily was! Here you are, then, here you are – one bottle of Felix Felicis, as promised, and use it well!'Nobody else was looking. Harry bent low to retrieve the book and, as he did so, he saw something scribbled along the bottom of the back cover in the same small, cramped handwriting as the instructions that had won him his bottle of Felix Felicis, now safely hidden inside a pair of socks in his trunk upstairs. This Book is the Property of the Half-Blood PrinceQ11 - Who is the Half-Blood Prince?Chapter 10 - The House of GauntQ1 - Should Harry be following the book's advice?Q2 - What do you think of Snape and Slughorn in their roles?‘Well, I have decided that it is time, now that you know what prompted Lord Voldemort to try and kill you fifteen years ago, for you to be given certain information.'Q3 - Jenn, did your heart rate go up here?‘I told you everything I know. From this point forth, we shall be leaving the firm foundation of fact and journeying together through the murky marshes of memory into thickets of wildest guesswork. From hereon in, Harry, I may be as woefully wrong as Humphrey Belcher, who believed the time was ripe for a cheese cauldron.'Q4 - Where have you seen Little Hangleton before?There was a scuffling noise in the corner beside the open window and Harry realized that there was somebody else in the room, a girl whose ragged gray dress was the exact color of the dirty stone wall behind her. She was standing beside a steaming pot on a grimy black stove, and was fiddling around with the shelf of squalid-looking pots and pans above it. Her hair was lank and dull and she had a plain, pale, rather heavy face. Her eyes, like her brother's, stared in opposite directions. She looked a little cleaner than the two men, but Harry thought he had never seen a more defeated-looking person.Q5 - What do you think of Merope and Morfin?Q6 - Is a Squib made from abuse?Q7 - What do you think of Tom Riddle's origin story?‘Sir … is it important to know all this about Voldemort's past?' ‘Very important, I think,' said Dumbledore. ‘And it … it's got something to do with the prophecy?' ‘It has everything to do with the prophecy.'Q8 - Why is this important?Q9 - What is the ring and what happened to Dumbledore's hand?Chapter 11 - Hermione's Helping HandNon-verbal spells were now expected, not only in Defence Against the Dark Arts, but in Charms and Transfiguration too. Harry frequently looked over at his classmates in the common room or at mealtimes to see them purple in the face and straining as though they had overdosed on U-No-Poo.‘We've got to go and explain,' said Hermione, looking up at Hagrid's huge empty chair at the staff table the following Saturday at breakfast. ‘We've got Quidditch tryouts this morning!' said Ron. ‘And we're supposed to be practicing that Aguamenti charm for Flitwick! Anyway, explain what? How are we going to tell him we hated his stupid subject?'Q1 - What is the Aguamenti charm?Q2 - Is Hagrid childish for this?‘Oh, come on, Harry,' said Hermione, suddenly impatient. ‘It's not Quidditch that's popular, it's you! You've never been more interesting and, frankly, you've never been more fanciable.' Ron gagged on a large piece of kipper. Hermione spared him one look of disdain before turning back to Harry.Q3 - Why is Ron gagging?Q4 - Harry mentioned he hoped Lupin would write…why doesn't Lupin write?Q5 - Do you think Stan Shunpike is a Death Eater?‘People are terrified – you know the Patil twins' parents want them to go home? And Eloise Midgeon has already been withdrawn. Her father picked her up last night.'Q6 - If you had kids, would you take them out of Hogwarts?Q7 - Dumbledore is gone missing a lot…what is he doing?Q8 - How do you think this years Gryffindor quidditch team looks?Q9 - What do you think about Hermione confounding Cormac?‘But how can he have done, Harry?' said Hermione, putting down the newspaper with a surprised look. ‘We were all searched when we arrived, weren't we?' ‘Were you?' said Harry, taken aback. ‘I wasn't!' ‘Oh no, of course you weren't, I forgot you were late … well, Filch ran over all of us with Secrecy Sensors when we got into the Entrance Hall. Any Dark object would have been found, I know for a fact Crabbe had a shrunken head confiscated. So you see, Malfoy can't have brought in anything dangerous!'Q10 - What was this Shrunken head? And did Malfoy sneak anything in?Q11 - What's the best party you've ever been to?

Chapter 6 - Draco's DetourHe spent most of his days playing two-a-side Quidditch in the Weasleys' orchard (he and Hermione against Ron and Ginny; Hermione was dreadful and Ginny good, so they were reasonably well-matched).Q1 - How much does Ron suck at Quidditch?‘And they've found Igor Karkaroff's body in a shack up north. The Dark Mark had been set over it – well, frankly, I'm surprised he stayed alive for even a year after deserting the Death Eaters; Sirius's brother Regulus only managed a few days as far as I can remember.'Q2 - What do you think about Igor Karkaroff being dead?Q3 - What do you think of Ollivander being gone?Q4 - How is Bill able to take money out of Harry's vault?‘I see that being Dumbledore's favorite has given you a false sense of security, Harry Potter. But Dumbledore won't always be there to protect you.' Harry looked mockingly all around the shop. ‘Wow … look at that … he's not here now! So why not have a go? They might be able to find you a double cell in Azkaban with your loser of a husband!'Q5 - Is Harry smart to instigate this?Why Are You Worrying About You-Know-Who? You SHOULD Be Worrying About U-NO-POO – the Constipation Sensation That's Gripping the Nation!‘“Patented Daydream Charms …”' Hermione had managed to squeeze through to a large display near the counter and was reading the information on the back of a box bearing a highly coloured picture of a handsome youth and a swooning girl who were standing on the deck of a pirate ship. ‘“One simple incantation and you will enter a top-quality, highly realistic thirty-minute daydream, easy to fit into the average school lesson and virtually undetectable (side-effects include vacant expression and minor drooling). Not for sale to under-sixteens.” You know,' said Hermione, looking up at Harry, ‘that really is extraordinary magic!' ‘For that, Hermione,' said a voice behind them, ‘you can have one for free.'Q6 - How brilliant is the joke shop?Q7 - What is their best invention: Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder, Decoy Detonators, or Shield Hats?They had drawn level with the only shop in Knockturn Alley that Harry had ever visited: Borgin and Burkes, which sold a wide variety of sinister objects. There in the midst of the cases full of skulls and old bottles stood Draco Malfoy with his back to them, just visible beyond the very same large black cabinet in which Harry had once hidden to avoid Malfoy and his father. Judging by the movements of Malfoy's hands he was talking animatedly. The proprietor of the shop, Mr Borgin, an oily-haired, stooping man, stood facing Malfoy. He was wearing a curious expression of mingled resentment and fear…‘… you know how to fix it?' ‘Possibly,' said Borgin, in a tone that suggested he was unwilling to commit himself. ‘I'll need to see it, though. Why don't you bring it into the shop?' ‘I can't,' said Malfoy. ‘It's got to stay put. I just need you to tell me how to do it.'Q8 - What is Draco trying to mend?‘No?' said Malfoy and Harry knew, just by his tone, that Malfoy was sneering. ‘Perhaps this will make you more confident.' He moved towards Borgin and was blocked from view by the cabinet. Harry, Ron and Hermione shuffled sideways to try and keep him in sight, but all they could see was Borgin, looking very frightened.Q9 - What did Draco show him?Chapter 7 - The Slug Club‘Malfoy, revenge? What can he do about it?' ‘That's my point, I don't know!' said Harry, frustrated. ‘But he's up to something and I think we should take it seriously. His father's a Death Eater and –' Harry broke off, his eyes fixed on the window behind Hermione, his mouth open. A startling thought had just occurred to him. ‘Harry?' said Hermione in an anxious voice. ‘What's wrong?' ‘Your scar's not hurting again, is it?' asked Ron nervously. ‘He's a Death Eater,' said Harry slowly. ‘He's replaced his father as a Death Eater!'Q1 - You think Harry is right about Draco being a Death Eater?‘Au revoir, 'Arry,' said Fleur throatily, kissing him goodbye. Ron hurried forwards, looking hopeful, but Ginny stuck out her foot and Ron fell, sprawling in the dust at Fleur's feet. Furious, red-faced and dirt-spattered, he hurried into the car without saying goodbye.Q2 - Is Ginny becoming a mean girl?‘They're staring at you because you were at the Ministry, too,' said Harry, as he hoisted his trunk into the luggage rack. ‘Our little adventure there was all over the Daily Prophet, you must've seen it.' ‘Yes, I thought Gran would be angry about all the publicity,' said Neville, ‘but she was really pleased. Says I'm starting to live up to my dad at long last. She bought me a new wand, look!' He pulled it out and showed it to Harry. ‘Cherry and unicorn hair,' he said proudly. ‘We think it was one of the last Ollivander ever sold, he vanished next day – oi, come back here, Trevor!'Q3 - Is Neville going to be better or worse now that he has a new wand?Q4 - Why did Draco forgo his role as Prefect?Every now and then students would hurtle out of their compartments to get a better look at him. The exception was Cho Chang, who darted into her compartment when she saw Harry coming. As Harry passed the window he saw her deep in determined conversation with her friend Marietta, who was wearing a very thick layer of makeup that did not entirely obscure the odd formation of pimples still etched across her face. Smirking slightly, Harry pushed on.Q5 - Does Marietta deserve this?Q6 - What do you think about Slughorn's little club?Q7 - Is Draco dating Pansy Parkinson?Malfoy yawned ostentatiously. ‘I mean, I might not even be at Hogwarts next year, what's it matter to me if some fat old has-been likes me or not?' ‘What do you mean, you might not be at Hogwarts next year?' said Pansy indignantly, ceasing grooming Malfoy at once. ‘Well, you never know,' said Malfoy with the ghost of a smirk. ‘I might have – er – moved on to bigger and better things.'Q8 - What do you think he means by this?‘I thought so,' he said jubilantly. ‘I heard Goyle's trunk hit you. And I thought I saw something white flash through the air after Zabini came back …' His eyes lingered for a moment upon Harry's trainers. ‘That was you blocking the door when Zabini came back in, I suppose?' He considered Harry for a moment. ‘You didn't hear anything I care about, Potter. But while I've got you here …' And he stamped, hard, on Harry's face. Harry felt his nose break; blood spurted everywhere.Q9 - What do you think of Draco besting Harry?Chapter 8 - Snape VictoriousQ1 - How do you think Tonks found Harry?‘Hagrid was late for the start-of-term feast, just like Potter here, so I took it instead. And incidentally,' said Snape, standing back to allow Harry to pass him, ‘I was interested to see your new Patronus.' He shut the gates in her face with a loud clang and tapped the chains with his wand again, so that they slithered, clinking, back into place. ‘I think you were better off with the old one,' said Snape, the malice in his voice unmistakeable. ‘The new one looks weak.'Q2 - What do you think of Patronus' changing form? How would it change form?Q3 - Why do you think Snape is mean to her?‘Fifty points from Gryffindor for lateness, I think,' said Snape. ‘And, let me see, another twenty for your Muggle attire. You know, I don't believe any house has ever been in negative figures this early in the term – we haven't even started pudding. You might have set a record, Potter.'Q4 - The points are stupid.‘Professor Snape, meanwhile,' said Dumbledore, raising his voice so that it carried over all the muttering, ‘will be taking over the position of Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher.' ‘No!' said Harry, so loudly that many heads turned in his direction. He did not care; he was staring up at the staff table, incensed. How could Snape be given the Defence Against the Dark Arts job after all this time? Hadn't it been widely known for years that Dumbledore did not trust him to do it?Q5 - What do you think of Snape getting the Defense against the Dark Arts job? And knowing the curse on the position, do you think he'll be there after a year?

A Hogsmeade weekend approaches! Will Harry get his permission slip signed by a stand-in guardian in time? This week we are joined by Slug Club guest Ashley as we discuss Chapter 8 of Prisoner of Azkaban, Flight of the Fat Lady! We discuss Snape's continued bad attitude, Lupin's secret, and whether Harry could've gotten more out of him during their unplanned tea time. Enjoy! Main Discussion: Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 8: Flight of the Fat Lady Welcome Slug Club guest Ashley! Host the show just like Ashley by joining us at Patreon.com/MuggleCast 7-Word Summary, Justice for Micah Edition: Teachers forbid Harry from going to Hogsmeade Snape picks on Neville worse than ever because he's Snape. But does Trelawney pick on Harry due to her prophecy? Did we ever have a teacher we were close with in the way that Parvati and Lavender are with Trelawney? Is Oliver Wood justified in feeling desperate about this year's Quidditch Cup? Is McGonagall mean for not signing Harry's permission slip? She knows about the Dursleys after all. Hosts connect some great threads between Book 3 and Book 5. Harry's Hogsmeade FOMO hits us in the feels. What makes Remus Lupin able and willing to say Voldemort's name? What If: Harry told Lupin about seeing the black dog off Privet Drive? Is Hermione wrong to point out the evidence against Trelawney's prediction about Binky? Could her doing so point to neurodivergent behavior? Rename the Chapter returns! And hosts assign MVP of the Week. Quzzitch: What does Hannah Abbott tell the students that Sirius Black can transform into? Next week: Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 9: Grim Defeat This week's show is brought to you by Indeed (visit Indeed.com/MuggleCast to start hiring now) and HelloFresh (use code "muggle16" for 16 free meals at HelloFresh.com/Muggle16), and by ZocDoc. Visit Zocdoc dot com slash mugglecast, download the app, and schedule your next health appointment today. And don't forget! There's much more MuggleCast waiting for you on Patreon, including Bonus MuggleCast segments! This week, we discuss how the Harry Potter TV show could appeal more to adults! Become a patron of ours today at Patreon.com/MuggleCast! As always, we appreciate your support of the show!

Azkaban is known to be one of the darkest, most feared places within the Wizarding World. In this episode, Slug Club members review the magical prison's origins, charges/crimes that will get you sent there, the dastardly deeds of Porygon, and a variety of odd historical facts only Rob knows about.

Join the Slug Club as members discuss their spoiler-free first impressions to the highly anticipated, newly launched adventure game, Hogwarts Legacy. In this episode, we talk about things like familiar Hogwarts locations, wand variations, magical combat, the moral dilemma of “rescuing” magical beasts, and the plausibility of being an ambassador to the merpeople of the Black Lake without knowing how to swim.

Join the Slug Club as members discuss their spoiler-free first impressions to the highly anticipated, newly launched adventure game, Hogwarts Legacy. In this episode, we address the 'hippogriff in the room' regarding the Rowling backlash while also talking about interesting facets of gameplay, like character creation & customization, Rob's fixation with collecting flying keys, playing with all the cats roaming the halls of Hogwarts, and finally joining the renowned Toad Choir.

In the clerb, we all fam (if you haven't seen Broad City go watch it so you get the reference). Unless it's the Slerg Clerb, cause that club is invite-only. In this episode of HP Half-Drunk, Sam and Emily join the marauders of ATYDs as they are introduced to the Slug Club. Cheers!

Join the Slug Club in the final segment of this four-part series about some of the rare magical gifts witches and wizards can be born with. In this episode, we talk about everyone's favorite Hufflepuff (Nymphadora Tonks), Relient K covers, and Rob and Justin's ‘92 animated X-Men VHS.

In this week's episode, Harry and Ron rack up substantial points for Gryffindor, and Dobby is freed! It's the final Chapter-by-Chapter segment of our read-through of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets with Andrew, Eric, Laura and our social media manager Chloé! Eric tries desperately to up Dumbledore's Lie Count, but Andrew isn't having it. Finally, Quizzitch looks ahead to the third book, which we will be starting in a few weeks' time! We revisit last week's topic of inter-Horcrux communication, with quotes from the later books. Main Discussion: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 18: Dobby's Reward 7-Word Summary: Harry accepts Dumbledore's comforting advice on Voldemort Dumbledore is back! But unlike last year, he did not save Harry beneath the school. How much does the headmaster really know about the events of the past year? Who are his sources regarding Voldemort's current location? Is what happened in the Chamber a perfect recruiting opportunity for DD of Molly and Arthur? Dumbledore pays Voldemort a compliment. The hosts cringe. Examining Harry's ability to speak Parseltongue Dumbledore pays Voldemort a compliment. The hosts cringe. Lucius finds himself out of his depth when confronting Albus directly. Connecting the Threads: In books 2 and 6, a Malfoy is Voldemort's prime connection to events at Hogwarts. Quizzitch: What witch performed a Flame Freezing Charm, allowing herself to be burned at the stake at least 47 separate times? Next week: It's Episode #600! We will be reviewing Hogwarts Legacy.. This week's episode is brought to you by BetterHelp, Indeed, and ZocDoc! Get 10% off your first month of BetterHelp at BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast. Visit Indeed.com/MuggleCast to start hiring now! Go to ZocDoc.com/MuggleCast to download the Zocdoc app for FREE; then find and book a top-rated doctor today. Support the show! There's much more MuggleCast waiting for you on Patreon! Benefits include Bonus MuggleCast, early access to each episode of the show, ad-free episodes, access to our recording studio, an exclusive Discord and Facebook group, you'll become a member of the MuggleCast Collectors Club, and at the Slug Club level you'll receive a physical gift every year!

Join the Slug Club in the third of this four-part series about some of the rare magical gifts witches and wizards can be born with. In this episode, we talk about Miss Queenie Goldstein, the Legilimens and Occlumens spells, the Dark Lord and his betrayers, and Rob's obsession with Snape.

In this week's episode, Harry finally enters the Chamber of Secrets! But does he leave with more questions than he had coming in? And, knowing what the diary truly represents, the hosts dive deep into the world of Horcruxes! Join us as we discuss the penultimate chapter of Chamber of Secrets! Welcome, Voldemort enthusiast and friend of the show, Tylor Starr! Be sure to follow him on social media and check out his Unofficial Harry Potter Vegan Cookbook! Main Discussion: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 17: The Heir of Slytherin 7-Word Summary: Memories reveal answers about Tom's legacy fulfillment  Are Horcruxes self-aware? Do they have a hivemind? Does the diary-version of Tom Riddle know he's a Horcrux?  How does a Horcrux work when another form still exists? If Tom Riddle weren't killed here, would there have been a current Voldemort and a Tom Riddle, or would they have merged together? What if… Ginny had found fulfillment and happiness instead of being teased by her brothers, feeling like she didn't fit in, and harboring unrequited feelings for Harry? Would Riddle have been able to manipulate her otherwise? Should Harry have told Tom Riddle what he knew about Voldemort's downfall? Did it inform Voldemort's future actions? We explore Signs that Tom Riddle is Voldemort: did we suspect this when we first read the book? If he didn't have the brains or the power, why was Hagrid a good person to frame? Connecting The Threads to Half-Blood Prince: Fawkes, teenage Tom Riddle, the charming manipulation of others and the similarities between Harry and Tom Connecting The Threads to Deathly Hallows: The Sword of Gryffindor and Basilisk Fangs Ever wondered what other anagrams come from Tom Marvolo Riddle? Check out this great list from Katie Rose! And we have few international versions that will make you laugh out loud! Quizzitch: What does Fred drop on George's head after he learns Percy has a girlfriend? Next week: We wrap up our chapter-by-chapter discussion of Chamber of Secrets with Chapter 18. This week's episode is brought to you by MasterClass (get unlimited access to EVERY class, and as a MuggleCast listener, you get 15% off an annual membership at MasterClass.com/MuggleCast) and Indeed (visit Indeed.com/MuggleCast to starting hiring now)! Support the show! There's much more MuggleCast waiting for you on Patreon! Benefits include Bonus MuggleCast, early access to each episode of the show, ad-free episodes, access to our recording studio, an exclusive Discord and Facebook group, you'll become a member of the MuggleCast Collectors Club, and at the Slug Club level you'll receive a physical gift every year!

What exactly did the Forbidden Forest do to the Flying Ford Anglia? What did the teachers do all day when Ginny Weasley was discovered missing? And, should Hogwarts lock its front door? These questions and more are asked as your MuggleCast hosts delve into Chapters 15 and 16 of Chamber of Secrets on this week's jam-packed Chapter-by-Chapter episode of MuggleCast! Join Andrew, Eric, Laura, Micah, and Slug Club guest Kimberly (who came prepared with some fun HP-themed Valentines greetings) as we near the final chapters of Book 2. Welcome to the show Slug Club guest Kimberly! Is it really Valentine's Day without some Harry-Potter-themed greetings? The hosts are delighted to hear something new. Main Discussion #1: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 15: Aragog 7-Word Summary: Andrew and Micah devise, "Spiders spiders spiders spiders vroom vroom vroom" Parallels abound between life at Hogwarts without Dumbledore in Book 2, and a similar time for students in Year 7. Should Hogwarts lock its front door at night to prevent students leaving so easily as Harry and Ron do? Harry and Ron are up to their eyes in spiders, and is Dumbledore responsible for their Anglia-driven rescue? Aragog's origins and his tale are explored in depth. In Odds and Ends for Chapter 15, Draco jokes prophetically, the Hufflepuffs come around, Fang gets some relief, and Percy is caught fooling around. Main Discussion #2: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 16: The Chamber of Secrets 7-Word Summary: Laura and Eric come up with, "Gilderoy is revealed to have no integrity." Is it fair that Hogwarts doesn't (yet) cancel exams for the 1992 school year? Hermione provides Ron and Harry the key to solving the whole puzzle, while unconscious. Her most impressive feat yet! Ginny tries to tell Ron and Harry something, but is interrupted... ...and Lockhart reveals himself to be every bit as incompetent as everybody feared. For once, Ron and Harry brought a teacher into their circle, but it came at a cost. What are the teachers all doing the entire day while Ginny is gone? Would the person who put Hogwarts' plumbing in have discovered the Chamber of Secrets, and (literally) covered it up? Wouldn't it have been better if the tap on the sink had actually functioned? Next week: We dive into Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 17, The Heir of Slytherin! Quizzitch: Who really opened the Chamber of Secrets 50 years ago? Support the show! There's much more MuggleCast waiting for you on Patreon! Benefits include Bonus MuggleCast, early access to each episode of the show, ad-free episodes, access to our recording studio, an exclusive Discord and Facebook group, you'll become a member of the MuggleCast Collectors Club, and at the Slug Club level you'll receive a physical gift every year! This week's episode is brought to you by HelloFresh. Use code muggle65 for 65% off plus free shipping at HelloFresh.com/Muggle65. Also, by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast

Join the Slug Club in the second of this four-part series about some of the rare magical gifts witches and wizards can be born with. In this episode, we talk about Rob's bachelor party, Nostradamus, and whether divination is a bunch of hoo-ha. 

Another episode, another attack at Hogwarts! Join us as we enter the pages of a secret diary, get treated to a special Valentine's Day by Professor Lockhart and witness an epic showdown in Hagrid's Hut between Dumbledore, Lucius Malfoy and Cornelius Fudge! All as the threads between Chamber of Secrets and Half-Blood Prince continue to grow stronger! Main Discussion #1: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 13: The Very Secret Diary 7-Word Summary: Memories are misleading within Riddle's secret diary  Don't touch that book! Ron provides some important wizarding world advice to his best friend. Harry, Ron and Hermione begin to connect the dots between The Chamber of Secrets opening 50 years ago and Tom Riddle being at Hogwarts 50 years ago... they just draw the wrong conclusion! Harry notes it was "almost as though Riddle was a friend he'd had when he was very small, and had half-forgotten.” Is this our first introduction to the Horcrux connection? Could Tom Riddle have killed Harry by trapping him inside the diary? Connecting The Threads: memory alteration and manipulation are integral plot points in Half-Blood Prince! Main Discussion #2: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 14: Cornelis Fudge 7-Word Summary: Hagrid receives terrible news about leaving Hogwarts Harry, Ron and Hermione are surprised to learn it was Hagrid who opened the Chamber of Secrets, but they're not really surprised, are they? As Hermione begins to piece things together, why doesn't she seek out a professor? Hermione is petrified and Tom Riddle's Diary is stolen! But whose the culprit? Checkout “A Very Secret Diary” by Arabella, which details Ginny Weasley's interactions with the diary for her entire first year! Note: this is intended for a mature audience. Would the Invisibility Cloak prevented Harry & Ron from being killed by the basilisk? So many questions surround Hagrid's arrest, first and foremost... WHERE'S THE ACTUAL EVIDENCE? Do any alternatives exist for Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge? Much like Half-Blood Prince, Dumbledore leaves the school (in absolute chaos), with Harry shouldering the burden of solving the mystery! Next week: We dive into Chamber of Secrets, Chapters 15 & 16! Quizzitch: Who escorts the Gryffindors to their Herbology lesson? Support the show! There's much more MuggleCast waiting for you on Patreon! Benefits include Bonus MuggleCast, early access to each episode of the show, ad-free episodes, access to our recording studio, an exclusive Discord and Facebook group, you'll become a member of the MuggleCast Collectors Club, and at the Slug Club level you'll receive a physical gift every year!

Episode 7: The Two Towers (feat. Elizabeth Achanta)   New year, new episode about The Lord of the Rings trilogy! Join us as we explore industrialism vs. nature with Merry, Pippin, and the Ents, fantasize about the Sir Ian McKellen-Cate Blanchett makeover montage that never was, try our best Gollum impressions, and swoon over Aragorn becoming the horse girl he was always meant to be.   Check out Elizabeth Achanta on The Slug Club Podcast: A Harry Potter Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more!   Research for this episode: https://scholarworks.uark.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3892&context=etd   https://www.escapistmagazine.com/the-rings-of-power-explores-the-war-on-terror-legacy-of-the-lord-of-the-rings/   https://www.worldwar1centennial.org/index.php/articles-posts/5502-war-not-allegory-wwi-tolkien-and-the-lord-of-the-rings.html   http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/2014/04/ovids-metamorphoses-ceres-and.html   ====================================   Watch Us on YouTube!    Follow Our Adventures on Social Media:   @notmyfantasypod Instagram TikTok   Research & Writing by Cullen Callaghan (@culleneverafter).  This episode was edited by Hannah Sylvester.   Cover Art by William Callaghan Intro Music "Not My Fantasy Quest" by Scott Little (@scottlittlemusic).

On this week's episode, Harry and Ron invent a new way to get to Hogwarts, but break a few international statutes! Settling in to classes would be easier for Harry if Draco Malfoy and Gilderoy Lockhart weren't following him around! Still, it is so good to be back within the castle walls. Join us for Chapter by Chapter segments of chapters 5 and 6 of "Chamber of Secrets." Welcome Slug Club guest Miranda! Announcement! Slug Club members of our Patreon will be able to participate in our holiday year-end MuggleCast AMA this coming Saturday, December 17 at 1pm ET. The event will be viewable by ALL when it goes live, and Slug Club members can submit their Q's! Stay tuned to our social for reminders. Main Discussion #1: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 5: The Whomping Willow 7-Word Summary: The tree captures the Ford toughly, rawr! Are there further investigations into why the Kings Cross barrier didn't let Harry through, after his and Ron's story come out? What makes Ron leap right to taking the car, instead of waiting for one of the many parents on the platform to come find them? Which other ways of transport can someone take to get to Hogwarts? Portkeys? Floo powder? The hosts discuss the prevalence of herbology-related mentions in this book as foreshadowing. Does the Anglia's arrival at Hogwarts prove that Hogwarts is a Security Nightmare? Do Ron and Harry get off a little easy for their world-exposing stunt? Main Discussion #2: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 6: Gilderoy Lockhart 7-Word Summary: Chaos ensues when Lockhart takes over class Mrs. Weasley's Howler to Ron may have consequences that she doesn't intend. Could she have been more discreet with her reprimand, and even shown up in person? For all things Professor Sprout, whose introduction occurs in this chapter, check out MuggleCast #513 which covers her presence throughout all 7 books! Has the Whomping Willow injured Sprout, or has she deftly applied the bandages? Words in the book are hard. Micah makes a piercing connection between the Mandrakes and the Basilisk. The hosts review Gilderoy Lockhart's early life, full of interesting tidbits from his extended canon backstory. Was Dumbledore really trying to expose Lockhart during the events of Harry's Year Two? The subtle way in which Colin and Justin are introduced to Harry as Muggle-born is sending us. Write this down! The students at Hogwarts have washed themselves! We award our standard MVP of the week to chapters and characters. Next week, MuggleCast does our annual Year in Review / MuggleMail extravaganza, after which we break for the holidays. Quizzitch question: Which potion makes Madam Z. Nettles of Topsham, patron of Kwikspell, the center of attention at parties? This episode is brought to you by MeUndies (Get 20% off your first order and free shipping at MeUndies.com/mugglecast) and BetterHelp (Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast)

The Wizarding World was shook by the passing Robbie Coltrane, the man who helped bring our beloved Hagrid to life. Robbie was known to be a magical person, both on and off the set of Harry Potter. He will forever be missed

Americans! Don't forget to vote in the 2022 Midterms by Tuesday, November 8! Visit IWillVote.com to find your local polling place. This week the hosts are joined by Slug Club guest Michele, and Chapter by Chapter continues with chapters 15 and 16 of Sorcerer's Stone. Listen as we discuss how the Centaurs may have been right all along, while Harry serves detention in "The Forbidden Forest." After that, follow along as the trio go "Through the Trapdoor"! And we analyze each of the obstacles designed to protect the Sorcerer's Stone. All this and more, including: Welcome Slug Club guest Michele! If you would like the chance to guest-host on our show, visit our Patreon News: New Warner CEO David Zaslav wants "More Harry Potter movies!" What does that mean?! Main Discussion #1: Sorcerer's Stone, Chapter 15: The Forbidden Forest 7-Word Summary: Mars might tell of future conflicts forthcoming  Harry experiences exclusion like never before, after Gryffindor is down so many points. Have we ever disappointed our classmates in this way? What If? Harry told McGonagall the truth about Hagrid and the dragon. Would things have turned out the same? This detention in the Forbidden Forest is WAY too dangerous! And Hagrid even wants to split up! What are the Centaurs seeing in the sky, and why are they so hesitant to interfere? Main Discussion #2: Sorcerer's Stone, Chapter 16: Through the Trapdoor 7-Word Summary: Voldemort is hiding behind Quirrell's incompetence – keys  Would it have made more sense for Ron to impersonate the Bloody Baron? Still, props to Harry for pulling it off! Hermione has a tendency to free up under pressure. When else has this occurred? Why wasn't Snape's logic puzzle included in the movie? We close out the chapter with our MVPs of the Week Next Week: we finish our Chapter by Chapter re-read of Book One! Quizzitch: What does Voldemort tell Harry that he will do once he has the Elixir of Life? This week's episode is brought to you by MeUndies (Get 20% off your first order and free shipping at MeUndies.com/mugglecast), MasterClass (Get 15% off an annual membership at MasterClass.com/mugglecast), and BetterHelp (Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast)

All aboard!! Join the Slug Club as they get ready and set for the start of term and discuss current and previous methods of commuting to our favorite school: Hogwarts

- In Chapter 4 of Half-Blood Prince, Dumbledore brings Harry along on his visit to Horace Slughorn, hoping the allure of Harry's fame will convince the man to accept a teaching position at Hogwarts.- Today's prompt is: Did Slughorn's influence or lack thereof contribute to the fact that many Slug Club members became Death Eaters?- This episode is hosted by Kinjal Thakker.- Join in the conversation on MuggleNet's social media channels by using #PromptlyPotter

We are on the train and heading back to Hogwarts! Things are a little different this year since Hermione and Ron are Prefects. Harry begins in the Slug Club compartment and ends stunned on the ground after eavesdropping on Malfoy. We talk all about Mr. Weasley being the "cool dad", whether Fleur is as vain as she pretends to be and so much more! Don't forget to support our podcast by subscribing, leaving us a rating, and giving us a five-star review.   Subscribe to The Accio Box and save on a magical subscription box delivered right to your door – it's almost like Owl Post! Get your discount by visiting: followthebutterflies.com/acciobox    Learn more about this podcast: https://followthebutterflies.com/podcast/ or follow us on social media @belljarpod

The gang sits down with a new guest member of the Slug Club to discuss their views on the newly released Fantastic Beasts film.

A merger of Warner Bros and Discovery, Inc. has led Andrew to speculate as to what the future of the Wizarding World may look like on film and TV. And he's prepared a presentation about it! Hosts Eric, Micah, Laura and special Slug Club guest Neil join in and speculate as to the future of Fantastic Beasts, and what - if any - television series set within the Wizarding World we might see from Discovery Time Warner. It's a jam-packed episode with lots of laughs and really cool ideas! Welcome Slug Club guest Neil, who's joining us from South Korea in the middle of the night. What CEO David Zaslav might do with Fantastic Beasts, Harry Potter, and his upcoming meeting with JKR. While Secrets of Dumbledore is the lowest performing Wizarding World film of all time, it still technically has broken even, reaching $400M globally. Is the future secure for its remaining announced sequels? Hypothetically, what scripted Harry Potter TV shows could we see coming if not a direct reboot of the original Potter books? The hosts all provide an idea for a television series that fills in canon and explores plot holes from the series. Laura wants an episode dedicated to "The Missing 24 Hours", while Micah wants a series focused on Tom Riddle's ascent to power. Is a Marauders series anybody's second choice for new TV content? How about one that shows the events of Deathly Hallows from the students' perspective in Hogwarts? And finally, Andrew's idea for an Auror Dept. police procedural is intriguing! Next, the hosts "Star Wars-ify" a Wizarding World story, pairing an adult and child character together in the style of Disney+'s The Mandalorian and Obi-Wan Kenobi. Would Salazar Slytherin look good boasting a gray area? Are outcasts Hagrid and Luna the perfect pair for an exploration of Wizarding World secrets? Would Tonks and Mad-Eye see eye to eye if placed together for long? How about Snape and Draco? And would a time-traveling Neville Longbottom learn a few things from Professor Sprout? Finally, falling in line with Discovery Channel's past offerings, the hosts predict which educational and/or questionable reality programming we might get from the content creators. Ideas include space-faring wizards, Charms disasters, a travel show, and "Trelawney Truckers"! Quizzitch: Who illustrated the first book cover for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, published in 1997 by Bloomsbury in UK? This week's episode is brought to you by MeUndies (visit MeUndies.com/MuggleCast for 15% off your first order and 25% off your first membership item), Framebridge (Use promo code 'muggle' for 15% off your first order), and BetterHelp (Go to BetterHelp.com/mugglecast for 10% off your first month)