2022 (Ep. 111 – 161) - The Potter Discussion

Episode 161:

In this episode, we talk all things Christmas. Enjoy!

Summary/Topics:
· 3:06 Did Christmas change over time in the story? There’s a lot of contrast between the first and last Christmas we saw. What factors contributed to this change? Voldemort was one of the main ones. Having a safe environment to celebrate was how Harry had his Christmas, which turned out to change. The characters also changed throughout the books which influenced the Christmases. They are different people with different interests which will have some effect on Christmas.

· 8:41 How is a Harry Potter Christmas different from a muggle Christmas? Of course, there is magic in a Harry Potter Christmas. Magical presents and food and events. Muggles do all this much slower. They don’t have access to magic to make their Christmas better. Which parts of which are the best? Wizards have the better gift giving, that’s for sure. Nothing beats a magical gift. However, muggles have the best games. I don’t want to have a huge glob of stink sap in my face with gobbstones or have my cards explode in Exploding Snap. The muggles also have a better Christmas feast. Hear me out! The best dish in my opinion is a Christmas mac and cheese. Did we ever see a Christmas mac and cheese in Harry Potter? No! For that reason, I’ll give the win to the muggles.

· 17:25 What would the perfect Christmas day look like at Hogwarts? I open all my presents including (but not limited to): 7 Firebolts, five thousand galleons, new quidditch robes for the entire team with anti-wind, anti-cold, and anti-water power, an entire library, and the Elder Wand. Breakfast is delicious. I go outside with a huge mug of hot chocolate and watch the giant squid and skaters on the lake. I have lunch in the Three Brook Sticks, and head back to Hogwarts. The feast is awesome, with piles upon piles of Christmas mac and cheese. For dessert, there are pies and ice cream as far as the eye can see. I play one last game of wizard chess and go to bed.

· 24:05 Are the Harry Potter Christmas vibes good, or will it take an L? Of course, Harry Potter Christmas is awesome. It has adds a wonderful layer to the story and the characters and is a fun way to read about the wizarding world.

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Episode 160:

In this episode, we design the perfect Harry Potter filming location tour. Enjoy!

Topics/Summary:
· This idea comes from a listener. Thank you! You can suggest your ideas in here.

· You can listen to episode 138 here.

· 2:38 Durham Castle. This was the site of the famous slug vomiting scene as well as McGonagall’s classroom. My priority would be to act out the slug scene and try to transfigure some objects. This was a smart choice to film at because this castle is very much like Hogwarts and aids in the imagery for the story.

· 8:14 Oxford. The library, the hospital wing, the ferret scene, and the first years walking up the staircase was all filmed at Oxford. The filmmakers walked around Oxford to get inspiration for the films! That’s how like Hogwarts is. The architecture is so old, it was built around the same as time Hogwarts.

· 16:55 Leadenhall Market. Leadenhall Market was the inspiration for J. K. Rowling’s Diagon Ally. I would be happy to spend an afternoon with a pastry and warm drink at Leadenhall Market, enjoying the aroma of Harry Potter.

· 19:13 King’s Cross. King’s Cross plays a huge role in the story as the jump off point from London to Hogwarts. We see the station in close to every film and is an important place for wizards and muggles. I would love to push a trolly through the wall and take a ride on the Hogwarts Express.

· 22:52 Gloucester Cathedral. Many corridor scenes were filmed in the Gloucester Cathedral. This cathedral is almost 1000 years old. Some electricity was put into the cathedral, so the filmmakers had to cover up the more modern elements with stone columns and brasiers.

· 26:16 Shell Cottage. Shell Cottage was used in the Deathly Hallows films. It would be lovely to spend a day at the beach with food, drink, and Harry Potter books in hand, watching the sea and enjoying the sights.

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Episode 159:

In this episode, we talk about the main theme of Harry Potter. Enjoy!

Topics/ Summary:
· Click here the enter the giveaway and win Harry Potter and the Order Illustrated and Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore – The Complete Screen Play!

· 2:40 Why does the main theme of the story matter? The theme of the story is the core element that it needed to understand the plot and characters and give us a better view of the story. We have a better grasp on the different events, the climax, and why different characters do what they do.

· 6:31 J. K. Rowling said the main theme of the story is death. Does that make sense? Essentially, yes. Death is described as not the end, but the beginning of another great adventure. Harry sees his parents and Sirius and Dumbledore long after they died. This theme applies to may different aspects of the story, but death is not the only message in the story.

· 12:07 What are other main messages in the story? Love and friendship are the obvious ones, but what are some others? The inner struggle also takes a front seat. Harry struggles with Voldemort possibly possessing him in the Order of the Phoenix and beyond shows this. One of the main story lines in the fifth book was Harry trying to escape Voldemort. The value of working together was also highlighted. Harry was rarely working alone. He always stood united with his friends. Voldemort is the opposite, working with his supporters in much more of a cold relationship. The final theme that I saw was the “you’ll be fine” mentality. Harry learns very little information in the beginnings of the story, and only knows the full story at the very end of the story. Did the world collapse? It was close, but no.

· 20:54 Which characters have the authority to make a theme out of a message? There are three scenarios: single person, multi-person, and prolonged single person. The first example (single person) is the least common. This is when a message is already present, and a character points it out. Multi-person is the most common. This is when many people join a movement or commit an act of make a statement that has lots of repercussions. Single person prolonged is the final example. This is when a single person will create the theme themselves over many years, doing the same things and helping the same people, creating a dynamic that allows for a theme to grow.

· 26:01 Do characters or events create themes? Both! One or more characters should be performing an act over a long period of time or do something so monumental it has lasting effects.

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Episode 158:

In this episode, we discuss where Dumbledore can go from here. Enjoy!

Summary/Topics:
· 2:14 Where are we starting from? As of now, Grindelwald is on the run, and most of our main characters are together again. Credence is on the way out with Aberforth by his side. At this point, the dynamic of the fight against Grindelwald shifting. Now they’re chasing Grindelwald and have a very good reason to catch him. Dumbledore must form a set of solid relationships to carry the cause of good through the war.

· 8:17 Speaking of relationships, which characters will Dumbledore form these key relationships with? Newt is a no brainer, being a major character. Tina is less of a possibility because she hasn’t been playing a large role so far. Queenie is in a similar boat to Tina. Lally is more of a wild card. We don’t know her character as well as we know others, so including her in the film will be a risk, but a risk that I think it worth taking.

· 13:56 Will the story move fast or slow? If there are four films, there are several routes the film could go. We’ll either move very quickly through the story to get to 1945 where the story ends, or we’ll just skip every element of the story until said end. I would be happy with either of these. However, it would be very disappointing to just a brief recap lasting only a couple minutes to get us to the later years of the story. A less likely route would be the fourth film to be picked up right where Secrets of Dumbledore ended, as the time in which the war is beginning, and ending is one of the calmest points before the stormiest storm in history and would be a very interesting point to see from the wizarding perspective.

· 22:39 What will Dumbledore focus on in the fourth film and will Newt play a role in quest? Let’s begin with the first question. Firstly, Dumbledore is going to look for Grindelwald of course. The next thing he is going to do is gather a form of the Order of the Phoenix. If that’s what Dumbledore did in the later books, why change his strategy? He is going to find people who will support him and defend the good.

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Episode 157:

In this episode, we break down Xenophilius and Luna Lovegood. Enjoy!

Summary/Topics:
· A huge thanks to Milly for this wonderful episode idea! Email ThePotterDiscussion@gmail.com if you want your idea featured on the show.

· To begin, we should lay a solid foundation for own characters. We’re looking both Xenophilius and Luna today because understanding one will help us know more about the other.

· We meet Luna in the Order of the Phoenix. It’s hard to know if Luna is joking or completely serious, which made for a strange but true introduction to her character.

· Harry meets Xenophilius at Bill and Fleur’s wedding at first. Harry was more used to the Lovegoods at that point, but it was still an unsettling encounter.

· Where do they fit into the story? Is it a big role? If they appear a bunch but don’t make a large difference, we shouldn’t consider them main characters. However, they do. Luna is the character that doesn’t really have a place. She’s pushed around and bullied, and Luna must find a place to settle, and does so in the DA. Xenophilius is in a similar boat. He doesn’t fit into any groups, so he must make his own. That element doesn’t go great, as the Death Eaters take Luna because of what Xenophilius was printing in the newspaper.

· So, do Xenophilius and Luna have a big role in the story? Well, they aren’t the main characters but also aren’t in the background. They aren’t horrible or great. Let’s start with Xenophilius. For importance, we’ll give him a 57/100. He doesn’t appear in many books, so he doesn’t have a higher score. For goodness, we’ll give him a 72/100. Xenophilius is a good person, but he did call the Death Eaters to take Harry away. Luna’s importance rating is an 81/100. She appears in more books and scenes than Xenophilius. For goodness, a 95/100 seems fair. Luna is a very good person who is honest and pure. It’s not 100 because her honestly might not be a great thing all the time.

· For the final part of the episode, let’s zero in on these characters and answer a question central about their character.

· How did Luna’s childhood influence who she was? It all comes down to the fact that Luna was raised by her father, Xenophilius. They share many traits. They dress the same, say the same things, and have similar habits. Although her personality might have been formed before she went to Hogwarts, her exposure to the outside world is what influenced her to be the way she is.

· Was Xenophilius right to call the Death Eaters on Harry? No. That’s the simple answer. However, his credit isn’t destroyed because it was Luna’s safety that was in the balance. Xenophilius had to make a gut decision and chose Luna over Harry. Not a bad way to go, but the train of thought wasn’t thought out very well. If Harry died and all good was killed, would Luna and Xenophilius have been spared? No. Xenophilius should have been honest and told Harry to look out for Luna if he could.

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Episode 156:

In this episode, we discuss some of the things that could have shaken up Harry Potter. Enjoy!

Summary/Topics:
· 1:43 We need more varieties of magic! Specifically, wandless magic. Now it makes total sense, but there should be more to casting spells. Every spell involves waving the wand and saying something. Perhaps magic that could be done without a wand or being able to influence matter without the use strictly of a wand. Removing the wand from a person pretty much ends the battle.

· 11:06 What if muggles were find out about magic? This topic had been glossed over too much in the story, so what would the story look like if muggles knew about magic? Wizards would probably start by trying to find a way to obliviate every person in the world. When they realized it was impossible, wizards would begin to give muggles magical solutions to their problems.

· 16:54 What would a wizard/muggle war look like? This would be a very interesting thing to see. Muggles couldn’t use technology as magic destroys it. And could a wizard blow up a tank or block a bullet? It’s hard to think about because we have no information to go on in the story as it is.

· 22:18 Does the possibility exist for a magical monarchy? Several monarchies exist around the globe today, but could a magical king or queen be any similar? We know there is a magical prime minister, but not a monarch. What would happen in the wizarding world, and would it be helpful or harmful?

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Episode 155:

In this episode, we test our knowledge on the quotes of Harry Potter. Enjoy!

Summary/Topics:
· This episode idea comes from a listener! Thank you for submitting an idea. If you want to submit an episode idea, check out the bottom of the show notes for contact details.

· 2:33 Warm up round. There are three questions in the warmup round to get ready for the main round.

· 5:31 Main round

· 6:01 Question one: “You do it then if you’re so clever.” This quote does occur around the same time as one of the warmup questions if that helps at all. This quote is also a good insight into several characters; this insight also helps us see further into the relationship of the two characters involved.

· 10:48 Question two: “There will be no need to talk.” Similar to the last quote, it is a good insight into character. This character puts a lot of thought into image and rules, making sure that everything is done perfectly.

· 15:19 Question three: “Come on Tom, let’s finish it the way we started. Together.” This quote seems obvious, but there are several characters that might have said this. It does only apply to a couple situations, but many characters. This quote has the qualities of a good meme, but it also has a sense of finality and it a perfect addition to the story.

· 19:28 Question four: “Don’t be a prat. Do him!” Although this is not the nicest of quotes, it is a wonderful insight into plot. It makes sense when you hear the answer, but there are many characters and situations that could apply.

· 22:44 Question five: “Fame is a fickle friend, Harry.” This is rather a funny quote given by a ridiculous character in the wrong situation.

· 25:35 Question six: “What’s basketball?” This is a lesser-known quote in the story. It isn’t commonly quoted quote and is rather obscure. However, it shows good contrast between the magical and muggle world which is helpful for the reader. We know only what the story can tell us and showing how blurred the lines are between the magical and muggle world is a fascinating thing.

· 29:22 Question seven: “Avada kadavra!!!” What an awesome quote! Not much of a secret who says this, but this scene is a good end to this episode.

· 31:52 Challenge Question: “Yes, but the world isn’t split into good people and death eaters.” Tune in next week to find out the answer!

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Episode 154:

In this episode, we create the perfect Halloween night in the Wizarding World. Enjoy!

Topics/Summary:
· 2:58 What better way to start off our Halloween night than to design a costume. This costume is perfect Halloween. It is, of course, a dementor. First, I need a lot of robes. Our dementor is going to be at least 15 feet tall, so I’ll magically meld several cloaks together and use polls with hands for the arms. For my own head to be the head of the dementor, I need to be at the dementor’s level, so I’ll use a broomstick to fly on. This will also allow for the classic dementor glide. We also need to create the environment of the dementor with some kind of cold spell to make a bubble of freezing cold to really tie this costume together.

· 13:06 Who are we going to invite to the party? Our first set of people will be invited to the much larger school party. The second is much smaller and is much wilder with more games and fun. To begin with the first list, we can assume around 800 people are going to be at the larger party. The trio are going to be there along with Draco. McGonagall will show off her Animagus skills and Flitwick would cast some Halloween themed charms. Umbridge would just try and shut the whole thing down. For the smaller party, just a group of the trio, Fred and George, Luna, Neville, Ginny, Seamus and Dean, Padma and Parvati Patil, Bill and Charlie would be the perfect small group.

· 20:44 Going back to the larger party, what disaster would take place? It was the troll in the first book, so we can rule that one out. A good disaster would be a beast in the forest. The guests leave the party and walk out into the garden and see a huge beast at the edge of the trees with glinting eyes and claws. It slinks away, but it was a close call.

· 26:11 How would we trick or treat? Although my broomstick could take me many places, the rest of the group don’t have the luxury, so we’ll need a different mode of transport. The zouwu would make the perfect creature to aid our effort to collect hoards of candy! Ideally, we would be able to collect thousands of pieces of candy. With some numbers crunched, we could make up to around 300 galleons if we play our cards right after selling it.

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Episode 153:

In this episode, we discuss the Oxford Effect. Enjoy!

Topics/Summary:
· 00:00 Intro

· 2:13 Thank you listener for pointing out the easter egg that McGonagall used to play quidditch!

· 3:14 What is the Oxford Effect? It is the melding of the Harry Potter books and the world. This is a rather difficult thing to understand and explain because it is two mediums that don’t mix. Check out this video to get an idea of what I visualize (spoilers for Rings of Power). Watch the ball!

· 8:38 Why is this called the Oxford Effect? Not only is Oxford an old Harry Potter looking place, but it is also a filming location and is a living example of Harry Potter. The filmmakers used Oxford to create Harry Potter.

· Lacock is another place where Harry Potter is present with the very old style of building and roads.

· 13:14 What does the Oxford do for the story? It makes Harry Potter so much more alive. We can read about the Hogwarts express, watch Ron’s hand against the window in the film, then go to the Hogwarts Express in the UK.

· 16:12 Why should it be pointed out? It is the entire reason for the continuation of Harry Potter. Without it, the fandom would be stagnant and dead. The Oxford Effect is what gives meaning to the Harry Potter world in the real world.

· 20:11 This only grows over time. This is because the books and films don’t change while the fandom does. The original story isn’t racing to catch up. It rather acts as an anchor to hold and facilitate the growth for the Harry Potter universe.

· 22:24 Why do I love the Oxford Effect so much? It has allowed for the Harry Potter universe we know today. Without it, there wouldn’t be any fan sites or spinoffs. There would be the books, and that’s it.

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Episode 152:

In this episode, we discuss Delores Umbridge. Enjoy!

Topics:

Why does Umbridge go to such lengths with everything she does? There’s an intensity that she brings to her everyday life that seems to come from nothing, What is it really?
Why is Umbridge so sickly sweet? Everything from her clothes to her laugh makes you want to throw up. IS there something she’s hiding or is there a person she’s trying to become?
What is her greatest fear? The fear of a person is one of the best ways to find out who they really are. And Umbridge is no different.
Much More!

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Episode 151:

Topics:
· This episode idea came from Toby and June on the topic suggestion form. Click here to suggest an episode.

· 2:04 Warm up round

· 4:27 Main round

· Click here for the Harry Potter Wiki page about the Marauders.

· 5:51 Question one: what tool did the Marauders make that Harry used in the later books?

· 9:00 Question two: Who was the target of much of the Marauder’s bullying?

· 13:54 Question three: Why did the Marauders decide to become animagi?

· 19:08 Question four and five: What did the Marauders turn into and what were their code names?

· 22:56 Question six: What did the Marauders call Snape when they were at school?

· 25:51 Question seven: How many Marauders are alive at the end of the books?

· 28:59 Challenge question: Which of the Marauders do we meet first?

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Episode 150:

In this episode, we discuss what I’ve learned from 150 episode and 2 years of Harry Potter podcasting. Enjoy!

Topics and Links:
· When I started this podcast in 2020, I found a video that told what a podcast was and how to start one, so I began to listen to podcasts. Eventually, I wanted to start my own podcast. I tried topics on books, like a book club, but I settled on Harry Potter. I still have the very first recordings of episodes saved that will never see the light of day (for now…).

· After many theories I switched to longer form episodes, which I am very glad of. My story telling mode only kicks in when the theory was finishing up, not when it was at the peak. Now I have the freedom to tell a rambling long story.

· Thinking about the story and characters can only get you so far, but talking out loud about it is how my understanding was deepened, which is another area the length of episodes came in handy.

· I’m big into the Harry Potter audio books. It is an immersive experience that allows for a full spectrum of the story.

· There are also some questions in the story that can’t or shouldn’t be answered. You may say: “Well, every question should be answered!” But that might not be true. Questions are very valuable to the fandom and the story, and opinion questions are what keep the fandom going, and the ones that can’t be answered, because there’s more than one answer.

· The ones that shouldn’t be answered are the ones that are more valuable unanswered that answered. Why is Dumbledore haunted my Ariana? Why do Dumbledore and Aberforth have some level of resentment towards each other? These questions keep the story going and should be kept in the vault.

· You also don’t have to approve of everything Harry does. He is certainly a hero, but all of his actions aren’t perfect. Harry shouldn’t feel the need to lash out every second of every day. He may not live in a very peaceful place, but his stubbornness with a small amount of arrogance makes for an uncomfortable environment for Harry.

· Another lesson I have learned it not every couple is meant to be. Remus and Tonks look good on the surface, but Remus is worried about his son becoming a werewolf and Tonks isn’t, so they fight. Pansy Parkinson and Draco is another good example. Pansy showers Draco in compliments and pampers him, which Draco loves. A good match right? Not really. Draco is enjoys compliments because he is insecure. Here are some episodes that explore this: BreakDown: Draco Malfoy Pt. 1 | BreakDown: Draco Malfoy Pt. 2 | Draco Malfoy and his Big Secret

· The best part of Harry Potter is making connections in the real world. Seeing sets, places in London, and studio tours. Its inspiring to see where the cameras really were and seeing the real Hogwarts Express and model of Hogwarts. Sitting where Draco was, walking where Harry was. Those things are what make Harry Potter so magical.

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Episode 149:

In this episode, I vent my hatred for Umbridge. Enjoy!

Topics:

Umbridge doesn’t really care about people in general. It seems odd, but if you look back at the events of the story, most of Umbridge’s moments have been out of dis-taste or dislike of another character, not her positive affiliation for a person in the story. She sacks Tralawny, she punishes Harry for his “lies”, she tries to remove Hagrid from Hogwarts. Umbridge continually tries to cleanse the world from those she does’t deem worthy.
Umbridge is entitled beyond belief! That might come from her childhood or some other unknown source, but the fact remains that Umbridge believes she is better than the rest of the wizards and witches she it around. We can see that in the way she treats the students and even the staff. Umbridge sees the rest of the world as beneath her.
Much More!

Episode 148:

In this episode, we discuss the best pieces of music in Fantastic Beasts. Enjoy!

Mentioned:
1. Fantastic Beasts Opening Titles
2. The Thestral Chase
3. Spread the Word
4. The Room We Require
5. A Close Friend
6. Wands Into the Earth

Topics:

The Fantastic Beasts opening titles can’t be ignored. This is the very first scene in the very first film, so everything needs to be perfect. And it is! In this piece, we hear the Fantastic Beasts theme for the first time, and we’re introduced to the characters. It is an excellent all around piece of music.
A Close Friend in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is another well done piece. It isn’t full of action and spells, rather a conversation between friends. It is quiet and peaceful, choir replacing brass. This piece inspires melancholy, yet hope, and is a fantastic edition to the film.
Wands Into the Earth is my all-time favorite piece in the entire Fantastic Beasts franchise! It plays when Grindelwald has adjourned the meeting at Cimetière du Père-Lachaise and casts dragons of fire. Newt works with the rest of the heroes to save the day, plunging their wands into the Earth and creating a barrier that prevents the dragons from escaping. It is a marvelous piece well deserving of the top spot.
Much More!

Episode 147: In this episode, we discuss Dumbledore’s role as a Death Eater. Enjoy!

Topics:

Dumbledore would give false advice. If he was working with Voldemort, sending students and staff to their doom would only help the cause. And Dumbledore is a center for information and advice.
But what would cause this sudden turn to the dark side? Well, it would have to be something far in Dumbledore’s past that was big enough to leave an impact and give him time to mull it over. Something like Ariana’s death? If the situation had been a little different and Dumbledore had been the one to kill her, he might not have recovered.
Would Snape be in on it? With Dumbledore and Voldemort working together, Snape might not have as much of a role. But that might not be true. Snape has an inside line to every side in the battle, and even with Dumbledore having the same, Snape knows different people and can get different information. Overall, Snape is better in the know that out.
Much More!

Episode 146:

Check out thepotterdiscusison.com here!
In this episode, we discuss the downfall of the Ministry of Magic. Enjoy!

Topics:

It was Fudge’s fault! He refused to take Dumbledore’s advice and didn’t send envoys to the giants, release Azkaban from the dementors, or start increasing security. Fudge was in denial, and wanted the ‘perfect world’ to remain forever, which was why he was doomed to mess the whole thing up.
When did the rot start? In my opinion, the very beginning was in Prisoner of Azkaban when Fudge wants to bring the dementors into Hogwarts, which Dumbledore is very much opposed to. They have a bit of a disagreement, which paves the way for Dumbledore and Fudge’s relationship to take dive later on. It is this that allows Fudge to think Dumbledore is out of his mind in thinking Voldemort is back, so Fudge refuses to believe it.
Who could have been a better Minister? In this case, I think McGonagall would have been the perfect person for the job. She is in Dumbledore’s inner circle, meaning the Ministry and Hogwarts could have been on very good terms and work together for once. This would also mean Dumbledore has an in with the Minister, it being McGonagall. Dumbledore could advise and suggest bills to pass and measures to take.
Much More!

Episode 145:

In this episode, I go over some of my unpopular opinions about Harry Potter. Enjoy!

Topics:

Neville should have died. I don’t have anything against him, I just think his sacrifice would mean more to the story than others. And if Neville died, we might not have to see others perish. Fred and Dobby for example.
Harry should have ended up with Cho in the films. In the Harry Potter films, Ginny is not the fiery person we know her to be from the books. She has more fight in her as a first year than any other time! But Harry and Cho have a natural and healthy relationship that should have been explored more.
Harry should have been expelled in the 6th year after he almost killed Draco, but Snape swooped in a gave Harry detention instead. I think Snape could have done Harry a favor by expelling him, but if Harry ever did something like that again, he would be sent to Azkaban instead of home.
Much More!

Episode 144:

In this episode, we test our knowledge about Newt Scammander. Enjoy!

Topics:

Where does Newt live? We get a quick glance of his flat when Queenie and Jacob come for a visit, and Jacob “always wanted to go here!”.
Which creature of Newt’s has attachment issues? Although he doesn’t have any lines, this creature has many appearances.
Challenge Question: What was Newt’s contribution to the war? He told Jacob in a fleeting conversation, but did you catch it?
Much More!

Episode 143:

In this episode, we look back at some previously made Secrets of Dumbledore predictions. Enjoy!

Mentioned:
Episode 90: Predicting Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them 3!
Episode 125: Final Predictions for Fantastic Beasts and The Secrets of Dumbledore!

Topics:

The first prediction in Queenie will regret going with Grindelwald, and this did come to pass! Although she was set in her ways at the end of the Crimes of Grindelwald, Queenie began to think twice about the choice she made. In a conversation with Credence, Queenie reveals that she doesn’t tell him always tell him everything and chooses to keep certain things to herself.
The next prediction is a beast will be used in a magical battle, and this also occurred in the Erkstag. When Theseus is captured, Newt goes on a mission to save him. He has to travel in the deep dark corridors of the Erkstag, and eventually finds Theseus, but the manticore isn’t so thrilled that they’re leaving. It puts up a fight, using all its weapons to keep Newt and Theseus, but Teddy and Pickett come to the rescue! They bring Newt’s wand and a portkey to safety.
I also made the prediction that a new member would join Newt’s team, and this came true! Lally Hicks, a teacher at the Ilvermorny, joins the group, and she is an immediate success! Newt and Lally had been writing to each other about magical affairs, and Lally became instant friends with many of the others. She went on to be an instrumental part of the Bhutan fiasco, and continued to aid Newt and Dumbledore.
Much More!

Episode 142:

In this episode, I list my favorite scenes in Harry Potter. Enjoy!

Mentioned:
SlowMo: The Battle of the Order of the Phoenix

Topics:

The Courtyard Apocalypse scene was one of my favorites because, in my opinion, it is one of the best displays of magic. I enjoy watching the spells and effects zooming this way and that across the screen, thinking what damage might come of it. It was a very busy but focused scene that was pulled off quite well.
Next up is the dementor on the Hogwarts Express. This scene was a very scary and bone chilling scene, and for good reason. Dementors are some of the most evil things in the Harry Potter universe, and that is reflected in this scene. Seeing the dementor through the glass, watching it float slowly toward the train car and hearing the click of the latch is a really compelling thing.
My favorite scene of all time is The Battle of the Order of the Phoenix. This scene has everything! The Order arrives and fights the Death Eaters, the prophecy is destroyed, Sirius dies, and so much more! I really love the balance between life and death, action and non-action in this scene, and I really think it is the best sequence in all of Harry Potter.
Much More!

Episode 141:

In this episode, I list some of my favorite pieces of music in Harry Potter. Enjoy!

Mentioned:
1. Godric’s Hollow Graveyard
2. Secrets of the Castle
3. Courtyard Apocalypse
4. Death of Sirius
5. Farewell to Dobby
6. Flight of the Order of the Phoenix
7. Hedwig’s Theme
123: The Music of Harry Potter! (Episode)

Topics:

First on the list is Godric’s Hollow Graveyard. Harry and Hermione land in Godric’s Hollow, and hear the church choir singing. They make their way into the graveyard where this wonderful piece begins. It is a great addition to the scene and adds a respectfully somber note.
Next up is Secrets of the Castle. This piece plays in The Prisoner of Azkaban, and contains much of the emotion in the film. It starts out with a simple melody, adding a sense of quiet and slight foreboding.
Third on the list is Courtyard Apocalypse. Harry, Ron, and Hermione are running through the overrun courtyard of Hogwarts as giants, giant spiders, dementors, and Death Eaters force their way onto the grounds. There are spells flying everywhere, and the trio have to be nimble. The piece contains a constant beat of percussion, as the heartbeat of the castle. The melody is simple yet effective, and adds to the desperate and dying hope of the side of good.
Much More!

Episode 140:

In this episode, we break down the character of Voldemort. Enjoy!

Topics:

What’s a basic timeline of Voldemort’s life? Thanks to Harry Potter Lexicon, we have this wonderful timeline of exactly how Voldemort lived his life from beginning to end.
Why does Voldemort need the Elder Wand? Dumbledore was dead when Voldemort first acquired it, so he didn’t have to defeat Dumbledore. Why might the most powerful person in the world need the most powerful wand if he was already on track to win?
Why did his campaigns work and how could a person like Voldemort amass such a following? We know Voldemort himself had a bit of a rough childhood, but surly no more than a few thousand people have gone through something similar to Voldemort . . . Right?
Much More!

Episode 139:

In this episode, we discuss Deathly Hallows, and if it was a good end to Harry Potter. Enjoy!

Topics:

All the unanswered questions! We never found out what happened to Lavender Brown for sure after being attacked by Fenrir Greyback. We also never saw several characters again, like Fluffy or the flying car.
Was Dumbledore’s plan good? And if he didn’t exist, would the trio have still come out on top or would Voldemort have won? Dumbledore had a very large effect on the story, but the question is: was it good or bad?
Why did Harry make such a bad decision when it came to the Elder Wand? He broke it in the films without fixing his own wand or any of the castle, and just left it be in the books after the Battle of Hogwarts. Did it never occur to him that a random person might stumble upon the wand and another Voldemort would appear?
Much More!

Episode 138:

In this episode, I break down my visit to several filming locations in England. Enjoy!

Topics:

Lacock! The town of Lacock is a small and very old settlement home to many pubs, B&Bs, and more! Lacock also plays host to the Potter house. The filming location, anyway. The house used to portray Harry’s birth place was the highlight of my visit to Lacock. The Lacock Abby is another filming location.
Oxford! Oxford University is one of the oldest universities in the world, and all that history was put to good use in the Harry Potter films! Not only was it used as inspiration for Hogwarts in the books, but it also gave the film makers ideas and provided a perfect filming location! The restricted section of the library in Hogwarts is in Oxford! And Draco’s time as a ferret was also spent in Oxford.
And finally, The Harry Potter Studio Tour in Leavesden, South East England. I could spend days talking about this place, as it holds countless original sets, costumes, props, and effects. If you have only a day in London, the Harry Potter Studio Tour is a must!
Much More!

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Episode 137:

This is the last of the rebroadcasts I promise! Sorry I couldn’t be in the studio this week making a new episode. I am away in a very special location that will soon be the topic of episodes to come, so stick around because some pretty cool content is coming your way….

In this episode, we discuss the music of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts. Enjoy!

Topics:

The History of composers
What do the different themes mean?
What are some of my favorite pieces and scores?
Much More!

Having anything you want to hear or say? Click here for a voice submission or here for text.
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Episode 136:

Hey everyone! Sorry I couldn’t be in the studio this week making a new episode. I am away in a very special location that will soon be the topic of episodes to come, so stick around because some pretty cool content is coming your way….

In this episode, we recast some of the characters in Harry Potter. Enjoy!

Topics:

Snape
Dumbledore
Harry
Much More!

Having anything you want to hear or say? Click here for a voice submission or here for text.
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Episode 135:

In this episode, we make different scenes. Enjoy!

Topics:

What would happened if Harry died?
Would Voldemort be defeated if Dumbledore survived?
What would happen if Draco stayed a ferret?
Much More!

Episode 134:

In this episode, we dive deep into the relationship of Dumbledore and Grindelwald. Enjoy!

Topics:

Where do we stand?
Will they love each other ever again?
“Who will love you now, Dumbledore?”
Much More!

Episode 133:

In this episode, we go over what’s going on with Tina. Enjoy!

Topics:

What was Warner Bros. thinking?
What is Tina’s role in the story?
How should she have been included in the Secrets of Dumbledore?
Much More!

Episode 132:

In this episode, we analyze the Marauders. Enjoy!

Topics:

Who are Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs?
What was Fenrir Greenback thinking?
Would James, Sirius, and Peter be the same without their animagus skills?
Much More!

Episode 131:

In this episode, we finish the reviews for The Secrets of Dumbledore. Enjoy!

Topics:

What are you doing, Queenie?
Anton Vogel is quite strange.
Rio was only in the film for three seconds!
Much More!

Episode 130:

In this episode, we discuss the final act of The Cursed Child. Enjoy!

Topics:

The final scene!
More dementor magic!
The resistance in the new world!
Much More!

YouTube Link to V-Day Dance

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Episode 129:

In this episode, we continue the review of The Secrets of Dumbledore. Enjoy!

Topics:

Madds vs. Depp
Cheerful Dumbledore and sad Credence?
Will there be more films?
Much More!

Episode 128:

In this episode, I discuss my experience at Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway. Enjoy!

Topics:

Which characters seemed like themselves?
Is Harry still third wheeling?
The on-stage magic!
Much More!

Links to several Cursed Child videos:
https://youtu.be/Af8K0qZapfs
https://youtu.be/yB54aFX4Wks
https://youtu.be/jViplYpkKwc

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Episode 127:

n this episode, we start the review of The Secrets of Dumbledore. Enjoy!

Topics:

What’s going on with Tina?
What fan-service was obvious?
Some predictions that came true!
Much More!

Having anything you want to hear or say? Click here for a voice submission or here for text.
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Episode 126:

In this episode, we break down the character of Newt Scamander. Enjoy!

Topics:

Who is Newt?
Where does he fit into the story?
What are Newt’s strengths and how will they come into play?
Much More!

Having anything you want to hear or say? Click here for a voice submission or here for text.
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Episode 125:

In this episode, we make our final predictions for The Secrets of Dumbledore. Enjoy!

Topics:

Hogwarts will be shown a ton
The blood pact with be destroyed
Credence will either stay with Grindelwald, go with Dumbledore, or die
Much More!

Having anything you want to hear or say? Click here for a voice submission or here for text.
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Episode 124:

In this episode, we test our knowledge on Albus Dumbledore. Enjoy!

Topics:

Where did Dumbledore grow up?
What is his patronus?
When did Dumbledore go to Hogwarts?
Much More!

Having anything you want to hear or say? Click here for a voice submission or here for text.
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Episode 123:

In this episode, we discuss the music of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts. Enjoy!

Topics:

The History of composers
What do the different themes mean?
What are some of my favorite pieces and scores?
Much More!

Having anything you want to hear or say? Click here for a voice submission or here for text.
The Quill and Ink Newsletter
ThePotterDiscussion@gmail.com
@thepotterdiscussion on Instagram
Website

Episode 122:

In this episode, we recast some of the characters in Harry Potter. Enjoy!

Topics:

Snape
Dumbledore
Harry
Much More!

Having anything you want to hear or say? Click here for a voice submission or here for text.
The Quill and Ink Newsletter
ThePotterDiscussion@gmail.com
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Episode 121:

In this episode, we break down the character of Minerva McGonagall. Enjoy!

Topics:

What are some of her strengths and weaknesses?
Best moments?
If the story didn’t have McGonagall, how would it be different?
Much more!

Having anything you want to hear or say? Click here for a voice submission or here for text.
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Episode: 120:

Watch the trailer here!
In this episode, we break down the Secrets of Dumbledore’s second trailer. Enjoy!

Topics:

Still no Tina!
Mads Mikkelsen’s hair is crushing it.
Albus and Grindelwald having a chat and a duel?
Much more!

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Episode 119: Hey there! Thanks for checking out this rerun episode. I’m on vacation and away from the studio, so no recording for me. Enjoy!
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Episode 118: Hey there! Thanks for checking out this rerun episode. I’m on vacation and away from the studio, so on recording for me. Enjoy!
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Episode 117:

In this episode we discuss what should have been different about Dumbledore’s plan. Enjoy!

Topics:

Harry should not have gone to the Dursleys.
Dumbledore should have taught Harry more magic at Hogwarts.
The Burrow should have been the place Harry grew up.
Much more!

Have anything to hear or say on the show? Click here for a voice submission and here for text.
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Episode 116:

In this episode, we discuss Neville’s use in Harry Potter. Enjoy!
Check out episode 87 here.

Topics:

What role does Neville play?
How does Neville come out of his shell?
What are some of Neville’s best moments?
Much more!

Have anything to hear or say on the show? Click here for a voice submission or here for text.
ThePotterDiscussion@Gmail.com
Instaram
Website

Episode 115:

In this episode, we discussion the differences and similarities of Tom Riddle and Voldemort. Enjoy!

Topics:

Who is Tom and who is Voldemort?
How did Tom’s goals in school affect Voldemort?
How did the top student Tom go to the Dark Lord Voldemort?

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Episode 114:

In this episode we test our knowledge on the magical creatures of the Wizarding World. Enjoy!

Topics:

Where do Thunderbirds live?
Who is Frank?
What pulls the prison transport in the opening scene of The Crimes of Grindelwald?
Much more!

Have anything to hear or say? Click here for a voice submission or here for text.
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Episode 113:

In this episode we break down the character of Ginny Weasley. Enjoy!

Topics:

Who is Ginny as a person and what are the main challenges she has to face in the story?
What kind of person does Ginny represent in the story in relation to the other people in it, and herself?
How is Ginny different in the movies?
What are some of Ginny’s biggest strengths and what are her worst weaknesses?

Have anything to say or hear on the show? Click here for a voice submission or here for text.
Click here to learn more about Ginny.
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Episode 112:

In this episode we discuss the new Harry Potter Reunion Special. Enjoy!

Topics:

Dan actually showed up along with Emma, but Rupert wasn’t physically there.
How have the actors and films changed together?
Dramione!

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Episode 111:

In this episode, we discuss the art of a Harry Potter Christmas. Enjoy!

Topics:

Who would enjoy Christmas the most?
What gifts would different people enjoy?
What is the best Christmas in the story?
Much more!

Have anything to hear or say? Click here for a voice submission or here for text.
ThePotterDiscussion@gmail.com
@thepotterdiscussion
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