This week on Books and Butterbeer, we may still be on a break (cue the Ross voice) from our usual Harry Potter journey — but we’re bringing you a magical mini-episode! Join us as Katie takes a nostalgic trip through Dame Maggie Smith’s unforgettable roles, from Hook to Downton Abbey to, of course, Professor McGonagall herself. She shares how Dame Maggie shaped her childhood and continues to inspire her today. Grab your butterbeer and settle in for a heartfelt celebration of a screen legend.

This week on Books and Butterbeer, we’re taking a break from our usual Harry Potter chapter discussions to share something a little more personal. Step into our world as we swap stories, memories, and fun tidbits that have shaped us. Johnna opens up about how one of her favorite actors, Jason Isaacs, has inspired her — from his unforgettable role as Lucius Malfoy to his impact both on and off the screen.

This week on Books and Butterbeer, we’re watching Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets — movie edition! We talk about what worked, what made us say “wait, that wasn’t in the book,” and the deleted scenes that deserved better. Plus, we check out cast interviews for behind-the-scenes magic and maybe a few awkward moments.

This week on Books and Butterbeer, we’re feeling all the feels — two books down! We talk Slytherin secrets, basilisk nightmares, and that time the Sorting Hat basically called Harry a maybe-Slytherin (awkward). Plus, we dig into the backstory of the Sword of Gryffindor — because apparently it just shows up when it feels like it. Classic Hogwarts logic. ⚔️🐍✨

This week on Books and Butterbeer, we tackle Chapters 16 and 17 — and honestly, Hogwarts might need an HR department after this. The Chamber of Secrets has officially hit chaos mode! Our heroes go full detective, there’s a suspicious diary, way too many spiders, and maybe a basilisk or two casually roaming the halls.

We talk theories, wild guesses, and the part where everything finally makes sense… kind of. Harry’s doing the most, Ron’s wand is still a health hazard, and somewhere, Lockhart’s still being Lockhart. Grab your butterbeer and brace yourself — it’s finale time, and it’s as dramatic as it gets. 🐍✨

This week on Books and Butterbeer, we dive into Chapter 15: Aragog — and things get creepy-crawly. Dumbledore’s been sent packing, Hagrid’s dragged off, and we’re left with two mysterious clues: “Help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who ask for it,” and “Follow the spiders.” (Because that’s always a great idea, right?)

Next thing you know, we’re learning all about Acromantulas — giant talking spiders, because apparently Hogwarts wasn’t terrifying enough already. We head into the nest, everything’s looking grim, and then—bam!—the flying car swoops in to save our heroes. It’s chaotic, it’s hilarious, and honestly… we’re still not following those spiders. 🕷️🚗💨

This week on Books and Butterbeer, things get a little… monstrous. We kick things off with a ridiculous game where we pretend to be creatures from the wizarding world — Katie sticks to real-life beasts, while Johnna decides, “Why not just invent my own?” Chaos ensues, obviously.

Then we talk about the new classes third-years can take, and Gryffindor’s big showdown with Hufflepuff — except, plot twist — the match gets canceled right when everyone’s actually trying! And just when you think things can’t get any wilder, Dumbledore gets booted from his office. What is happening at Hogwarts this week?!

This week, the quiz returns along with another fun game! Hermione keeps getting cards from Lockhart, and Katie shares a possibly “unpopular” opinion. Meanwhile, Moaning Myrtle is having a dramatic fit in her bathroom — but why? Katie also dives into the world of limericks, and the boys stumble upon a mysterious diary in the prefects’ bathroom.

This week on Books and Butterbeer, we brew up some Polyjuice Potion and kick off a brand-new game! We also take a mini deep dive into phoenixes, thanks to Dumbledore’s loyal bird, Fawkes — who looks worse for wear before showing us the magic of rebirth. Meanwhile, the trio’s plan to uncover the truth about what’s happening at Hogwarts — and to find the Chamber of Secrets — begins to take shape.

Join us this week as we dive into Chapter 11 of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: The Duelling Club! Lockhart, in all his usual flair, tries (and fails) to teach Hogwarts students the fine art of wizard dueling. What begins as a staged demonstration quickly spirals into chaos when Harry unexpectedly speaks Parseltongue in front of everyone — raising questions, suspicions, and fear among his classmates. We break down the tension, the humor, and what this moment means for Harry’s journey, while adding our own insights (and laughs) along the way.