582: Have a Broomstick, Potter (Sorcerer's Stone, Chapters 9 - 10)

There are certain things you can't do without becoming best friends, and podcasting about Harry Potter together is one of them! Chapter-by-Chapter returns with analysis of Sorcerer's Stone's "The Midnight Duel" and "Halloween"! Our trio of heroes get goaded by Malfoy into a trap, and then accidentally lock a troll in a bathroom. Harry also finds the one thing that he is naturally good at. 

News: Jim Kay has announced he will be stepping down from making the illustrated edition Potter books. We thank him for his work.

Main Discussion #1: Sorcerer's Stone, Chapter 9: The Midnight Duel

7-Word Summary: Draco challenges Harry to a Midnight Fakeout

After Neville's injury, the students leap to his defense. Have the hosts had similar moments at school, or were we all too scared to speak up?

In what is clearly another security nightmare, Madame Hooch abandons her class of 11-year-olds who 5 minutes ago were handed a very fast and dangerous broomstick for each of them. No wonder something bad happens next!

Laura asks what (specifically) makes Harry a natural at flying? Maybe abuse from Dudley made his reflexes better?

How blatant is what McGonagall does 'favoritism' toward Gryffindor House, and why does the First Years rule exist to begin with?

After narrowly avoiding trouble during the day, Harry and Ron immediately go wandering the castle at night. Shouldn't they be more careful?

Should Harry have known that Malfoy was planning a trap? How does Malfoy have an inside line to Filch?

Did NOBODY walk Neville home from the hospital wing to make sure he could get in the Common Room?

Fluffy's origins and comments on the movie adaptation are covered in 'Odds and Ends'

Main Discussion #2: Sorcerer's Stone, Chapter 10: Halloween

7-Word Summary: Dinner is interrupted by a massive disturbance 

Major things almost always happen to Harry on Halloween. Micah recounts some of the big ones.

Are Ron's choice of words against Hermione a bit too much?

It is Hermione's pronunciation advice which helps Ron successfully tackle the troll!

Have any of the hosts befriended people they were not expecting to like?

Examining Hermione's motivations to lie, the act which solidifies her friendship with Harry and Ron.

HOW is it that Quirrell is not caught or at least hugely suspected for letting in the troll? Should Voldemort have used someone else instead?

The students of Hogwarts do not seem to dress up for Halloween, but if they DID, Andrew has ideas as to what they would be.

Harry and the Golden Snitch meet for the first time. Our hearts are all aflutter

If McGonagall had not discovered Harry's talent during the first flying lesson, when would there be another chance?

Next Week: Chapter-By-Chapter for Sorcerer's Stone, Chapters 11 and 12!

Quizzitch: In Chapter 9 of Book 1, Which secret passage out of Hogwarts do the Weasley Twins suspect Lee Jordan has found?

This week's episode is brought to by the Audible Original The Sandman: Act III, Masterclass (go to Masterclass.com/mugglecast for 15% off an annual subscription), and BetterHelp (Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast)

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