On this week's episode, we're busting open our MuggleMail bag as listeners send in owls about the first several chapters of Sorcerer's Stone! We entertain a few What Ifs about Petunia and Dudley and get some enlightening perspectives on Narcissa and Lupin!




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We're opening up our Chapter-by-Chapter MuggleMail bag!

Why was Hagrid sent for Harry?

How big is the student body at Hogwarts?

What happened to both sets of Harry's grandparents?

How did Dudley's pigtail finally get removed?

Did Harry's Horcrux impact the Dursley's treatment of him?

What if... Petunia had magical ability and had been accepted at Hogwarts?

What if... Dudley was a wizard? Would Vernon have disowned him?

Could House-Elves be responsible for sending the Hogwarts letters?

Other MuggleMail covers Leta Lestrange, The Elder Wand, Narcissa Malfoy and Remus Lupin

Should Dumbledore have been sorted into Slytherin?

Why wasn't Dobby asked to be in The Order?

Quizzitch: In one of their very first History of Magic classes, which two famous wizards do the students in Harry's class get mixed up?

On next week's episode: Chapters 9 & 10 of Sorcerer’s Stone: The Midnight Duel and Halloween

In this week’s Bonus MuggleCast available exclusively to Patrons, we discuss excerpts from Alan Rickman's recently released diary, Truly Madly!

This week's episode is brought to you by The Happiness Lab Podcast, BetterHelp (get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast) and HelloFresh (use code muggle65 for 65% off plus free shipping at HelloFresh.com/Muggle65)!


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581: What if Petunia Had Been Accepted to Hogwarts? And More MuggleMail

MuggleCast is your weekly ride into the Wizarding World. Our Harry Potter podcast, hosted by four life-long friends, brings its listeners entertaining and thought-provoking discussions about the universe. With each new episode we discuss everything Harry Potter: the latest news, the Potter books, Fantastic Beasts, the theme parks, the video games, the fandom, and more! The show is currently hosting a Chapter by Chapter re-read of the original seven Harry Potter books!

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Grab your House-themed pennants and something to do for an hour, because today we’re heading down to the Black Lake and celebrating a Triwizard Task that nobody above ground can see or appreciate! Join Eric, Laura, Micah and special guest Chloé as they discuss Chapter 26 of Goblet of Fire, “The Second Task.”

Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 26: The Second Task

7-Word Summary: The merpeople mock Harry incessantly under water

Main Discussion #1: Leading up to the task

Hagrid’s back teaching. Do we miss Professor Grubbly-Plank?

Could Harry be reaching out to Lupin or other folks for help?

Have we ever overslept on the day of an exam and had to wing it?

Main Discussion #2: The Task and Immediate Aftermath

Why are the other headmasters so visibly annoyed at Harry? Could they tone it down a bit?

What does the Second Task look like, for the audience and spectators? Even Dumbledore has to ask the merpeople what happened at the end of it.

Micah’s Hot Take: Hermione is not meaningful enough to Krum for her to be his hostage.

The hosts debate: were the ‘hostages’ ever really in danger? We also polled our Patrons... twice.

Are we disappointed by the writing’s handling of Fleur’s performance?

Do we agree with the final results of the Second Task?

Odds and Ends touches on a Skeeter sighting, and another mention of their school hats!

Quizzitch: Who authorized Aurors to use the Unforgivable Curses during the first Wizarding war?

Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us!

For twice-monthly Bonus MuggleCast, as well as other great benefits, including the chance to co-host the show, a new physical gift every year, and a video message from one of the four of us visit Patreon.com/MuggleCast!

Reminder: Micah and Eric and Chloé will be at LeakyCon! Visit LeakyCon.com to check out the latest guests, and use code 'MUGGLE' while registering for a discount!


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'You Available To Be Stolen This Friday?' (GOF Chapter 26, The Second Task)

Crank up the hot water and pour the bubbles, because this week we’re soaking in the Prefects bathroom with, eh, Moaning Myrtle! Then grab your Invisibility Cloak and head downstairs because Moody and Snape are must-see TV! 

Welcome Slug Club member, Geoff!

Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 25: The Egg & The Eye

7-Word Summary: Mermaids sing to a bathroom of children

Main Discussion #1: Harry’s First Bath in 14 Years

Is the Prefects Bathroom everything we’ve ever wanted?

Moaning Myrtle is back!

Why is Myrtle confined to the Hogwarts plumbing? Who is monitoring her?

How do feel about Myrtle's bathroom behavior?

Soooo... Hogwarts is dumping all of its waste into the Black Lake?

Geoff gives us a beautiful rendition of The Second Task Clue

Main Discussion #2: Curiosity Killed the Cat

Could the Horcrux be behind Harry's pursuit of Barty Crouch Jr.?

Security Nightmare: Why has Hogwarts not fixed that trick step?

We dare you to name another wizard who could tell Snape to go to bed (and live)!

Should Moody's eye be able to see through a Deathly Hallow?

What if... Harry's foot didn't get trapped?

Do we think Moody's recommendation that Harry become an Auror is sincere?

Quizzitch: According to Hagrid, at what age do unicorns become pure white?

Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us!

For twice-monthly Bonus MuggleCast, as well as other great benefits, including the chance to co-host the show, a new physical gift every year, and a video message from one of the four of us visit Patreon.com/MuggleCast!

Reminder: Micah and Eric will be at LeakyCon! Visit LeakyCon.com to check out the latest guests, and use code 'MUGGLE' while registering for a discount!


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Imagine Dumbledore's Bathroom (GOF Chapter 25, The Egg and The Eye)

This week, we revisit the ever-exciting MuggleMail bag and listen to your voicemails on all things Goblet of Fire. The debate about Cedric's clue to Harry rages on, and listeners have opinions on everything from House-Elf rights to defending Ron Weasley's youth.

Voicemails cover House-Elf evolution, Cedric's clue, judges at professional sporting events, and Barty Crouch, Sr.

The Hungarian Horntail may NOT have been the last addition to the First Task, multiple listeners posit.

Quidditch could easily have fit in between the 3 year-long tasks, couldn't it?

One listener defends Ron Weasley's recent actions on the basis of his youth. Do we let him off the hook?

Do Durmstrang and Beauxbatons students have classes with Hogwarts professors?

Working backwards from the Portkey, does the plot of Book 4 even work?

Do Aurors have the same damage to their souls as Death Eaters if they both kill to survive?

Feminism in Harry Potter has some pitfalls from the onset, one listener opines.

What did Sirius Black's family members think upon receiving word of his incarceration?

The hosts take turns choosing one wizarding profession that they would have in the Wizarding world.

Quizzitch: Where specifically does Moaning Myrtle mention haunting Olive Hornby?

This week's episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast


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, and use code 'MUGGLE' while registering for a discount!!


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Does Goblet of Fire feel like a rushed book? And more MuggleMail

This week, open up your copy of The Daily Prophet and settle in for some hot goss as the hosts break down Rita Skeeter's Scoop on Rebeus Hagrid and his qualifications as a Hogwarts professor! Plus, between Ludo and some goblins and Rita and Hermione, were we moments away from a good ole fashioned pub brawl at The Three Broomsticks? Join us and find out!

Welcome Patreon member, Liza! Check out her book club by following her on Twitter and Instagram


We discuss the recent news that all seven Harry Potter audiobooks will be transformed into new full-cast ensemble productions!

Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 24: Rita Skeeter's Scoop

7-Word Summary: Rita ignites rumors in The Three Broomsticks

Do we think Cedric gave Harry a good clue about the egg?

Main Discussion #1: Dumbledore's Giant Mistake

Draco Malfoy... the 1950’s cartoon villain?!

Why does Hermione fail to grasp certain larger wizarding world dynamics?

Micah's Hot Take: While definitely scathing, Rita's article about Hagrid is... TRUE!

Should Dumbledore sack Hagrid as Care of Magical Creatures professor?

Why didn't Hagrid start as an assistant and receive proper training?

How do we feel about the students getting a proper Care of Magical Creatures lesson? 

Lupin and Hagrid have drastically different reactions to being outed! Why did Dumbledore accept Lupin’s resignation but not Hagrid’s?

Main Discussion #2: A Bagman In The Pub. Why is Ludo really meeting with the goblins? Is he trying to plant a story about his boss with Rita? How concerned should we be about Barty Crouch Sr.'s absence?

Should Hermione have been more careful calling out Rita in a crowded pub?

Main Discussion #3: Justice for Hagrid. Dumbledore shows up for Hagrid on a whole new level!

Do the letters of support Hagrid receives actually support his role as professor?

Does Dumbledore's trust in people and belief in second chances stem from his own family situation and relationship with Grindelwald?

Odds and Ends cover Krum practicing for The Second Task, Sleakeazy’s Hair Potion, goblin rebellions and Aberforth's lust for goats!

Next week: We're busting open the Muggle Mail bag, so send us your feedback!

Quizzitch question: The tub in the Prefects’ Bathroom features roughly how many golden taps? Submit your answer at MuggleCast.com/Quizzitch!

Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us!

Check out the MuggleCast Overstock Store to grab MuggleCast t-shirts, signed album art, and so much more! Supplies are limited, so act fast and help us support the show!

For twice-monthly Bonus MuggleCast, as well as other great benefits, including the chance to co-host the show, a new physical gift every year, and a video message from one of the four of us visit Patreon.com/MuggleCast!


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Rita and Micah's Hagrid Hot Take (GOF Chapter 24, Rita Skeeter's Scoop)

Can YOU dance like a Hippogriff? Nananananananana! It's Yule Ball season and this week, we’re fraternizing with the enemy, proving our emotional span is greater than a teaspoon and dodging Moody's creepy eye, all while trying our best to keep our dates happy and turn it up on the dance floor!

Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 23: The Yule Ball

7-Word Summary: Hormones fly amok at Hogwarts’ Big Holiday

Main Discussion #1: Hermione’s Chapter

Would anyone that Hermione took to the ball have been free of Ron’s criticism?

The Courting of Hermione Granger

What do we think of Viktor Krum's approach... and sheer vulnerability?

We react to Hermione's decision to have Madam Pomfrey shrink her teeth

Main Discussion #2: Hurricane Ron

Animal Magnetism, baby! What makes Ron suddenly so full of himself?

Sour face, sour mood: Ron casts a massive black cloud over the entire Yule Ball

Could Ron be jealous his two besties are a part of the Elite Champions date club?

Low Blow, Ron! Does Hermione truly not have Harry's best interests at heart?

We debate if Harry did enough to defuse the tension between Ron and Hermione

Odds and Ends cover Sirius' knife, Dobby's Christmas gift, Barty Crouch Jr.'s mysterious absence, Snape and Karkaroff's odd relationship, Beetle Rita and more!

Next week: Goblet of Fire, Chapter 24: Rita Skeeter's Scoop

Quizzitch question: According to Rita Skeeter, what department at the Ministry would be particularly interested in Hagrid’s Blast-Ended Skrewts?

Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us!

Check out the MuggleCast Overstock Store to grab MuggleCast t-shirts, signed album art, and so much more! Supplies are limited, so act fast and help us support the show!

For twice-monthly Bonus MuggleCast, as well as other great benefits, including the chance to co-host the show, a new physical gift every year, and a video message from one of the four of us visit Patreon.com/MuggleCast!


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

581: What if Petunia Had Been Accepted to Hogwarts? And More MuggleMail

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