Magical Theory, a Harry Potter podcast

Turn to Page 479, The Second Task. Today’s lesson is called Moral Fiber The chapter begins with Harry admitting to Ron and Hermione that he is not prepared for the second task, and recounting the events of the night with Moody and Snape. Harry sends a note to Sirius telling him of the peculiarities and Sirius responds back asking for the date of their next Hogsmeade trip. The days until the second task fly by, and Harry is studying the night before the tasks with Hermione and Ron, until Fred and George gather them to go to see McGonagall. Harry falls asleep while searching for an answer, and is awoken by Dobby - who excitedly gives Harry Gillyweed to eat before going underwater - he had apparently overheard Moody and McGonagall talking about the task. Harry sprints to the task, arriving just in time. He jumps into the water, eats the Gillyweed, and…sprouts gills and flippers! He races around the Black Lake, escaping the Grindylows, before Myrtle points him toward the Merfolk. They watch him carefully, refusin

Turn to Page 458, The Egg and the Eye. Today’s lesson is called Auror Harry. The chapter begins with Harry preparing a nighttime trip to the Prefect’s bathroom, at the suggestion of Cedric. Harry hides under his cloak and uses the Marauder’s Map to avoid detection. He enjoys the bubble bath for a moment before attempting to egg, which screeches all the same. Moaning Myrtle reveals herself and shares what Cedric did with the egg. Harry opens the egg under the water and hears singing, which he deduces might mean there are Merpeople under the Black Lake, where they will hide something he cares about for the second task - and where Harry has to recover it. After bemoaning the need to swim and hold his breath, Harry sets out to return to the Common Room when he spots Bartemius Crouch on the Marauder’s Map. He goes to investigate why the missing Crouch would be wandering Hogwarts late at night when he drops his egg, which alerts Filch, Snape, and Moody. Filch worries about Peeves, Snape about someone having broken

Turn to Page 433, Rita Skeeter’s Scoop. Today’s lesson is called Half-Lies The chapter begins with Harry and the Gryffindors tired after the Yule Ball. Ron and Hermione apparently have called a detente after their argument, while Harry has nagging anxiety about the second task, but refuses to heed Cedric’s advice. When classes start back for second term, the trio discover Hagrid has been replaced by Professor Grubbly-Plank - and Malfoy gleefully shares that it’s due to an article by Rita Skeeter outing Hagrid as half-giant. If Hagrid is home, he refuses to answer their pleas to see him. In Hogsmeade, they find Ludo Bagman huddled with a few Goblins in a corner of The Three Broomsticks. He speaks with Harry, but not Fred and George, and offers Harry help in the tournament after bemoaning the whereabouts of Barty Crouch and Bertha Jorkins. After a confrontation with Rita Skeeter, Hermione marches to Hagrid’s hut and demands to see him. Eventually the door is opened by Albus Dumbledore, and the group console Hag

Turn to Page 403, The Yule Ball. Today’s lesson is called Drama and Dancing’ The chapter begins with Harry enjoying the start of the holidays, and taking time to relax. On Christmas morning, Dobby wakes him up and they exchange sock presents. Pigwidgeon returns with Sirius’ response and Hermione still won’t say who her date to the ball is. On the day of the Yule Ball, Harry and Ron meet with their dates, Parvati and Padma Patil. Harry and Parvati join the champions and their dates - Fleur with Ravenclaw Roger Davies, Cedric with Cho, and Krum with Hermione! The whole school seems stunned by this revelation, but nobody is bothered more than Ron. Harry navigates the dinner conversations among the judges (one of whom is now Percy Weasley, for the absent Barty Crouch) and, with Parvati’s help, he also survives the first dance. The rest of the night is filled with different drama: Parvati and Padma go dance with Beauxbatons boys, Snape and Karkaroff argue, and Harry and Ron overhear Madame Maxime and Hagrid as Hag

Turn to Page 385, The Unexpected Task. Today’s lesson is called Bravery Comes in Different Forms The chapter begins with Harry and Ron being scolded by McGonagall to pay attention. She tells the students that the Yule Ball is approaching, where fourth years and above are expected to attend, socialize….and dance. Harry gets a private note that, as champion, he and his partner will dance together to open the ball. Some of the animosity other students were displaying toward Harry has dissipated, replaced by awkwardness. Late one night, Ron commits Harry to say they will both have dates for the ball by the following night. Harry asks Cho Chang, a fifth-year Ravenclaw, but Cho regretfully tells him she’s already going with Cedric. Harry heads back to the common room to report the bad news, to find Ron stunned by his overture toward Fleur Delacour. In their misery, Ron decides to declare he’ll go with Hermione, who shares that she already has a date to the dance. So does Ginny, who is going with Neville. The chapte

Turn to Page 363, The House-Elf Liberation Front. Today’s lesson is called Barmy Old Codger The chapter begins with Harry reunited with Ronald Bilius Weasley and basking in the glory of completing the first task. In the common room, the Gryffindors celebrate Harry’s performance, Hermione manages to get directions to the Hogwarts kitchens from Fred and George, who advertise Canary Creams after Neville molts, and Harry opens the egg, which screeches and screams in front of everyone. The next day, Harry writes a long letter to Sirius and sends it on Pigwidgeon. Rita Skeeter stops by Hagrid’s Care of Magical Creatures class and schedules an interview, and Hermione leads Ron and Harry down to the Hogwarts Kitchens with a surprise. Harry’s house-elf friend, Dobby, is newly working in the kitchens along with Winky, the former house-elf of Barty Crouch. Dobby is getting paid, and wearing clothes, and asks to come see Harry sometime. Winky is miserable and weeps over her dismissal, and claims that Mr. Ludo Bagman is a

Turn to Page 337, The First Task. Today’s lesson is called Firebolt v Horntail The chapter begins with Harry days away from his dance with a dragon. Most of his effort is going toward simply not completely freaking out and fleeing the castle. Hermione is helping Harry try to figure out what Sirius was going to tell him, without any luck. Harry decides on telling Cedric about the dragons, so that all four champions are working from the same knowledge. Moody oversees, and takes Harry back to his office, which is filled with all sorts of fantastical magical objects. Moody encourages Harry to think about what he’s good at - flying - and what he needs to do what he’s good at - his Firebolt. Harry and Hermione frantically practice the Summoning Charm, Accio, before the day of the task. On the day, Harry pulls the terrible Hungarian Horntail and goes last. He listens as the crowd reacts with groans and cheers to the other three champions. Finally, it’s Harry’s turn, and he successfully summons his Firebolt and outma

Turn to Page 313, The Hungarian Horntail. Today’s lesson is called An Inexorable March The chapter begins with Harry feeling defeated. The school is harsh, Rita Skeeter’s article was nonsense, and Hermione is Harry’s only friend. Harry finds some respite under the Invisibility Cloak, and wanders Hogsmeade next to Hermione. The first task is approaching, and Harry is dreading it and ignoring it. The only thing Harry is looking forward to is talking with Sirius, but before their planned encounter, Hagrid leads a hidden Harry down to see four Dragons that are being kept for the champions. Charlie Weasley talks with Hagrid, while Madame Maxime and Karkaroff witness the dragons, too. Feeling much worse, Harry finally talks with Sirius and unloads all of his bottled up feelings. Sirius tells Harry that Karkaroff was a Death Eater and that Bertha Jorkins going missing was a bad omen. He is about to share with Harry a strategy for dealing with his dragon when Ron interrupts, leaving Harry frustrated and still-yet unp

Turn to Page 288, The Weighing of the Wands. Today’s lesson is called Unshared Burden The chapter begins with Harry remembering the night before, ready to convince Ron. Ron is gone, so Harry reluctantly plans to go to breakfast alone. Hermione meets him at the door with toast, however, saving him the embarrassment. She believes Harry did not put his name in the Goblet and encourages him to write Sirius. Harry does, and Hedwig ignores him because he chooses a less conspicuous owl. Classes are terrible, as are the hallways, and everywhere in Hogwarts as Harry is accosted from almost all sides. Hagrid also believes Harry, but Snape and Slytherins terrorize him worse than usual. Colin Creevey arrives with a respite midway through potions, that Harry is meant to have his wand weighed for the tournament. When Harry arrives, Rita Skeeter conducts an ethics-free interview of Harry. The wands are weighed by Ollivander himself, and the champions have their photos taken. When Harry finally returns, there is a response f

Turn to Page 272, The Four Champions. Today’s lesson is called Of Course He Is Lying The chapter begins with Harry Potter. Harry’s name has emerged from the Goblet of Fire. The great hall is buzzing softly, until Dumbledore calls for Harry to come up, and the whispers increase in volume. He is ushered down to where the other three champions are, who he notices are quite tall and formidable even as they barely notice him. Bagman bounds in announcing Harry as the fourth champion, followed by disbelief and the slew of adults - most of whom simply assume Harry is lying about not putting his name into the Goblet. A haggard Crouch declares Harry must compete, even as Moody speculates that whoever put Harry’s name in did so in hopes he would die. Harry returns to the Gryffindor common room to find his house gleeful over his participation, except for Ron. Music: Pooka by Kevin MacLeod #MagicalTheory #HarryPotter #podcast #WizardPhD ✨Like the podcast? BECOME A PATRON: https://patreon.com/wizardphd Want a one-time gift

Turn to Page 248, The Goblet of Fire. Today’s lesson is called Judge Not, Lest The chapter begins with our trio and the rest of Hogwarts bustling with excitement over their guests. Ron is particularly enamored with Viktor Krum, but also falls for a girl from Beauxbatons.  Hermione seems to be over the pageantry of it all, maybe because it feels like Hogwarts is getting ignored. Harry is simply taking it all in. The other judges, Ludo Bagman and Bartemius Crouch arrive and the Goblet of Fire is revealed. Dumbledore has drawn an age line to ensure the new 17-or-older rule, which many younger students put to the test and have only newly sprouted beards to show for it. Karkaroff is stunned by Harry and flustered by Moody, Hagrid is enamored by Madame Maxime, and Mr. Crouch seems bored. Eventually, the Goblet makes its decisions and the champions are announced: Viktor Krum from Durmstrang, Fleur Delacour from Beauxbatons, Cedric Diggory from Hogwarts…and Harry Potter… Music: Pooka by Kevin MacLeod #MagicalThe

Turn to Page 228, Beauxbatons and Durmstrang. Today’s lesson is called Arrivals The chapter begins with our trio being Imperiused by Professor Moody. Harry’s experience is unique, in that he struggles against the command, and Moody uses him as an example of how to defend against it. Their other coursework is immense, with each Professor - even Hagrid - seeming to give them mountains of tasks. Fred and George are acting strangely still, Sirius insists on returning to Hogwarts, and Hermione is pestering Gryffindors to join S.P.E.W. The excitement for the Triwizard Tournament mounts with the impending arrival of students from the competing schools. Each arrive in unique ways, with Beauxbatons and their Hagrid-sized Headmistress arriving by flying carriage and Durmstrang and their cold and calculating Headmaster arriving by underwater ship...with their student, Viktor Krum. Music: Pooka by Kevin MacLeod #MagicalTheory #HarryPotter #podcast #WizardPhD ✨Like the podcast? BECOME A PATRON: https://patreon.com/wizardp

Turn to Page 209, The Unforgivable Curses. Today’s lesson is called Tragedies The chapter begins with our trio excited for their first Defense Against the Dark Arts class. Moody takes roll call and then immediately begins a lesson on the Unforgivable Curses. Ron offers the Imperius Curse, Neville the Cruciatus Curse, and Hermione the Killing Curse - Avada Kedavra. Moody unceremoniously performs these curses to demonstrate why they are unforgivable, in the name of constant vigilance. Neville is shaken after class and Hermione tries to comfort him, but Moody interrupts and invites Neville up for tea. Later, Hermione shares that she has started S.P.E.W the Society for the Protection of Elvish Welfare to fight the enslavement of House Elves. She invites Harry and Ron to join, and declares their mission. As she does, Hedwig arrives with a response from Sirius, who insists on coming back to Hogwarts to help protect Harry. Music: Pooka by Kevin MacLeod #MagicalTheory #HarryPotter #podcast #WizardPhD ✨Like the podcas

Turn to Page 193, Mad-Eye Moody. Today’s lesson is called Appearances Can Be Deceiving The chapter begins with our trio on the morning of their first day of classes. First is Herbology, then Care of Magical Creatures, then Divination for Ron and Harry and Arithmancy for Hermione. In Herbology, they collect bubotuber pus, in Care of Magical Creatures they try to feed newborn blast-ended skrewts, and in Divination, Professor Trelawney predicts (surprise, surprise) bad things for Harry. Hermione has resumed eating, but is visiting the library frequently for unknown reasons. After classes, Malfoy harasses Ron over a Daily Prophet article about Arthur and troubles at the Ministry. When Harry insults Draco’s mother, Draco attacks him, but Harry doesn’t need to defend himself, as Moody has already transfigured Draco into a ferret. When McGonagall steps in, Moody takes Malfoy to see Snape, instead. Music: Pooka by Kevin MacLeod #MagicalTheory #HarryPotter #podcast #WizardPhD ✨Like the podcast? BECOME A PATRON: https:

Turn to Page 171, The Triwizard Tournament. Today’s lesson is called Eternal Glory The chapter begins with our trio navigating a torrential downpour, oh and Peeves dropping water balloons. They get to the castle, then the great hall, and watch the Sorting Ceremony. They eat a feast, during which Hermione becomes aware that House-elfs prepare all the food for no money, and refuses to eat anymore. The new Defense Against the Dark Arts instructor, Professor Moody, arrives at Hogwarts in the midst of Dumbledore telling the students there would be no inter-house quidditch tournament - instead there would be the Triwizard Tournament, a dangerous competition for only of-age witches and wizards, with a one thousand galleon prize. Music: Pooka by Kevin MacLeod #MagicalTheory #HarryPotter #podcast #WizardPhD ✨Like the podcast? BECOME A PATRON: https://patreon.com/wizardphd Want a one-time gift instead? Contribute here and buy us a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/wizardphd Listen to us on your favorite podcast platform! Ancho

Turn to Page 158, Aboard the Hogwarts Express. Today’s lesson is called Read a Book, Already! The chapter begins with the end of summer. The morning of the Hogwarts Express departure, Amos Diggory brings an urgent message to Mr. Weasley (through the fire) regarding an issue with Alastor Mad-Eye Moody. Apparently, some magical chaos was seen and heard by muggles, while Moody claims he was fighting intruders. Mr. Weasley rushes to help, while Harry learns that Mad-eye was an auror - a dark wizard catcher. Meanwhile, Charlie and Bill both drop tantalizing hints about the surprise at Hogwarts this year. Hermione informs Ron and Harry about other wizarding schools, competition between them, and interesting types of magic like unplottable locations. On the train, Malfoy stops by and harasses our trio, as usual - first targeting Ron’s dress robes and then the fact that Ron doesn’t know the nature of the secret - leaving Ron feeling “less than.” The chapter ends with their arrival at Hogwarts for their fourth year! M

Turn to Page 145, Mayhem at the Ministry. Today’s lesson is called Fraud at the Daily Prophet The chapter begins with a hurried exit from the Quidditch World Cup. Mrs. Weasley is relieved when they get back to the Burrow, brandishing a Daily Prophet with terrible scenes and an article written by Rita Skeeter including rumors of several dead people. Mr. Weasley declares he needs to work overtime to help with the situation, and Percy joins him. The rest of the kids prep for Hogwarts (and play a little quidditch). Harry tells Ron and Hermione about his Voldemort dream and that he has sent a letter to Sirius. They count down the days, as Mr. Weasley and Percy burn the midnight oil, and Hedwig still hasn’t returned. Oh, and they have to pack dress robes. Music: Pooka by Kevin MacLeod #MagicalTheory #HarryPotter #podcast #WizardPhD ✨Like the podcast? BECOME A PATRON: https://patreon.com/wizardphd Want a one-time gift instead? Contribute here and buy us a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/wizardphd Listen to us on your favo

Turn to Page 117, The Dark Mark. Today’s lesson is called Chaos at the Campsite The chapter begins with the walk back from the match to the tent. Everyone is excited and stays up talking a play-by-play until finally they go to bed. During the night, Mr. Weasley wakes everyone up urgently, and there are shouts outside. He organizes the kids to stay together and flee to the woods as Mr. Weasley, Bill, Charlie, and Percy go to help the ministry to deal with a crowd of Death Eaters who are torturing muggles and destroying the campsite. Ron, Harry and Hermione come across Draco - who implies his parents might be two of the Death Eaters, while Harry realizes he does not have his wand. They find several other strange scenes including: entranced wizards lying to Veela, Winky the house-elf scared and rambling, and Ludo Bagman alone and unaware. Finally, they hear a single incantation that creates a giant skull in the sky, as Ministry Officials immediately apparate and stun the area. Mr. Crouch is especially unsettled

Turn to Page 95, The Quidditch World Cup. Today’s lesson is called As Good As It Gets The chapter begins with Harry, Hermione, and the Weasleys arriving at the stadium and taking the stairs up to their seats in the top box. They take in the sights and sounds, and meet the people nearby them - including Winky, Mr. Crouch’s house-elf, who is saving him a seat. They meet Fudge, the Minister for Magic, and see the Malfoys, who unsurprisingly act horribly to them. The Bulgarians and the Irish mascots - Veela and Leprechauns - perform for the crowd before the teams are introduced. Krum is very young but absolutely fantastic on the broomstick. As the game starts, however, it becomes clear that Ireland is significantly better than the Bulgarians. Eventually, the Irish are up by over 150 points, but Krum still catches the snitch, just to get it over with. The match ends, and our friends get an up-close look at the teams as they come through the top box to be honored. The chapter ends with Fred and George requesting th

Turn to Page 75, Bagman and Crouch. Today’s lesson is called Wide, Wide, World The chapter begins with Harry, Hermione, the Weasleys, and the Diggorys arriving at the quidditch world cup. They check-in at their campsite, arrive at their tent, and Mr. Weasley insists on going it the Muggle way. Harry & Hermione help him assemble the tent and start the fire. Our trio gather water from a tap, and on the walk there and back see all sorts of witches and wizards, and even some that they know! At the campsite, Ludo Bagman arrives boisterously and has a chat from his spot on the grass. He’s enjoying himself to no end and has even begun taking bets on the game - a proposition that the twins take him up on. Barty Crouch comes by, the opposite of Bagman and insists that Bagman not share the other secret before its time. Music: Pooka by Kevin MacLeod #MagicalTheory #HarryPotter #podcast #WizardPhD ✨Like the podcast? BECOME A PATRON: https://patreon.com/wizardphd Want a one-time gift instead? Contribute here and buy u