Magical Theory, a Harry Potter podcast

Turn to Page 65, The Whomping Willow. Today’s lesson is called Crash Decisions The chapter begins with Harry surprised that he wants summer break to go even longer, due to his love for life at the Burrow. Summer does end eventually, and the group heads to Platform 9 ¾ to take the Hogwarts Express. When Harry and Ron try to go through the barrier, however, they meet only solid concrete. In a panic, they decide to use the flying Ford Anglia to track down the Hogwarts Express. Surprisingly, they are successful, although the invisibility charm malfunctions, and begin an extensive journey flying above the train. The car begins to give out just as they see the castle, finally stalling out and crashing into a tree: The Whomping Willow. They survive the tree’s assaults and the car ejects them and their stuff and drives off. Ron discovers his wand was nearly snapped in the chaos. In the castle, Professor Snape, then McGonagall and Dumbledore, punish Harry and Ron and try to communicate the gravity of their being seen