Should We Feel Sorry for Petunia Dursley? And more MuggleMail

It’s the day of Harry’s hearing in our Chapter-by-Chapter re-read of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, and we wouldn’t blame you if you lost sleep over it. While the odds are stacked firmly against Harry in several ways, Dumbledore decides to save Harry and us all by standing up against the increasingly-fascist Ministry of Magic. Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and our Slug Club guest Monet as they tackle Chapter 8, “The Hearing.” Welcome to the show, Slug Club guest Monet! Just like Monet, YOU can guest-host the show if you pledge to our Patreon at the Slug Club level. In addition, you can now gift a Patreon subscription to a friend! Additionally, we’re hosting a Black Friday sale (use code: SIRIUS, get it?!) on our MuggleCastMerch.com online store! Get 15% off your order now through Cyber Monday (December 1st). Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 8: The Hearing. And our Time Turner segment has us spinning some old recordings from past discussions! Be sure to check out Episode 441 and Episode 240 for prior Chapter 8 analysis! How does this chapter hit differently for us now, versus in 2003? Laura says the trial seems a lot more believable. Eric lists the ways that the trial impugns on Harry’s rights and is designed to be cruel and throw him off of his game. Monet points out a direct parallel between this trial, and the one we see for Mary Cattermole in Deathly Hallows. Andrew admires Dumbledore’s show of force, his preparedness too, and for once we all agree with him! Had Dumbledore not arrived, would Harry have been convicted? Would his wand have been smashed before anyone could do anything about it? Dumbledore’s calm and even tone, and his humility - allowing the Minister and co. to save face - is critical to his success, Laura says. The connection between a know-it-all headmaster, the ignorant Minister, and the country’s slow descent into Voldemort’s rule is analyzed. Does Dumbledore’s interference here cause the Ministry to retaliate later in the year? Lynx Line: What crime would listeners have to face a disciplinary hearing at the Ministry over? And, who would we want as our defense? Quizzitch: The UK judicial system established a Supreme Court in 2009. Prior to that, what was the highest court in the UK?? Don't forget you can support the show over at Patreon.com/MuggleCast! You’ll get great benefits such as Bonus MuggleCast, live streams, yearly stickers, Lynx Line participation, a physical gift, a video message from one of the four of us made just for you, our private Facebook and Discord groups where you can hang out with fellow Potter fans, and so much more! Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aren’t government buildings exciting? This week, the MuggleCasters jog their memories of how to do public transit because it’s time to go to the Ministry for Harry’s disciplinary hearing! Join Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura as they discuss Chapter 7 of Order of the Phoenix, “The Ministry of Magic.” Show announcements including what’s going on over at #Millennial and What the Hype?! as well as a unique gift idea for the upcoming Holidays. HP TV Show news! Actor Mark Rylance is reportedly a top pick for Dumbledore by the creators of the show. We can see it. Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 7: The Ministry of Magic. And our Time Turner segment has us spinning some old recordings from past discussions! Be sure to check out Episode 440 and Episode 240 for prior Chapter 7 analysis! For their journey to the Ministry, why does Arthur go it alone? Does it put Harry at undue risk? How come Arthur didn’t know where he was going, and why wouldn’t he plan it in advance? Micah comes for Arthur including his job title versus his lack of demonstrated competence with Muggle things. We are shook. How would a wizard react to public transit apps? Do we think the Muggle entrance to the M.O.M. has been updated since the 1990s? The hosts compare the Ministry fountains between books 5 and 7, with keen insight. Somebody get everyone some coffee! It’s just another day at work for most people. Seeing Arthur’s office in person, we cannot help but feel like Percy may have had a point. We adore the many layers of Arthur and Kingsley’s work conversation. Odds and Ends include the first mention of Scrimgeour, the Quibbler, and more! Lynx Line: What floor of the Ministry of Magic would our Patrons most like to party on? Quizzitch: What is Amelia Bones’ middle name? Reminder! The MuggleCast Merch Store is now open! Grab brand-new, original MuggleCast designs. We have t-shirts, sweaters, hoodies, hats, and more! And don't forget you can support the show over at Patreon.com/MuggleCast! You’ll get great benefits such as Bonus MuggleCast, live streams, yearly stickers, Lynx Line participation, a physical gift, a video message from one of the four of us made just for you, our private Facebook and Discord groups where you can hang out with fellow Potter fans, and so much more! Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, grab your doxy spray and settle in because we're deep cleaning the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black. Join Eric, Micah and Laura as they dodge possessed music boxes, coughing wastebaskets, and mysterious lockets all while fighting with a deranged House-Elf and learning about pureblood wizarding families! News Alert: Hogwarts Legacy 2 to crossover with the new Harry Potter TV Show! Plus, get in the holiday spirit as Hogwarts: Wizards of Baking premieres on Food Network and MAX on Nov. 14! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 6: The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black. And our Time Turner segment has us spinning some old recordings from past discussions! Be sure to check out Episode 439 and Episode 230 for prior Chapter 6 analysis! Have we ever been in a situation where an adult forbade us from talking to our friends after hearing something they deemed inappropriate? Does Molly not understand how kids work? Forbidding them from staying up to talk is the best way to ensure they absolutely do that!  Your putting those doxies WHERE?! What happens to these immobilized creatures? Are they permanently paralyzed? STOP RINGING THAT DAMN DOORBELL!!! Has Mundungus ever proven his value to the Order? Foreshadow alert: The locket no one could open What do we make of Sirius's behavior in this chapter? Harry is clearly trying to relate to him, but is Sirius brooding so much on his own misfortune? The Black Family Tapestry, Regulus Black and the meaning of Toujours Pur Did Kreacher predict the ending of Order of the Phoenix? Comparing Kreacher and Gollum from Lord of the Rings Did Lupin and Tonks have secret sleepovers? Lynx Line: Our patrons pick one item from the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black to display in their home. Which Skiving Snackbox candy would each of the hosts be willing to try to get out of something we didn't want to do? Quizzitch: In the Sorcerer’s Stone PC game, what spell do you primarily use to deal with doxies?’ Reminder! The MuggleCast Merch Store is now open! Grab brand-new, original MuggleCast designs. We have t-shirts, sweaters, hoodies, hats, and more! And don't forget you can support the show over at Patreon.com/MuggleCast! You’ll get great benefits such as Bonus MuggleCast, live streams, yearly stickers, Lynx Line participation, a physical gift, a video message from one of the four of us made just for you, our private Facebook and Discord groups where you can hang out with fellow Potter fans, and so much more! Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us for a stroll down the witch’s road to unpack the latest Marvel Television series ‘Agatha All Along.’ In a refreshing move for Marvel, ‘Agatha All Along’ is simultaneously part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe without beating viewers over the head with unnecessary cameos. We address where ‘Agatha’ fits into the larger MCU story, but honestly, this is a story all its own with new characters and plenty of twists and turns along the way. We also discuss the current state of Marvel, and whether or not ‘Agatha’ represents a return to form for the MCU! What were YOUR favorite parts of ‘Agatha All Along,’ and which Marvel property do you think we’ll see these characters in next? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Calling all Sassenachs! This week on What The Hype, we’re diving into the world of ‘Outlander’! Join Pam, Laura, and Micah as they break down the basics of this beloved television series adaptation of Diana Gabaldon’s best selling book series, which follows Claire— a World War II combat nurse who suddenly finds herself time traveling back to 18th century Scotland. Our ‘Outlander’ newbies talk about what it’s been like watching season 1 for the first time, in addition to weighing in on Claire as a protagonist, who else is starting to stand out amongst the ensemble cast as one to keep an eye on, Claire and Jamie’s budding relationship, and much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices