New year of Hogwarts, new song from the Sorting Hat! That’s the way it goes this week as our first Chapter by Chapter of 2025 delves into Chapter 11 of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Join Eric, Laura and Micah on a fun adventure past thestrals, toady new teachers, and unexpected conflicts with dorm mates.

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• Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 11: The Sorting Hat’s New Song. Our Time Turner segment has us spinning an old recording from past discussions! Be sure to check out Episode 446 for our prior Chapter 11 analysis!
• Harry sometimes sees things others don’t, but how often is death involved in the process? Laura connects some threads for us.
• How fair or unfair is Luna’s assertion that Hagrid is not well-loved by the Ravenclaws?
• According to the Sorting Hat, Godric and Salazar were BEST FRIENDS!
• The Hat could use some career advice right about now, it’s second guessing its own mission.
• Someone interrupts Nick talking about previous times the Hat has given a warning. So, we guess at when that might have occurred.
• Enter Umbridge, an Orwellian villain who talks way too much to bury her sinister intent.
• Fortunately, HermioneGPT can explain the speech to Ron, Harry, and anyone who accidentally fell asleep.
• Harry’s own House mates are on their way toward believing the lies of the Daily Prophet. But Neville is coming into his own, and defends Harry. You love to see it.
• Our What If? segment covers: What If Seamus moved out?
• Lynx Line: Which Hogwarts teachers and lessons could use the most reform, and how would you reform them?
• Quizzitch:In light of Umbridge’s long and boring speech, what is the length of the longest speech ever given in the UK, presented by Henry Peter Brougham in 1828?
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