In a festive Halloween-themed discussion, fans dive into the new illustrated edition of 'Sorcerer's Stone,' comparing its artwork to previous releases. Controversial opinions spark fiery debates: Is Hermione a terrible person? Are movie-only fans less genuine? The varying portrayals of characters like Snape and Hermione are examined, revealing deeper narratives in the books. The dynamics of relationships, particularly Hermione’s with Ron and Krum, are critiqued, along with unexpected moments from the films, making for a lively exploration of the wizarding world.

In a chilling Halloween tribute, the hosts dive into the scariest moments of the Harry Potter series. From Fluffy's growls to Tom Riddle's haunting influence, they reflect on spine-tingling scenes across the books. The discussion ranges from the terrifying Dementors to the unsettling presence of Dolores Umbridge. They explore horror themes intertwined with real-world issues like trauma and betrayal, while also detailing monstrous creatures like Acromantulas. A perfect blend of fright and nostalgia awaits!

PSA for the USA: Many voter registration deadlines are approaching in the United States. Please make sure you are registered to vote in your state right now by visiting IWillVote.com. You can also find out great ballot information at BallotReady.org and sign up to be a poll worker at PowerThePolls.org.  Quidditch Through the Ages gets a fully-illustrated edition by Emily Gravett. We dig into the book and share what we love about it! The new edition has an illustration on every page, and nearly 3 times the page count of the original book, plus -- Andrew's confirmed -- unique paper stock. Are there bits in this new book that weren't in the original? The hosts discuss Emily's impressive world building, and how it feels like a history book. What are our favorite new illustrations, and where does this version rank among other illustrated books? Debate Segment: Is Quidditch a dumb or amazing sport? Be sure to vote in our polls on social media later this week, to help us determine who won the dbeate! MuggleMail addresses more plot holes. How does Lily's love protection work? Why did the portkey take Harry back to the maze? We finally get some satisfying answers. The hosts play a game: Avada Kedavra, Imperio, Love Potion with characters from Fantastic Beasts! Quizzitch: Who was the seeker for the Irish National Quidditch team in 1994? This week's episode is sponsored by ThirdLove (get 10% off your perfect fitting bra by visiting ThirdLove.com/mugglecast) and Peacock TV (watch the Harry Potter movies for free, all October long!) Support us on Patreon and receive magical benefits! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dive into the intriguing world of Harry Potter as the discussion uncovers major plot holes, like why James didn’t become his own Secret Keeper and the mystery of the Marauder’s Map. Explore how Time Turners could have changed everything and the complexities of Voldemort's character, particularly his inability to love. Delve into the mechanics of the Triwizard Cup and why the Ministry of Magic failed to prove Sirius Black’s innocence. Plus, enjoy light-hearted trivia and reflections on the implications of magical ethics!

Welcome Slug Club member Shyam! He, too, has gotten a letter from the author! MuggleMail includes MORE casting of gingers, Sorting Hats, Slytherins and Aussies. Could the eventual Potter TV show be on network television, rather than a streaming app? Our main discussion this week is about orphans in literature! Why are there so many, and how are they alike? Are there benefits for authors wanting to start a hero off with a blank slate that makes orphaning them appealing? How does Harry's orphan status affect him? What would change if Lily and James survived? What about Voldemort? He, too, is an orphan, but he and Harry are so different, or are they? We examine some other notable orphans: Batman, Superman, Anna and Elsa from Frozen, James Bond and even Jane Eyre! For Quizzitch: Who invented the spell Muffliato?? You can join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast! This week's episode is brought to you by BeachBody. Text 'mugglecast' to 30-30-30 to receive a free trial! Bonus MuggleCast this week is us reading the new trailer for our show! Live to tape, including bad impersonations and the public debut of Southern!Hagrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andrew's prophecy comes true... almost! Hogwarts Legacy is coming to a video game console near you in 2021! What are our initial reactions to the trailer for this open-world video game? We offer some suggestions on what fans can do who are hesitant about purchasing this game. Muggle Mail covers The Pizza Wizard, The Lost Day, Neville, Sirius, a Harry Potter television station and more! Main Discussion: Fantasy Casting The Harry Potter Television Series Peeves, Professor Binns, Ludo Bagman, Augusta Longbottom and The Gaunts: we cast the characters from the books that never made it on screen! Who would play the Founders? Would James Cosmo or Paul Giamatti make a better Gryffindor? Would you cast Viola Davis or Indira Varma for Ravenclaw? John Malkovich as Slytherin? Rebel Wilson as Hufflepuff? In recasting the trio of Harry, Ron and Hermione, can the Potter series catch lightning in a bottle twice? Who did the hosts recast in the roles of Dumbledore, Snape, McGonagall and Voldemort? How would Patton Oswalt fair as Rubeus Hagrid? Tom Ellis as Sirius Black? For Quizzitch: Which famous British actor put in two weeks notice and quit a role they had been cast in for Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets? You can join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast!! This week's episode is brought to you by BetterHelp (Get 10% off your first month by visiting BetterHelp.com/mugglecast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Muggle Mail answers some of our questions regarding Neville's sorting, and asks why Harry isn't more grateful to Lupin. This week the hosts ask, What are key, never-before-seen moments from the Harry Potter books that we want to see adapted in the TV series? This is our chance to FINALLY see some critical scenes that never made it into the books or films! Andrew kicks things off with light and grim moments: The creation of the Marauders Map, and the entire night of James and Lily's deaths. Will we finally get to see Azkaban in person, and answer how grown wizards interact with Dementors? What about Moody being overtaken by Pettigrew and Crouch, and other Death Eater things? Fresh off our Order of the Phoenix re-read, Laura asks that we see where Dumbledore ran off to. Will the show track Snape becoming the HBP? What about Dumbledore searching for Horcruxes? What scenes might we see in a future Fantastic Beasts film? What pizza toppings exist in the Wizarding World? Hippogriff? Niffler? Bowtruckle? Micah recounts the Top 7 scenes that were never adapted for the film: Winky, Nearly Headless Nick, and more! For Quizzitch: In GOF, what does "Mad-Eye" say ambushed him? Andrew has a show-stopping revelation about how to make the TV series happen. You can join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast!! This week's episode is brought to you by Quip (Visit GetQuip.com/Muggle and get your first refill free) and BetterHelp (Get 10% off your first month by visiting BetterHelp.com/mugglecast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dive into the fascinating parallels between Harry and Neville as they navigate their intertwined destinies. Discover the influence of prophecy on their journeys and how both characters share striking similarities in their upbringings. The conversation even draws humorous biblical comparisons, likening Harry to Christ and Neville to John the Baptist. Plus, relish memorable moments featuring Neville's transformation into a courageous leader in the fight against Voldemort, highlighting themes of friendship, growth, and overcoming adversity.

This week, the hosts rate every Hogwarts professor, comparing their effectiveness and teaching styles. Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Snape are put under the microscope for their unique approaches, while the contrasting methods of Lockhart and Lupin spark lively debate. The discussion even touches on special educators like Arthur Weasley. Listeners participate with a poll, and the dynamic between mentors and students is explored, showcasing the profound effects of good teaching in the wizarding world.

The hosts celebrate two decades since the iconic casting announcement of Harry, Ron, and Hermione. They share updates on the franchise, including box office successes and the future of the Fantastic Beasts series. The discussion dives deep into what makes a chapter truly exceptional, highlighting emotional connections and pivotal moments. Fans voice their love for Goblet of Fire, while the hosts reveal their favorite chapters. A fun trivia segment adds to the engagement, rounding off a vibrant and nostalgic exploration of the beloved series.