#417: Next Level Magic (HBP 26, The Cave)

Welcome Slug Club member Natalie! News: we get our first look at animatronic Hagrid and discuss the changes coming to Pottermore! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Chapter 26, The Cave 7-Word Summary: Together they enter the mysterious boat ride The perfect breaststroke: what do we make of Dumbledore's new-found agility? Is it pure adrenaline? His eagerness to find the Horcrux? Next level magic: it leaves traces and can be felt! Might J.K. Rowling explain this further in the Fantastic Beasts series? Why does this Horcrux have the highest level of protection? Is it because it once belonged to Voldemort's mother?   Has Voldemort visited the cave since he placed the Horcrux here?  Why is Harry's blood more valuable upon entering the cave but not for exiting? The simple approach: even in the most dangerous of situations, Dumbledore is still teaching Harry Is it possible that because part of Voldemort resides within Harry, that the magic within the cave is mistaking him for Voldemort? Magical weight vs. human weight and how Voldemort's tends to overlook those he considers to be "less than himself" Does Dumbledore's reaction to the bodies in the lake reflect the fact that he's resigned himself to his fate? What do we think Dumbledore is seeing when he drinks the potion? We recall we didn't have the context of Ariana when we first theorized about this in 2005! Dumbledore's Ring of Fire: what spell does he cast to ward off the Inferi? Despite her absence Laura does an amazing job Connecting The Threads (and planning the discussion)! The hosts reveal their Horcrux Hidey Hole, MVPs of the Week and Rename The Chapter! Quizzitch: Which Death Eater calls Dumbledore "Dumby"?  We've finally got @mugglecast on Instagram! Thanks for the help, Amy and Amanda! This week's episode is sponsored by AWAY. Get $20 off a suitcase by going to AwayTravel.com/mugglecast20 and using promo code MUGGLECAST20. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices