Party in the Portraits (Half-Blood Prince Chapter 17, 'A Sluggish Memory')

It's time for a very important H-word to be introduced to Harry. No, Fat Lady, it's not the one you experienced over your holiday break! Join the MuggleCasters as we discuss Chapter 17 of Half-Blood Prince, in which Dumbledore introduces Harry to 'A Sluggish Memory'.

The Fat Lady seems to be telling herself to practice abstinence after the holidays. Sounds like it was a party in the portraits over Christmas!

How do students end up missing the new Common Room passwords? Is it the school's fault, or is it the students?

It's time for the students to learn how to apparate! ... For a price. We look at why Hogwarts and the Ministry might be charging for these additional lessons.

Dismissive Dumby: Albus' ego is on full display as he plays off Harry's questions about Snape and Draco. As expected, Andrew comes in with a #DumbleDefense.

Back in the memories, Dumbledore shows Harry more about Tom Riddle's time at Hogwarts.

Why didn't Dumbledore do more when Tom Riddle was at school and clearing causing trouble?

We learn the real reason Dumbledore asked Slughorn back to teach, and we hear that certain H-word a first time (No, it's not 'Hufflepuff' or 'Horace')

Connecting the Threads: There are some big parallels between Chapter 17 of Chamber of Secrets, and this Chapter of Half-Blood Prince!

MVP: Which memory truly is THE most important memory Dumbledore has collected?

Lynx Line: You've just learned to Apparate. Where are you going first?

Quizzitch: While Lord Voldemort commits patricide by killing Tom Riddle Sr., what is the broader term used when someone kills a near-relative of theirs such as a grandparent?

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