MuggleCast: The Harry Potter Re-Read Podcast

Severus, Please... Order Fries (HBP Chapter 27, 'The Lightning Struck Tower')

June 3, 2026·55 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

This week on MuggleCast: “SNAPE KILLS DUMBLEDORE!” It’s time to discuss one of the biggest shocks in the entire Harry Potter series. Join us as we begin to wrap up our chapter-by-chapter re-read of Half-Blood Prince! Chapter by Chapter continues with Chapter 27 of Half-Blood Prince, “The Lightning Struck Tower” (cue Andrew pitching Universal his attraction idea once again) Draco thinks he has the upper hand here, but Dumbledore shows grace and humility. Is Draco trying to blame Albus for the trouble they’re both in? Did Dumbledore know about the Vanishing Cabinet? This chapter offers us a couple of clues. Micah offers several fascinating bits of symbolism concerning the Lightning-Struck Tower itself. We look at how the idea to use coins to communicate has come around full circle, from Death Eaters, to Hermione, and back to Death Eaters. Did Dumbledore think such a large audience would witness his death? For a big planner like Albus, he may not’ve seen that twist coming. The Astronomy Tower has made several appearances across the Harry Potter series to date. We review the times that it’s popped up. Lynx Line: You’re Dumbledore in the afterlife. When Snape gets there next year, what’s the first thing you’re saying to him? Reminder: Year 5 of the MuggleCast Collectors Club is here! You can receive SIX exclusive stickers by joining us on Patreon. These stickers can go on the custom Collectors Club Card we released a few years ago, or you can put them wherever else you like! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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