We Solemnly Swear

Note from the MickOlsens: Sorry for our absence! As you've surely felt, the past 6 weeks have been crazy and our little group of sisters have been pulled in a million directions, so we put a pause on publishing. But we're back and will do our best to bring some magic into these crazy times! With over 140 staircases in Hogwarts, there are definitely patterns and tricks the students have to learn to simply make it from their dormitory to class each day!

Kacee Mickelsen is the wonderful sister-in-law to Nadine and Angela. In this episode, we look at who Kacee is in the muggle world and in the wizarding world. Because of Kacee's profession as a singer, we also discuss the musicians found in the Harry Potter world, including Celestina Warbeck and The Weird Sisters! Check out Kacee's latest album here: https://www.kaceemickelsen.com/

Hogwarts without towers is just a lame square office building. In today's episode, we discuss in great heights the many towers that make up the magical skyline that we have come to know and love as Hogwarts, including the Gryffindor Tower, Ravenclaw Tower, Divination Tower, Astronomy Tower, and the Owlery.

If you could recast the Harry Potter movies, regardless of age, who would you choose?

The magical portraits inside Hogwarts are a staple of the castle decor. Representing famous witches and wizards throughout the ages, these paintings can interact with each other and with students. We dive into the history of the portraits we know about, the rules of a magical painting, and theorize about the creation of these masterpieces.

The Tale of the Three Brothers is an iconic story in the Harry Potter universe, weaving in themes found throughout the series. In this week's episode, we break down some of the symbolism behind the story and discuss different fan theories about who the brothers were and what they represent.

Peeves is the poltergeist of Hogwarts who has been around the school since it was founded. “Peeves is the most notorious and troublesome poltergeist in British history. Unlike the overwhelming majority of his colleagues, Peeves has a physical form, though he is able to become invisible at will. His looks reflect his nature, which those who know him would agree is a seamless blend of humour and malice.”

Hogwarts has dozens of ghosts roaming its corridors, so in this episode we break down the stories of the ghosts we know and theorize on why these people chose to stay as spirits.

As a diligent rule-follower and respecter of authority, Percy Weasley puts his prestige and power roles above his family -- and hurts people along the way. In this episode, we break down Percy's life, his ambitions and motivations, and what he did in the end to turn everything around.

It can be a little violent and emotional, but this tree actually helped a lost little boy come to terms with his condition. The Whomping Willow is a staple of the Hogwarts grounds. Planted in 1971, this tree protected the entrance to the Shrieking Shack so a young werewolf could attend school.

"The mind is not a book, to be opened at will and examined at leisure. Thoughts are not etched on the inside of skulls, to be perused by any invader. The mind is a complex and many-layered thing... It is true, however, that those who have mastered Legilimency are able, under certain conditions, to delve into the minds of their victims and to interpret their findings correctly." -- Severus Snape In our legilimency episode, we discuss how the magic works, people we know who are accomplished Legilimens (like Queenie and Voldemort), and different times this power may have been used through the series.

The Hogwarts greenhouses are where Herbology lessons are taught and are home to the many exotic and magical plants which some are extremely dangerous. It is also where you can find the head of Hufflepuff house Pomona Sprout, tending to the magical plant life inside.

Occlumency is the magical defense of the mind against external penetration and is a form of magic we see fairly often in the Harry Potter series. In this episode, we break down what we know about occlumency, who we know has practiced occlumency or is an accomplished occlumens, and how grief/strong emotions can either make someone vulnerable to or incredibly powerful with occlumency.

The Hogwarts Castle holds all the magic, wonder and wisdom that we've all come to know and love in the Harry Potter books. In today's Castle minisode, we discuss the quaint dwelling where our favorite trio spent many afternoons, met baby dragons, followed the spiders, and ate (or at least attempted to eat) the cooking of our beloved half-giant. Today we are talking about Hagrid's Hut!

The required school uniform for Hogwarts School of Wizardry and Witchcraft consists of plain black work robes, a plain pointed black hat (for day wear), a pair of protective dragon hide gloves, and one black winter cloak with silver fastenings. WHY. Why do wizards have to wear robes? Where did this begin in magical history? Do all wizards wear robes? Listen along to find out the answers.

The Hogwarts Castle holds all the magic, wonder and wisdom that we've all come to know and love in the Harry Potter books. In today's Castle minisode, we discuss the Quidditch Pitch and the history of the sport in the wizarding world. https://www.wizardingworld.com/writing-by-jk-rowling/quidditch-world-cup

On October 31, the Potter's were attacked by Lord Voldemort in the safety of their own home. James fought to the death protecting his family. Lily sacrificed herself in front of baby Harry's crib. And ultimately, Lord Voldemort was reduced to a mere shadow of a soul while Harry survives, becoming the Boy Who Lived.

With the release of the new Wizarding World App, we started digging through all the new content and wanted to share our impressions of the new Sorting Quiz, polls, house point system, and more.

Slytherin-baddie Draco Malfoy was rude, cunning, and manipulative. But he was also fragile, easily-influenced, and confused. In the end, did Draco ultimately redeem himself and try to be a better person? Or did the movie fantasize Draco's character because Tom Felton was amazing? Listen to our latest episode to get our take on Draco!

The Hogwarts Castle holds all the magic, wonder and wisdom that we've all come to know and love in the Harry Potter books. In today's Castle minisode, we discuss the Great Lake and all its inhabitants.