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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