The Psychology of Slughorn (HBP Chapter 22, ‘After the Burial’)

About this episode

The episode explores the psychology of Slughorn and key moments from Chapter 22 of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

On this week's episode, it's time for Slughorn Unfiltered. We're going into the true memory that Dumbledore and Harry have been after, opening a significant path forward in the quest to defeat Voldemort! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 22: After the Burial Is Hagrid being a bad friend by asking the trio to break curfew? This isn't the first time Hagrid has put Harry in danger re: Aragog; we recall moments in Chamber of Secrets which connect. Hermione and Ron's reactions to Harry taking liquid luck still make us giggle. How did Hagrid actually fend off all of Aragog's family to get him to his hut? Is Harry being a bad friend to Hagrid by inviting Slughorn to the funeral, knowing Slughorn wants to turn a profit? Could Harry have gotten Horace's memory without using Felix Felicis? We go through why Harry is successful and what steps are taken which ensure his victory with the memory. Does Horace Slughorn appear again in this book? Does he avoid Harry after this? Odds and Ends discuss the first Potions lesson of the year, which was an important one for both Harry and Draco. Lynx Line: When did you successfully persuade someone to do…

Topics covered

• Slughorn
• Harry Potter
• Half-Blood Prince
• friendship
• memory
• Voldemort
• liquid luck

Keywords

• Slughorn
• Dumbledore
• Harry
• Hagrid
• liquid luck
• Voldemort
• memory
• funeral
• friendship
• Chamber of Secrets

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Places: Earth, Chamber of Secrets

More episodes of MuggleCast: The Harry Potter Re-Read Podcast

• Dumbledead (HBP Chapter 28, 'Flight of the Prince') · June 10, 2026 · 53 min
• Severus, Please... Order Fries (HBP Chapter 27, 'The Lightning Struck Tower') · June 3, 2026 · 55 min
• Visiting The 'Harry Potter' TV Show Set Turned a Skeptic Into a Believer · May 27, 2026 · 1h 2m
• Masterful Magic (HBP Chapter 26, ’The Cave’) · May 20, 2026 · 59 min
• Dumbledore's Biggest Secret Ever (HBP Chapter 25, 'The Seer Overheard') · May 13, 2026 · 53 min
• Horcrux Marks the Spot (HBP Chapter 24, ’Sectumsempra’) · May 6, 2026 · 58 min