25 - Blackbird

Slughorn secures a coveted invite to an elite potioneering competition for Hogwarts. The boys hate it, Lily loves it, and the Quidditch pitch may never be the same. James and Rho talk about materials, locality, and what constitutes a potion after James spends far too long trying to pronounce Machynlleth with minimal success. Things customarily devolve into Grindledore commentary shortly after.

Hey, it’s us. Happy 15 years to James from Rho.

Welcome to Thistlecat’s new podcast (welcome back). Just kidding, it’s still us, just interviewed by our close friend, Thistle, after a 2 year hiatus and many changes. Content warning: self inflicted xenophobia (aggrandised).

A seer is born in a catholic parish on an island in the North Irish sea and the marauders get their tea leaves read. James and Rho talk about art shows, world building, red flags in relationships, and c*ck and ball torture. You know, the usual nonsense. 

The little prince is born. Rho and James are academic for five minutes and then everything devolves at an absolutely alarming pace. cw: peripartum psychosis, substance induced psychosis, discussion of mental illness and pregnancy

Remus takes the Knight Bus Godric Hallow. Rho and James discuss writing styles, spoilers, and how much one should breath on their bonsais.

James fumbles through an ode to Rho for their 11 year anniversary as ducks and dogs make a ruckus in the background. 

Two births and two deaths, and Walburga Black’s story is told. Sirius is caught unawares. Rho and James talk about burnout, going back to school, changing professions in a pandemic and round out the evening with grindeldore, as is custom.

Remus shows Sirius the magic of the muggle world and Sirius discovers safety amidst toasters, lawn mowers, and motorcycles.  Rho and James try very hard to have a real discussion about the HP universe and geopolitics, but it invariably devolves into absolute nonsense about Grindledor and crack creature!fics. Listen at your own risk. 

Sirius Orion Black leaves Grimmauld Place. There's graffiti, Jack and Cricket, learning to jump turnstiles and finding his way to a poplar lined avenue with a yellow house and a red mailbox. We discuss all of these things, but we completely forgot to mention moaning Myrtle, who's re-introduced to Hogwarts in the beginning of this chapter. Whoops.