Critical Magic Theory: An Analytical Harry Potter Podcast

In this Prof Responds episode of Critical Magic Theory, Professor Julian Wamble dives into the dazzling disaster that is Gilderoy Lockhart—our favorite fame-chasing fraud. From his misuse of memory charms to his obsession with applause over competence, this episode unpacks your brilliant post-episode chat insights and tackles the deeper themes of image, power, and performance. Is Lockhart just a punchline, or is he something more sinister? What does his pretty privilege reveal about the Wizarding World’s gullibility? And most importantly, is he actually a good Ravenclaw?  Along the way, we explore the ethics of memory charms (spoiler: it’s dark), compare Lockhart’s influence to real-world influencers and tech bros, and ask what villainy looks like when it’s hiding behind great hair and a charming smile. Lockhart may be incompetent in some ways, but as this episode reveals—he’s dangerously good at playing dumb.

What would you do to be remembered? This week on Critical Magic Theory, Professor Julian Wamble dives deep into the shimmering shallows of Gilderoy Lockhart—a man so desperate for legacy, he obliterated others’ lives just to make space for his own myth. From vanity and fraudulence to memory charms and moral delusion, we interrogate what happens when someone builds their identity entirely on lies—and worse, starts believing them. Is Lockhart a villain? A bad Ravenclaw? Just a glorified PR stunt with good hair? Join us as we unpack the performance of fame, the ethics of memory, and why silence might be the most dangerous thing of all. Also: Beyoncé, colonialism, and why Lockhart’s story might be the Wizarding World’s most damning metaphor. Special thanks to our new Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/c/CriticalMagicTheory] Deep Diver: Grace

What do maternal tropes, mediocre men, and magical possession all have in common? In this "Prof Responses" episode, Professor Julian Wamble returns to unpack the post-episode chats on two very different figures: Minerva McGonagall and Quirinus Quirrell.   Was McGonagall really written as a maternal figure—or have we reimagined her to reflect a world Rowling couldn’t envision? And what do we do with Quirrell, a Ravenclaw who might’ve been smart enough to find Voldemort but foolish enough to wear him like a backpack?   From challenging the “mom or mess” dichotomy to breaking down the blurry lines between agency and possession, this episode dives into how fandom, canon, and cultural context shape the way we read these characters. And yes, favoritism, ambition, and the overconfidence of mediocre white men all make an appearance.   As always, stay critical while keeping it magical!

What if the villain wasn’t overtaken—but offered himself up?   In this episode of Critical Magic Theory, Professor Julian Wamble dives into the sweaty, stammering chaos of Professor Quirrell—and the dangerous audacity that lies beneath it. Often remembered as little more than a jittery man in a turban, Quirrell is actually one of the clearest cautionary tales in the Wizarding World: a man who gave Voldemort room on the back of his head in exchange for the illusion of power. From Ravenclaw ego to radical insecurity, we unpack what happens when ambition meets delusion—and why Quirrell might not be possessed, but willing.   Plus, a warm welcome to our newest Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/c/CriticalMagicTheory] Deep Divers: Addy, Rachel, and Nicole! Your support keeps this world spinning and these conversations growing—thank you for diving deep with us. Be on the lookout for the Lockhart survey!  Til then, be critical and stay magical my friends!

“She was watching the Dursleys all day while everyone else celebrated—and somehow, we still expect more from her.”   In this episode of Critical Magic Theory, we take a long-overdue deep dive into the one and only Minerva McGonagall. Often admired for her strength, fairness, and dry wit, McGonagall is seen by many as the model of a good teacher, a good Gryffindor, and a good person. But what happens when we start asking whether those expectations are fair—or even possible? We unpack how patriarchy and pureblood supremacy shaped her life, how the fandom has turned her into a presumed infallable fantasy maternal figure, and ask why we judge her more harshly than we do many of her male counterparts. From bending rules for Harry to staying behind at Hogwarts under Death Eater control, McGonagall’s story is one of survival, restraint, and invisible labor—and maybe that’s a different kind of heroism altogether.   And a special thank-you to our newest Deep Divers on Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/c/CriticalMagicTheory]: Lynn, Molly, and CunningandCompassion. Your support means the world.