- Harry, Ron, and Hermione are alone in the Gryffindor common room when Sirius appears in the fire.
- He tells them that Fudge doesn't want the students at Hogwarts trained in combat because he's worried that Dumbledore might be forming an army. Wow, that's some paranoia right there.
- But Sirius also says it looks like Voldemort is about to make a move soon and they need to be ready.
- Hermione knows that only means one thing—they need a real Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher.
- So, she arranges a meeting at the Hog's Head in Hogsmeade Village with a group of students who would be interested in being taught by Harry.
- Some of the students aren't buying it. Is Voldemort really back?
- Yes. Harry explains for the millionth time.
- Then some of his other classmates go over his highlight reel. This kid can produce a Patronus. He killed a basilisk with the sword of Gryffindor. Fought off a load of dementors. So, yeah, he probably really did face You Know Who.
- Okay, Harry explains, all that sounds impressive, but it's not actually that cool when you're doing it. When you're in the real world and you might die, it's a lot different than going over spells in a classroom.
- His bummer speech convinces them and everyone puts their name on a sign up sheet titled "Dumbledore's Army."