Harry, Hermione, and Ron make their way to the [Hog's Head], where they expect students to turn up who are interested in taking defence lessons from Harry. On the way they discuss whether they're breaking any school rules, and marvel at the atmosphere in the grungy pub.

The door to the [Hog's Head] opens and a crowd of students walks in, all to hear what Harry has to say about teaching them defence lessons. Despite some initial resistance, all twenty-eight of them sign up to take lessons, and gradually make their way back into [Hogsmeade].

With their fellow students gone, Harry, Hermione, and Ron talk discuss their meeting at the [Hog's Head]. In doing so, Harry and Ron learn that Ginny is dating Michael Corner - and Harry learns from Hermione that Cho "couldn't take her eyes off" him during the meeting, thrilling him even further.

For the rest of the weekend Harry is happier than he's been all year, thanks to his knowledge that his defence group is resisting [Umbridge] and the [Ministry].

Harry and Ron awaken to find a crowd in the common room, gathered around an [Educational Decree], which bans all student organizations. Soon Hermione comes down as well, and they grimly head down to breakfast.

At breakfast Harry quickly shoos away members of his defence club who are wondering whether they can still meet, but Harry himself defiantly says that the group will continue on. However, [Angelina] arrives and make him realize [Quidditch] teams are included in the ban, and Harry agrees to continue to keep his temper with [Umbridge].

As History of Magic drones on, Hedwig arrives at the window, clearly injured. Harry asks for permission to leave class and runs to the [staffroom] to find [Professor Grubbly-Plank], who agrees to nurse Hedwig back to health, but as Harry leaves Professor McGonagall warns him that communication channels are being watched.