Harry, Ron and Hermione are worried about Hagrid, because he’s not there at the beginning of the new school year and is replaced by Professor Grubbly-Plank. The Sorting Hat warns everybody and says that it is a mistake to quarrel with the other houses in dark times, because the school should stand together. During the start-of-term feast, Dumbledore introduces Professor Umbridge, the new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. Despite the displeasure of the other teachers and the disinterest of the pupils she gives a long speech. Later Hermione explains to Ron and Harry that the speech signifies that the Ministry of Magic interferes in Hogwarts business. In the boy’s dormitory there is trouble, because Seamus tells Harry, that he and his mother believe the Daily Prophet. Neville tells him that he and his grandmother believe Harry. Ron winds up the situation by threatening detention to Seamus.
