Harry learns that Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge has appointed a new Defence Against the Dark Arts professor: Dolores Umbridge. Umbridge immediately clashes with Harry and punishes him for his “lies” by forcing him to write a message with a magic quill, scarring his hand. Despite the concern of his best friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, Harry refuses to see Dumbledore, who has distanced himself from Harry since the summer. As Umbridge’s control over the school increases, Harry, Hermione, and Ron form a secret group to train students in defensive spells, calling themselves “Dumbledore’s Army”.