The strong turnout for the Defensive Arts meeting may be motivated as much or even more by the students' curiosity about Cedric Diggory's death, thanas bywell as an interest in learning proper defensive magic, though Harry is adamant he will never discuss what happened during the Triwizard Tournament. Harry's comment that most consider him a "nutter" is probably true, but he has done little to help overcome that perception, preferring to withhold details about his confrontation with [[Muggles' Guide to Harry Potter/Characters/Lord Voldemort|Voldemort]] and to internalize his emotions—an action reflecting his constant need to face adversity alone. Regardless, the students agree to give the lessons a try, althoughthough many probably doubt Harry's claim about Voldemort's resurrection. However, their disgust with Umbridge likely helps to finalize their decision to join.
While Harry may still be reluctant to teach the class, it has provided one benefit—an opportunity to get closer to Cho Chang, who Harry now knows is interested in him. Ron, meanwhile, is upset that Michael Corner is interested in Ginny, though it seems that this has little to do with Michael himself and more to do with Ron being a protective older brother. He may feel that no one is "good enough" to date his little sister. It is certainly suggestive that Ron never comments onthat hishe distrustingdistrusts Corner until after Hermione mentions the attachment.
