While Dumbledore fumes at Grimmauld Place over lost control, vanished Dursleys, and a silent Harry, Sirius finally learns that the Golden Trio has fallen out and that his godson is no longer confiding in him. Back at Hogwarts, Severus Snape uses the quiet of the holidays to plan the next subtle strike against Umbridge with Dobby’s help and to rethink how he will train Harry to survive, not die a martyr. In the Room of Requirement, Harry turns theory into action, drilling Neville and Luna in Expelliarmus, Confringo, and Muggle fighting so they will not freeze if they lose their wands. Neville surprises everyone with a strong disarming spell, Luna signs on for both magic and punches, and by the end of the session Harry has a new morning running partner, a clearer idea of how to build a real fighting force, and a fierce determination to keep his basilisk familiar Balthazar where he belongs, close and protected.