Chapter 5
Hermione tapped her galleon with her wand and the words "Entrance Hall. Urgent." appeared on it. Then she set it so that it would vibrate in the D.A. members' pockets. Having done that, she raced up the stairs to Gryffindor Tower.
All around the castle, members of the D.A. jumped as they felt their galleons vibrate. Ever so cautiously, they would take the galleon out and look at them, when they saw the message, they would invariably jump to their feet and head towards the door, gripping their wands. They remembered being told what happened in the D.M. and had been very sorry that they had missed it, and it was agreed that no matter what they were doing at the time, they would not miss another chance.
As soon as the members of the D.A. plus as many of the other students as possible who had seen the others leave, were in the Entrance Hall, Ron began telling them what had happened.
"Now, there is one thing that all of you must understand very clearly," he said. "Many of you will remember a man named Sirius Black from three years ago, well I am here to tell you that he is innocent of all crimes that were brought against him." He went on to tell a very abbreviated version of the story that he, Hermione, and Harry had heard in third year.
"I know that some of you might think that this is unbelievable, but believe me when I say that we want only those who believe in his innocence to come with us. We will have enough trouble out there without wondering who is on our side. One of the reasons I told you Sirius Black's story is because you will see him out there and you will also see the true traitor, we want you to be prepared. Any who do not believe that Sirius Black is innocent, please leave and return to your dormitories." No one left.
It was a symbol of how much Ron, Hermione, and Harry were respected by most of the school, that everyone believed Ron immediately. They did not question that he had asked those who did not believe to leavebecause in times like this, distrust could lead to death.
When Hermione returned to the Entrance Hall, she saw nearly three-fourths of the school waiting. She wasn't really surprised, after all, those students made up the better part of the school. The smart ones, the brave ones and the loyal ones.
"Ginny, Neville," she said, "I would like to give you a very special job. I would like you to guard the entrance to the Whomping Willow. That is where Sirius and Harry are going to be. Just stay far enough away from the branches to not get hit."