With such a huge commotion outside, it was impossible not to notice.
In fact, the moment Hermione and the others made their decision and stepped out of the secret passage, they sensed the chaotic magical fluctuations in the air, along with an indescribable pressure.
Not to mention that from where they stood now, they could see and hear the shouts of battle and the flashes of magic colliding from the direction of the square.
"Just as Kreacher said."
"If it weren't like this, we wouldn't have thought the chance to activate the final plan had arrived."
Hermione, who had appeared right after her, immediately shot back with practiced ease the moment she heard Pansy's foolish remark.
Of course, Hermione could fully understand the shock and tension in Pansy's heart.
After all, even if they had long since prepared themselves mentally, the thought that this was a battle capable of affecting the future of the magical world made the wand in her hand tremble despite herself.
Especially when that reassuring figure was no longer beside them.
And speaking of Draco's whereabouts, that was also something Pansy and the others were extremely curious about.
Step.
"It looks like with Mr. Malfoy's help, the situation seems to have stabilized. So, what now? Do we look for Draco first, or follow the original plan?"
The one who interrupted their exchange was Fleur Delacour, who had also appeared here with them.
After all, she was quite a bit "older" than Pansy and the others, so when faced with the scene before them, Fleur was the first among them to calm down.
Even so, Fleur did not make the decision for everyone. Instead, she looked toward Hermione, who was a few years younger than herself.
Because when Draco was not present, Hermione was the second-in-command of Draco Constellation.
Fleur was confident she would not lose to anyone.
Nor did she think she lacked ability.
But because she trusted Draco, she also trusted the person he trusted.
Even if that person might be her romantic rival.
...
In the corridors of Hogwarts, as time passed, young wizards from all four Houses gathered there.
Interest, justice, admiration, helplessness, curiosity.
In any case, no matter what reasons these young wizards had originally held when they joined Draco Constellation, there was one thing that could not be denied.
When it came to opposing the Dark Lord, everyone's thoughts were aligned.
Rather, even if they wanted to quit now, it was already impossible.
After all, no matter how naive they were, no one would believe that the brutal Dark Lord would suddenly show mercy and spare everyone present.
On top of that, they had received plenty of real combat training during this period, building no small amount of confidence and courage to raise their wands.
So when faced with Hermione's next decision and plan, these hot-blooded young wizards did not show fear or retreat.
A faint white glow appeared.
It was a small Charm used to amplify one's voice.
Standing in front of everyone, Hermione straightened her not particularly tall figure. "There's only half an hour until midnight. According to our intelligence, this seems to be the final ultimatum issued by the Dark Lord."
Those words made the people who had still been murmuring stop talking.
"In other words, we need to move quickly."
"Before Draco acted alone, he left behind a battle plan."
"Parkinson, Lovegood, and Clearwater will each lead a support team to the three highest towers: Ravenclaw Tower, the Astronomy Tower, and Gryffindor Tower. Those places have broad views and advantageous positions, making them convenient for casting spells!"
The girls whose names were called did not question her at such an urgent moment. Even Pansy, who always opposed Hermione, did not step out to interfere with Hermione's arrangements.
Then Hermione looked toward Ginny, who seemed somewhat distracted. "Weasley and Delacour, you'll lead the combat team into the square with me. We need people to communicate with the Order of the Phoenix and the wizarding alliance. I'll leave that task to you two."
As a member of the Weasley family, Ginny was naturally close to the wizards of the Order of the Phoenix, so this arrangement was very reasonable.
As for Fleur, there was even less need to explain.
After all, before this, she had originally been a member of the wizarding alliance.
Finally.
"Goyle, Crabbe, follow my orders and guard the school entrance!"
"..."
"..."
To be honest, no one present had expected that the person standing before them and giving orders would be Hermione Granger.
Rather, in their minds, the only person who could do something like this should have been Draco Malfoy.
Yet for some reason, they saw that person's shadow in Hermione.
After a few seconds of silence, a resounding shout echoed through the corridor of Hogwarts.
"At your command, Chief of Staff Granger!"