After nightfall, Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick appeared on the Castle's covered bridge, gazing out toward the Forbidden Forest.
"Filius, I truly cannot believe that such a thing would happen at Hogwarts. It is abominable."
"Do not be angry, Minerva. At least, with Headmaster Dumbledore's warning, we are well-prepared."
As the two Professors spoke, two more figures stepped onto the covered bridge: Professor Sprout and Hagrid.
"Is everything finished, Pomona?"
Professor Sprout sighed with relief, "It is done, thanks to Hagrid's help."
"Then..." Professor McGonagall turned to look at Nina, who was kneeling to the side, "it is up to you now."
Nina nodded at Professor McGonagall, rose gracefully to her feet, and began to dance before the bright moon.
She wore a crown woven from oak leaves and a simple white robe, appearing cold and noble under the moonlight.
The ancient, mysterious dance blossomed with a strange brilliance once more, beautiful enough to intoxicate anyone who beheld it.
"Hmm... a certain little one will surely envy us and regret not being here."
Professor McGonagall's originally stern expression softened; while appreciating the dance, she couldn't help but mention Karl.
"I think Karl would feign pity, then ask Nina to dance a solo for him."
Professor Flitwick couldn't help but retort; after getting to know Karl, he knew just how outrageous that fellow could be.
Professor Sprout shot them a sidelong glance, not wanting to speak at all.
Her little Hufflepuff was always being eyed by the lions and eagles, and just a few days ago, he had even been snatched into a snake's den.
As a Dean, she was truly exhausted. If it weren't for the fact that Karl still remembered to help in the greenhouse, she would have suspected the child wanted to transfer houses.
Of the four people present, only Hagrid was not in the mood to watch Nina dance, remaining sullen and worried.
"Professor McGonagall, I believe there must be some misunderstanding. Aragog would not lead his colony to attack Hogwarts. Why don't you let me go into the Forbidden Forest..."
Professor McGonagall: (¬_¬)
Under her stern gaze, Hagrid's voice grew quieter and quieter until he finally lowered his head.
Although, technically, Professor McGonagall was his junior in school, her aura was simply too overwhelming; Hagrid couldn't even straighten his back.
"Hagrid, I know about your bond with Aragog, but the safety of the students is what matters most. I hope you can treat this matter rationally, and you must trust Headmaster Dumbledore."
Hagrid shrank his neck, pursed his lips, and fell silent, hoping only that this would turn out to be a false alarm.
At this moment, Nina stopped her dance and wiped the sweat from her forehead, looking somewhat exhausted.
A strange change occurred in the sky, and countless moon-white specks of light fell like rain.
After the light rain fell upon the ground in front of the covered bridge, the magical plants arranged by Professor Sprout and Hagrid became lively.
Devil's Snare stretched its vines wantonly, Venomous Tentacula swayed joyfully, biting cabbages stirred restlessly, and Fanged Geraniums gently shook their vibrant flowers...
Seeing this scene, Professor Sprout looked as happy as a child.
"Yes, yes! This is exactly how it should be! Vibrant, living plants are truly wonderful!"
"Filius, Nina really should have come to Hufflepuff, don't you think?"
Professor Flitwick shook his head vigorously, "That is impossible, Pomona. You cannot ignore Miss Goldstein's pursuit and yearning for knowledge."
"And if we are speaking of that, I believe Karl should have come to Ravenclaw."
Professor McGonagall cleared her throat with a fist against her lips, "I think Gryffindor is also very suitable."
Nina stood gracefully to the side with a polite, faint smile; with Karl not by her side, she felt a bit awkward on her own.
Just as the Professors were joking with each other, the entire Hogwarts Castle suddenly began to shake.
At the same time, thunder rumbled in the sky, and a dark shadow streaked over the Forbidden Forest, flying toward them.
"Professors! Lucy has given the warning! The Acromantula are coming toward the Castle!"
Under Nina's guidance, the Thunderbird, Lucy, landed on the covered bridge amidst a gust of wind.
"It seems things have already begun on the Headmaster and Karl's side! Let us take action as well!"
As soon as Professor McGonagall finished speaking, Professor Flitwick immediately raised his wand, and magical fireworks shot into the sky.
Very quickly, the entire Hogwarts Castle awoke, and the lit candles drove away the darkness.
In Dumbledore's plan, this was a great opportunity for a drill.
Students in years one through four would complete assembly, evacuation, and hiding under the guidance of the Professors, while students in years five through seven would watch the battle from a safe location to train their mental fortitude.
While grooming the Thunderbird's feathers, Nina asked it for intelligence.
"Dean, Lucy tells me that among the attacking Acromantula, there are nine Dark Wizards."
After stretching his body, Professor Flitwick drew his wand, "I will deal with them. It has been a long time since I last fought; this time, I shall let the students witness the style of a dueling champion."
"Then the Acromantula will be left to me and Pomona. Filius, you must be careful."
Facing Professor McGonagall's admonition, Professor Flitwick laughed heartily, "Do not worry. Besides, Nina's little companion is here to help."
After saying this, he leaped off the covered bridge, was caught by a dark shadow as he neared the ground, and disappeared.
"That fellow becomes a different person whenever dueling is mentioned. Perhaps we should organize a Dueling Club?"
Professor McGonagall waved her wand gently in the air, and in the shadows beneath the covered bridge, a row of tall stone statues came to life.
They raised their spears and greatswords, emitting dull clashing sounds as they prepared for battle.
"Hmm... it is a pity this is not inside the Castle; I have wanted to use that spell for a long time."
Professor Sprout rolled her eyes at her, "You are no better than Filius."
Revealing the mischievous nature of her youth, Miss Minerva simply ignored her friend's retort and turned to look at Hagrid.
"I know, Professor McGonagall. I know what I must do."
Although his expression was sorrowful, Hagrid's eyes were incredibly firm. He gripped his small pink umbrella tightly and walked toward the rear with heavy steps.
In case any Acromantula broke through the defensive line, he would intercept them before they could enter the Castle.
The reason he stayed in the rear was that Hagrid did not want to see Aragog's descendants being harmed, but... everything for Hogwarts.
"Click-clack... click-clack..."
Not long after, accompanied by the sound of Acromantula walking and their large pincers clicking, countless Acromantula rushed out of the Forbidden Forest.
Under the moonlight, they surged toward Hogwarts Castle like a tide.
"Good heavens! What is that?"
"So many Acromantula! Aren't we going to run? We will be eaten!"
"Shut up! Trust the Professors! They will definitely be able to defeat the Acromantula and protect us!"
At this moment, the Little wizards watching from the rear couldn't help but cry out in alarm upon seeing such a terrifying sight.
Many were frightened pale, their legs trembling, and they were ready to flee.
Of course, many more Little wizards behaved in the exact opposite way; for example, Charlie Weasley and Tonks and the others bravely drew their wands, wanting to help the Professors.
The great battle was on the Short Fuse.