After nightfall, Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick appeared on the Castle's covered bridge, gazing at the Forbidden Forest.
"Filius, I can't believe something like this is happening at Hogwarts; it's truly appalling."
"Don't be angry, Minerva. At least, thanks to Headmaster Dumbledore's warning, we were well-prepared."
As the two Professors spoke, two more figures walked onto the covered bridge: Professor Sprout and Hagrid.
"Is it all done, Pomona?"
Professor Sprout let out a sigh of relief, "Yes, it is, thanks to Hagrid's help."
"Then…" Professor McGonagall turned to Nina, who was kneeling beside her, "The rest is up to you."
Nina nodded at Professor McGonagall, gracefully stood up, and began to dance elegantly towards the bright moon.
She wore a crown woven from oak leaves and a simple white robe, appearing serene and noble in the moonlight.
The ancient and mysterious dance once again radiated a peculiar brilliance in the world, so beautiful it was mesmerizing.
"Hmm… a certain Young Wizard will definitely envy us, regretting not being here."
Professor McGonagall's usually stern expression softened as she admired the dance, not forgetting to mutter about Carl.
"I think Carl will play pitiful and then make Nina dance for him alone."
Professor Flitwick couldn't help but retort; after getting familiar with Carl, he knew how outrageous that guy was.
Professor Sprout merely cast a sidelong glance at the two of them, not wanting to speak at all.
Her own Xiao Huan was constantly being eyed by the lions and eagles, and a few days ago, he was even carried into a snake's den.
This Dean was truly exhausted. If Carl hadn't remembered to help in the greenhouse, she would have suspected the child wanted to transfer Houses.
Among the four present, only Hagrid was not in the mood to watch Nina dance, remaining in a state of distress.
"Professor McGonagall, I think there must be some misunderstanding. Aragog would never 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 softer and softer until he finally lowered his head.
Although Professor McGonagall was technically his junior from school, her aura was simply too strong, and Hagridcouldn't even straighten his back.
"Hagrid, I know your feelings for Aragog, but the safety of the students is paramount. I hope you can approach this matter rationally, and you must trust Headmaster Dumbledore."
Hagrid hunched his shoulders, pursed his lips, and remained silent, only hoping this would be a false alarm.
At this moment, Nina stopped dancing, wiping away the sweat from her forehead, looking a bit tired.
A strange change also occurred in the sky; countless moon-white specks of light fell like rain.
After the light rain fell on the ground in front of the covered bridge, the Magical plants arranged by Professor Sprout and Hagrid sprang to life.
Devil's Snare stretched its vines wantonly, Venomous Tentaculas swayed cheerfully, Snapping Cabbages stirred restlessly, and Fanged Geraniums gently swayed their vibrant flowers…
Seeing this scene, Professor Sprout was as happy as a child.
"Yes, yes! This is exactly how it should be! Thriving plants are truly wonderful!"
"Filius, Nina should really be in Hufflepuff, don't you think?"
Professor Flitwick shook his head vigorously, "That's impossible, Pomona. You cannot ignore Miss Goldstein's pursuit and yearning for knowledge."
"And speaking of that, I think Carl should be in Ravenclaw."
Professor McGonagall coughed, her fist held to her lips, "I think Gryffindor would also be very suitable."
Nina stood gracefully to the side, a polite, faint smile on her face. With Carl not by her side, she felt a little awkward.
Just as the Professors were joking with each other, the entire Hogwarts Castle suddenly trembled.
At the same time, thunder rumbled in the sky, and a dark shadow swept over the Forbidden Forest, flying towards them.
"Professors! Lucy has given the warning! Acromantulas are coming towards the Castle!"
Under Nina's guidance, the Thunderbird Lucy landed on the covered bridge, bringing with it a gust of wind.
"It seems the Principal and Carl have already begun! Let's get moving too!"
No sooner had Professor McGonagall finished speaking than Professor Flitwick immediately raised his wand, and One by one magic fireworks shot into the sky.
Soon, the entire Hogwarts Castle awoke, and the lit candles dispelled the darkness.
In Dumbledore's plan, this was an excellent opportunity for an exercise.
Students from first to fourth year would, under the guidance of the Professors, complete assembly, evacuation, and hiding, while students from fifth to seventh year would observe the battle from a safe position, training their composure.
Nina stroked the Thunderbird's feathers while asking it for information.
"Dean, Lucy tells me there are also nine Dark Wizards among the attacking Acromantulas."
Professor Flitwick stretched his body, then drew his wand, "I'll deal with them. It's been a long time since I've fought, and this time I'll show the students the prowess of a Duelling Champion."
"Then the Acromantulas are up to Pomona and me, Filius, you must be careful."
Facing Professor McGonagall's admonition, Professor Flitwick laughed heartily, "Don't worry, and besides, Nina's little friend is helping."
After speaking, he leaped from the covered bridge, and as he neared the ground, he was caught by a dark shadow and disappeared.
"This guy completely changes when dueling is mentioned. Perhaps we should organize a Duelling Club?"
Professor McGonagall gently waved her wand in the air, and from the shadows beneath the covered bridge, a row of tall stone statues came to life.
They raised their spears and greatswords, emitting dull clanging sounds, ready for battle.
"Hmm… it's a pity it's not inside the Castle. I've wanted to use that spell for a long time."
Professor Sprout rolled her eyes at her, "You're no better than Filius."
Miss Minerva, revealing her mischievous youthful nature, directly ignored her friend's retort and turned to look at Hagrid.
"I know, Professor McGonagall, I know what I need to do."
Although his expression was troubled, Hagrid's eyes were incredibly firm. He clutched his pink umbrella tightly and then walked with heavy steps towards the rear.
If any Acromantulas broke through the defense line, he would stop them before they entered the Castle.
The reason he was in the rear was because Hagrid didn't want to see Aragog's descendants harmed, but… everything was for Hogwarts.
"Click-clack… Crunch-crunch…"
Not long after, accompanied by the sounds of the Acromantulas walking and their great pincers opening and closing, countless Acromantulas surged out of the Forbidden Forest.
In the moonlight, they swarmed towards Hogwarts Castle like a tide.
"Oh my goodness! What is that?!"
"So many Acromantulas! Aren't we going to run?! We'll be eaten!"
"Shut up! Trust the Professors! They will definitely defeat the Acromantulas and protect us!"
At this moment, the Young Wizards observing from the rear couldn't help but exclaim at such a terrifying sight.
Many were so scared their faces turned pale, their legs trembling, almost wanting to flee.
Of course, many more Young Wizards reacted completely differently, such as Charlie Weasley and Tonks, who bravely drew their wands, wanting to help the Professors.
A great battle was about to erupt.