Dumbledore's voice, amplified by the magic amplifier shaped like an owl, echoed clearly throughout the pin-drop silent hall.
The elder's tone lacked some of its usual gentleness; at this moment, he stood as straight as an unsheathed sword, his voice carrying undeniable seriousness.
"...The defenses surrounding the castle are enduring relentless assaults. On the outskirts of the Black Lake, an army composed of goblins, trolls, and... some wizards have completed their siege." He paused and his light blue eyes swept over the faces below, some pale, some fearful, and others trying to remain calm.
"I must honestly tell you, the number of enemies far exceeds our estimates, and... based on limited observation, their stamina is nearly limitless, and..."
Dumbledore's gaze dimmed slightly, "They are extremely cruel and have no intention of accepting surrender. But what I want to say is that although the goblins and enemies attempt to break our will and shake our determination with rumors—Hogwarts has never, and will never, succumb to any threat!"
His words infused the hall's previously pervasive atmosphere of panic with a shot of adrenaline, causing all the students to subconsciously lift their heads.
"Now, as the headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, I declare—"
Dumbledore slightly raised his tone, "From this moment, Hogwarts is entering the highest state of alert. All seventh-year students—and sixth-year students aged seventeen who have achieved 'Exceeds Expectations' in three or more O.W.L.s exams—are welcome to voluntarily participate in the defense assistance work, under the unified command of the heads and professors. All other students—"
His gaze softened.
"—are to immediately return to their respective house common rooms, where sufficient food and water have been prepared. Prefects will take responsibility for maintaining order and calming the younger students while Mr. Filch assists in patrolling to ensure no student leaves the secure areas unauthorized."
There was no unnecessary chatter; the orders were clear, precise, and swift.
Then, the hall was filled with the sound of stifled gasps and the noise of chairs scraping against the floor.
The seventh-year and some sixth-year students instinctively straightened their backs, their faces slightly pale, yet they tried hard not to show it. Meanwhile, the majority of the younger students looked frightened and only began to rise when urged by their house prefects.
"Professor!"
Suddenly, several voices spoke almost simultaneously—
Beside the Gryffindor Long Table, Hermione stood up abruptly, knocking over her chair. Harry, Ron, Neville, and the twins followed suit; near the Slytherin Long Table, after a series of shifts in expression, Malfoy finally straightened his body. But compared to the many seated around him, he appeared like a lone figure...
Subsequently, some familiar figures also stood beside the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff Long Tables.
There was no rehearsal or drill, yet everyone almost spoke in unison, "We want to participate too! Professor, this is our school, our castle—"
Watching these young faces stand up, complex emotions flashed in Dumbledore's eyes—pride and a touch of reluctance.
He remained silent for a moment, then slowly nodded.
"Students volunteering for defense assistance will later be led by Professor Lupin..."
He glanced at the group of professors behind him, their expressions equally tense, "To allocate defense areas and tasks. But remember, your primary responsibility is to assist professors in maintaining the defense magic nodes, relay information, and provide urgent medical aid when necessary, not to engage the enemy directly. All actions must strictly follow orders."
"Yes, Professor!"
The several dozen students who stood shouted in unison, their voices echoing through the hall.
Soon, the students began to disperse, younger students guided by prefects and helpful ghosts moved with anxiety and worry towards the corridors leading to the dungeons, towers, and basements, while the older students who chose to stay rapidly gathered under the call of their respective house heads.
The atmosphere became efficient.
Accompanied by the spells of Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick, thick stone walls extended from the sides of the corridors, reinforcing windows and weak walls. Professor Sprout directed a group of students to move numerous magic plants with defensive or damaging properties from the greenhouse, quickly arranging them around the castle entrance and courtyard. Snape stood at the door with a dark expression, distributing his (recently discovered) already scarce potion supplies to students—of course, this had "nothing" to do with a certain Niffler.
With the enemy at the gate, the faculty of Hogwarts showcased astonishing organization and decades-honed composure.
...
"...Professor, what should we do?"
Although initially standing up was a heat-of-the-moment decision, now, looking at the Forbidden Forest direction almost soaked in red light, it's impossible not to feel fear. Looking at Lupin leading the way, Malfoy rarely called out to the professor.
At this moment, Lupin was leading three little wizards quickly down the corridor of Ravenclaw Tower.
"We are responsible for observing the enemy situation and relaying this information to others."
At the end of the corridor, Lupin stopped, pulled out his magic wand and tapped against the wall brick beside him. As a result, the ceiling above them cracked open, a wooden ladder came down, and they each climbed up in sequence. The cold wind rushing past carried a strong, nauseating smell of blood, turning everyone's face involuntarily pale.
"...Merlin above."
First to stand against the wall and peek out, Ron couldn't help but exclaim. From his perspective, the once lush Forbidden Forest had now turned into a glaring blood-red field. The billowing evil aura almost solidified, causing everyone watching to uncontrollably twitch their eyelids.
"Is there really a need for observation anymore? They've nearly surrounded us completely..."
Beside Ron, Harry glanced around, his face also a bit pale, "...Not even leaving any blind spots or openings."
Through the defense barrier hastily constructed by the professors, the increasingly intense red light of the sky in the Forbidden Forest direction could be seen, accompanied by booming noises and magical fluctuations becoming more distinct. The slight tremble transmitted from the castle's stone foundations could even be felt underfoot.
In the hall, next to the host's seat, Grindelwald slowly walked beside Dumbledore, and they stood side by side, gazing at the ominous red light beyond the window.
"What...do you really think?"
Dumbledore asked softly, a slight trace of fatigue in his voice, "I'm asking your true thoughts."
Grindelwald's heterochromatic eyes reflected the red light. He pondered for a moment, then replied slowly, "William, that bastard definitely has a backup plan; I'm certain of that."
"But we can't contact him at all now, can't fully rely on the elusive plan left by that irresponsible fellow..."
Before Dumbledore could finish, at that moment—
"Boom—"
A far more intense explosion than any before arose from the direction of the castle's main entrance! The entire hall shook violently and dust fell in showers from the ceiling.