Professor McGonagall froze. She had never expected Albert to suddenly bring this up.
Everyone was racking their brains, trying to help Harry hold Voldemort off and buy enough time. They had neither the mind nor the energy to think about anything else, and they had actually forgotten something so important.
Just as Albert had said, the Four Founders of Hogwarts had indeed left behind a powerful spell. Once Hogwarts was in grave danger, the headmaster had the authority to use that spell to awaken the armor and statues within the castle, turning them into reliable soldiers to guard the school's boundaries, repel invading enemies, and protect the staff and students.
This spell was one of the secrets Professor McGonagall had learned from Dumbledore while serving as Deputy Headmistress.
Even Snape, who had still been headmaster a few hours ago, might not have known this part of the secret. After all, his appointment as headmaster had been improper to begin with, so naturally no one would have told him the secrets a headmaster was meant to know.
After Albert left with the house-elf Dobby by Apparition, Professor McGonagall did not hesitate. She raised her wand, turned toward the castle's main entrance behind her, and loudly recited the spell Dumbledore had taught her.
"Statues, move out!"
Professor McGonagall's voice echoed through the night sky, seeming to resound through every corner of Hogwarts Castle.
The people nearby who witnessed the scene all turned curious looks toward her, only to see a sight that left them dumbfounded.
A lifeless, motionless statue by the castle gates seemed to be granted life by some magical force. It leapt straight down from its place, dropped to one knee on the floor, and landed with a dull rumble.
Yet that was only the beginning. Statues and suits of