"Protego!"
Harry reacted extremely quickly. The moment the thunderous crash rang out, he raised his wand and cast the Shield Charm.
The blast wave, carrying smoke and dust with it, surged out from where the crash had come from and shoved Ernie McMillan into a stagger.
Just as he nearly fell, someone suddenly grabbed his sleeve and helped him steady himself.
Harry's voice sounded. "Ernie, are you all right?"
The surging smoke and dust not only choked Ernie McMillan into coughing, but also stung his eyes so badly he could not open them, tears streaming down his face.
Hearing Harry say that, he was certain Harry had pulled him back, which was the only reason he had not fallen to the floor.
"Merlin's beard! Pah! Pah!" He spat the dust from his mouth and managed to nod as he said, "I'm fine..."
"Scourgify!"
A cold, gloomy voice echoed through the corridor, and magical fluctuations surged with it.
Under the effect of the Scouring Charm, the smoke and dust were gathered together, finally turning into a small ball that dropped to the ground.
Ernie McMillan rubbed his tearful eyes and finally saw clearly what had happened in the corridor.
A hole had been smashed through the corridor's thick wall, and broken bricks and stones were scattered all over the floor, making the place look especially wrecked.
Whether it was the hideous gap in the wall or the expressionless Snape who had appeared before him, both left Ernie McMillan at a complete loss.
He looked at Snape, not knowing what he should say. All he could do was stammer out a greeting. "Pro... Professor? Professor Snape?"
Compared with Ernie McMillan, who was at a loss and had no idea what to say, Harry had far too many thoughts in his mind.
Snape