The Thrill of It Had Been Gone for So Long

Anton's pursuit of the Mysterious Figure concealed within the green smoke had clearly caused quite a commotion, and before long, it drew the attention of the other professors.

Professor McGonagall, whose office was on the second floor beside the stairwell, heard the Young Wizards' cries of alarm and hurried out to see what was happening.

"Who are you?" She stared in astonishment at the hazy figure shrouded in smoke, unable to believe that someone had actually dared to infiltrate Hogwarts so brazenly.

Through the swirling smoke, part of a demon mask occasionally came into view. Clearly aware of Professor McGonagall's capabilities, he lowered his head and glanced at the young wizard below, who was cackling at him...

"Damn it!"

The man acted decisively. With a wave of his wand, he backed against the wall beside the stairs, and arm after arm like Fire Dragons rose from the stone wall, instantly seizing the Young Wizards nearby who had not managed to escape.

The dragon claws gripped the Young Wizards tightly, their sharp talons hovering near the children's necks and every other vulnerable part of their bodies.

Professor McGonagall immediately stopped the spell she had been halfway through casting. She glanced at Professor Flitwick, who was quietly approaching from above the stairs. Seeing something in his expression, she lowered her wand and looked anxiously at the man. "Let those children go!"

"Tell Anthony Weasley to leave the entrance and go upstairs!"

The man in the demon mask spoke in an extremely hoarse voice, strange and grating like glass being scraped. It had clearly been altered by some spell or potion.

Professor McGonagall glanced at Professor Flitwick again out of the corner of her eye. When she saw him nod, she lowered her head and looked at Anton, who was blocking the doorway