Amosta crossed the sodden grass with long, powerful strides toward the castle, stopping at the foot of the Marble Staircase.
On the stairs, Dumbledore and Madame Maxime stood side by side, gazing intensely at him. Fleur had rushed out wearing only a strappy nightgown, her arms crossed over her chest as she watched him with worry written all over her face. After sending all the students back, Severus and Minerva also hurried out of the Entrance Hall.
"Ah, sorry. It seems I caused quite a disturbance—"
Amosta appeared to be in a rather good mood as he spoke with a smile.
Dumbledore's silver-white beard, turned golden by the bright torchlight, stirred gently in the wind. His piercing gaze remained fixed on Amosta's face without a word. Seeing his expression, Professor McGonagall also stayed silent, her face full of concern.
As for Madame Maxime and Fleur, neither of them belonged to Hogwarts, so naturally they would not speak rashly in such a situation.
"Who were you fighting?"
Severus had no such reservations. He stepped forward, anger gleaming in the dark, hollow eyes set in his somewhat pale face.
"You know there's a large colony of Acromantulas living in the Forbidden Forest—"
Amosta's smile did not waver.
"These evil Dark creatures run rampant through the forest, squeezing out the living space of other creatures. And they eat anything, including human flesh. So I merely took some measures to restrain them."
"What made you suddenly decide to do that, Amosta?"
Dumbledore asked softly.
"Ah, it was preparation for the upcoming Triwizard Tournament. I didn't want those Dark creatures causing trouble during the third task."
Amosta calmly met Dumbledore's gaze.
Silence fell. Everyone sensed tension drifting through the wandering breeze.
"That old spider—I mean Aragog—is Hagrid's friend—"
After a long while, Dumbledore sighed.
"You've