The Acromantulas' sudden attack stance terrified the prisoners in the classroom.
Most wizards who had lost their wands were no different from Muggles.
Elite wizards had some command of silent casting, but wandless magic was something only a very few wizards could manage.
Looking at the faces twisted with fear behind the square glass panes, the young wizards fell silent.
Professor Gilderoy Lockhart had once been a superstar throughout the British wizarding world, with countless fanatical admirers.
But after being thrown into prison, none of his former elegance remained.
Perhaps because he had spent more than two years in Azkaban, living day and night alongside Dementors, the face behind the glass viewing window showed none of his former handsome charm. Instead, it was filled with panic and helplessness.
Harry looked at Hermione. Judging by her stunned expression, she had clearly suffered quite a shock.
And it was not just her.
All the young wizards recognized Professor Gilderoy Lockhart.
The miserable state of this once-celebrated star author invisibly elevated the authority of the law in their hearts.
"Quiet!"
The lecturer at the classroom podium gave a stern shout, and green light flared from his raised palm.
As though responding to a summons, the wooden rings around the Acromantulas' abdomens and the necks of every prisoner lit up with green light at the same time.
The green light posed an extraordinary threat to both sides. The prisoners charging the classroom door and the restless Acromantulas immediately froze where they stood.
"Everyone, return to your seats!"
The lecturer shouted again.
Having seen crazed criminals strangled unconscious by the wooden rings in an instant, none of the prisoners dared resist. They scrambled back to their seats and sat bolt upright.
Only after order had been restored did the lecturer step down from the podium