Sirius's plan had fallen apart from the very beginning.
But not in a bad way—in a good one.
Just as Kingsley led the Aurors out of the castle, preparing to buy the young wizards some room, one of the Giant Squid's enormous tentacles stretched out before the castle gates, reaching into the Entrance Hall and blocking the way.
Hermione's delighted cry jolted everyone out of their daze.
"It wants to take us away! Climb onto the squid's head!"
The squid in the Black Lake was going to carry them away from the battlefield!
In the ruined Great Hall, joy appeared on every face. Professor McGonagall was even moved to tears.
"Oh, this is wonderful! I once even suggested to Albus that we ought to drive it away!"
But then a problem arose. Though the squid said to have lived in the Black Lake since Hogwarts was founded was enormous—its eight spread-out tentacles could fill the Quidditch Pitch—its smooth head did not have enough room to bear several hundred young wizards!
"First-years through fourth-years, and the injured, get on first!"
Kingsley urged.
"Everyone else, take cover beneath the squid!"
By the time the first- through fourth-year students had rushed onto the squid's head under the Aurors' protection, there was no more room left.
"Get up there, Ginny! You should be on top!"
Several flashes of spell light shot from Mr. Weasley's raised hand, blocking the sharp dives of the monsters circling overhead. Seeing Ginny standing on the ground without the slightest intention of moving, he roared anxiously.
"Stop dawdling!"
George impatiently shoved Ginny, only to be forced back by the sharpness in her eyes.
"I want to stay with my friends, Dad!"
Ginny told Mr. Weasley. The stubborn look in her eyes made him sigh.
Crash!
As the Giant Squid withdrew