Professor McGonagall was startled awake by an urgent pounding on her door.
"Professor McGonagall, Professor McGonagall..."
She reached for the wand beside her bed. "Who is it?"
"It's me, Professor McGonagall. Professor Snape sent me to tell you there's been an emergency!"
It was Argus Filch.
Puzzled, McGonagall got up, quickly threw on a dressing gown, and put on her glasses. She opened the door, looking rather displeased. "Mr. Filch, do you know what time it is?"
"I'm sorry, Professor McGonagall, but Professor Snape said it was an emergency."
"What happened, Argus Filch?"
"The Third Floor Corridor. Professor Snape said someone broke into the Third Floor Corridor, and two students have been taken away. I didn't quite understand the details, but he's waiting for you there."
The Third Floor Corridor!
Professor McGonagall was instantly wide awake. Dumbledore had only just left, and something had already happened in the Third Floor Corridor!
"You said two students were taken away. By whom?"
"I don't know, Professor. I still have to wake Professor Flitwick and Professor Sprout... oh, and that great oaf Hagrid... ah, my poor legs..."
Professor McGonagall suddenly grew anxious. Two students had been taken away? Which students? Who had taken them?
She hastily put on a small hat and hurried toward the Third Floor Corridor.
As she walked, images of Harry and several other young wizards sprang into her mind. She had a feeling that whatever had happened tonight, Harry Potter was bound to be involved.
Sure enough, as soon as she arrived, she saw two young wizards huddled like quails in a corner. As expected, they were Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger.
"You two, why are you here?" Professor McGonagall demanded sternly. "Where is Professor Snape?"
"Professor, Harry... Harry and Tom were taken away by Professor Quirrell..." Hermione burst