Professor McGonagall froze. She had never expected Albert to bring this up so suddenly.
Everyone was racking their brains, trying to help Harry hold Voldemort off and buy enough time. They had neither the mind nor energy to think about anything else, and had actually forgotten something so important.
Just as Albert had said, the Four Founders of Hogwarts had indeed left behind powerful Charms. Should Hogwarts ever face imminent danger, the Headmaster had the authority to use that Charm to awaken the armor and statues within the castle, turning them into reliable soldiers to guard the school's boundaries, repel invaders, and protect the staff and students.
This spell was one of the secrets Professor McGonagall had learned from Dumbledore during her time as Deputy Headmaster.
Even Snape, who had still been Headmaster a few hours ago, might not have known this part of the secret. After all, his appointment as Headmaster had been improper to begin with, so naturally no one had told him the secrets a Headmaster was supposed to know.
After Albert left with the House-elf Dobby by Apparition, Professor McGonagall did not hesitate. She raised her wand, turned toward the castle's main entrance behind her, and loudly recited the spell Dumbledore had taught her.
"Stone Pier Charge!"
Professor McGonagall's voice echoed through the night sky, seemingly reaching every corner of Hogwarts Castle.
The people nearby who witnessed this could not help casting curious looks her way, only to see a sight that left them dumbstruck.
A lifeless, motionless statue by the castle gates seemed to be granted life by some magical force. It leaped straight down from its pedestal, dropped to one knee on the floor, and landed with a heavy rumble.
But that was only a sign of what was to come. Statues and suits