"Something must have gone wrong!" Professor McGonagall quickly realized what was happening. Pressing her wand to her throat, she called out, "Everyone! Leave the castle as quickly as possible! Get outside!"
"Pomona, keep an eye on the children! Get them out of the castle!" After tossing out those words, she transformed directly into a tabby cat and ran off, vanishing around the stairway corner in an instant.
"Everyone, stay close behind me!" Professor Sprout, whose voice was usually so gentle, now spoke with unquestionable authority.
She understood the situation clearly. What mattered most now was making a decision and taking action, not worrying about other matters as she normally would in class.
As a professor, her students' safety was her highest priority at this moment.
"Lumos!" She cast the Illumination Spell, holding her wand high above her head like a torch. "Let's go! Take out your wands! Do not let your guard down!"
Led by Professor Sprout, the students jogged through the oak doors.
The cold night wind hit them head-on, sharpening their senses even further.
Outside the castle was far brighter than they had imagined. A faintly glowing magical energy field cut off the sky, enveloping the entire grounds of Hogwarts.
The little Thunderbird flapped its wings. This time, it did not dive into Luna's arms, instead hovering at her side.
Luna smiled and raised a hand, smoothing the little Thunderbird's feathers.
The students looked around and discovered that many people had already gathered on the lawn.
Dumbledore, Snape, and Professor Flitwick stood together, all holding their wands aloft and continuously casting magic at the magical energy field to maintain its protective effect.
The Ministry of Magic's Hit Wizards and Aurors were there as well. Led by Amelia Bones and Barty Crouch Sr., they too held their wands high