Vanguard Clash

In the Mirror Chamber on the fifth floor, only Astoria, Hestia, Flora, and Melinda remained.

When the heavy stone door slammed shut with a boom, cutting off every sound from outside, the entire chamber abruptly sank into an absolute silence so complete it almost made their ears ring. The frigid air seemed to gain weight, pressing heavily against each of their chests. The ancient mirrors on the walls were dim and lifeless, reflecting their silent, tense figures.

The others had already followed the tactical arrangements Daphne had finalized just before the stone door closed, flowing swiftly to their respective positions like precision gears. There was no panic, no hesitation, not even unnecessary eye contact—only the calm and execution of the well-trained.

Cho Chang and Morrie each led a team of determined young wizards along preplanned concealed routes, silently rushing toward the high ground of the West Tower. Their footsteps were light and swift, vanishing deep into the winding stone stairways.

Luna and all the Dragon Wing members opened the seemingly ordinary but mysterious suitcase in an open area at the corridor bend. The instant the lid opened, faint sounds of low beastly cries and plants unfurling their leaves drifted out. In an orderly manner, they guided and awakened certain dormant Fantastic Beasts and magical plants within, then headed toward the Great Hall in the central wing—where the broad space would become the next defensive strongpoint.

The defensive forces in the castle's front courtyard had also received crucial reinforcements. With Fleur, Cedric, Elusi, and Penelope arriving in time, Daphne adjusted the deployment at the last minute: Susan's team, originally assigned to provide support inside the West Tower, would take the four newcomers directly to the front courtyard before the castle's main gate. There, they would join the student volunteers led by