Professor Dumbledore promptly ordered all the students gathered in the corridor to return to the Great Hall the way they had come.
Ten minutes later, the students of Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin House filed into the Great Hall as well, their faces full of confusion and unease.
"The other teachers and I need to conduct a thorough search of the Castle," Professor Dumbledore announced. By then, Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick had closed every door to the Great Hall.
"For your safety, I'm afraid you'll have to spend the night here. I want the Prefects from each house to guard the entrances, and I've asked the Head Boy and Head Girl to help keep order. If anything happens, report it to me at once." Professor Dumbledore turned to Percy, who looked rather pleased with himself but was taking his duty seriously. "Remember to send a ghost with the message."
Professor Dumbledore was about to leave the Great Hall when he stopped and added, "Oh, yes. You'll also need..."
With a light flick of his Wand, the long tables rose as though they had come to life. They floated to the edges of the Great Hall and lined themselves up against the walls. Another flick, and hundreds of soft purple sleeping bags appeared on the floor.
"Get some rest," Professor Dumbledore said gently. Then he left the Great Hall and closed the door behind him.
The Great Hall immediately filled with chatter. The Gryffindor students recounted everything that had happened to the other houses, and everyone exchanged what they knew and what they thought.
"All right, everyone, get into your sleeping bags!" Percy called over the noise, looking especially stern and dutiful. "Hurry up, and stop talking! Lights out in ten minutes!" His words had the force of an order, and