The two legendary headmasters woke at Dumbledore's call.
Perhaps they had never been asleep?
In any case, they Evanesco'd from their portraits, leaving only dark curtains and a leather chair in each frame.
Dumbledore did not stop, but turned to Fawkes.
"We need some warnings."
The phoenix beat his wings, gave a slight nod, and Evanesco'd.
Next, Dumbledore gently tapped his wand against a silver instrument on the desk, its purpose unknown, which had been puffing out smoke all along.
Su Er did not know what it was used for either. This was his first time seeing Dumbledore use it.
The smoke issuing from the silver tube at the top formed a snake's head with its mouth wide open, then, at Old Bumblebee's words that no one could understand, split into two snakes before vanishing.
Harry clearly wanted to ask what was happening, but the next second, the headmaster who had Evanesco'd after receiving the request returned, bringing definite news.
"Dumbledore." The old man panted, bracing himself against his portrait frame. "I saw them carry him up from below. It didn't look good. He was covered in blood."
"Dilys followed them. I think she'll be back shortly."
"Thank you for your efforts, Everard." Dumbledore nodded and turned to Professor McGonagall. "Minerva, this is urgent. Could you bring the Weasley children here?"
Professor McGonagall nodded, then turned and left the Headmaster's Office with a grave expression.
Dumbledore still did not pause, nor did he comfort Ron, who was now pale and trembling. With a serious expression, he looked toward a certain bright spark at the back who was still pretending to sleep even though all the other portraits had woken.
"Phineas! Phineas!"
The bright spark continued pretending to sleep. The headmasters in the other portraits all crowded over, and one witch