Beam after beam of light shot skyward from all over the Castle, accompanied by clear incantations.
As the beams passed the Astronomy Tower, the Castle's highest point, they abruptly spread, joining with the other identical spells to form a film of light that enveloped the entire Castle.
Below, Professor McGonagall walked onto the carriage drive before the stone steps.
She turned to face the Castle and raised both hands, her wand in her dominant right hand, like the conductor of a grand concert.
Professor McGonagall drew a soft breath. Suddenly, she swung her wand forcefully, a clear incantation ringing from her lips.
"Piertotum... Locomotor!"
The stirring scene from the film played out in reality. The often-overlooked bluestone sword-bearing sculptures along the edges of the Castle walls leaped down from their places with dull thuds. Inside the Castle, the iron suits of armor Peeves sometimes used for pranks also awakened at the incantation and formed orderly ranks. Led by suits gripping iron swords in both hands, they emerged from the corridors with a clatter.
Rumbling crashes came from inside the Castle.
The students evacuating in succession naturally noticed the scene too. Only then did they realize that these suits of armor and sculptures were far more than mere decorations: they were guards who could protect them when needed.
Professor McGonagall lowered her hands and waited solemnly as the statues and armored guards marched out through the open oak doors in orderly ranks.
"Hogwarts is under threat!" Professor McGonagall declared loudly, like a general. "Hold the boundaries, protect us, do your duty to our school!"
Boom! The statues and guards stamped their feet in unison, armor clanging. The sword-bearing guards at the head of the ranks raised their arms. Strictly obeying their orders, these lifeless defenders marched with firm steps toward the