"Boom!"
A deafening explosion rang out from Hogwarts' Main Building, followed by violent tremors.
Dust rained down from vaulted ceilings everywhere, and the magical portraits in the corridors shook wildly as the figures inside ran about with their hands over their heads.
Countless parents were frightened by the sudden upheaval, but, unexpectedly, the children were much calmer than the adults.
The young wizards reacted almost instantly, drawing their wands and leading their parents, who were still trying to protect them, to gather in nearby courtyards or small squares.
Then some outstanding students from the Throne Outer Circle stepped forward to direct the little groups that had already gathered.
They assigned some students to protect the flustered adult wizards, then led the remaining groups toward the Main Building in combat formations.
Their swift, decisive response left the parents they were "protecting" utterly dumbfounded.
What exactly were their children being taught at school? Why was it about a billion times different from their own school days?
It was rather funny, really. These young wizards had seen plenty of far bigger spectacles. Voldemort alone had shown up several times and been sent packing just as often.
An explosion in the Main Building? Small potatoes!
As the young wizards converged on the Main Building from every direction.
An authoritative voice rang out over Hogwarts.
"Everyone, calm down. I accidentally caused an explosion while testing a charm just now. Children, go back to spending time with your parents."
Recognizing Headmaster Dumbledore's voice, the young wizards dispersed, laughing and chatting.
Even those who had their doubts stopped questioning it when they saw that the Spiral Staircase had ceased operating.
Only the headmaster had the authority to disable it.
In the Headmaster's Office on the Main Building's Seventh Floor, Dumbledore and Grindelwald stood by the window in