The Inferi's numbers were practically suffocating. Celestia knew that but the reality had taken a while to sink in. Only Julie's voice penetrated the fog of fear and guilt invading her brain. Sparks were useless; these flames would be sure to attract anyone near enough to see sparks.

But a Patronus... Yes, why hadn't she sent hers out immediately? Inwardly berating herself for her own stupidity, Celestia wasted no more time. As soon as she sent another rope of fire speeding towards yet more Inferi in front of her, she took a deep breath -- and almost choked on the stench coming from the nasty things. Fortunately, it had been a long time since Celestia had needed her voice to cast this spell: Expecto Patronum!, she thought desperately as she envisioned a happy end-of-term feast becoming a reality.

A silver, ghostly Jack Terrier dog shot out of Celestia's wand and raced for the castle as though it had wings. The professor hoped that someone would answer it NOW, all the while still holding out her burning torch to Bel.