Back in his office, Dumbledore was getting more worried by the minute. He had been probing and divining for the entire time since the Feast in the Great Hall had ended. It was now six at night, he'd been at this for hours, and it didn't look good.

A Demon had materialized, seemingly in a hollow underneath Hogsmeade. Its power was beyond anything Dumbledore had ever experienced. Even if he was wrong and the Demon was only half as strong as Dumbledore thought, it was still the most powerful thing in existence. There's the rising problem with the imminent return of Voldemort and now this.

Dumbledore decided he couldn't risk having anyone else involved with this. He would have to travel to the Demon alone and see what its intentions were. Being a Demon, they likely weren't good. Though Hogsmeade should be abandoned, he decided not to do that just yet. It may cause a panic. The Demon could easily go on a killing spree.

He prepared to leave that very night, but before he did, he put the most powerful protections around Hogwarts that he knew of. If the Demon decided to invade Hogwarts, it'd have to fight down some truly awesome protections.

Knowing he may not return, he left orders with the four Heads of Houses on what to do should he perish in his confrontation. His plans detailed the defenses that should be taken up. They were to send for Aurors immediately upon any sign of the Demon, and the students were to be sent home immediately via Floo network. Snape, who had the most knowledge of dark creatures, was to lead the defense. With defense plans finalized, Dumbledore set out for Hogsmeade.