Faculty Quarters - Midnight.
The academy was quiet at this hour, the usual chatter of students and faculty replaced by the occasional echo of boots against stone. Perfect.
I stepped out of my quarters, carefully locking the door behind me. My newly acquired ingredients were tucked securely inside my coat. Now I just had to get to the alchemical lab without drawing attention.
Easier said than done.
I moved quickly, sticking to the less-traveled halls. Most of the faculty quarters were empty at night, but there were always a few wandering souls—late-working professors, night patrols, and the occasional student sneaking around. If anyone asked, I could just say I was taking a walk. Professors did that, right?
After a few turns and a short detour to avoid a group of first-years daring each other to sneak into the restricted archives, I reached my destination.
