The hallway was wide, much wider than the one downstairs, with enough space for several students to pass each other comfortably. The floor was made of dark wooden planks, creaking softly underfoot. Benches were placed along the walls at intervals, some occupied by students chatting, others empty.
Voices echoed lightly through the corridor, mixing with the occasional laugh or the faint hum of magic being practiced somewhere nearby.
As I walked, the hallway opened up into a much larger space.
It wasn't a corridor anymore, but a common area.
The ceiling rose high above, supported by thick stone pillars that gave the room a sense of weight and structure. Tall windows lined one side, letting in soft daylight that spread across the polished floor.
Couches and padded chairs were arranged in loose clusters, some facing each other, others turned toward low tables covered with books, cards, or scattered belongings. A few students lounged there, talking or resting.
