༺[Instructor's Lounge]༻
Mid-afternoon sunlight spilled through tall, stained-glass windows, painting the wooden floors with patches of muted color.
There was a faint aroma of roasted beans, courtesy of the small kitchenette tucked into the corner.
It was here, between classes, that the instructors retreated to shed their dignity, sip tea, and more often than not...gossip.
Today was no exception.
At one round table, three female instructors had gathered.
A plate of almond biscuits sat between them, half-finished, alongside cups of warm chamomile tea.
Professor Liora, leaned back with a sigh, brushing her loose curls over her shoulder.
"Honestly, I think the Placement Exams this year are going to be utter chaos.
Branev's been telling me the questions will lean toward advanced applications again.
Half the first-years will cry."
Professor Helena, a stern woman in her mid-thirties who oversaw Magical Ethics, rolled her eyes.
"As if that's new.
