Alaric stepped out of the study room and pulled the door shut behind him.
The corridor was empty now. He turned down the main hallway leading back toward the central building.
Evening had fully settled in. A few students passed him going the opposite direction, heading toward the library or late study sessions.
The courtyard was mostly deserted when he crossed it. A cold breeze had picked up, carrying the smell of flowers and distant smoke from the kitchens. The fountain in the center burbled quietly, water catching the dying sunlight.
Alaric climbed the stairs to the dormitory wing. He reached his door and pushed it open.
Oliver's bed was occupied, his roommate already curled up under blankets despite it barely being evening, snoring softly.
Alaric closed the door quietly and moved to his side of the room.
He pulled off his uniform jacket and tossed it over his desk chair. The shirt followed then his boots came off next, dropped beside the bed.
