❝ thunderstruck — hzt & cjh
His purposeful steps echoed throughout the corridor, the noise bleeding out into separate halls that adjoined to the main. Zitao had his arms folded over his chest, attempting to shield himself from the dropping temperature. Outside, sheets of rain cascaded down from the inky sky, and he had the eerie feeling that the weather would progress into something more ugly. Raindrops sloshed against the windowsills he brushed passed, pattering noisily on the pane. The abundance of drops only contributed to the deafening sound, and it wasn't comforting in the slightest. The other students had scampered away at the first hints of rainfall, and he should've followed their example. Most houses found solace around the fireplace, mandatory to each Common Room, during nasty conditions like these.
Moisture was seeping through any loose stone, leaving the floor damp. One would think someone would have the decency to charm the entire castle from this, but that evidently wasn't the case. Zitao didn't ponder on cursing out that nonexistent person, though. Instead, he focused on efficiently reaching Ravenclaw tower where he could drown out the stormy noises in the company of his housemates. Of course, nothing but the previously described sounds were heard, but the Ravenclaw was already feeling drearily unsettled. Wind now whipping against surface, the boy picked up his pace.
Then, with just a single clap of roaring thunder, his motive died. Zitao pressed flush against the opposite wall, hands shakily clenching into fists. A blinding light flashed outdoors, and he clamped his eyes shut in response, but his body wouldn't turn away from the window. A weak whimper left his throat against his will, grateful that he was alone (at least to his knowledge). Biting his lip nervously, he worked on inhaling evenly through his nose, inching himself down carefully to sit on the ground, right up against the wall. Really, it was a matter of his muscles failing him than a conscious decision, but he wouldn't admit that. Another attack of vicious thunder, and the boy bit onto his knuckle, not allowing himself to be further a victim of fear.