Practice makes perfect PV Hannah Blossom Closed

F I N N E G A Nx⳧xC O N N E R

☙ Practice makes perfect, 16th of September 2023 ❧

Finnegan felt the weight of their situation closing in on them. The rain lashed at them, each droplet a tiny needle pricking effortlessly through their thick, padded robes. Hannah's words barely reached him through the roaring wind and rain. It was going to be oh so cold to fly against the wind, but she was right. The storm could very well push them off course if they attempted any other angle, and and who knew where they'd end up if that happened.

He glanced at her, rain streaming down his face but determination evident in his eyes. He gave a curt nod and leaned in against her. They more they tried to become one, the steadier they'd be. That was the theory anyway. The force of the wind buffeted them, threatening to tear them apart, but he held on tight and jutted his chin forward. He'd given up on screaming, she'd get the idea.

Off they went, slowly at first, picking up speed whenever the wind lulled to a brief calm. Their brooms strained against the gusts, the wet bristles dragging and slowing them down. Finnegan leaned forward, trying to keep his head low and maintain a small profile. It was hard work and before long, every muscle in Finnegan's body ached as they powered forward, rain pelting them head on.

The dark clouds seemed to go on forever, but he knew they had to be close to breaking through. Up ahead, he thought he could see a faint glow – the lights of the castle. The beacon in the storm that they were so desperately trying to reach.

Gritting his teeth, Finnegan shouted, "JUST A LITTLE FURTHER! WE'RE ALMOST THERE!" He wasn't sure if Hannah heard him, but he tightened his grip, a silent affirmation that they were in this together.

With every passing moment, the storm intensified, but so did their determination. The castle's glow became clearer, and Finnegan felt hope swell in his chest. They just had to reach it, and the warmth and safety it promised. All they had to do was hold on, just a little longer.

The stone balustrade of a balcony came into view. With a swift nod to Hannah, he adjusted their descent, their feet nearly grazing the ashen rooftiles. With a final effort, he landed with a soft thud on the sleek, wet stones of the tower balcony. Panting heavily, he released his grip on Hannah and without another word, scrambled toward the tower door. "Al-alohomora," he struggled to say through chattering teeth.

The heavy oak door resisted for a moment before Finnegan managed to push it open. The familiar scent of old books and candle wax filled greeted them as they hurried inside. Immediately the sound of the rain muted to a distant, muffled pattering.

"W-w-we d-did it-t." He was shivering like a reed but managed a wry smile eventually. His dark hair, now almost black from rain, matted against his face. "F-fucking h-hell it's cold..."

Little pools of water were starting to form where they stood. At least they were still in one piece, and so were their brooms. "Y-you held up-p p-pretty w-well out t-there..."

Stamina 10 ✶ Evasion 10 ✶ Strength 2 ✶ Wisdom 3 ✶ Arcane Power 5 ✶ Accuracy 10

Hannah breathed in and out. It seemed difficult to relax in a situation like this, but the girl did. She felt calm, going through the storm seemed scarier, but surprisingly she wasn't scared, just freezing. After this she'd go straight to her dormitory and go to bed, she needed rest and a lot of it.

Hannah flew around with Finnegan on her side. The theory was if they'd "become one" they would go faster and surprisingly, it worked. Better than expected. The wind still blew right against them. Sweat mixed with rain on her arm. Her hair was soaked, which earlier was a vivid red.

The pair picked up speed every once in a while, however the wind seemed to be against them. They had to resist a little more. Time went by every second. Hannah didn't have a watch, not that she was wearing one, but the clock inside her head seemed to go "tick, tock" every second.

The boy blurted something out, but Hannah was distracted. The dark clouds went on and on and on. Hannah could notice the storm intensifying every second, she got confident every second. No one could find out what had happened, or else they'd get in a lot of trouble, but this would be a great story to tell her diary.

Then, a balcony came to view she looked at him and he nodded. Finnegan then opened the door. It was freezing. Hannah started to grit her teeth and then she crossed her arms.

"H-h-huh? Ye-a-ah w-we d-did." she said. She looked at him and nodded. "I-it i-is." she said looking at the floor.

The comment caught her as a surprise. She then said "O-oh u-uh t-thanks.." "D-do y-ou ha-ave a-a da-ate t-to t-the f-f-all b-ball? she asked. It seemed obvious, but she was asking him to go to the ball. "W-we c-ould g-go t-together..."