House Cerberus

The heavy doors of House Cerberus let out a deep groan as you push one open to find the stone ramp leads further underground. In lieu of windows, black metal sconces line the walls of the cavern, their red flame illuminating the path. At the end of a short descent, the tunnel opens into what appears to be their common room while two more tunnels lead deeper into cavernous dormitories to the right and left. Three dark-brown leather sofas are positioned around a large stone platform jutting from the floor to act as a table in the center. On the far wall, a deep alcove housing a large smokeless fire provides most of the light for the chamber. Two boys sitting at the table playing chess look up at you as you approach, their uniforms are perfectly worn in a tidy fashion.

"Do you need something?" One of them asks you, seemingly taken aback that they have a visitor. He is an older boy, possibly a fourth-year, with long black hair that is perfectly parted hanging down to his chin, framing the angular features of his face.

"I was sent to post this on your notice board." You inform the pair, showing them the flyers Ophelia had given you.

The younger one who hadn't spoken, a brown-haired boy with a head shaved nearly bald, stands to come collect the paper from you. "We can post it for you. Lucas doesn't like visitors wandering about." He explains while reading over the contents of the announcement.

"Ok, thanks. He should be expecting it." You tell him.

"Sure." The short-haired boy says dismissively before returning to his game, placing the flyer on the table next to the board.

"If that is everything..." The older of the two says, hinting that you should go.

You stand there regarding the two suspiciously, curious if they actually intend to help. Surveying the room, you see no sign of a notice board and feel you have little choice but to trust them. The entire atmosphere of the cave strangles your senses and you long for the refined halls of House Phoenix, or even the spirited chaos of the wyverns.

"Yeah. That's all." You admit, turning to exit the cave.

As you make your way up the ramp, both the air and your heart lighten the closer you get to the large doors leading back outside. Each sconce along the path seems brighter than the last, a feature you hadn't noticed on the way in, and you are left wondering if your mind is playing tricks on you.

Exiting House Cerberus, the warm sun feels like sanctuary from a dark presence and you can't help but take in a deep breath of the fresh outside air. You only have two flyers left to post before you complete your task. Simply the idea of House Pegasus lifts your spirits and you begin the journey to the east side of campus.