House Pegasus

The grass and flowers beneath your feet spring back as if they had never been trampled, as you make your way to the white tower. Only three shallow steps scale the concrete slab acting like a porch and you almost feel obligated to knock before entering. The doors themselves swing open effortlessly without a sound and you step inside.

A large round room serves as the common area, spanning the entire first floor. While the furniture and decor of House Cerberus were harsh and cold, here everything is bright and inviting. A vibrant yellow rug covers all but the outermost edge of the foundation while cushioned chairs stitched in orange and blue form a circle around the center. A large rounded table that looks to be carved from a single piece of the same white stone of the walls sits in the middle. A polished wooden framework accents the interior and comes together on the far side of the room, forming a staircase that hugs the exterior wall. Mounted on the trusses, is the House Pegasus notice board.

Two girls sit at the table sipping tea, you assume them both to be fourth-years. A slender girl with long white hair hanging down to her waist is making rounds with a teapot. Dressed in a deep blue jumper hugging her bountiful curves, she smiles to herself as she goes about her task. Her elegant features making it difficult to guess her age. Waiting for her cup to be filled, a girl with dark hair pulled back into a single ponytail and dressed in uniform sits listening to the third. The speaker, also dressed in uniform, holds her cup half raised, short blond hair hanging just past her ears.

"And he tells me they kissed." The blond ends her story before looking up to address you. "Hello and welcome to House Pegasus, dear. I'm Briana, the House Senior. Please, come have a seat with us." She gestures to a section of open seats at their table.

"I only stopped by to drop off this flyer. For the upcoming school dance." You inform her. "I'll just leave it on your board and be out of your way. I don't want to interrupt."

"Don't be ridiculous, darling. Come, have some tea. You wouldn't deny us the pleasure of your company, would you?" Somehow her words feel more like a command than a question.

"Um... Ok." You answer approaching the table. Not wishing to be rude, you take a seat.

The white-haired girl places a small cup in front of you and begins pouring. The other two regard you with a hint of curiosity in their eyes from across the table. Briana in particular, despite her proper demeanor and smile, looks like a predator sizing up its next meal.

"So, what do you have for us today?" Briana extends her hand out to you, waiting for you to pass her the paper.

"It's the announcement for the fall dance. Ophelia sent me to post them at each of the houses." You say, passing her the flyer.

Briana graciously takes the paper from you, her eyes carefully scanning it. "Yes, of course. Ophelia was such a sweetheart to handle most of the arrangements herself. I expect it to be a splendid affair."

The white-haired girl, having finished pouring your cup, gathers her own and takes a seat between the other two girls across from you. The dark-haired girl takes a sip of her tea, still silently watching you.

"Oh, I must apologize. Where are my manners? It seems the excitement of being blessed with such a prominent visitor has gotten the better of me. This is Audry." The house senior says.

The dark-haired girl Briana indicates remains quiet but raises her cup slightly as if to greet you. Her stern look and sharp features are striking but give little hint at what she is thinking.

"Don't mind her." Briana continues. "She can be a bit of a sourpuss at times but is quite lovely once she warms up to you. And this sweet little flower is Rosette."

"Hello." The white-haired girl says in a soft voice.

"She's a little shy around boys, especially ones so handsome, but we will help her grow past that little flaw soon enough."

"It's a pleasure to meet you all." You greet them, feeling compelled to match Briana's proper attitude.

"And such a polite young man too." She gushes to her companions. "So I simply must know, dear. In your time with us here at Ash Forest Academy, have any of our special ladies caught the attention of your discerning eye?" Briana takes another sip of tea, waiting for your reply.

"I don't think..." You stammer, unsure if you should give anyone's name.

"Oh my! So no one you would want to join you at the fall dance? Our ladies simply must be more welcoming. I'm sure, if it would please you, Rosette here would be thrilled to accompany you, darling." Briana waves an open hand towards the girl at her left.

At the mention of her name, Rosette's blue eyes momentarily go wide before glancing around the room.

"She doesn't have to do that." You insist, raising your hand in protest. "I'm sure there's someone she..."

"Don't be silly." Briana interrupts, continuing to speak on behalf of her housemate. "Rosette would be honored to escort someone of your merit, my dear."

"He doesn't want to take the shy little mouse." Audry finally speaks up with a flat tone.

Rosette remains silent, suddenly very interested in the contents of her cup. A brief look of disappointment twisting her face.

"As her housemates, it is our responsibility to help the poor thing where we can, Audry." The blond explains. "Unless you think yourself the better match?"

Audry rolls her eyes at the suggestion.

"I'm sure she's a lovely girl but I already have someone in mind." You attempt to end Briana's matchmaking.

"Well, if you change your mind, you know where to find this sweet young angel." Briana offers. "But please, tell us who has captured the heart of the academy's most immanent up-and-coming wizard?"

Briana and Audry focus their attention on you, both eager to hear the answer. Their gaze is paralyzing and you can't help but feel as if you were walked into a trap.