“The key is above the coffin gilded in gold,” I repeated to myself, walking in the darkness, feeling the stone wall to navigate my way down the spiral staircase into a cave cemetery.

A small candle with a flickering flame helps lead me into the cobwebs and dust.

“I’m doing this for you, Leo,” I whispered to myself, thinking back that Leo desperately needed this key to unlock a chest he assured was filled with a cure to his illness.

Finally, I spotted a coffin filled with dust and crawling creatures. I hid my fear and reached, feeling for a key.

My hands touched a cool metal and I pull the object towards my light.

It’s the gilded gold key.

I turned to return back to the stairs when I hear a low growl.

I freeze.

Suddenly in the darkness, two golden eyes light up.

I run, but my shoelaces let loose and I fall, hitting the stone floor hard.

The growling increases and I dare turn to see a beast, scarred and vicious, licking its lips at the sight of me.

“You dare steal my owner’s prized possession,” the beast shouted, his form still indistinguishable.

I trembled.

“I-I am doing it for a friend. He is severely sick. I cannot lose him,” I explained, my voice quivering in fear.

“Sick. I see. You search for the cure.”

“Yes.”

The beast steps closer, his form more detailed. Graying fur wrapped around him and sharp claws tapped against the stone floor. He was like an enlarged wolf.

“You may have the key if you allow my acquaintance,” the beast said. “It’s rather lonely down here.”

I calmed down.

“Of course,” I replied. “But you’re not going to eat me?”

I was confused.

A low laugh came from the beast. “Humans don’t taste good, besides, my deceased owner would be disappointed.”

“Well, we should get going…”

“Severius. My name is Severius.”

“Severius, interesting.”

We walk through the darkness together and I feel less afraid, but still very uneasy.