HP: Dragon's Coffin

The faint clang of steel echoed through the training hall as Ladon moved like a shadow, his blade weaving through the air with deadly precision. His Snake Dancer swordsmanship was a mesmerizing dance of fluid strikes, sharp pivots, and coiled movements. His footwork was so light it seemed as though he were gliding across the floor. Each step, each twist, flowed into the next with lethal grace.

The moonlight streaming through the high windows bathed the room in silver light, casting long shadows that danced with him. The candles mounted on the walls flickered and swayed as if bowing to the intensity of his movements. Hesper watched from the sidelines, her bat-like wings twitching as if in admiration.

Asclepius entered quietly, his silver eyes narrowing slightly as he observed the boy. His expression was unreadable, though a flicker of pride softened his features as he noted Ladon's precise form. The lad was close—so close—to reaching a breakthrough. There was a certain energy in the air, a hum of anticipation that only came when someone stood on the precipice of mastery.

"Of course," Asclepius murmured to himself, shaking his head in quiet exasperation. "He's too focused to even notice he's not alone."

He crossed his arms and leaned casually against one of the stone pillars, content to wait until Ladon's internal battle reached its resolution. There was no need to rush this moment—it was a pivotal one in the boy's growth.

Minutes passed. Ladon's breathing became more measured, his strikes slower yet more deliberate. His mind was entirely absorbed, every movement more refined than the last. Suddenly, he shifted, his blade flashing in a perfect arc that split the air like lightning. The wind of his strike extinguished a nearby candle.

He froze, his sword poised in mid-air. For a long moment, there was silence.

Then, Ladon exhaled slowly and lowered his weapon, his dragon-like eyes glowing faintly in the dim light. He had broken through—he could feel it. The technique that had eluded him for so long now felt like an extension of his body, an instinct rather than mere practice.

Only then did he notice Asclepius standing by the pillar, watching him with a knowing smile.

"You've improved," Asclepius remarked, his voice calm but approving. "Your mastery of the third form is… remarkable."

Ladon nodded, wiping a bead of sweat from his brow as he sheathed his sword. "I could feel it. Everything just… clicked."

Asclepius straightened, his long coat flowing behind him as he stepped forward. "That's the sign of a true swordsman." He paused, studying the boy for a moment before continuing. "But today's training is over. There's someone waiting to see you."

Ladon's brows furrowed slightly, confusion flickering in his eyes. "Who?"

Asclepius's expression remained unreadable, though there was a softness in his tone. "You'll see."

Ladon hesitated but nodded. "All right."

"Follow me." Asclepius turned and began walking toward the exit, his footsteps echoing softly in the hall. Ladon followed, his curiosity growing with each step. Hesper flitted to his shoulder, her wings curling gently around her small form.

---

The path through the garden was serene, the stone walkways lined with roses that glistened under the soft moonlight. The air was cool, carrying the faint scent of flowers and dew. The world seemed peaceful—almost too peaceful.

As they approached the gazebo, Ladon slowed, sensing something… familiar. The figure seated in the center of the structure was partially obscured by the shadows, but even at a distance, there was something unmistakable about her silhouette.

Asclepius stopped at the entrance and turned to Ladon. "Go on," he said quietly.

Ladon's heart thudded in his chest as he stepped forward. The figure rose slowly, stepping into the light.

The world seemed to freeze.

"Mother…" Ladon's voice was barely a whisper, raw with disbelief and emotion.

Hyacinth's black eyes shimmered with a mixture of joy and sorrow. "Hello, my darling," she said softly.

Ladon's breath caught in his throat. It felt as though time itself had unraveled. He took another step, his hands trembling at his sides.

"I… I thought…" His voice broke.

Hyacinth closed the distance between them, her hands cupping his face gently. "I know," she whispered, her touch warm despite her spectral form. "I'm so sorry, Ladon."

Tears gathered at the edges of his dragon-like eyes, though his expression remained stoic—a fragile mask that threatened to shatter.

Hyacinth smiled through her own grief. "You've grown so much, my son. Stronger than I ever imagined."

Ladon closed his eyes, leaning into her touch. "I missed you."

"And I you," she whispered, pressing a soft kiss to his forehead. "But I'm here now, even if only for a short while."

Behind them, Asclepius watched in silence, his silver eyes glowing softly. He turned away to give them privacy, his thoughts somber. At least now, the boy has the truth—and perhaps the peace he's long deserved.

Ladon stood there, eyes closed, savoring the warmth of his mother's presence as if trying to etch the moment into his soul. The air around them seemed to hum with quiet magic, the night holding its breath for this reunion.

Hyacinth gently pulled back, though her hands remained on his shoulders. "I've watched you every day, my darling," she said softly. "Even when you thought you were alone, I was with you."

Ladon's jaw tightened, his emotions threatening to spill over. "Why?" he asked, his voice trembling. "Why did you wait so long? Why didn't you come sooner?"

Hyacinth's smile faded, replaced by a shadow of guilt. "I was afraid," she admitted. "Afraid that seeing me would only cause you more pain. Afraid that you'd resent me for what happened."

Ladon's fists clenched at his sides. "I don't resent you. I never did. You didn't fail me—he did." His dragon-like eyes burned with a cold fury. "He stole you from me. I'm sure he was a part it. I'm certain."

Hyacinth's expression softened, and she shook her head. "I don't know about that...but you became stronger than they could ever hope to be." She brushed a strand of silver hair from his face, her touch as tender as it had been in life. "But, Ladon, strength without love can become a prison. You've built walls around yourself, and I fear you've locked away the very things that make you who you are."

Ladon's gaze wavered, and for the first time in years, he allowed himself to speak from the heart. "What if… what if those things only make me weaker?"

"They don't," Hyacinth said firmly, cupping his face. "Your kindness, your loyalty, and your love—they are what make you unbreakable. I don't want you to lose that, Ladon."

He took a shuddering breath. "I don't know if I can. There's so much darkness inside me."

Hyacinth smiled gently. "Then let the light in when you can. Let those who care for you see you—not the mask you wear, but the boy I raised. You don't have to carry this alone."

Ladon's shoulders sagged as the weight of her words pressed into him. He looked down at his feet, then back at her. "Will you stay? At least… until I leave for Hogwarts?"

Hyacinth's eyes shimmered, and for a moment, her form seemed to flicker. "I'll stay as long as I can. I promise."

The wind rustled the roses around the gazebo, carrying the faint scent of blossoms and the quiet song of the night. Ladon nodded slowly, blinking away the tears that threatened to fall. He reached out and held her hand, marveling at how real it felt.

Behind them, Asclepius shifted slightly, his presence a steady anchor in the background. Hesper, who had been watching silently from a nearby arch, flitted over and landed lightly on Ladon's shoulder, as though offering her quiet support.

Hyacinth's smile returned as she glanced at Asclepius, her black eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you," she whispered.

Asclepius inclined his head. "He needed you," he replied simply.

Hyacinth turned back to her son, her gaze unwavering. "And I'll be here for you, Ladon, for as long as I'm able."

Ladon took a deep breath, his heart steadier than it had been in years. "Then I'll make you proud," he said quietly. "I'll make them all see who I really am."

"I'm sure you will," Hyacinth whispered.

For the first time in what felt like an eternity, Ladon allowed himself to believe her. The garden, the roses, the soft glow of the moon—all of it felt like a promise that, even in the darkest places, there was still room for hope.

They stood together in the quiet of the night, mother and son, a moment of peace amidst the storm that awaited.

{🐉}

The morning sun filtered through the windows of the manor as Ladon adjusted the sleeves of his tailored coat. His reflection in the large gilded mirror showed a composed young man with dragon-like eyes, their glow subdued but ever present. The three-piece suit fit him perfectly—black, with subtle green accents embroidered in the finest fabric. He looked like a lord stepping out of a story.

Hesper meowed from the bed, her wings stretching lazily. She knew something important was happening but didn't seem particularly concerned. Ladon gave her a small, rare smile.

---

Downstairs in the grand foyer, Asclepius, Hyacinth's spirit, and Zelby the house elf waited. As Ladon descended the staircase, Asclepius's sharp silver eyes followed him, a mixture of pride and sorrow flickering within them.

"You're ready," Asclepius said, though it wasn't a question.

Ladon stepped forward and nodded. "Yes."

Hyacinth's spectral form hovered near, her eyes soft with maternal warmth. "Take care of yourself, Ladon. And don't forget who you are."

Zelby sniffled, wiping his large eyes with a corner of his tunic. "Zelby wishes Master Ladon a safe journey... and a good year at Hogwarts, sir."

Ladon's stoic mask faltered for a moment as he gave the elf a small nod. "Thank you, Zelby."

Asclepius reached into his coat and withdrew a small ornate box. He opened it to reveal a ring—a stunning piece of craftsmanship, the band a blend of black and pale green metal intertwined with draconic patterns. At its center was an opalescent gem encased in silver, shaped like the head of a coiled serpent.

Ladon's breath caught. He knew what this was.

"This is the Ophiuchus family ring," Asclepius said solemnly. "Only the head of the family may wear it. By giving you this, I recognize you not just as the heir, but as the true master of our legacy."

Ladon stared at the ring for a long moment before nodding. Asclepius slid the ring onto Ladon's finger, and the moment it settled, a faint pulse of ancient magic radiated from it. The gem shimmered briefly, as though acknowledging its new bearer.

Hyacinth smiled. "It suits you."

Ladon clenched his hand into a fist, feeling the weight of the ring—the history, the responsibility, the power. "I won't let it go to waste," he promised.

---

At King's Cross Station, the hustle and bustle of London life was in full swing. Steam hissed from nearby trains, and the chatter of travelers filled the air. The clock overhead read 10:45 AM.

Ladon strode through the crowd with quiet confidence, his trunk gliding behind him with a slight levitation charm. Hesper perched on his shoulder, her wings folded neatly.

When he reached the barrier between platforms 9 and 10, he paused for a brief second, taking in the scene—the mundane world so unaware of the magic hidden in plain sight.

Taking a steadying breath, Ladon stepped forward. With one swift motion, he walked straight at the wall.

The world shimmered and shifted.

---

Platform 9¾ came into view like a secret garden hidden behind an ordinary door. The scarlet engine of the Hogwarts Express gleamed in the morning light, its whistle cutting through the air. The platform was alive with excitement—students saying goodbyes, trunks being loaded, and owls hooting from their cages.

Ladon's dragon-like eyes scanned the crowd, quietly observing. His heart beat steadily beneath his calm exterior, but there was a spark of anticipation within him.

"Time to begin," he muttered, stepping toward the train with measured grace.

As he boarded, he felt the weight of the Ophiuchus ring against his skin—a reminder of who he was and what he carried. The heir of Ophiuchus was on his way to Hogwarts, and the wizarding world would never be the same.