HP: Dragon's Coffin

A crackling voice echoed through the train. "We will be arriving at Hogwarts in five minutes. Please ensure you have all your belongings and are dressed in your robes."

Philomena sat up straighter, smoothing her skirt as excitement flickered in her eyes. "Finally," she said with a smile, glancing at her brother. "It's almost time."

Phineas nodded, his calm demeanor unchanged. "Remember to stay close when we disembark. The first years are usually taken separately."

Simeon stood and stretched, tossing a few stray Chocolate Frog wrappers into his bag. "I've been waiting for this all day. Let's see what all the fuss is about Hogwarts."

Ladon closed his book with deliberate care and placed it into his bag, alongside the Nicolas Flamel card he had tucked away earlier. Rising to his feet, he brushed invisible lint from his robes. His movements were composed, precise. Hesper, sensing the shift in energy, stretched and leaped onto his shoulder, her tail curling loosely around his neck.

As they began gathering their belongings, Simeon turned to Ladon, grinning. "Not nervous at all, are you?"

Ladon adjusted his bag over his shoulder, his dragon-like eyes calm as they met Simeon's. "Nerves accomplish nothing."

Simeon laughed, shaking his head. "Of course you'd say that."

Philomena straightened her robes and smirked. "I'll admit, I'm curious to see how the Sorting Hat handles you, Ladon."

Ladon said nothing, his expression unreadable as he stepped toward the compartment door. Phineas followed, glancing back at his sister. "Stay close, Philomena. We don't want to lose you in the crowd."

Philomena rolled her eyes but smiled fondly at her twin. "I'll be fine, Phineas. You worry too much."

The train began to slow, the sound of the brakes screeching slightly as the countryside blurred into the shadows of the station. Outside the windows, lanterns flickered, casting golden light onto the platform. The excited chatter of students filled the air as the train came to a halt.

"First years, this way!" a booming voice called, cutting through the noise.

"Hagrid," a black haired boy with round glasses greated happily.

The group exchanged glances before stepping out into the cool night air. The towering figure of a giant man with a wild beard waved them over, his lantern swinging. "First years! Follow me!"

Simeon grinned. "Well, here we go."

Philomena looked around, taking in the scene with wide eyes, while Phineus stayed close by her side. Ladon, with Hesper perched on his shoulder, moved with quiet confidence, his mind already preparing for the challenges ahead.

The group joined the cluster of first years, their journey to Hogwarts officially beginning as they were led toward the lake, where the shimmering lights of the castle awaited them.

In the cluster of first years, Ladon's sharp eyes caught a glimpse of pale blonde hair glinting under the lantern light. The boy stood a few feet ahead, his posture regal, almost aristocratic, as he turned to speak to someone beside him. His face was angular and composed, his expression one of quiet arrogance.

Malfoy, Ladon thought, his dragon-like eyes narrowing slightly. Though he had never met the boy personally, he knew the name. Draco Malfoy, son of Lucius Malfoy. The resemblance was unmistakable, and it sent a cold pang through Ladon's chest.

Hesper shifted on his shoulder, her small wings flaring briefly as if sensing the tension emanating from her master. Ladon's hand brushed her fur lightly, a silent reassurance that he was in control.

Simeon leaned closer, his voice low. "Ladon, you alright? You've gone all… intense."

Ladon's gaze flicked to Simeon, his expression neutral again. "Fine," he replied curtly, though his eyes returned briefly to the blonde boy before looking away. He had no intention of approaching Malfoy—at least not yet. His focus needed to remain sharp for the challenges ahead, not on the ghosts of his past.

The cluster of students moved forward, led by the towering figure with the lantern. The lake came into view, its inky surface reflecting the glittering lights of the castle perched high on the hill. Gasps and murmurs rippled through the group as they caught sight of Hogwarts for the first time.

"It's… beautiful," Philomena whispered, her voice tinged with awe.

Phineus nodded silently, his calm demeanor faltering for a moment as he took in the sight.

Simeon whistled low. "Well, this beats Ireland. I'll give it that."

Ladon said nothing, his gaze fixed on the castle. The faintest flicker of emotion crossed his face, but it was gone as quickly as it had appeared.

The first years were directed toward the boats, small vessels lined up along the shore. "Four to a boat!" the giant man called, his voice booming.

The group naturally gravitated toward one another, finding a boat and climbing in. As the boats began to glide across the water, the chill in the air was forgotten, replaced by a growing anticipation that hummed between them.

Ladon's fingers brushed against the Ophiuchus ring on his hand as the castle loomed closer, its ancient towers silhouetted against the night sky. He glanced once more at the blonde boy in a nearby boat, his expression unreadable.

Soon, he thought to himself, his mind already strategizing.

The boats glided silently across the black water, the castle's golden lights growing larger and more luminous with each passing moment. The faint hum of whispered conversations drifted across the lake, but Ladon remained silent, his focus sharp as ever. The reflection of Hogwarts shimmered on the surface of the water, a beacon of magic and history.

Hesper let out a soft chirp and stretched her wings slightly, her green eyes scanning the lake as though expecting something to emerge from its depths. Ladon absently ran his fingers along her fur, his mind preoccupied with thoughts of what awaited him. His glance flicked once more toward Draco Malfoy, who sat straight-backed in a boat nearby, laughing softly with his companions.

"Quite the view, isn't it?" Simeon broke the silence, his voice a low murmur as he leaned forward. He grinned, trying to lighten the mood. "Bet you didn't have anything like this back home, eh, Ladon?"

Ladon's gaze shifted to Simeon briefly. "No," he admitted. "Nothing like this."

Philomena leaned back, her hands gripping the edges of the boat as she studied the castle's silhouette. "It's hard to believe we're finally here," she said softly. "All the stories, the history… it feels surreal."

Philip nodded beside her, his calm demeanor unshaken but his eyes betraying his awe. "It does," he agreed. "But we're here now. Time to write our own stories."

The boat gave a slight lurch as it bumped against the shore, and the giant man with the lantern gestured for them to disembark. "Up the steps, now! Mind your footing!" he called, his voice cutting through the chatter of the first years.

Ladon stepped out of the boat, his movements precise and composed. Hesper leaped from his shoulder, landing gracefully on the ground before hopping back up, her wings fluttering slightly as she settled once more.

The group followed the crowd, climbing the stone steps that led to the castle's grand entrance. The air was cool and crisp, carrying with it the faint scent of old stone and earth. Torches flickered along the walls, their flames casting shadows that danced across the faces of the students.

The massive oak doors creaked open, revealing the grandeur of the entrance hall. The ceiling stretched high above them, adorned with intricate carvings and a massive chandelier that bathed the room in warm light. The marble floors gleamed beneath their feet, reflecting the flames of the torches that lined the walls.

Ladon's eyes swept over the hall, taking in every detail. His dragon-like instincts sharpened as he committed the layout to memory. Hesper shifted on his shoulder, her glowing eyes observing their surroundings with equal curiosity.

The first years were ushered into a smaller chamber off the hall, where they were instructed to wait for the Sorting Ceremony. Philomena glanced at Ladon, her bluish-purple eyes glinting with curiosity. "Still not nervous?" she asked with a hint of a smile.

Ladon met her gaze calmly. "No."

Simeon, ever the joker, leaned closer. "Well, I'm not sure what's scarier—the Sorting Hat or Ladon when he's deep in thought."

Philomena laughed softly, but Ladon paid them no mind. His focus was on the task ahead. The Sorting Ceremony was only the beginning, a prelude to the challenges that awaited him. And as the doors to the Great Hall creaked open, the anticipation in the room reached a fever pitch.

The first years filed in, the grandeur of the Great Hall unfolding before them. The enchanted ceiling mirrored the night sky, stars twinkling in the vast expanse above. Four long tables stretched out before them, filled with students whose curious gazes turned toward the new arrivals. At the head of the hall, the staff table loomed, with a stern-looking witch standing beside the Sorting Hat.

Ladon's eyes flickered briefly to the hat, then to the faces in the crowd. Somewhere in this room were those who would become his allies—and his enemies. His fingers brushed the Ophiuchus ring again as he stepped forward, the weight of his legacy pressing against his chest.

This was it. His first step into a world that would challenge and define him. The Sorting Hat awaited.