Ladon's eyes didn't shift from the pages of The Alchemist's Legacy: The Life and Research of Nicolas Flamel, but he felt the faint pulse of magic through the draconic rune of detection etched onto the outside of the compartment door. Someone had stopped just outside—a presence registering as a soft hum in his mind. The rune fed him the faintest imprint of their magical signature, alerting him that it wasn't one of his compartment mates or a student.
His mind immediately cataloged the presence. Likely the trolley lady. But why pause here?
Still without looking up from his book, Ladon reached into his pocket and smoothly retrieved his wand. The dark, polished elder wood fit comfortably in his grip as he murmured, "Alohomora."
The compartment door clicked and swung open with a soft creak, causing the trolley lady to flinch in surprise. She was a plump, rosy-cheeked woman pushing a cart brimming with sweets and snacks. Her wide eyes blinked as she stared at the now open door.
"Well now, dear!" she said, clutching the cart handle. "You startled me! I didn't even knock yet!"
Ladon finally looked up, his dragon-like eyes calm but unbothered. "You were standing there for some time," he said simply, as though that explained everything.
Simeon burst into laughter. "Merlin's beard, Ladon! You can't just unlock doors like that—she's gonna think you're some kind of hex-happy prodigy!"
Philomena chuckled softly, though she watched Ladon with intrigue. "Or a mind reader," she added, half-joking.
The trolley lady's initial shock melted into a good-natured smile. "You're a sharp one, aren't you?" She pushed the cart forward. "Sweets, dears? Chocolate Frogs, Pumpkin Pasties, Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans?"
Simeon immediately perked up. "Yes. I'll take ten Chocolate Frogs and a Pumpkin Pasty!"
Philomena shook her head with a grin. "I'm good, thank you."
Ladon hesitated for a moment before finally speaking. "I'll take a licorice wand."
The trolley lady beamed and handed over the requested items. Simeon dug into his pocket for coins, but Ladon quietly placed his own money on the table for both of their sweets.
Simeon blinked, surprised. "You didn't have to do that."
Ladon shrugged, turning back to his book. "You're amusing. Consider it compensation."
Philomena laughed behind her hand while Simeon shook his head, muttering, "Definitely royalty."
The trolley lady chuckled and gave a small wave as she moved on. The compartment door clicked shut behind her, and the hum of magic from the detection rune reactivated. Ladon, satisfied, resumed his quiet reading as Hesper stretched on the seat, her wings fluttering before settling once more.
"You're something else, Ladon," Simeon said with a grin, biting into his Pumpkin Pasty.
Philomena nodded in agreement, her curious eyes still watching the boy with the primal aura no one else seemed to notice but her. "I wonder how long it'll take for everyone else at Hogwarts to notice."
Hesper, who had just woken from her nap, stretched her small, fluffy body and let out a delicate yawn. Her wings gave a small flutter before she glided gracefully to Ladon's lap. Ladon absentmindedly ran his fingers through her fur as she curled into a contented ball.
However, Hesper's emerald eyes flicked upward and locked onto Philomena. The girl's gaze was unwavering—thoughtful, fascinated, and directed entirely at Ladon. Hesper's tail twitched in agitation.
The familiar's wings shifted slightly as she let out a soft, almost indignant hiss. Her instincts were sharp, and she didn't like the way Philomena was staring at her Ladon. It wasn't threatening—just… too much interest for her liking.
Ladon didn't notice, still engrossed in his book. Simeon, oblivious, was trying to decide whether his next Every Flavor Bean was safe to eat or another disaster waiting to happen.
Philomena blinked at Hesper's noise and smiled softly. "Is she always this protective?" she asked.
Ladon finally glanced up, his black eyes unreadable. "Yes. She doesn't like when people linger."
Philomena's smile widened. "Well, she'll have to get used to me, then."
Hesper let out another soft hiss, flaring her wings slightly, as if to say, We'll see about that.
Simeon glanced between them, raising an eyebrow. "Is this some sort of territorial standoff? Should I be worried?"
Philomena laughed while Hesper snuggled more firmly into Ladon's lap, closing her eyes as if dismissing the conversation altogether. Ladon returned to his book, though a ghost of a smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.
"Don't worry," Ladon murmured to the others. "Hesper's hiss is worse than her bite." To Heaper, he leaned down so he can whisper in her fur. "Not that there is anything to hiss about. I have no interest in the Avery girl. So calm yourself."
Philomena leaned back in her seat, amused but undeterred, unaware she had no chance. "Good. I'd hate to lose a staring contest to a cat."
Simeon grinned. "I dunno—Hesper's got the intensity of a dragon. I'd put my money on her."
Hesper let out one last huff before nestling deeper, satisfied that her presence had been noted. The unspoken message was clear: Ladon belonged to her first, and any newcomers would have to earn their place in his world.
"Merlin's beard! Not this one either," Simeon groaned, tossing another card onto the rising pile in front of him.
The card fluttered down to rest atop the others as Simeon wiped his mouth with a napkin, scowling at his collection of Chocolate Frog cards. "I've been trying to get a Godric Gryffindor card for ages, but nope—just the same old figures."
Ladon, mildly curious, glanced up from his book. His dragon-like eyes swept over the pile of cards. One in particular caught his attention. Reaching over, he plucked the card from the stack with an almost reverent touch.
"Nicolas Flamel," he murmured, studying the intricately drawn portrait of the ancient alchemist. The artist had captured Flamel with wise, knowing eyes and a serene expression, his long silver hair flowing like a river of starlight. The famous Philosopher's Stone rested in the background, glowing faintly.
Simeon blinked at Ladon's interest. "You into alchemy?" he asked, leaning forward.
Ladon nodded slowly, still examining the card. "His work is… fascinating." He paused before asking, "May I take this one?"
Simeon shrugged, his grin returning. "Sure. I've got about five of him already. Take it."
Philomena tilted her head. "Nicolas Flamel," she mused. "The only known creator of the Philosopher's Stone… you don't meet many people fascinated by alchemy anymore. Most students are more interested in Defense Against the Dark Arts or Quidditch."
Ladon tucked the card neatly into his book as a placeholder, closing the leather-bound cover gently. "The creation of the Philosopher's Stone is more than a pursuit of immortality. It represents understanding the balance between creation and destruction, life and death. The Philosopher's Stone is… a mystery of purpose, not just power."
Simeon stared, blinking as though Ladon had spoken an entirely different language. "Right. I understood about half of that, but it sounded impressive."
Philomena smiled. "It sounds like you've thought about this a lot."
Ladon's expression didn't change, but he gave a slight nod. "I have."
Simeon leaned back, shaking his head in mock defeat. "Here I was, hoping this trip would be filled with sweets and excitement—and now I've got a mysterious philosopher for company."
Philomena chuckled. "There's nothing wrong with a little philosophy, Simeon. It's refreshing."
Simeon sighed dramatically. "Well, as long as Ladon's not secretly trying to become Nicolas Flamel, I think I can handle it."
Ladon's lips twitched, barely, but enough for Hesper to lift her head and chirp in approval. Her Ladon was in good company—at least for now.
Before anyone could say more, another knock came at the door. Ladon sighed softly, his patience already thinning. "Come in," he said, his voice even.
The door slid open, revealing a boy who could only be Philomena's twin. He had the same striking black hair and bluish-purple eyes, though his face was soft, more delicate, with a quiet gentleness that set him apart from the other boys. He wore the same neatly pressed robes, his tie perfectly knotted, giving him an air of quiet composure.
"You left me with those girls and just walked off," he said, his tone soft and calm, though his words carried an undertone of reproach. "That was so cruel, sister."
Philomena grinned at him, unbothered by his accusation. "You're perfectly capable of handling them, Phineas. Besides, I wanted to explore. And now, I've found a rather interesting compartment."
Phineas's eyes flicked over the scene, taking in the messy pile of Chocolate Frog cards, Simeon's relaxed posture, and Ladon's book held with precision. His gaze lingered on Ladon for a moment before moving to Hesper, who sat curled in Ladon's lap, her glowing green eyes fixed on him.
"She's beautiful," Phineas said softly, nodding toward Hesper. "A chimera familiar?"
Ladon inclined his head, a hint of approval in his expression. "Her name is Hesper."
Phineas smiled faintly, his manner calm and almost disarming. "Hesper. A fitting name." He turned to Philomena. "At least tell me you've been behaving."
"Of course," Philomena replied, her voice dripping with mock innocence. "I'm making friends."
Phineas arched a delicate brow but said nothing. Instead, he turned back to Ladon and offered a polite nod. "Phineas Avery," he introduced himself. "Philomena's twin, as you've likely guessed."
Ladon nodded in return. "Ladon King."
Simeon, ever the conversationalist, grinned. "And I'm Simeon Prewett. Ladon's unofficial translator since he's not much of a talker."
Phineas chuckled softly at that, his gaze flicking back to Ladon with quiet curiosity. "You've picked an interesting pair to travel with, sister."
Philomena leaned back, her expression teasing. "I didn't pick them—they're just lucky I found them."
Simeon snorted. "Or unlucky, depending on how this train ride goes."
Phineas's faint smile lingered as he took a seat beside his sister. He seemed at ease, though his sharp eyes studied the group carefully, as if piecing together a puzzle. For a moment, his gaze lingered on the ring on Ladon's finger, his expression unreadable.
The compartment grew quiet again as the train rumbled on, the countryside flying past the windows.
The silence was interrupted by Simeon. "Does anyone know what house they want to get sorted in?" he asked, leaning back in his seat and tossing another Chocolate Frog card onto the pile.
Philomena smiled thoughtfully, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "I suppose Slytherin would be ideal," she said. "It's my family's house, and it does have its merits. But… I wouldn't mind Ravenclaw. I've always enjoyed the idea of being surrounded by people who value intellect and creativity."
Simeon grinned. "Slytherin, huh? That fits. You've got the whole 'cool and cunning' thing going for you." He turned to her twin. "What about you Philineas?"
Phineas, who had been gazing out the window, turned back to the group. "I suppose Slytherin as well. Our parents would certainly expect it." He glanced at Philomena. "But I wouldn't mind Ravenclaw either. Knowledge is power, after all."
Simeon nodded thoughtfully. "Well, I think I'll be happy in Gryffindor. My dad was one, and from what I hear, it's the house for brave troublemakers like me." He grinned at Ladon. "What about you, mate? Let me guess—Ravenclaw or Slytherin? You've got the whole ruthless genius vibe."
Ladon didn't look up from his book immediately. When he finally spoke, his voice was calm and steady. "I don't have a preference between the two."
Simeon blinked. "Really? Not even a guess?"
Ladon closed his book slowly and placed it on the seat beside him. His dragon-like eyes met Simeon's, unblinking. "The house doesn't define the wizard. It's the wizard who defines the house."
Philomena raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by his perspective. "That's a very… pragmatic way of looking at it."
Phineas nodded in agreement, his gaze still lingering on Ladon. "Wise words."
Simeon chuckled. "Leave it to Ladon to out-philosophize the Sorting Hat."
Ladon's lips twitched faintly—almost a smile—as he picked up his book again. "I doubt the Sorting Hat would appreciate being 'philosophized.'"
Hesper stretched lazily in Ladon's lap, her wings fluttering slightly as she let out a soft chirp, as if she, too, had an opinion on the matter.
"Well, wherever we end up," Simeon said, leaning back, "let's hope we don't all get split up. This is shaping up to be an interesting little group."
Philomena smirked. "You're assuming we'll all tolerate each other long enough for that to matter."
Simeon laughed. "Oh, come on. I'm delightful company. Right, Ladon?"
Ladon didn't respond, his focus back on his book, but the faintest hint of amusement glimmered in his eyes.
'An interesting lot, indeed.'