Arrival at Hogsmeade Station — First Steps Toward Hogwarts
The train slowed, steam hissing around the platform as the students poured out.
Penelope Clearwater smiled warmly at the group.
"Have a good first year, all of you.
And Keith… good luck."
Her eyes lingered on him a moment longer than necessary before she disappeared into the crowd.
Keith, Rias, Daphne, Cassandra, Susan, Hermione, and Helena stepped off together.
A loud voice boomed over the chatter:
"Firs' years! Firs' years over here!"
A huge man with a wild beard waved them over.
Meeting Hagrid
Keith approached him first.
"Good evening. I'm Keith Runcandel."
Hagrid blinked—then grinned.
"Blimey—yeh look jus' like the papers said. A pleasure! Name's Hagrid. Keeper o' Keys an' Grounds o' Hogwarts."
They chatted a few minutes.
Hagrid was instantly fond of Keith's polite manner and Rias' regal confidence.
When they left, Keith spoke silently in his mind:
System Notification
Sign-in at Key Location: Hogwarts Grounds
Reward Unlocked: Avalon Scabbard
Keith nearly froze.
Avalon.
The legendary scabbard of Excalibur.
Absolute defense.
Immortality.
A concept-level artifact.
Rias felt his excitement through their bond and sent a telepathic whisper.
"Keith, did you get something again?"
Keith replied:
"Avalon's scabbard. Its defense is absolute… nothing can pierce it. It grants true immortality."
Rias nearly stumbled.
"That… Keith, that's insane. Congratulations."
She squeezed his hand tightly, heart racing with both pride and awe.
Dragon Senses — Two Trouble Observers
As the group moved with the other first-years, Keith's dragon instincts flared.
Two presences.
Sneaking.
Staring.
Keith activated Dragon Senses.
Instantly, a clear image appeared:
Draco Malfoy
staring slack-jawed at Rias like she was a goddess.
Ron Weasley
blushing and gawking at Helena.
Keith exhaled softly.
Just a little warning…
He let a micro-dose of Dragon Pressure leak out.
A crushing, primal fear hit the two boys.
Draco and Ron instantly squeaked, went pale, trembled, and—
…yes, they absolutely pissed themselves.
They dropped behind a crate, shaking uncontrollably.
Rias, sensing what Keith did, smirked.
"If you hadn't done it, I would have."
Keith simply squeezed her hand.
Boat Ride to Hogwarts
Hagrid led the first-years toward the dark lake.
"Four ter a boat!"
Keith gently guided Rias, Helena, and Susan into one boat.
The girls seemed naturally drawn to him—like they trusted his presence.
Another boat held:
Daphne Cassandra Hermione Hannah Abbott (who joined last-minute)
The boats glided forward, lanterns glowing around them.
As the moon reflected off the lake, the castle came into view—
**Hogwarts.
Majestic. Ancient. Alive.**
All seven girls beside Keith inhaled sharply at the sight.
Hermione whispered:
"It's… beautiful."
Daphne, Cassandra, and Susan all leaned forward, hearts pounding with excitement.
Helena's eyes shimmered with a mix of nostalgia and destiny.
Rias held Keith's hand even tighter.
"Our new chapter begins now."
Keith nodded.
And silently, Avalon gleamed inside his dimensional storage—
the ultimate shield for the one who would change the world.