The weeks following Ez's first Quidditch match were a whirlwind of attention, training, and responsibilities. His victory had cemented his place in Ravenclaw's team and raised expectations—not just from his house, but from the entire school.
Ez wasn't just another promising player. He was the first first-year in years to make a house team, and his performance had exceeded all expectations. Naturally, this meant increased attention from classmates, professors, and even older students, which Ez found both amusing and exhausting.
However, he refused to let fame get to his head. If anything, it motivated him to train harder, study more, and refine his skills.
---
Though Ez had avoided any direct confrontation, Slytherin's Adrian Pucey had made it abundantly clear that he wouldn't let their first match be the final word.
During practice sessions, Ez could feel Pucey's gaze burning into him, and whenever their teams crossed paths in the halls, the Slytherin would smirk, making snide comments about how "first-year luck doesn't last forever."
Ez, however, refused to rise to the bait.
Instead of words, he chose to answer through action.
Early morning flight drills—practicing sharp turns and sudden acceleration.
Evening endurance training—building his stamina to outlast any opponent.
Studying advanced Chaser tactics—analyzing professional-level plays and incorporating them into his own style.
His hard work paid off. Not only was he faster and more precise, but his confidence on the field soared. Even his team captai took notice, occasionally pulling him aside after practice.
"Malverne," he said one evening, arms crossed, "I know I gave you a chance because of your skill, but you're proving you have the mindset of a top player too. Keep this up, and you'll be our main offensive playmaker next year."
Ez grinned. "That's the plan, Captain."
He smirked. "Good. Just don't let the attention go to your head."
Ez rolled his eyes. "You sound like my father."
He chuckled. "Smart man, then."
---
Beyond Quidditch, Ez's relationships with Cedric Diggory, Elena Fairburn, and Adrian Selwyn continued to strengthen.
After practice one evening, Ez and Cedric walked out of the library, discussing Quidditch strategies.
Elena and Adrian were waiting near the entrance hall, chatting as they spotted Ez and Cedric approaching.
Elena stretched lazily. "Finally! You two take forever in there."
Cedric laughed. "You say that like we weren't studying."
Elena smirked. "Correction: Ez was studying. You were just nodding along and pretending to understand."
Adrian chuckled. "She's got a point."
Ez smirked. "You two act like I force you to listen. But you always show up when I have something interesting to say."
Elena rolled her eyes. "Fine, fine, you win."
Adrian grinned. "So, are we still on for Hogsmeade this weekend?"
Cedric nodded. "I was just about to ask the same thing."
Ez glanced at them. "Yeah, we're going. My parents will be there too, along with my sisters."
Elena raised an eyebrow. "So, we get to meet the famous Malverne family?"
Ez chuckled. "Just don't let Alys talk your ears off. And Celes... well, she's a menace."
Elena grinned. "Sounds fun."
---
The weekend arrived quickly, and Ez and his friends made their way to Hogsmeade, where his family was waiting at The Three Broomsticks.
As soon as they stepped inside, a blonde blur rushed toward Ez.
"EZ!"
Ez barely had time to react before Celes leaped into his arms, hugging him tightly.
Ez laughed, catching her with ease. "Merlin, Celes, you're getting heavier."
She pouted. "No, I'm not! You're just weak!"
Behind her, Alys rolled her eyes. "You spoil her too much."
Ez smirked. "Says the one who gets whatever she wants?"
Alys flicked her silver-blonde hair over her shoulder. "That's just because I deserve it."
Their parents, Thomas and Marissa Malverne, stood nearby, watching with amusement.
Thomas smirked. "I see Hogwarts hasn't changed you much, Ez."
Marissa smiled warmly. "It's good to see you, darling."
Ez gave a respectful nod. "It's good to see you too, Mother, Father."
Turning, he gestured to his friends. "These are my friends—Elena Fairburn, Adrian Selwyn, and Cedric Diggory."
Thomas gave a firm nod. "A pleasure. I trust my son isn't leading you into too much trouble?"
Adrian grinned. "Actually, sir, he's usually the one keeping us out of trouble."
Thomas chuckled. "Good to hear."
Alys, meanwhile, had locked onto Elena with sharp green eyes. "You're a girl."
Elena raised an eyebrow. "Observant."
Alys crossed her arms. "You better not be planning to steal my brother."
Ez groaned. "Alys, stop."
Elena, however, smirked. "Relax. I'm just his friend."
Alys nodded, still watching her carefully. "Good."
Celes, meanwhile, was clinging to Ez's arm. "Can we go get sweets now?"
Ez ruffled her hair. "Yeah, yeah, let's go."
---
The group spent the afternoon wandering through the village.
Honeydukes—where Celes insisted on buying nearly everything.
Zonko's Joke Shop—where Alys and Adrian ganged up on Ez, pranking him
Scrivenshaft's Quill Shop—where Elena and Cedric debated over the best ink colors.
Eventually, they returned to The Three Broomsticks, sitting around a large table with butterbeer and snacks.
Cedric leaned back. "So, Ez, how's it feel being famous now?"
Ez smirked. "Annoying. You should know."
Cedric chuckled. "True. But trust me, it only gets worse."
Elena laughed. "I don't think Ez minds the attention too much."
Ez shook his head. "I don't care about fame. I just want to be the best at what I do."
Adrian nodded. "Respectable. But you know, people are already calling you Ravenclaw's best Chaser in years."
Ez rolled his eyes. "They exaggerate."
Alys, sipping her butterbeer, smirked. "You love it."
Ez sighed. "Fine, maybe a little."
The group laughed, enjoying the rare moment of peace and friendship.
As the evening wound down, Ez's parents gave him a knowing look.
Thomas spoke first. "We're proud of you, Ez. But remember, Quidditch is just one part of your future. Keep training your mind as much as your body."
Ez nodded. "I know. I won't let you down."
Marissa smiled warmly. "We know you won't."
As Ez looked at his family and friends, he felt a deep sense of belonging.
This was just the beginning.
He would continue to grow, to challenge himself, and to forge his own path—in Quidditch, in his studies, and in life.
---