The Hogwarts Express was packed with students eager to return home for the holidays. Snow blanketed the countryside as the train made its way back to London.
Ez leaned against the window, his mind elsewhere.
This Christmas wasn't just about going home. It was about finding answers.
Ever since his magic began changing—the frost forming on his skin, the unnatural chill in his spells—he had suspected that there was more to his powers. Now, he was certain.
And the answers lay in his family's vaults.
As the train pulled into King's Cross, Ez barely had time to step off before a blur of blonde crashed into him.
"Ezzy!"
Celeste clung to his coat, her blue eyes shining with excitement.
Ez laughed, ruffling her hair. "Missed me, Celes?"
She pouted. "Too much!"
Beside them, Alys smirked. "She actually counted the days."
Their parents, Thomas and Marissa Malverne, stood nearby, watching the reunion fondly.
Marissa stepped forward, brushing his silver-blonde hair aside. "Welcome home, darling."
Thomas clapped a firm hand on his son's shoulder. "We have things to discuss."
Ez met his father's gaze. He knew what that meant.
The vaults.
---
Two days later, Ez and his father stood before the massive doors of Gringotts Bank.
The goblins guided them deep underground, where the oldest Malverne vaults lay.
"This vault belonged to your ancestors," Thomas explained as they stood before a grand iron door. "But only those of true bloodline can enter."
Ez placed his hand on the door.
Frost spread from his fingertips. Runes flared to life. The vault trembled, unlocking with an ancient groan.
Inside, a vast chamber of treasures, books, and artifacts awaited.
But Ez's eyes locked onto a singular item—a glowing blue crystal, pulsing with power.
The moment his fingers brushed it, magic surged through him.
Ice. Power. A storm of frost and snow in his veins.
Memories of ancestors wielding winter's wrath.
A name whispered in his mind—The Frostborn Heir.
Ez gasped, his breath visible in the air.
Thomas watched him closely. "You've awakened it."
Ez's chest heaved. "It's my bloodline."
His father nodded. "And now, you must learn to control it."
Ez clenched his fists. He would.
---
The Malverne estate was alive with celebration on Christmas Eve.
The great dining hall was lit by enchanted candles, a massive fir tree standing proudly at the center, adorned with glittering silver and blue ornaments.
Friends and family gathered, nobles of the Sacred 28 mingling over fine wine and decadent food.
Ez sat at the head table beside his father, listening as Thomas spoke of the family's legacy. Across from him, Celeste sat happily munching on a chocolate tart, swinging her feet under the table.
Alys smirked at him. "You should eat. You'll need the energy for tomorrow."
Ez raised a brow. "For presents?"
She snorted. "For dealing with Celeste's excitement."
Celeste pouted. "I'm not that bad!"
Ez chuckled. "Of course not, Celes."
The night was filled with laughter, warmth, and the unspoken understanding that this was what home felt like.
---
The next morning, Ez awoke to Celeste jumping onto his bed.
"Wake up, wake up, wake up! Presents!"
Ez groaned but relented, following his little sister to the grand Christmas tree where stacks of gifts awaited.
From his parents: A custom-made silver wand holster enchanted for quick-draw dueling.
From Alys: A book on advanced spell theory (with a note: "Try not to freeze it, Ez.")
From Celeste: A hand-drawn picture of their family ("It's my best one yet!")
From Elena: A set of enchanted quills with auto-correcting script.
From Cedric: A Quidditch strategy book.
And lastly—a package from Gringotts.
Inside was a silver signet ring, marked with the emblem of Ravenclaw.
Ez's breath hitched.
It was official.
He was now Heir Ravenclaw.
---
The final event of the holiday season will be the Annual Ministry Ball.
Held in a grand, enchanted ballroom, it is where nobles and high-ranking officials gathered to celebrate the new year.
---