The Hogwarts Express pulled into King's Cross Station, its whistle echoing through the platform. Ezekiel stepped off, scanning the crowd for his family. Standing near the entrance, his father, Thomas Malverne, cut a commanding figure—his silver hair and piercing green eyes making him instantly recognizable. Beside him, his mother, Marissa, smiled warmly, holding Celeste's tiny hand.
"Ez!" Alys waved excitedly, her silver-blonde hair catching the light as she ran toward him.
Ezekiel let out a small chuckle, ruffling her hair as she hugged him. "You act like I was gone for years."
"You were gone for months," Alys retorted. "That's practically the same thing!"
His mother embraced him next. "Welcome home, darling. We missed you."
His father gave a firm nod. "Well done this year. We'll discuss everything at home."
As they made their way toward the Floo Network, Ezekiel's thoughts drifted to the summer ahead. There was much to do—training, studying the ancient texts from his vaults, and preparing for the next phase of his political and magical journey.
---
The Malverne estate was as grand as ever, a vast expanse of elegance and history. The moment Ezekiel stepped inside, he felt a sense of belonging. This was home.
Celeste clung to his side as they walked into the dining hall. "You're not leaving soon, right?"
He chuckled, picking her up. "Not for a while, Celes."
As they sat down for dinner, Alys leaned forward eagerly. "Tell us everything, Ez! How was the final match? Did Slytherin cry when they lost?"
Ezekiel smirked. "Pucey definitely wasn't happy."
Their father cleared his throat, drawing their attention. "There will be plenty of time for stories later. Tomorrow, we visit Gringotts. It's time you unlock more of your inheritance."
Ezekiel nodded. He had been waiting for this.
---
The next morning, father and son arrived at Gringotts, their presence immediately recognized by the goblins. The Malverne vault had already been accessed before—but today, they had another purpose.
They descended deep into the underground tunnels, stopping before a massive silver-and-blue door, etched with ancient Ravenclaw runes. Unlike the Malverne vault, this door would only open for someone of Ravenclaw blood.
Ezekiel placed his hand on the door. A pulse of energy surged through him as the ancient magic acknowledged his lineage. The runes glowed, and with a deep, echoing groan, the vault door swung open.
Inside, it was a scholar's paradise.
Shelves upon shelves of books and scrolls.
Rare magical artifacts, some glowing with enchantments long forgotten.
A pedestal in the center, holding what appeared to be an ancient grimoire.
His father observed him carefully. "This is your true inheritance, Ezekiel. Knowledge that has been lost to time—magic that only you can reclaim."
Ezekiel stepped forward, running his fingers over the ancient tome. He could feel the magic within, waiting to be unlocked. This was only the beginning.
---
The summer was far from relaxing. Every day, Ezekiel dedicated himself to refining his skills.
Magical Studies: He pored over the Ravenclaw texts, learning advanced spellwork, enchantments, and theories of lost magic.
Ice Magic Mastery: His natural affinity for ice magic had begun to evolve. He could now control temperature on a larger scale, shaping the environment around him.
Political Lessons: Under his father's guidance, Ezekiel learned the intricacies of noble politics, strategy, and alliances.
"You'll be stepping into the political arena sooner than later," his father reminded him. "It's time you start building your own influence."
Ezekiel understood. He wasn't just the heir of Malverne and Ravenclaw—he was being prepared to lead.
---
As summer neared its end, the annual Ministry Ball arrived. It was an event where noble families and high-ranking officials gathered—an opportunity for both alliances and political maneuvering.
Dressed in a dark blue robe with silver accents, Ezekiel arrived with his family. The hall was filled with the most influential people in the wizarding world. Among them was Lord Greengrass.
Unlike many others, the Greengrass family was already an ally. Lord Greengrass greeted them with a respectful nod. "Thomas. Ezekiel. Alys."
Ezekiel returned the greeting. "It's good to see you again, Lord Greengrass."
Daphne, standing beside her father, gave a small smile. "It's been too long, Ez."
Alys nudged her playfully. "See? You missed him."
Daphne shot her a glare but didn't deny it.
Their fathers, meanwhile, discussed business. The Greengrass and Malverne families had been allied for years, but now Ezekiel was stepping into that world himself.
As the night continued, Ezekiel met various figures—some allies, some potential rivals. He was no longer just an observer. He was a player in this world now.
---
By the time the summer ended, Ezekiel had grown tremendously.
His magic had strengthened, and his knowledge had deepened.
He had further solidified his family's political standing.
He had begun making his own mark in both noble and academic circles.
Standing before the Hogwarts Express once again, he knew his second year would be even more challenging.
But he was ready.
---