The Hogwarts Express roared down the tracks, its familiar whistle echoing through the countryside as it carried Ezekiel Malverne back to school. The summer had been productive—his understanding of lost magic had deepened, his family's influence continued to grow, and his bonds with Fleur Delacour and his own family had strengthened.
Yet, as he leaned back in his private compartment, gazing out at the rolling hills, he knew that this year would be different.
---
The compartment door slid open, revealing two familiar figures—Elena and Adrian.
Elena plopped down on the seat across from him with a grin. "Finally, another year. I swear, summer felt longer than usual."
Adrian sat beside her, smirking. "Maybe for you. My father had me learning all sorts of tedious things. If I hear the words 'proper etiquette' one more time, I might hex someone."
Ezekiel chuckled. "You'll thank him later. Politics isn't just about knowing the right people—it's about knowing how to deal with them."
Elena rolled her eyes. "Spoken like a future lord."
Adrian leaned forward. "And what about you, Ez? Any groundbreaking discoveries over the summer?"
Ezekiel smirked but chose his words carefully. "Let's just say I made some progress in my studies. Magic is vast, and I intend to master it."
Elena raised a brow. "That's vague."
Ezekiel simply shrugged, a glint of amusement in his eyes.
---
As the train pulled into Hogsmeade Station, the cool autumn air swept through the open doors. The students stepped onto the platform, greeted by the sight of carriages waiting to take them to the castle.
The towering silhouette of Hogwarts stood proudly against the evening sky, its many windows glowing like stars.
The moment they entered the Great Hall, the familiar golden glow of floating candles illuminated the massive room. The enchanted ceiling reflected the cloudy night sky as the long tables filled with students chatting excitedly.
At the staff table, Headmaster Dumbledore observed the students with his ever-present twinkle of amusement. Professors McGonagall, Snape, and Flitwick sat beside him, discussing quietly amongst themselves.
Ezekiel and his friends took their seats at the Ravenclaw table, just as the Sorting Ceremony began.
Adrian leaned in. "Next year, your sister and Daphne will be here."
Ezekiel nodded. He could already imagine the chaos.
Elena smirked. "You'll be even more overprotective than you already are."
"That's an exaggeration," Ezekiel replied smoothly.
Elena and Adrian exchanged knowing looks.
---
The first week of classes was intense, but Ezekiel thrived under the challenge.
Charms with Professor Flitwick pushed him to refine his spellcasting, particularly in precision and spell layering.
Transfiguration under McGonagall was just as demanding, but Ezekiel had grown adept at complex transformations.
Defense Against the Dark Arts introduced advanced dueling stances, something Ezekiel had already been practicing privately.
Potions remained a test of patience, but Ezekiel handled it with quiet efficiency, much to Snape's grudging approval.
But it was his independent magical research that intrigued him the most.
Late at night, within the hidden study chamber he had discovered last year, he poured over the Ravenclaw family grimoires and magical tomes from his vaults.
His ice affinity was still evolving, but now, he was learning to shape ice beyond simple attacks—turning it into shields, weapons, even intricate structures.
The more he practiced, the more control he gained over his elemental magic.
---
As the first month passed, Quidditch season preparations began.
Ravenclaw, under Captain Roger Davies, was determined to defend their House Cup victory from last year.
During practice, Ezekiel's skill as a Chaser had only improved. His quick thinking and reflexes made him one of the team's strongest assets.
Davies called for a team huddle after their latest training session. "This year's going to be tougher. Slytherin's got a new strategy, and Gryffindor's Seeker is improving fast."
Ezekiel smirked. "Then we'll just have to be better."
Davies grinned. "That's the spirit."
Adrian, who played as a Beater, nudged Ezekiel. "Think you'll break your own scoring record this year?"
Ezekiel smirked. "You'll just have to wait and see."
---
As the days passed, Ezekiel felt the weight of expectation growing.
His magical potential was increasing. His political influence was subtly expanding. But he knew that with power came responsibility—and challenges.
Sitting in his hidden study late at night, he turned the page of an ancient tome, feeling the weight of centuries-old knowledge.
"This year will be different," he murmured.
And deep down, he knew he was right.
---