With the new year fully underway, Ezekiel found himself juggling multiple responsibilities—his studies, his training under Flitwick, watching over Alys and Daphne, and managing the growing expectations of his position as Lord Ravenclaw.
Despite the challenges, he thrived under pressure.
---
Ezekiel made it a point to check in on his sister and fiancée at least once a week.
One evening, he found them in the Slytherin common room—a place he normally wouldn't visit, but Alys had insisted.
Daphne and Alys were seated near the fireplace, talking quietly. When they noticed Ezekiel, Alys immediately brightened.
"Ez!" she called, standing up and pulling him to sit beside her. "I was telling Daphne about the classes. Some of the professors are a bit terrifying."
Ezekiel smirked. "Let me guess—Snape?"
Alys nodded quickly. "He's so dramatic."
Daphne sighed. "He is strict, but he favors Slytherins. It's not so bad."
Ezekiel chuckled. "That favoritism won't last forever. He respects competence more than house loyalty."
Daphne seemed thoughtful at that, but Alys was more interested in talking about her experiences.
"I met Harry Potter," Alys said suddenly. "He's… well, normal. Kind of awkward, actually."
Ezekiel leaned back. "You expected something different?"
Alys shrugged. "I guess I thought he'd be more… I don't know. Legendary?"
Ezekiel chuckled. "He's just a kid, Alys. One who doesn't even fully understand his own importance yet."
Daphne, who had been quiet, finally spoke up. "And what about you? How are you handling things, Lord Ravenclaw?"
Ezekiel sighed. "Busy as ever."
Daphne smirked. "I suppose that's fitting. A future lord should be busy."
They continued talking for a while before Ezekiel left, feeling reassured that Alys and Daphne were adjusting well.
---
The next day, Ezekiel met with Flitwick in the professor's office for their independent study.
"Have you reviewed the materials I gave you?" Flitwick asked as he motioned for Ezekiel to sit.
Ezekiel nodded. "Yes. The theories behind spell crafting are more intricate than I expected."
Flitwick smiled. "Indeed. Creating a spell is not just about knowledge—it's about understanding intent. Magic responds to will, and only those who grasp that concept can truly shape it."
Ezekiel considered this carefully. "So it's like… guiding raw magic?"
Flitwick's eyes twinkled. "Precisely! And given your natural talents, I believe you might have an easier time than most."
Ezekiel was intrigued. He had already mastered controlling his ice magic, but spell creation was a different kind of challenge.
Flitwick clapped his hands together. "For now, let's start with something small. We'll work on modifying an existing charm and see how far your creativity can take you."
Ezekiel nodded, already looking forward to the challenge.
---
A few days later, Ezekiel received a letter from his father, Thomas.
Ez,
There are matters we need to discuss regarding your role as Lord Ravenclaw. We'll speak over the break, but for now, I advise you to start observing the political landscape. The Wizengamot is shifting, and alliances are being tested. Pay attention.
Your Father, Thomas Malverne
Ezekiel frowned as he read the letter. His father was never one to waste words. If he was warning him now, it meant something was happening behind the scenes.
He would need to be prepared.
Between his magical studies, his engagement, his family responsibilities, and now the growing political tensions, Ezekiel realized something—
His childhood was well and truly over.
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