Ezekiel sat in the library, a collection of ancient tomes spread out before him. After the recent strange letter and the conversation with Professor Flitwick, he had decided to dig deeper into his family's history.
His search led him to an old record detailing the Ravenclaw bloodline—a compilation of political dealings, magical discoveries, and lost traditions.
If the contract between Ravenclaw and Greengrass families was hidden for centuries, what else could be buried in history?
He ran a finger along a passage written in archaic script:
"The wisdom of the Raven, the ice of the North. A lineage bound by knowledge, strength, and vision. Beware the eyes that watch from the shadows, for even the keenest mind can be deceived."
Ezekiel narrowed his eyes.
The phrase felt oddly… relevant.
---
As he flipped through another volume, the chair across from him was pulled out. He glanced up to find Adrian settling in, his usual easygoing smirk in place.
"You've been buried in books more than usual," Adrian remarked. "That letter still bothering you?"
Ezekiel closed the tome. "It's not just the letter. The more I uncover about my family, the more questions I seem to have."
Adrian's expression grew more serious. "That's the burden of being a Lord, isn't it? Always another mystery, another secret."
Ezekiel exhaled. "Something about my heritage, about the history of House Ravenclaw, feels... incomplete. I can't shake the feeling that there's something I'm missing."
Adrian tapped the table thoughtfully. "Then we keep digging. If someone's watching you, knowing what they might want is the best way to stay ahead."
Ezekiel smirked. "That's why I keep you around, Adrian. Your paranoia is almost as sharp as mine."
Adrian chuckled. "Call it a survival instinct."
---
Meanwhile, in the Slytherin common room, Alys sat across from Daphne, both reviewing their latest assignments. As first-years, they had been gradually adjusting to the academic and political landscape of Hogwarts.
Daphne sighed, setting down her quill. "I never expected Hogwarts to be this... chaotic."
Alys raised an eyebrow. "Welcome to reality."
Since their arrival, Daphne had become more aware of how power and influence worked within the school. Though she was still adjusting, she knew that as the future Lady Greengrass, she had to be careful about who she associated with.
Their conversation was interrupted when a group of older Slytherins approached. The leader, a third-year boy, smirked at them.
"Well, well, if it isn't the new blood," he drawled. "You must be Lady Greengrass and the Malverne girl."
Alys' gaze sharpened, but she remained composed.
"And you are?" she asked coolly.
"Edgar Rosier," he said. "I've heard quite a bit about your families. Thought we should talk."
Daphne exchanged a glance with Alys.
This was a test.
Slytherin house ran on power plays and subtle negotiations. If they reacted too passively, they would be seen as weak. If they acted too aggressively, they would be targeted.
Daphne folded her arms. "Talk, then. Or are you here just to waste our time?"
Alys smirked slightly at her friend's bold response.
Edgar chuckled. "I like you. You'll fit in just fine." With that, he walked away, his companions following.
Alys leaned closer to Daphne. "Not bad."
Daphne let out a breath. "That was nerve-wracking."
Alys smiled. "You'll get used to it."
---
That evening, as Ezekiel prepared to head back to the Ravenclaw dormitory, he felt a presence behind him.
Turning sharply, he found himself face to face with Professor Snape.
"Professor," Ezekiel greeted cautiously.
Snape studied him with unreadable dark eyes. "You've been... restless, Malverne."
Ezekiel tilted his head slightly. "I prefer the term 'curious.'"
Snape's lips twitched. "Curiosity, when left unchecked, can lead to dangerous places."
Ezekiel remained silent.
The Potions Master's gaze lingered on him before he spoke again.
"Be careful where you tread, Lord Ravenclaw. Some truths are better left buried."
With that, Snape turned, his robes billowing as he disappeared down the hall.
Ezekiel clenched his fists.
This wasn't just a warning.
It was a confirmation.
There is something more to this.
---