The familiar chugging sound of the Hogwarts Express reverberated through the train, its steady rhythm almost comforting to Ezekiel Cassian Malverne as he leaned back in his seat. The sight of the rolling hills and the misty air of the English countryside outside the window reminded him that another year at Hogwarts was about to begin. He was no longer just the heir to the Malverne and Ravenclaw families, bound by legacy and expectation, but a young man with responsibilities and a future he was beginning to shape.
But as much as he felt the weight of his destiny, there was something else that occupied his thoughts: the future of his relationship with Daphne Greengrass. The summer had been transformative—filled with love, challenges, and decisions that would define the path they would walk together. Yet, today was a return to the present, to his friends, to the people who had always been by his side, ready to catch up after the long break.
"Hey, Ez," came a teasing voice, pulling him from his thoughts.
He turned to see his younger sister, Alys, leaning over the back of his seat, her mischievous grin stretching from ear to ear. She was as cheeky as ever, and despite being two years younger, there was something about her confidence that often made him wonder just who was the older sibling.
"You look serious today, brother. What's on your mind? Or are you already worrying about how to avoid being caught up in all that 'House of Lords' business?"
Ezekiel rolled his eyes and sighed dramatically. "Always so dramatic, Alys. Can't I just enjoy the ride?"
"Oh, sure," she replied, her voice dripping with mock sweetness. "You can enjoy it, but I doubt it'll be the same without me pestering you."
He leaned back in his seat, crossing his arms. "You're lucky you're my little sister. Otherwise, I'd be tempted to tell you to get lost."
Alys laughed, showing no signs of backing off. She was always full of energy, her teasing a constant reminder of how much she could get under his skin. Still, he had learned over the years to let her have her fun.
"Right, I'll let you off the hook for now," Alys said, finally stepping back. But she shot him one last wink. "Just don't forget—I know all your secrets."
Ezekiel shook his head, smiling in spite of himself. "You'd better not spread them, then."
Just as he was about to respond, the compartment door slid open, and in came his closest friends, Elena and Adrian. The two of them were laughing, the sort of laughter that spoke of a shared joke or an amusing memory from the break. Elena was her usual energetic self, a burst of sunshine with her wild curls bouncing as she moved, while Adrian was quieter, but his sharp wit always kept the group on its toes.
"Well, well," Elena began, her eyes landing on Ezekiel as she plopped down in the seat across from him. "Look who's looking all broody. You miss us, Ez?"
"I miss the peace and quiet, actually," Ezekiel said with a smirk, glancing at Adrian, who only offered a small smile.
Alys huffed, sitting beside her brother and giving him an exaggerated pout. "Don't listen to him, Elena. He's just too serious. But I've been keeping him entertained. It's a good thing, too, or he'd be lost without me."
Elena chuckled, looking between the siblings. "I see. Still the same dynamic, huh?"
"Some things never change," Ezekiel replied, feeling the warmth of familiarity wash over him.
Adrian, always a bit more reserved, leaned back in his seat, glancing over at Ezekiel. "How was the rest of your summer, man? I heard about the whole thing with Fleur... Daphne... the contract. It sounds like things were a bit more complicated than you let on."
Ezekiel's expression softened, and he leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice just a little. "It was a lot. But we've figured it out. It's... it's complicated, but we're managing."
"I bet." Adrian raised an eyebrow but didn't press further. The understanding between the two friends was unspoken; Adrian knew when to back off and when to push, and right now, he could tell Ezekiel wasn't ready to dive into all the details.
As the train continued to chug along, the group fell into easy conversation. Alys kept teasing Ezekiel, occasionally making playful comments about his relationship with Daphne and how she was sure he'd "ruin everything" if he didn't get his act together. Elena and Adrian added their own comments from time to time, but all in good fun. It was the sort of easy banter that could only exist between friends who had known each other for years.
As the train pulled closer to Hogwarts, the atmosphere in the compartment began to shift slightly. The anticipation of the new school year was always palpable, even if it was only the third year for Ezekiel.
"So, what do you think this year will be like?" Adrian asked, leaning back and looking out the window at the steadily approaching landscape.
Ezekiel thought for a moment, then shrugged. "Probably a lot like last year. I'll be busy with Quidditch, and I'm sure Daphne will be making waves with the Slytherins. I'll also have to keep an eye on Alys. She'll be getting into all sorts of trouble in her first year."
Alys immediately scoffed at the accusation. "I'll be fine, thank you very much. It's not like you've been the model student either, Ez."
He raised an eyebrow at his sister. "I think you'll be the one causing the trouble, Alys. You're far too clever for your own good."
The group laughed, the familiar warmth of camaraderie filling the small compartment.
As the train finally pulled into Hogwarts Station, Ezekiel stood, stretching his arms above his head, feeling the familiar anticipation rise within him. He turned to his friends, offering a small smile.
"Well, ready for another year, guys?"
Elena grinned. "Absolutely. Let's get this year started."
Alys joined in with her usual enthusiasm. "Let's see how long it takes before I make a name for myself here. I'm ready to take Hogwarts by storm."
Adrian smiled, giving Ezekiel a small nod. "You'll need to keep up with her, Ez. This year's bound to be interesting."
As they stepped off the train and made their way toward the waiting carriages, Ezekiel couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. A new year, new challenges, and the ever-present weight of his responsibilities—but he was not alone. His friends, his family, and the women he loved were all with him.
Whatever came next, he was ready.
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