Arrival at Hogwarts

The Hogwarts Express chugged along the tracks, the rhythmic motion of the train filling the compartments with a soft hum. Ezekiel leaned back against his seat, one leg crossed over the other as he and Cedric exchanged stories about their summers.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the train slowed, and a voice echoed through the carriages:

"We will be arriving at Hogwarts in five minutes. Please leave your belongings on the train, as they will be taken to the castle separately."

Excitement buzzed in the air. Cedric stretched, grinning. "First-years are taken across the lake by boat. You'll get a proper view of the castle—it's something else."

Ezekiel nodded. He had read about it, of course, but experiencing it firsthand was different.

As they exited the train, a massive figure towered over the students, holding a lantern.

"Firs' years! Firs' years, this way!"

Hagrid, the half-giant, led the nervous first-years toward the boats waiting at the lake's edge. Ezekiel followed, stepping into a boat alongside a few unfamiliar students. The water was calm, reflecting the twinkling stars above.

Then, as they rounded a bend—

Hogwarts came into view.

Perched atop a cliff, its towering spires reached toward the sky, illuminated against the night like a beacon of magic and history. Even Ezekiel, who rarely found himself awed, felt a flicker of admiration.

A boy beside him let out a whistle. "Now that's a sight."

Ezekiel turned slightly and met the gaze of a boy with light brown hair and sharp hazel eyes.

"Diggory mentioned you earlier," the boy said. "Ezekiel Malverne, right?"

"I am," Ezekiel replied smoothly. "And you are?"

"Adrian Pucey."

A Slytherin name. Ezekiel recognized it from the Sacred Twenty-Eight.

"You aiming for Slytherin?" Adrian asked, watching him carefully.

Ezekiel smirked. "I suppose we'll see soon enough."

The boats glided beneath the massive stone arch leading into the castle's underground dock. The students stepped onto the shore, led up a winding pathway until they reached the grand oak doors of Hogwarts.

They swung open, revealing a stern-looking woman with her dark hair pulled into a tight bun.

Professor McGonagall.

"Welcome to Hogwarts," she said, her voice commanding silence. "In a few moments, you will enter the Great Hall, where you will be sorted into your Houses. Your House will be your family while you are here. Your triumphs will earn points. Any rule-breaking will lose them. The House with the most points at the end of the year will win the House Cup."

She glanced over them. "Compose yourselves. We will begin shortly."

The doors swung open once more, revealing the Great Hall.

Floating candles. The enchanted ceiling reflecting the stormy night sky. The long tables filled with older students, all turning to get a look at the newcomers.

Whispers spread through the hall as the first-years walked forward.

"Look, it's Malverne."

"Didn't know their heir was coming this year."

"Think he'll be Slytherin?"

Ezekiel ignored the murmurs, keeping his expression calm.

At the front of the hall sat a four-legged stool with an ancient, tattered hat.

Professor McGonagall stepped forward, holding a long scroll.

"When I call your name, you will come forward, place the Sorting Hat on your head, and be sorted into your House."

The first name was called. One by one, students stepped forward, the Hat shouting their House to the room.

Then—

"Malverne, Ezekiel."

Silence fell.

Ezekiel strode forward, unbothered by the attention. He lowered himself onto the stool as the Sorting Hat was placed on his head.

A voice whispered in his ear.

"Ahh… an interesting one."

Ezekiel remained still.

"Ambition, intelligence, and… something more. Your mind is sharp, but your determination is just as strong. You would do well in Slytherin… but no, you do not seek power for the sake of power. Knowledge calls to you. Yes… I see it now. A thirst to understand, to master your abilities. A mind meant for greatness, like those before you."

A pause. Then—

"Better be… RAVENCLAW!"

The Ravenclaw table erupted into cheers. Ezekiel removed the hat, stepping down with a smirk as he made his way to his new House table.

Cedric, who is in Hufflepuff, gave him a grin and a nod from across the hall. Adrian Pucey, now in Slytherin, tilted his head slightly in recognition.

As the Sorting continued, Ezekiel leaned back, watching.

His Hogwarts journey had begun.

And he would make sure it would be unforgettable.

---

Author's Notes:

Ezekiel has been sorted into Ravenclaw!