The Beginning of Hogwarts Life

The morning sun streamed through the enchanted ceiling of the Great Hall as Ezekiel Cassian Malverne adjusted his Ravenclaw tie. The Sorting Ceremony had concluded the previous night, and now the real challenge began—his first day of classes at Hogwarts.

Seated at the long Ravenclaw table, he observed his new housemates. Unlike the other houses, where students were already forming groups, Ravenclaws seemed more focused on breakfast and reading through their schedules.

Across from him, a boy with dark brown hair and sharp gray eyes was already flipping through his Charms textbook while munching on toast. To Ez's right, a girl with auburn hair tied in a neat braid was scribbling in a leather-bound notebook.

"First day of classes, and you're already studying?" Ez smirked, glancing between them.

The boy looked up. "Preparation is key. You must be Ezekiel Malverne, right? I'm Adrian Selwyn." His voice was calm but held a certain confidence.

Ez nodded in greeting. Selwyn… a Sacred 28 family. It seemed he wouldn't be the only heir of an old lineage in Ravenclaw.

The girl next to Adrian looked up from her notes, studying Ez with sharp blue eyes. "Elena Hawthorne," she introduced herself. "And technically, I'm reviewing my own theories, not studying. There's a difference."

Ez raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Theories about what?"

"Magical runes. I've been designing an improved version of the current rune sequences used in protective enchantments."

Adrian rolled his eyes. "Don't get her started unless you want a full lecture."

Ez chuckled. It seemed like he had found some interesting housemates.

As their schedules arrived, Ez took a glance. His first class was Charms with Professor Flitwick, followed by Transfiguration with Professor McGonagall. The day would end with Potions, which meant dealing with the infamous Professor Snape.

---

Entering the Charms classroom, Ez noted how neatly arranged the desks were. The small, energetic Professor Flitwick stood atop a stack of books at the front, greeting students with a cheerful smile.

"Welcome to Charms! I am Professor Flitwick, and by the end of this term, you will all be capable of performing magic beyond what you ever imagined!"

Ez took a seat beside Adrian, while Elena sat nearby, already jotting down notes. The first lesson was basic wand movements. Professor Flitwick demonstrated the proper swish-and-flick technique for the Levitation Charm—Wingardium Leviosa.

When it was Ez's turn, he focused on the feather in front of him. With a graceful flick of his wrist, he uttered, "Wingardium Leviosa." The feather wobbled slightly but remained on the table.

Adrian smirked. "Not bad, but watch this." He repeated the spell, and his feather floated smoothly into the air.

Ez grinned, feeling the competitive spark. "Alright, my turn." Adjusting his grip, he tried again, this time feeling the magic flow more naturally through his wand. The feather lifted effortlessly, hovering mid-air.

Professor Flitwick clapped excitedly. "Marvelous work, Mr. Malverne!"

Elena scoffed. "Show-offs," she muttered, though a small smile betrayed her amusement.

---

If Charms had been enjoyable, Transfiguration was intense. Professor McGonagall wasted no time explaining the complexities of transformation magic.

"Transfiguration is some of the most complex magic you will study at Hogwarts. If you are not precise, the results can be disastrous," she warned, her gaze sharp.

Their first task? Turning a matchstick into a needle.

Ez examined the matchstick on his desk, focusing his intent. With a careful flick, he casted.The matchstick shimmered but retained its wooden texture.

Elena, sitting beside him, had already turned her matchstick into a perfect silver needle.

"Too slow," she commented, not unkindly.

Ez narrowed his eyes. Alright, let's fix that. Taking a deep breath, he cast the spell again. This time, the matchstick transformed instantly, its wooden body shifting into polished silver.

Professor McGonagall nodded approvingly. "Impressive, Mr. Malverne. Keep practicing your precision."

---

By the time Ez arrived at the dungeons for Potions class, the excitement from his earlier success had faded. Unlike the warm glow of the upper floors, the dungeons were dimly lit and cold.

Professor Snape entered, his black robes billowing as he surveyed the students with a piercing gaze.

"You are here to learn the subtle science and exact art of potion-making," he drawled. "I do not expect you to truly understand the beauty of a simmering cauldron... but for those of you with wit and dedication, I can teach you how to bottle fame, brew glory, and even put a stopper in death."

Ez straightened. He had read about Snape's brilliance in potion-making, but the man had an aura of intimidation.

Their first task? Brewing a simple Boil-Cure Potion.

Ez partnered with Adrian, while Elena worked with another Ravenclaw.

As he prepared his ingredients, Ez moved with precision, ensuring each was sliced perfectly. The potion simmered a deep blue—a sign of success.

Snape walked past, pausing briefly. His dark eyes flicked to Ez's cauldron before he sneered.

"Acceptable," he muttered before moving on.

Adrian smirked. "I think that's the closest thing to a compliment you'll get from him."

Ez chuckled. "I'll take it."

---

After dinner, Ez found himself in the Ravenclaw common room, surrounded by towering bookshelves and enchanted windows showing a starry sky.

Adrian leaned against a chair, stretching. "So, what do you think of our first day?"

"Challenging, but fun," Ez admitted. "I can see why Ravenclaws are competitive."

Elena glanced up from her book. "Of course. Intelligence isn't just about knowledge—it's about applying it better than anyone else."

A new voice interrupted. "And here I thought Ravenclaws were all about books and studying."

Ez turned to see another first-year—a lean, dark-haired boy with a mischievous grin.

"Finnian Blackwood," he introduced himself. "But call me Finn. I figured I should introduce myself since we'll be competing for the top spot in every class."

Ez smirked. "Confident, are you?"

"Obviously," Finn grinned. "You look like someone who enjoys a challenge."

Ez chuckled. It seemed he had found another rival-turned-friend.

As the fire crackled in the common room, Ez leaned back in his chair. His first day at Hogwarts had been eventful, and it was only the beginning.

Little did he know, the friendships forged today would shape his journey in ways he never expected.

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