A heavy silence filled the chamber as Ezekiel reached for the sapphire-bound book resting atop the ancient pedestal. His fingers brushed against its surface, and a shiver ran down his spine.
This wasn't just any book.
It was Rowena Ravenclaw's final legacy.
Elena and Finn stood behind him, still processing the revelation that Ez was a direct heir of Rowena Ravenclaw. Neither spoke, but he could feel the weight of their stares.
With a deep breath, Ez opened the book.
---
The moment the first page turned, the air around them shifted.
A soft blue glow emanated from the parchment, and a voice—gentle yet commanding—echoed through the chamber.
"To the one who has found this place… you bear my blood, and thus, my wisdom shall be yours."
Ez's heart pounded.
Finn took a step back. "Tell me that's not a ghost."
Ez shook his head. "No… it's an enchantment. A memory left behind."
The glowing words shifted, forming new lines before their eyes.
"Magic is knowledge, and knowledge is power. If you wish to wield it, prove yourself worthy."
As soon as those words appeared, the ground beneath them trembled.
---
Stone carvings along the walls came to life, shifting and rearranging into four doors, each with a different symbol.
1. A quill and parchment.
2. A sword and shield.
3. A set of scales.
4. A locked book.
Elena exhaled. "Okay… what is this?"
Ez studied the symbols carefully.
"Prove yourself worthy."
This was a test. A puzzle. Rowena wouldn't leave her knowledge unguarded.
Finn scratched his head. "The sword one seems straightforward. Probably some combat challenge."
Ez shook his head. "No… Rowena valued intelligence above all. This isn't about strength. It's about making the right choice."
He turned to the fourth door—the locked book.
"Knowledge that is locked away… is meant to be understood, not ignored," he muttered. "This has to be it."
Taking a deep breath, Ez pressed his palm against the door.
The stone shimmered before vanishing entirely.
Elena let out a breath. "Alright, genius, lead the way."
---
Beyond the door was a small, circular chamber. At its center stood a marble pedestal with a single parchment floating above it.
Ez stepped forward and read the words aloud.
"The mind is limitless, but even knowledge has its price. Are you willing to accept it?"
As soon as he finished reading, the parchment disintegrated into blue light, and a pulse of energy shot through Ez's body.
His vision blurred. A rush of memories—of knowledge—flooded into his mind.
Runes, spells, ancient incantations… secrets lost to time.
Elena grabbed his arm. "Ez?!"
He staggered but caught himself.
"I'm fine," he muttered, blinking away the dizziness. His mind felt… sharper. As if pieces of a puzzle had finally connected.
The book on the pedestal shimmered.
Ez reached out and took the grimoire in his hands.
The test was over.
---
As they ascended back to Hogwarts, Finn finally spoke up.
"So… you're really Rowena Ravenclaw's heir?"
Ez sighed. "Yeah."
Elena shook her head. "And you just casually tell us this after dragging us through an ancient trial?"
Ez smirked. "Would you have believed me before?"
Finn scoffed. "Honestly? Probably not."
Elena sighed. "Well, now we know. But this changes things, Ez. You're not just another student."
Ez glanced down at the grimoire in his hands.
He knew.
And soon, the rest of the world would know too.
---