Taking Flight

Ezekiel sat in the Ravenclaw common room, flipping through the pages of the grimoire under the dim candlelight. The words shimmered faintly, written in ancient runes only he could read.

Since retrieving the book, he had been studying it whenever he had free time. Each spell, each formula, felt like uncovering a piece of his forgotten lineage.

But tonight, his mind wasn't entirely on the grimoire.

His gaze flickered toward the window, where the moon cast its glow over the Hogwarts Quidditch Pitch.

Quidditch.

That was what had been occupying his thoughts the most lately. The rush of wind, the thrill of competition, the sheer freedom of flying.

And tomorrow, he had his first chance to prove himself.

The Ravenclaw Quidditch trials.

---

Ez stood on the pitch the next morning, surrounded by other hopefuls. This year, first-years were allowed to try out, a change made due to Hogwarts' increasing focus on competitive sports.

Most of the older players looked skeptical at the sight of younger students.

Ez ignored them.

He had been training since childhood. His father, Thomas Malverne, had been a professional player before retiring. Flying was in his blood.

"Alright, listen up!" The Ravenclaw Quidditch Captain, a tall sixth-year named Adrian Rosier, stepped forward. "We're looking for skill, control, and teamwork. Show us what you've got."

Ez tightened his grip on his broom, a Nimbus 2000—one of the best models currently available.

As the trials began, players zoomed into the air. Ez watched their movements carefully, analyzing their speed and coordination.

When his turn came, he shot into the sky like an arrow.

His body moved instinctively, weaving through the other players with precise control. He grabbed the Quaffle, dodged an incoming Bludger, and performed a sharp barrel roll before scoring a clean goal.

The Ravenclaw team gawked.

Adrian raised an eyebrow. "Not bad, first-year."

Ez smirked. "I can do better."

By the end of the trials, there was no question.

Ezekiel Malverne was the new Chaser for Ravenclaw.

---

Later that evening, Ez sat in the Great Hall, surrounded by his usual group—Finn, Elena, and a few other Ravenclaws.

"So you actually made the team?" Finn asked, still in disbelief.

Ez shrugged. "Did you really doubt me?"

Elena smirked. "Oh no, we fully expected you to be an arrogant show-off."

Ez chuckled, but before he could respond, a voice cut through the hall.

"Malverne!"

Ez turned to see Adrian Pucey, a second-year Slytherin Chaser, walking toward him. Behind him stood a group of Slytherins, all eyeing him with curiosity and challenge.

"You're the new Ravenclaw Chaser, huh?" Pucey crossed his arms. "I hope you're ready for the real game. First match is against us."

Ez leaned back in his seat, unfazed. "Looking forward to it."

Pucey smirked. "Don't get too cocky. Talent is one thing. Surviving on the pitch is another."

Ez met his gaze evenly. "Guess we'll find out, won't we?"

The Slytherins sneered before walking away.

Finn whistled. "You really have a way of making enemies fast."

Elena shook her head. "I think it's a talent."

Ez just grinned.

Quidditch was about competition, strategy, and proving yourself. And he had every intention of showing Hogwarts what he could do.

---

Between Quidditch practice and his regular studies, Ez barely had any free time.

But he still made time to study the Ravenclaw Grimoire.

Each night, he practiced basic rune enchantments and mental exercises meant to enhance focus and reflexes.

One particular spell caught his eye—a charm meant to improve spatial awareness and reaction speed.

"Perfect for Quidditch," he thought.

However, using it wasn't as easy as the theory suggested.

One night, after attempting to cast it, a sharp pain shot through his head, forcing him to stop.

"Looks like this will take time to master."

He wasn't in a rush.

There was a whole year ahead, and he would make sure to grow stronger in both magic and Quidditch.

Hogwarts had only just begun.

---