Return to Hogwarts

The winter break had been eventful—filled with political maneuvering, magical discoveries, and moments with family. But now, it was time to return to Hogwarts.

Ezekiel Cassian Malverne stood near the grand fireplace of Malverne Manor, dressed in his tailored Hogwarts robes. His silver-blond hair was neatly styled, and his blue eyes held the quiet confidence that had only deepened over the break.

Across the room, his younger sister Alys adjusted her cloak, watching him with a knowing smirk, while Celes, their youngest sister, clung to his side.

"Do you really have to go, Ez?" Celes asked, her blue eyes wide with disappointment.

Ez knelt to her level, ruffling her blonde hair. "I do, Celes. But I'll write as soon as I arrive, alright?"

She pouted. "You better."

Their mother, Marissa, walked over, pressing a gentle hand to Ez's cheek. "Take care of yourself, my love. Keep your head high, and never forget who you are."

His father, Thomas, stood near the doorway, arms crossed, his usual composed expression in place. They had already spoken privately about Ez's growing influence and the need to be careful moving forward.

"If anything of significance happens, write to me," his father instructed.

"Of course, Father."

With that, the time had come. Ez stepped toward the Floo Network, grabbed a pinch of powder, and called out—

"King's Cross Station!"

---

The station was bustling with students and parents saying their goodbyes. The crisp January air carried a bite of cold, but Ez barely noticed as he stepped onto Platform 9¾.

A familiar voice called out—

"Ez!"

Turning, he saw Cedric approaching with a grin.

"Finally," Cedric said, clapping him on the shoulder. "Feels like you were gone for a year, not just a few weeks."

Ez chuckled. "The break was… busy."

As they walked toward the train, another familiar figure appeared—Elena, her dark brown hair pulled into an elegant braid.

"And here I thought you'd return to Hogwarts a full-fledged politician," she teased. "Your name was all over the papers after the Ministry Ball."

Ez gave her a wry smile. "I prefer the term strategist."

A moment later, Adrian joined them, looking unimpressed.

"You're back, then," he muttered, eyeing Ez. "No scandals? No secret duels over the holidays?"

"Not this time," Ez smirked.

They boarded the train together, finding a private compartment. As the train began to move, conversation shifted to Hogwarts affairs.

"So, what did I miss?" Ez asked, glancing between them.

Cedric leaned back. "Not much—though the professors have been hinting at something coming up this term. No one's sure what yet."

"Hopefully, something interesting," Elena added.

Ez nodded, though his mind was already elsewhere. He had his own priorities this term—his studies, magical discoveries, political strategies, and, of course, Quidditch.

---

As the train reached Hogsmeade Station, students stepped out into the cold, the towering castle of Hogwarts glowing against the winter sky.

Ez felt the shift the moment he entered the castle—whispers, glances, recognition.

His name carried weight now.

They made their way to the Great Hall for the welcome-back feast. As Ez took his seat at the Ravenclaw table, he could feel the eyes on him. Some out of admiration, others out of curiosity, and a few out of envy.

At the Slytherin table, Pucey smirked at him but said nothing. Their rivalry had settled into something unspoken—a game that neither was willing to lose.

As food appeared, conversation turned to upcoming classes.

"Are you still focusing on ancient magic?" Elena asked quietly.

Ez nodded. "I made some progress over the break. But there's still much more to uncover."

She studied him for a moment before replying, "Just don't lose yourself in it."

Ez smirked. "I don't plan to."

But deep down, he knew—his path at Hogwarts was changing. And this was only the beginning.

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