The Final Weeks of First Year
The aftermath of Ravenclaw's Quidditch victory had left the entire house in high spirits, and though the celebrations had settled, the pride of winning the Cup remained strong. Even as exam season loomed, conversations about the match, the brilliant plays, and Ezekiel's performance as a Chaser were still fresh among the students.
But for Ezekiel, the excitement of Quidditch had given way to a new set of priorities. The first year was coming to an end, and he had unfinished business—exams, training, and his ongoing study of the Ravenclaw Grimoire.
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The library had become his second home. Rows of books towered around him as he flipped through texts on spell theory, alchemical principles, and elemental magic. Ezekiel wasn't just studying for exams—he was preparing for the future.
"Ez, you're going to burn yourself out," Elena sighed, setting her books down.
Adrian, sitting across from them, smirked. "Yeah, mate. Relax a little. You've already destroyed the competition."
Ezekiel barely glanced up from his notes. "There's still room for improvement."
Elena rolled her eyes. "Merlin, you're impossible."
Despite her words, she and Adrian knew better than to argue. Ezekiel had expectations to meet—both his own and those placed upon him.
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After an exhausting afternoon of studying, Ezekiel found himself at the Quidditch pitch, where Cedric was already waiting with a Quaffle in hand.
The Hufflepuff grinned. "Still riding that victory high?"
Ezekiel smirked. "You'll have to try harder next year if you want to stop me."
Cedric tossed him the Quaffle. "Oh, I plan to. But, honestly? You deserved that win."
They spent over an hour practicing, exchanging tricks and plays, occasionally teasing each other over missed shots.
By the end of it, Cedric clapped him on the back. "Next year, we're taking the Cup. Be ready."
Ezekiel grinned. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
It was clear now—a true rivalry had formed between them.
---
Late at night, deep beneath Ravenclaw Tower, Ezekiel sat cross-legged before the ancient tome. The Ravenclaw Grimoire had started responding to him more freely now, revealing knowledge that had been hidden before.
Tonight, one passage stood out:
"Mastery of the elements begins with understanding their nature."
Below the text was an illustration—a wizard conjuring frost in his hands.
Ezekiel exhaled, concentrating. He extended his fingers, focusing on the image in his mind. The air around his palm grew cold.
Then—a thin layer of frost formed on his skin.
His heart pounded. I did it.
It wasn't much, but it was progress.
The power of his ancestors—his family's lost magic—was awakening.
---
The week of exams came swiftly, bringing stress and exhaustion to every student.
For most, it was a nightmare of cramming and sleepless nights. For Ezekiel, it was another challenge to overcome.
He breezed through Transfiguration and Charms, his wandwork near flawless. In Potions, he received an approving nod from Professor Snape—a rare occurrence. The only subjects where he didn't achieve perfection were Herbology and History of Magic, where he had focused less effort.
Elena and Adrian had also performed well, though they groaned when they saw Ezekiel's near-perfect scores.
"How is this even fair?" Adrian complained.
Elena sighed. "I swear, he's part machine."
Ezekiel chuckled but didn't comment. Exams were only a small step in his journey.
---
The last feast of the year arrived, the Great Hall illuminated with floating candles and warm golden light. House banners decorated the walls, with Ravenclaw's victory in Quidditch still a major highlight of the evening.
Professor Dumbledore stood, smiling at the gathered students. "Another year has come to an end, and I must say, it has been quite eventful."
His gaze swept across the hall, pausing on Ezekiel for a brief moment—a knowing look, as if he was aware of what the young Ravenclaw had been up to.
As the feast continued, Ezekiel allowed himself a moment of peace.
He had accomplished much this year:
He had won the Quidditch Cup.
He had strengthened his magical abilities.
He had started unlocking the secrets of his lineage.
He had made true friends and allies.
But deep down, he knew…
This was only the beginning.
---
The next morning, Hogwarts Express pulled away from the station, carrying students home for the summer.
Ezekiel sat in a compartment with Adrian and Elena, watching the scenery blur past.
Adrian smirked. "So, what's the plan for summer? More studying?"
Ezekiel leaned back, smirking. "Something like that."
Because as much as he was looking forward to going home, he knew his work was far from over.
There were books to study, connections to strengthen, and mysteries yet to solve.
And come next year, he would return stronger.
Because his journey was far from over.
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