Preparations and Training

The morning sun bathed Malverne Manor in a golden glow as Ezekiel rose from his bed. It had been only a day since he returned from Hogwarts, but he felt the shift—his second year was behind him, and now he had bigger things to focus on.

As he dressed, his mind raced with thoughts of what lay ahead—his upcoming lordship, the training his father had arranged, and his visit to France to meet Fleur.

He exhaled deeply. There was a lot to do.

---

After breakfast, Thomas Malverne called him into his private study. The room was lined with ancient books, artifacts, and family heirlooms, a testament to the power and prestige of the Malverne lineage.

His father stood near the fireplace, holding a glass of aged firewhisky, though he wasn't drinking it. He turned as Ezekiel entered, nodding in approval.

"You've grown," Thomas observed. "Not just physically, but in your presence. It suits you."

Ezekiel raised a brow. "I assume you didn't call me here just to compliment me, Father."

A small smirk appeared on Thomas's lips before he gestured for Ezekiel to sit.

"Your training will begin tomorrow," he said, setting his drink down. "Aldric will be arriving at dawn. You know his methods—he will push you to your limits."

Ezekiel nodded. He had been mentored by Aldric since childhood, and while the man was undoubtedly one of the strongest wizards he had ever met, he was also relentless in his training.

"I'm ready," Ezekiel said firmly.

Thomas studied him for a moment before continuing, "Aside from magic, there is another aspect of your preparation—politics. You are not just an heir anymore. In less than a month, you will be Lord Ravenclaw. That means you must understand your influence and how to wield it effectively."

Ezekiel had expected this. His father had been preparing him for years, but now, with the title becoming official, things would change.

"Who do I need to watch?" Ezekiel asked.

Thomas's eyes gleamed with approval. "Good. You're thinking ahead." He waved his wand, and a map of the British magical world appeared in the air. Several family names glowed in gold, silver, and red, indicating allies, neutrals, and potential enemies.

"You already have strong ties to the Greengrass family, which will be beneficial in the coming years," Thomas said. "However, there are others you need to either solidify ties with or keep at a distance."

He tapped his wand, and a few names flickered in red.

"Some within the Sacred Twenty-Eight will resent a Ravenclaw lord rising to prominence. They will try to test you, either through direct challenges or political maneuvering."

Ezekiel's eyes narrowed. "Let them try."

His father smirked. "Confidence is good, but strategy is better. You must be measured in your actions. That is why I will have you attend select meetings at the Ministry before your trip to France. You need to observe firsthand how influence is wielded."

Ezekiel took a deep breath, processing everything. This summer was going to be anything but relaxing.

---

The next morning, before sunrise, Ezekiel stood in the training grounds behind Malverne Manor, his wand at the ready.

Aldric was already waiting for him. The man was in his sixties, his hair silver but his posture still straight and powerful. His piercing blue eyes held the weight of decades of magical knowledge and battle experience.

"You've improved," Aldric said, his voice calm but firm. "But you are far from where you need to be."

Ezekiel didn't respond—he knew what was coming.

Aldric raised his wand. "Defend yourself."

Before Ezekiel could move, a powerful stunning spell was already flying toward him. He barely managed to cast a shield charm, the force of the impact sending him sliding back.

Aldric did not hold back, and that was what made him one of the best duelists Ezekiel had ever faced.

The session lasted hours. By the time Aldric called a halt, Ezekiel was breathing heavily, his robes slightly torn, and sweat dripped from his forehead.

But despite the exhaustion, he felt stronger.

Aldric nodded in approval. "Good. Again tomorrow."

---

Later that evening, as Ezekiel sat in his room reviewing political notes from his father, an owl tapped against his window.

He opened it, and a neatly folded parchment with Fleur's elegant handwriting fell into his hands.

> Ezekiel,

I hope you arrived home safely. Though I have only been back in France for a short time, I already find myself missing our conversations. There is still much I wish to understand about this… connection between us.

When you visit, we will speak more.

Until then, take care.

Fleur

Ezekiel exhaled, running a hand through his hair.

His connection with Fleur was unlike anything he had experienced before. It was more than just attraction—it was something deeper, something instinctual.

And soon, he would have to face it head-on.

---

As the days passed, Ezekiel continued training under Aldric, honing both his magic and his combat skills. Meanwhile, he attended meetings with his father, learning the intricacies of wizarding politics and alliances.

With each passing day, he felt himself growing into the role he was meant to take.

And soon, on June 2nd, he would turn fifteen and officially become Lord Ravenclaw.

But even beyond that, his journey was only just beginning.

---