Return to Hogwarts & the World of Professional Quidditch

Ezekiel Cassian Malverne stepped off the Hogwarts Express, his sharp silver-blue eyes scanning the castle grounds. Snow still clung to the rooftops, but the festive warmth of the holidays was gone, replaced by the cold weight of reality.

Daphne walked beside him, her hand intertwined with his. Though their marriage had already shaken Hogwarts, most students had finally adjusted—or at least stopped gawking.

Alys, ever the proud little sister, strolled ahead with a smirk. "Let's see if Hogwarts managed to survive without you."

"Unlikely," Ezekiel replied dryly.

The whispers had already started.

"Did you hear? Malverne was at the Minister's Ball!"

"He's balancing professional Quidditch and Hogwarts! How does he do it?"

"He's probably the richest student here."

Ezekiel ignored them all. Hogwarts' gossip mill was never-ending, and he had far bigger concerns.

Sirius Black was still at large.

The Dementors were still patrolling the school.

And his professional Quidditch career was accelerating faster than he had expected.

---

The moment he stepped into his dormitory, Ezekiel found three letters waiting for him—each sealed with a different Quidditch team's emblem.

He opened the first.

Dear Malverne,

Your performance with the Falmouth Falcons has drawn great interest. We at the Montrose Magpies would like to discuss a future contract—

He tossed it aside.

The next letter came from Puddlemere United, another top-tier team.

Finally, he opened the last one—his official Falmouth Falcons schedule.

Falmouth Falcons vs. Tutshill Tornadoes – February 10

Falmouth Falcons vs. Appleby Arrows – March 3

International Exhibition Match – March 25

Ezekiel's Quidditch career was becoming a serious commitment.

"You're really going through with this," Daphne murmured from behind him.

"I made a contract," Ezekiel said simply. "And you know me—I never do anything halfway."

She smirked. "True. But don't forget, you're still a student."

He turned, catching her waist and pulling her close. "And you're still my wife."

Daphne rolled her eyes, but her cheeks tinged pink. "Just don't get yourself injured."

Ezekiel chuckled. "I'll try my best."

---

When February arrived, Ezekiel left Hogwarts for a weekend, traveling to Falmouth's home stadium.

The Falcons' locker room was buzzing with energy as the team captain, Karl Broadmoor, barked out final strategies.

"Malverne, you're starting today."

Ezekiel nodded, strapping on his gloves. He was still the youngest player on the team, but no one doubted his skill anymore.

The moment they took to the skies, the roar of 50,000 fans shook the stadium.

The Tornadoes were formidable opponents, but Ezekiel thrived under pressure.

His signature maneuvers—sharp turns, near-impossible dodges, and precise goal shots—dazzled the crowd.

By the end of the match—

Falmouth Falcons 290 – Tutshill Tornadoes 140

Ezekiel had scored six goals, earning him the title of Man of the Match.

After the game, reporters swarmed him.

"Malverne, how does it feel being the youngest pro player in the league?"

"Are you planning to stay with the Falcons long-term?"

"Do you think Hogwarts students can balance pro Quidditch?"

Ezekiel smiled coolly. "You'll find out soon enough."

The Quidditch world had its eyes on him now.

---

When he returned, Alys and Daphne were waiting for him in the Slytherin common room.

Alys smirked. "So, did you become famous yet?"

"Not yet," Ezekiel replied, tossing his gloves onto a chair. "Give it a few months."

Daphne sighed. "You looked good out there. But don't let it distract you."

He arched a brow. "From what?"

Her green eyes glinted. "From Sirius Black. He's still out there."

Ezekiel exhaled, running a hand through his hair. Hogwarts, Quidditch, the Wizengamot— his plate was getting full.

But he wouldn't back down.

The game was just beginning.

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