The Lord of Ice and Magic

The morning of September 1st dawned crisp and cool, the sky painted in soft hues of blue and gold. At Malverne Manor, the entire family gathered for breakfast, the air filled with both excitement and bittersweet farewells.

Ezekiel sat at the head of the table beside his father, feeling the weight of his Hogwarts journey pressing upon him. Across from him, Alys pouted slightly, resting her chin on her palm.

"It's not fair," she grumbled. "I have to wait two years before I can go to Hogwarts."

Daphne, who had spent the night at Malverne Manor along with her younger sister Astoria, smirked. "At least you won't be going alone. We'll enter together."

Alys scoffed. "Obviously. I'm not letting you have all the fun without me."

Ezekiel chuckled as Celes, seated beside him, stuffed a piece of toast into her mouth, looking adorably determined. She swung her legs under the table before turning to him with wide, serious blue eyes.

"Ez, can I come too?" she asked innocently.

He ruffled her blonde hair with a soft smile. "Not yet, little star. But when you do, I'll make sure Hogwarts is ready for you."

She huffed but then giggled as he tickled her lightly. Across the table, Astoria, or Tori as she was affectionately called, watched the interaction with clear admiration. At only five years old, she had a habit of mimicking Celes whenever Ezekiel was around.

"You better write to us," Daphne said suddenly, crossing her arms.

Ezekiel raised a brow. "Do you doubt that I will?"

"No, but I know how easily you get distracted," she said with a smirk. "You might be too busy charming half the school."

Alys burst into laughter while Ezekiel simply smirked. "I'll be sure to send extra letters just to keep you entertained, then."

Daphne narrowed her eyes, but her lips twitched, betraying her amusement.

---

King's Cross Station – Platform 9¾

The bustling station was filled with witches and wizards guiding their children toward the Hogwarts Express. The steam from the train billowed into the air, adding to the lively atmosphere.

Thomas and Marissa Malverne led their children through the barrier, with Daphne's family accompanying them.

Ezekiel took a deep breath as he looked at the gleaming scarlet train. This was it. His journey at Hogwarts was about to begin.

Alys and Daphne stood beside him, their expressions showing both excitement and reluctance.

"You better not get into trouble," Alys said.

"Or do," Daphne added with a smirk. "But if you do, make sure it's worth it."

Ezekiel chuckled. "I'll keep that in mind."

Marissa stepped forward, brushing a hand through her son's silver-blond hair. "Be careful, Ezekiel. Write to us often."

His father clasped his shoulder firmly. "Remember what we spoke about. You are not just another student. Represent our name well."

Ezekiel nodded. "I will, Father."

Celes and Tori clung to his waist, making it nearly impossible to move.

"You'll come back for Christmas, right?" Celes whispered.

"Of course, little star." He kissed the top of her head. "You and Tori behave while I'm gone, alright?"

Tori beamed. "We will!"

With a final nod to his parents, Ezekiel grabbed his trunk and boarded the train.

---

As Ezekiel walked down the corridors of the train, looking for a compartment, he heard a familiar voice.

"Oi! Malverne!"

He turned to see Cedric Diggory, a fellow pureblood from the well-respected House Diggory, grinning at him from inside a nearly empty compartment.

"Didn't expect to see you here alone," Cedric said as Ezekiel stepped inside.

"Figured I'd make new acquaintances," Ezekiel replied smoothly, setting down his trunk.

Cedric chuckled. "Well, consider me one of them. You're going to Ravenclaw, yeah?"

"Most likely."

"Smart choice. You'll do well there," Cedric said, leaning back. "Your family's known for their intelligence. My father was saying your grandfather was one of the best strategists in the Wizengamot."

Ezekiel hummed. "He was. Though I imagine my generation will be remembered for different reasons."

Cedric raised a brow. "Oh? Planning to make a name for yourself?"

Ezekiel smirked. "Let's just say I don't intend to be just another student at Hogwarts."

Cedric grinned. "Well, I look forward to seeing that. Just don't let the Ravenclaws trap you in their tower with books all day."

Ezekiel laughed. "I'll do my best."

As the train began to move, Ezekiel glanced out the window, watching as his family and Daphne's waved goodbye. Alys was grinning, already planning something, while Daphne simply crossed her arms and nodded at him.

His journey had begun.

And he had every intention of making it legendary.

---

Author's Notes:

This chapter focused on family interactions, setting up Ezekiel's relationships with Alys, Daphne, Astoria, and Cedric.