The Lord of Ice and Magic

The revelation in the secret chamber had changed everything. Ez no longer bore the weight of his discovery alone.

Elena Selwyn and Adrian Selwyn had sworn to stand by him, their loyalty solidified in the cold depths of the chamber beneath Hogwarts.

Now, the real challenge began—honing his abilities without drawing unwanted attention.

For the next week, the three of them devised a plan.

Ez would train in controlled environments—isolated parts of the castle where magic wouldn't be easily detected.

Elena would research elemental magic, scouring the restricted section for knowledge on ancient lineages.

Adrian would act as their lookout, ensuring no one stumbled upon their activities.

It was a delicate balance—one that required patience and precision.

But Ez was determined.

---

Ez stood at the edge of the Black Lake, his breath forming mist in the frigid air.

It was late at night, the sky a tapestry of stars. The lake was frozen solid in some areas, the surface shimmering like glass.

Perfect for training.

Elena and Adrian stood a few feet behind him, watching as he stretched out his hand toward the ice.

Tonight's goal: Controlled Expansion.

Ez had already mastered creating ice weapons and shields, but now he needed precision.

Taking a deep breath, he focused on the lake's surface.

Steady.

Magic thrummed in his veins. The frost responded—but instead of wild, uncontrolled bursts, it flowed smoothly, forming elegant patterns across the ice.

Frost spirals. Runes of old. Symbols he hadn't meant to create.

Elena gasped. "That's… not normal."

Adrian narrowed his eyes. "What the hell are those symbols?"

Ez stepped forward, examining the ice beneath his feet.

The symbols glowed faintly, their meaning just out of reach. He recognized some of them from the chamber.

Ancestral magic.

A memory stirred—a passage he had read in his family's grimoires.

"Ice is not merely an element. It is a record of history, preserving that which others forget."

Ez's heart pounded.

Was he awakening something beyond his understanding?

---

Just as he was about to dispel the magic, a voice echoed through the night.

"That's quite the trick you've got there, Malverne."

Ez froze.

From the shadows, Adrian Pucey stepped forward, his smirk illuminated by the moonlight.

Behind him, three other Slytherins followed, their wands at the ready.

Ez cursed inwardly.

Pucey had been watching him for a while—ever since their first Quidditch match. A rival, but also someone dangerously observant.

Adrian Selwyn stepped up beside Ez, his posture tense. "What do you want, Pucey?"

Pucey smirked. "Oh, nothing much. Just curious how a first-year is manipulating magic like that."

Ez met his gaze, calculating his next move.

If Pucey had seen too much… he might become a problem.

The Slytherin's gaze flicked to the glowing runes on the ice. "Never seen magic like that before. It's not just elemental, is it?"

Elena stepped in. "It's a simple enchantment. Don't act like you've never seen frost charms before."

Pucey chuckled. "Right. And I suppose it's normal for an entire section of the lake to turn into an ancient script?"

Ez clenched his fists, readying himself.

But then—Pucey surprised him.

He lifted his wand and conjured a spark of fire.

"Relax. I'm not here to fight."

Ez watched warily as the flame flickered in Pucey's palm, small but controlled.

Fire magic.

A rare gift—just as ice was.

Pucey smirked. "You're not the only one with secrets, Malverne."

---

For a moment, the two boys stared at each other.

Ice and Fire. Opposites, yet equal.

Finally, Pucey broke the silence. "I want a rematch."

Ez raised an eyebrow. "Quidditch?"

Pucey shook his head. "No. A proper duel."

Ez narrowed his eyes. "Why?"

Pucey smirked. "Because you're the only one in this school worth testing myself against."

Elena scoffed. "Oh, please. Is this about pride?"

Pucey's eyes flickered to the ice again. "Not just that. You and I… we're different from the rest."

Ez hesitated.

He wasn't wrong. Elemental magic was rare. And if Pucey was truly gifted with fire, then they stood on opposite ends of a power few understood.

Finally, Ez sighed. "Fine. One duel. No professors. No outside interference."

Pucey grinned. "Excellent."

And just like that, the foundations of an unspoken rivalry were set.

---

As Pucey and his group left, Ez turned back to his friends.

Elena folded her arms. "This is a terrible idea."

Adrian shrugged. "Eh. Could be fun."

Ez ran a hand through his hair, exhaling. He had no choice now—Pucey was onto him.

And if there was one thing he knew about Slytherins, it was that they never stopped digging once they caught a scent.

---