Navigating Expectations

The morning after Ezekiel's conversation with Daphne, he found himself seated in the study once again, staring at the unbreakable marriage contract. No matter how much he had accepted it, the reality of the situation still weighed on him.

His father, Thomas Malverne, entered the room with a composed expression, carrying a fresh cup of tea. He placed it on the desk before sitting across from Ezekiel.

"I take it your conversation with Daphne went well?" Thomas asked.

Ezekiel nodded. "She took it… surprisingly well. I thought she'd be more resistant."

Thomas chuckled. "Daphne Greengrass was raised to be pragmatic. The moment she realized there was no way out, she likely decided it was best to own the situation rather than let it own her."

Ezekiel sighed. "She said something similar."

Thomas studied him for a moment before asking, "And how do you feel about it now?"

Ezekiel hesitated before answering. "I don't dislike Daphne. We've known each other since childhood, and she's one of the few people I trust. But having a decision this important made for me… it still doesn't sit right."

His father nodded in understanding. "It's natural to feel that way. But remember, just because the marriage is arranged doesn't mean you both have to let it control you. You and Daphne can define the terms of your relationship on your own."

Ezekiel exhaled, rubbing his temples. "It's still a lot to process."

Thomas leaned forward. "You have less than two years before you turn seventeen. That gives you time. But you should start thinking about what this means—not just for yourself, but for Daphne and the alliance between our families."

Ezekiel gave a reluctant nod. "I know."

Thomas took a sip of his tea before changing the topic. "Have you told Alyssa yet?"

Ezekiel groaned. "Not yet. And I know she's going to be insufferable when she finds out."

His father smirked. "Then I suggest you get it over with."

---

Later that afternoon, Ezekiel found Alyssa in the sunroom, reclining on a couch with a book in hand. When she saw him approach, she immediately narrowed her eyes.

"You look guilty," she said suspiciously.

Ezekiel sighed, sitting across from her. "I have something important to tell you."

Alyssa closed her book, her full attention on him now. "Go on."

Ezekiel took a deep breath. "I discovered something at Gringotts… a marriage contract between the Ravenclaw and Greengrass families. It's unbreakable. Daphne and I have to marry before I turn seventeen."

There was a pause.

Then, to his complete lack of surprise, Alyssa burst into laughter.

"Oh, this is amazing," she grinned, leaning forward with mischief in her eyes. "You mean to tell me that all these years, you and Daphne were fated to be together, and neither of you had any idea?"

Ezekiel scowled. "It's not funny, Alys."

"Oh, but it is." Alyssa smirked. "She's going to own you. You do realize that, right?"

Ezekiel groaned. "You're not helping."

Alyssa leaned back, still grinning. "You know, this explains why Daphne never seriously entertained suitors. She always turned them down in that cold, elegant way of hers. Maybe she had an instinct about the contract."

Ezekiel frowned. "You think so?"

Alyssa shrugged. "Who knows? But one thing's for sure—she won't let you off easy. You're her fiancé now."

Ezekiel rubbed his face. "Don't remind me."

Alyssa tilted her head. "You don't seem unhappy about it."

Ezekiel hesitated. "I'm not. I just… wish we had been given a choice."

Alyssa's teasing expression softened slightly. "I get it. But, Ez… Daphne is one of the few people who can keep up with you. That's worth something, isn't it?"

Ezekiel sighed. "Yeah. It is."

Alyssa smirked. "So, when's the wedding?"

Ezekiel shot her a glare. "You're impossible."

Alyssa laughed. "And you love me for it."

---

Meanwhile, back at Greengrass Manor, Daphne sat in her own study, the contract spread out before her.

Her father, Cyrus Greengrass, had been silent for most of their conversation earlier. Now, as he stood by the fireplace, his gaze was unreadable.

"This changes things," he finally said.

Daphne arched an eyebrow. "Does it?"

Cyrus glanced at her. "You've always had the freedom to choose your path. But now, fate has intervened. This contract ensures your future is tied to Ezekiel Malverne."

Daphne exhaled. "There are worse fates."

Cyrus smirked slightly. "That's true. But understand, Daphne—this is not just about you and Ezekiel. This contract is a political alliance between the Ravenclaw and Greengrass families."

"I know," she said simply.

Cyrus observed her carefully. "And you're alright with this?"

Daphne's lips curled slightly. "I won't pretend I'm thrilled about having my fate dictated by a contract written centuries ago." She ran a finger over the parchment. "But if I had to marry someone, it could have been far worse than Ezekiel."

Her father let out a small chuckle. "That's high praise coming from you."

Daphne smirked. "I don't give high praise lightly."

Cyrus sat down across from her. "I've always believed you were meant to be with someone who challenges you. Someone who won't bore you."

Daphne hummed. "And Ezekiel certainly doesn't bore me."

Her father's eyes glinted with amusement. "Then I suppose I should start preparing for your future."

Daphne exhaled, glancing at the contract once more. Her future was now set in stone.

But if anyone thought she would simply accept it passively, they were mistaken.

---

A few days later, Ezekiel and Daphne met again at a private lounge in Diagon Alley. It was their first official meeting after everything had settled.

They sat across from each other, tea cups in hand.

"So," Daphne said, tilting her head. "What now?"

Ezekiel tapped his fingers against the table. "We move forward. Together."

Daphne smirked. "Together, huh? That almost sounds romantic, Lord Ravenclaw."

Ezekiel sighed. "I can already tell this is going to be a long engagement."

Daphne chuckled. "Oh, you have no idea."

For the first time, Ezekiel allowed himself to truly accept what was happening.

And despite everything… it didn't seem so bad.

---