Steps into the Future

The days following the start of term settled into a steady rhythm. Third-year classes were noticeably more demanding, and the addition of Magical Politics and Diplomacy added another layer of complexity to Ezekiel's studies.

But Ezekiel thrived on challenge.

Daphne, too, had shown a greater interest in political affairs, often seeking him out after class to discuss wizarding laws, family alliances, and power structures.

Their conversations had a sharpness to them—Daphne wasn't someone who agreed easily, and Ezekiel found himself enjoying their back-and-forth debates.

Still, their relationship remained unspoken, undefined.

Despite the contract binding them, they hadn't acknowledged it beyond necessity.

Yet, the weight of it lingered between them.

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One evening in the Ravenclaw common room, Ezekiel sat near the fireplace, flipping through an old tome on advanced spell construction.

Elena was across from him, working on an Arithmancy assignment, while Adrian was organizing his notes on magical creatures.

As usual, their conversations drifted to the absurd.

"I'm just saying," Adrian began, "if someone turned into an Animagus and their animal form was a fire-breathing salamander, wouldn't they technically be invincible?"

Elena rolled her eyes. "That's not how Animagus forms work."

Ezekiel smirked. "But if it did, that would be a terrifying duel strategy."

Adrian grinned. "Exactly!"

The lighthearted moment was interrupted when the common room door opened, and an unexpected figure stepped inside.

Daphne.

Her presence in the Ravenclaw common room was enough to turn heads, but she ignored the curious glances and made a beeline straight for Ezekiel.

Adrian raised an eyebrow, while Elena sat up, clearly intrigued.

Ezekiel calmly closed his book. "Daphne. To what do I owe the honor?"

She crossed her arms. "We need to talk."

Ezekiel gave his friends a glance, and they both took the hint, excusing themselves to give them privacy.

Once they were alone, Daphne sat down across from him, her expression unreadable.

"I want us to make an agreement," she said at last.

Ezekiel leaned back, studying her. "Regarding?"

"The contract."

He remained silent, letting her continue.

"We both know what's expected of us," she said, her voice measured. "But I don't want to be some stranger you suddenly marry when we turn seventeen. If we're going to do this, we should at least… try to build something real."

Ezekiel didn't reply immediately. He had expected this conversation sooner or later, but hearing it out loud made it all the more real.

Finally, he nodded. "Agreed."

Daphne blinked, as if she hadn't expected him to accept so easily.

"Then," she said, regaining her composure, "we should start spending more time together."

A corner of Ezekiel's lips twitched. "You mean like a courtship?"

Daphne gave him a flat look. "I'm trying to be practical, Ezekiel."

He chuckled. "Fine. We'll work on it. But we do this on our terms, not because of some ancient contract."

She hesitated, then nodded. "Agreed."

There was a quiet moment between them, the weight of the conversation lingering in the air.

Then, Daphne smirked slightly. "Try to keep up, Lord Ravenclaw."

Ezekiel's smirk matched hers. "Likewise, Lady Greengrass."

And just like that, the dynamic between them had shifted.

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