The Weight of Responsibility

With each passing day, Ezekiel felt the weight of his many responsibilities growing heavier. Balancing his studies, his training, his political duties, and his personal relationships was proving to be a challenge, but he had no choice but to adapt.

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Ezekiel took his father's advice seriously and began paying closer attention to the political currents within the Wizarding World.

His first step was keeping an eye on Hogwarts itself. The children of influential families were here, and their interactions often mirrored the larger power struggles outside the castle walls.

He noticed that:

Draco Malfoy had begun gathering influence among the younger Slytherins, trying to assert dominance as a leader.

The Greengrass name carried weight, but Daphne had yet to wield her family's influence, still adjusting to life at Hogwarts.

The neutral families, such as the Selwyns and Averys, were watching the tides carefully, hesitant to pick a side.

Harry Potter's presence had started creating ripples. While not actively involved in politics, his existence alone was a wild card in the grand scheme of things.

While Ezekiel did not intend to get involved in childish rivalries, he knew that the friendships and rivalries formed here would shape the future of the Wizarding World.

---

One evening, as Ezekiel made his way to the library, he found Daphne already there, immersed in a book on magical history.

"You're studying late," he commented, taking a seat across from her.

She looked up, offering a small smile. "Unlike you, I don't have a natural talent for everything. I actually have to study."

Ezekiel smirked. "Flattery will get you nowhere."

Daphne rolled her eyes. "I wasn't flattering you."

He chuckled before his gaze softened. "How are you adjusting? Being in Slytherin, dealing with expectations, the contract…"

Daphne's fingers tightened slightly around her quill before she sighed. "It's been… an adjustment. Some of the other girls ask me about you all the time. And the older Slytherins have started treating me differently after they found out I'm engaged to you."

Ezekiel's expression darkened slightly. "Has anyone been bothering you?"

Daphne shook her head. "No, nothing like that. But it's clear that I'm being watched. Some see the contract as an opportunity, others as a threat."

Ezekiel leaned forward slightly. "If it ever becomes too much, let me know."

Daphne gave him a long look before nodding. "I will. But I can handle myself, you know."

"I know," he admitted. "But that doesn't mean I won't watch out for you."

A faint pink hue dusted her cheeks, but she quickly looked away, returning to her book.

Ezekiel didn't push the conversation further, but deep down, he was determined to ensure that Daphne wouldn't have to face these challenges alone.

---

Later that night, Ezekiel decided to test the limits of his ice magic in the Room of Requirement.

As he entered, the room shifted to accommodate his needs—a large open space with a frozen lake at its center, perfect for experimenting with his abilities.

Taking a deep breath, he extended his hands and focused. Ice spread from his fingertips, forming intricate patterns along the ground.

Lately, he had been trying to push beyond simple freezing techniques.

Tonight, he attempted ice constructs.

Concentrating, he shaped the frost into a spear, then a shield, testing their durability. The constructs held, but they were fragile—shattering too easily upon impact.

"Tch." He clicked his tongue in frustration.

It's not enough.

He knew there was more potential hidden within his bloodline's magic, but unlocking it would take time, effort, and experimentation.

Determined, he continued practicing, refining his control over the shape, strength, and versatility of his ice.

By the time he left the Room of Requirement, his mind was filled with new possibilities.

---

The next morning, a familiar owl landed in front of Ezekiel during breakfast, delivering a letter from his father, Thomas Malverne.

He opened it immediately.

Ez,

I trust your studies are progressing well. There are updates regarding the political situation that we must discuss during the Christmas break. Prepare yourself for a more active role in the family's affairs. The Ravenclaw seat carries expectations, and you must be ready to face them.

Your mother sends her love. She worries you're pushing yourself too hard. Try not to neglect yourself.

We'll talk soon.

- Thomas Malverne

Ezekiel exhaled slowly, folding the letter.

His father's words were a reminder that his time of simply being a student was coming to an end.

The world was watching. And he needed to be ready.

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