Winter of Secrets and Expectations

As the Hogwarts Express pulled into King's Cross Station, the usual bustle of students disembarking filled the air. Ezekiel stepped off the train, his sharp gaze scanning the platform. He quickly spotted Thomas and Marissa Malverne waiting for him near the barrier, standing with an air of quiet authority.

A few feet away, Celes was practically bouncing on her heels, waving excitedly the moment she saw him.

"Ez!" She ran straight into his arms, wrapping him in a tight hug.

Ezekiel chuckled, ruffling her hair. "Miss me that much?"

Celes pouted. "Of course! You're gone for months!"

Thomas stepped forward, nodding in greeting. "Welcome home, son."

Marissa smiled warmly, reaching out to touch his cheek. "We missed you."

Ezekiel returned the smile before glancing toward Alys and Daphne, who were approaching with their luggage.

"Lord Malverne," Daphne greeted with a respectful nod. "Lady Malverne."

Marissa's eyes softened as she looked at her. "It's good to finally have you home for the holidays, Daphne."

Thomas's gaze lingered on her for a moment before he simply said, "We have much to discuss."

Daphne nodded, fully aware that her family's centuries-old contract with Ravenclaw was now at the forefront of discussion.

As they all made their way toward the exit, Ezekiel couldn't shake the feeling that this winter break would be far from relaxing.

---

The next morning, Ezekiel arrived at Gringotts with his father. Snow blanketed the cobbled streets of Diagon Alley, but the cold did little to deter them.

As they stepped inside, the ever-imposing goblins eyed them with their usual air of suspicion and professionalism.

They were led to a private meeting chamber, where an elder goblin named Ragnok waited with several ancient-looking scrolls.

"I assume you are here to further review the Ravenclaw family archives?" Ragnok asked, his tone neutral.

Ezekiel exchanged a glance with his father before nodding. "Yes. There are still documents regarding the marriage contract that require further study."

Ragnok gave a sharp nod and gestured to a pile of scrolls. "Then we shall begin."

The hours passed as Ezekiel meticulously reviewed the documents, learning more about the original agreement between Ravenclaw and Greengrass.

The contract was not simply an arranged marriage—it was a binding magical agreement meant to merge the two bloodlines, ensuring that the knowledge and legacy of both families would endure.

But something didn't sit right with him.

As he traced the faded ink on one of the parchments, he felt a strange tingling in his fingers—a faint pulse of magic woven into the document itself.

"Father," he murmured, "this contract… it's not just old. It's enchanted."

Thomas frowned. "What do you mean?"

Ezekiel exhaled. "It's… alive. The magic binding this contract still lingers, stronger than I expected."

Ragnok's sharp eyes flickered with interest. "That is because it was forged with ancient magic that even we goblins respect. The contract does not merely enforce a union—it ensures the two families remain intertwined, even through time itself."

Ezekiel leaned back, thoughts racing. This wasn't just about marriage. This was legacy magic, crafted with the kind of power that few could replicate today.

His father observed him carefully before saying, "We will discuss this further at home."

Ezekiel gave a slow nod. Whatever this meant, one thing was clear—his path was now permanently tied to Daphne's.

---

Returning home, Ezekiel found the estate bustling with servants preparing for the grand Christmas Eve dinner. The Malverne family always celebrated the occasion with an extravagant feast, inviting close friends and allies.

That evening, Ezekiel found himself sitting in the study with his father, a fire crackling in the hearth.

"You've grown," Thomas observed, pouring himself a glass of aged firewhisky. "Not just in power, but in understanding."

Ezekiel met his father's gaze. "You knew, didn't you? About how deep this contract's magic ran."

Thomas took a measured sip of his drink before answering. "I suspected. But until you uncovered the truth, there was little I could confirm."

Ezekiel exhaled slowly. "Then tell me. Why was this hidden for so long?"

Thomas set his glass down, his expression unreadable. "Because not all power is meant to be wielded, Ezekiel. Some legacies are dangerous."

Ezekiel clenched his jaw. This was bigger than he thought.

Before he could press further, the doors to the study opened, and Celes peeked inside.

"Ez! Stop being all broody and come help with the decorations!"

Ezekiel chuckled, shaking his head. "Fine, fine."

As he followed Celes out, he couldn't help but feel that this winter break was setting the stage for something far greater than just a family gathering.

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