A New Beginning

The Malverne Estate felt different now, like an old familiar place that was beginning to transform into something more. The grand hall, with its towering marble columns and sprawling tapestries, seemed to welcome Ezekiel back, but there was an underlying tension in the air, a sense of anticipation.

After a long afternoon of unpacking and catching up with his family, Ezekiel found himself standing in front of his study door. His mind had wandered through the last few weeks—his third year at Hogwarts, the complicated marriage contract with Daphne, and the looming responsibility of becoming the Lord of Ravenclaw.

"Ready?" Alys's voice broke through his thoughts. She was standing beside him, an inquisitive look on her face.

He smiled at his younger sister. "I suppose I don't have much choice, do I?"

Alys giggled, clearly relieved by the calm he tried to project. "Come on, then. Mum's expecting us for dinner. I heard we have your favourite stew tonight."

Ezekiel chuckled and nodded, but before they could step into the dining room, his father's voice called from behind them.

"Ezekiel, Alys, come here."

The tone was firm, yet not unkind. Ezekiel shared a brief glance with Alys before walking toward his father's study.

The room was just as he remembered it—bookshelves lined the walls, filled with volumes of ancient knowledge and family history. A large wooden desk stood at the center, papers neatly arranged. There was a cold aura about it, one that Ezekiel had always sensed but never truly understood until now.

Thomas Malverne, his father, sat behind the desk, his expression thoughtful. He gestured to the chair across from him, and Ezekiel sat down, feeling the weight of the moment.

"I know you're anxious," Thomas began, his voice calm yet commanding, "but you've done well so far. Your third year at Hogwarts, the Quidditch success, the control you've shown—these are all signs that you're ready for what lies ahead."

Ezekiel nodded but didn't speak. He wasn't sure how to feel about everything yet—about the marriage contract, about Ravenclaw, and about the expectations placed upon him.

"The Ravenclaw lordship," Thomas continued, "isn't just a title. It's a responsibility, one that comes with its own challenges. You'll need to be strategic in your decisions, and there will be pressures that come from every side."

Ezekiel swallowed, taking in his father's words. He had always known that this day would come, but the weight of it was more tangible now.

Thomas's eyes softened, and for a brief moment, there was a flicker of warmth in them. "You're not alone in this, Ezekiel. You have allies—me, your mother, and those who have supported this family for generations. You'll find your way. But you must be prepared for the realities of what it means to be a lord."

"I understand," Ezekiel said quietly. "I'll do whatever it takes."

Thomas studied him for a moment, then nodded. "Good. But remember, the future is never certain. The marriage contract with the Greengrass family, while binding, is not the end of your story. You have choices, but they'll be made with caution and care. Your future wife—Daphne—is just as important in this as you are. Work with her, not against her."

Ezekiel couldn't help but glance at the desk, where a few documents lay—documents that held the answers to questions he didn't even know how to ask. The Ravenclaw-Greengrass marriage contract, the alliance, everything felt like a complicated puzzle. But one thing was clear to him: his father was not pushing him to accept everything blindly.

"I'll speak with Daphne," Ezekiel said, his resolve firming. "We'll figure this out together."

Thomas smiled slightly. "That's the spirit. The future of both families will rest in your hands. But you'll have the support you need. And we'll guide you every step of the way."

With that, the conversation came to a close. Ezekiel stood, feeling the weight of his father's words settle over him. As he walked out of the study and toward the dining room, he found himself deep in thought. The family legacy was a heavy mantle to carry, but he wasn't alone. He had Daphne, he had Alys, and he had his parents.

Dinner that evening was filled with light conversation, but Ezekiel's mind kept returning to his responsibilities. He wasn't sure what the future held, but he knew one thing for certain—he would face it with determination.

The next morning, Ezekiel stood in front of the large family fireplace, the flames crackling as he gazed at the Ravenclaw crest hanging above the mantle. It was time to prepare for the year ahead—his final year before everything changed.

He wasn't just going to accept the future that was laid out for him. Ezekiel Cassian Malverne was going to shape it.

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