Settling into the Year

The crisp morning air carried the scent of damp stone and parchment as students bustled through the corridors of Hogwarts, their voices blending into a familiar symphony of excitement and groans over the first full day of classes.

Ezekiel Cassian Malverne, Lord Ravenclaw and Heir Malverne, walked through the halls with an air of quiet authority. Unlike many of his peers, he had long since grown accustomed to the stares, whispers, and envious glances that followed him.

The past summer had been a turning point—his lordship over the House of Ravenclaw had officially been recognized upon turning fifteen, and with it came a new level of influence and responsibility. Though Hogwarts was a place of learning, politics never truly rested, and Ezekiel knew that many were keeping a careful eye on him.

Yet, despite the weight of his titles, Ezekiel carried himself with the same composed confidence as always.

As he entered the Great Hall, the morning light streaming through the enchanted ceiling, he made his way to the Ravenclaw table, where his closest friends, Adrian Selwyn and Elena, were already seated.

---

"Morning, Lord Ravenclaw," Adrian Selwyn teased the moment Ezekiel sat down, smirking over the rim of his goblet.

Ezekiel gave him an unimpressed glance. "Are we really still doing this?"

Elena, ever the one to enjoy stirring the pot, leaned in. "Of course, Ez. You're not just any student anymore. You're a full-fledged lord. That makes you even more interesting than before."

Ezekiel ignored them, buttering his toast as if the conversation was of no consequence.

Adrian chuckled. "Come on, don't act like you haven't noticed. People are paying attention, Ez. You're the heir to the wealthiest house in Britain, the only recognized heir of Rowena Ravenclaw's bloodline, and to top it all off, you're engaged to Daphne Greengrass."

Elena smirked. "I'd say you've got quite the reputation to uphold."

Ezekiel remained unfazed. "I never cared for gossip."

"Gossip or not, you've set expectations," Adrian said, leaning back. "Quidditch Captain Roger Davies is already talking about how he expects you to bring home another Cup this year."

Ezekiel arched a brow. "Of course he does."

Across the hall, at the Slytherin table, two familiar figures sat together—Daphne Greengrass and Alys Malverne, his younger sister.

Alys, now a second-year Slytherin, had adapted well to her new environment. Unlike their more political parents, Alys had a naturally charming, mischievous nature that made her quite popular among her housemates.

Daphne, on the other hand, carried herself with the grace expected of the Greengrass heiress. Her long blonde hair was neatly styled, and her gaze was sharp, betraying the intelligence beneath her composed demeanor.

Ezekiel caught her eye, and for a brief moment, their gazes locked in silent acknowledgment.

Their relationship had shifted over the summer. The once-daunting marriage contract between House Ravenclaw and House Greengrass had become something they both accepted—perhaps not out of obligation, but out of mutual respect and understanding.

Daphne gave him a subtle nod before returning to her conversation with Theodore Nott and Blaise Zabini.

As Ezekiel took another sip of tea, the familiar fluttering of wings filled the Great Hall. Owls swooped in from above, delivering letters and parcels to students.

A regal black owl landed gracefully before him, dropping a sealed envelope adorned with the Malverne crest.

Ezekiel calmly broke the seal and unfolded the letter.

---

The start of term meant diving back into studies, and Ezekiel was more than ready.

His schedule remained demanding as ever—Ancient Runes, Arithmancy, and his various magical theory studies filled his mornings, while afternoons were spent honing his skills in Defense Against the Dark Arts and Transfiguration.

Even with his natural talent and disciplined mind, he knew that mastery took effort.

By the time lunch arrived, he found himself walking through the castle corridors, already considering his next strategy for balancing his studies with Quidditch and his growing political responsibilities.

"Ez!"

He turned to see Alys approaching, her emerald-lined robes swaying as she fell into step beside him.

"Yes?" he asked.

Alys smirked. "Just checking in on my dear older brother. You're so busy being important that I barely get to bother you anymore."

Ezekiel sighed. "You say that as if you don't already cause enough trouble."

Alys beamed. "It's my job as your adorable younger sister. Besides, Daphne and I have been talking, and I think it's time you admitted something."

Ezekiel arched a brow. "And what exactly would that be?"

Alys folded her arms. "That you're not just accepting this engagement because of duty. You actually care about her."

Ezekiel didn't immediately respond. He had known Alys would catch on eventually—she was far too perceptive to miss the gradual shift in his interactions with Daphne.

Instead of answering, he simply gave her a look, one that made her grin widen.

Alys patted his shoulder. "Don't worry, Ez. I approve. Just make sure you don't mess it up."

She turned and skipped away, leaving him standing in the corridor with an exasperated sigh.

---

Later that evening, after a long day of classes and a brief stop at the library, Ezekiel found himself in one of the quieter corridors near the Slytherin common room.

Daphne was waiting for him, leaning against the stone wall, arms crossed.

"You're late," she commented.

Ezekiel gave a slight smirk. "I wasn't aware we had a scheduled meeting."

Daphne rolled her eyes but said nothing, watching him closely.

For a moment, neither spoke.

Then, she exhaled softly. "Alys has been telling me how you've been avoiding certain topics."

Ezekiel tilted his head. "Has she now?"

Daphne stepped closer, her expression unreadable. "We accepted the contract because we had to. But you've changed, Ezekiel. I see it."

His gaze remained steady. "And what exactly do you see?"

Daphne studied him for a long moment before she smirked. "That you're not just tolerating this anymore. You're starting to want it."

Ezekiel didn't deny it. Instead, he reached out, brushing a stray lock of blonde hair from her face.

"Maybe I am."

Daphne blinked, momentarily caught off guard, before she composed herself.

She didn't push him for more. Instead, she simply gave him a small, knowing smile.

"Good," she murmured before turning and walking away, leaving Ezekiel standing alone in the dimly lit corridor.

For the first time since discovering the marriage contract, he realized something.

He wasn't just bound to Daphne by obligation.

He had chosen her.

And she had chosen him.

---