Reality of Marriage Approaches

The days after their night together in the Room of Requirement were different. There was no hesitation between them anymore, no awkwardness.

Daphne and Ezekiel still shared their usual banter and teasing, but now there was an unspoken understanding—a deepened connection that went beyond duty, beyond the contract.

They belonged to each other.

---

A few days later, they met in one of the quieter sections of the Ravenclaw Library. Daphne had summoned him with a simple note, one that lacked her usual sarcastic flair.

Ezekiel found her sitting by the window, a thoughtful expression on her face. The sunlight caught in her dark blonde hair, making her look almost ethereal.

"You look too serious," Ezekiel murmured as he sat beside her. "Should I be worried?"

Daphne sighed, placing a parchment on the table between them.

"Our wedding."

Ezekiel raised a brow. "We've already accepted it. What's there to worry about?"

Daphne shot him a sharp look. "We're getting married in less than three months, Ezekiel. That's not a long time to prepare."

"Our families will handle most of it," he reasoned. "All we have to do is show up, exchange vows, and then it's official."

Daphne huffed, crossing her arms. "Oh, so simple? Do you even know what happens after we're married?"

Ezekiel smirked, leaning closer. "I assume we'll share a bed… frequently."

Daphne flushed but didn't look away. "Yes, but beyond that. How will we handle Hogwarts? Where will we live during breaks? How will our dynamic change?"

Ezekiel considered her words. She had a point. Marriage wasn't just a contract to them anymore—it was real, and real things had consequences.

He took her hand, intertwining their fingers. "We'll figure it out together. We're not the first noble couple to marry young. My family will expect me to act as Lord Ravenclaw, but it won't change who we are to each other."

Daphne searched his face, as if looking for any sign of hesitation. When she found none, she exhaled. "Good. Because I refuse to let some outdated traditions make things awkward between us."

Ezekiel chuckled. "Since when do we ever let traditions stop us?"

Daphne smirked. "Fair point."

---

Later that evening, Ezekiel and Daphne were walking back toward the Slytherin common room when they ran into Alys and Adrian Selwyn.

Alys took one look at them and grinned mischievously. "So… my soon-to-be sister-in-law, how's life with my idiot brother?"

Daphne snorted. "Surprisingly tolerable. Though I do wonder how your family raised such a smug prat."

Ezekiel groaned. "You two have been spending too much time together."

Adrian chuckled from beside Alys. "I have to say, Malverne, I never expected you to be the first of us to get married. I always thought you'd be too focused on Quidditch or ruling the world."

"I can do both," Ezekiel shot back. "Besides, who wouldn't want to marry Daphne?"

Daphne rolled her eyes, but there was a small smile tugging at her lips.

Alys clapped her hands. "Alright, enough romance! I need to talk about the wedding. Am I getting a fancy dress? Will there be cake? More importantly, will I get to boss people around?"

Daphne smirked. "Oh, Alys, I wouldn't dare deprive you of the opportunity to make everyone miserable."

Alys grinned. "Finally, someone who understands me!"

Ezekiel sighed, but there was amusement in his eyes. "Just don't cause too much chaos, Alys."

"No promises."

---

As the days passed, Ezekiel and Daphne found themselves stealing more moments together.

One night, after curfew, they met in a secluded hallway outside the Room of Requirement. Daphne had pulled him away from his studies, her eyes filled with unspoken intentions.

"What is it?" Ezekiel murmured as she pressed him against the wall, her hands resting on his chest.

Daphne bit her lip, her voice softer than usual. "I just… wanted to be with you."

Ezekiel's heart pounded as she leaned in, her lips brushing against his in a slow, lingering kiss.

"Daphne…" He whispered, his hands slipping around her waist, pulling her closer.

She tilted her head, deepening the kiss, her fingers sliding into his hair, tugging him closer.

Their bodies pressed together, the heat between them intensifying. Daphne let out a small sigh as Ezekiel's hands trailed lower, resting just above her hips.

"We're alone," she murmured against his lips.

Ezekiel groaned. "You're dangerous, you know that?"

Daphne smirked. "And you love it."

He chuckled before lifting her slightly, her legs wrapping around his waist as he carried her inside the Room of Requirement.

As the door sealed behind them, there was no more talk of the wedding, the responsibilities, or the future.

For that night, there was only them.

---