Journey Home & Wedding Preparations

The Hogwarts Express was buzzing with excitement as students boarded for the long journey home. Snow had begun to fall heavily outside, covering the grounds in a thick white blanket. Inside the train, warmth and chatter filled the compartments.

Ezekiel sat with Daphne, Alys, Adrian Selwyn, and Elena, their usual group. Daphne leaned against him, flipping through a book while Alys and Elena talked about Christmas plans.

"Excited to go home?" Adrian asked, stretching in his seat.

Ezekiel smirked. "More like preparing for the chaos. My mother is overseeing the wedding, which means I'll have no say in anything."

Daphne chuckled. "You're only realizing that now?"

Alys grinned. "Mum has been planning since she found out. You should've seen how excited she was in her letters."

Elena sighed. "I can't believe you're getting married before finishing Hogwarts."

Daphne smirked. "Neither can I, but the contract doesn't give us much choice."

Adrian shook his head. "At least you two actually like each other. It could've been worse."

Ezekiel squeezed Daphne's hand. "Much worse."

She smiled, pressing a kiss to his shoulder.

The train ride continued, filled with conversation and occasional teasing. By the time they arrived at King's Cross, Ezekiel spotted his father, Thomas Malverne, waiting near the platform. His usual composed expression softened slightly when he saw them.

"Welcome back," Thomas greeted. "Daphne, you'll be coming with us, as planned."

Daphne nodded. "Thank you for having me, Lord Malverne."

Thomas chuckled. "You'll be family soon enough. No need for formalities."

Alys hugged their father before pulling Daphne along. "Come on, I have to show you the decorations Mum put up!"

Ezekiel sighed, following them. "This wedding is going to be exhausting."

Thomas smirked. "That's what happens when you're the groom, son."

---

As they arrived at the Malverne estate, the sheer extravagance of the decorations confirmed what Ezekiel had feared—his mother had gone all out. The grand hall was lined with enchanted ice sculptures, shimmering snowflakes, and elegant silver and blue banners bearing both the Malverne and Ravenclaw crests.

Marissa Malverne stood at the entrance, waiting for them with a delighted smile.

"Oh, you're finally here!" she exclaimed, hugging Alys before turning to Daphne. "Daphne, dear, welcome! I'm so glad you're staying with us before the wedding."

Daphne smiled politely. "Thank you for having me, Lady Malverne."

Marissa waved her hand. "No need for such formalities. You'll be my daughter-in-law soon!"

Ezekiel groaned. "Mother, please don't smother her."

Marissa shot him a look. "I will do no such thing! Now, both of you, come with me. We have so much to discuss about the ceremony."

Daphne sighed. "I knew this was coming."

Ezekiel chuckled, wrapping an arm around her. "Better get used to it."

---

Later that evening, after being dragged through endless wedding discussions, Ezekiel and Daphne finally found themselves alone in his private study. A fire crackled in the fireplace, casting a warm glow over the room.

Daphne sat on the couch, running a hand through her hair. "Your mother is... thorough."

Ezekiel chuckled. "That's putting it lightly."

She looked at him, a small smile playing on her lips. "Are you ready for this?"

He moved closer, taking her hands in his. "I've never been more sure of anything."

Daphne's eyes softened. "Good. Because neither have I."

He leaned in, capturing her lips in a slow, lingering kiss. As the fire crackled, the tension melted away—just them, together, in their own world.

Christmas was near. Their wedding was set. And their future was just beginning.

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