Weight of Expectations

The morning sun filtered through the enchanted windows of Ezekiel and Daphne's shared quarters, casting a soft golden glow. Daphne stirred first, stretching slightly before realizing Ezekiel's arm was wrapped firmly around her waist. A small smile played on her lips as she nestled against him for a brief moment before whispering, "Time to wake up, Lord Ravenclaw."

Ezekiel grunted, burying his face against her neck. "Five more minutes."

Daphne chuckled before shifting in his embrace. "If we're late on our first day back, we'll never hear the end of it from Flitwick."

At that, Ezekiel finally opened his eyes, sighing in defeat. "Fine, fine."

After getting ready, they made their way to the Great Hall, where the morning bustle of students filled the air. Alys waved from the Slytherin table, and Daphne excused herself to sit with her sister.

Ezekiel sat with Adrian Selwyn and his fellow Ravenclaws, who were already discussing the difficulties of their upcoming O.W.L. year.

"You realize this will be the most grueling year at Hogwarts, right?" one of their housemates said dramatically. "Exams determine our career paths, our futures!"

Adrian smirked. "Some of us already have a guaranteed future, don't they, Ezekiel?"

Ezekiel merely raised an eyebrow. "That doesn't mean I can slack off."

Elena leaned forward. "Still, youngest professional Chaser in history, a seat in the Wizengamot, and now balancing O.W.L.s? You might be a lunatic."

Ezekiel chuckled but didn't deny it. "It just means I have to manage my time well."

---

The first class of the day was Defense Against the Dark Arts with their new professor, Remus Lupin.

Ezekiel entered the classroom, noting how relaxed and approachable the man seemed compared to their previous professors. Unlike Lockhart's vanity or Quirrell's stuttering fear, Lupin carried himself with quiet confidence.

As the students settled, Lupin smiled. "Good morning, everyone. I understand that this year will be particularly demanding for you, but I assure you, my job is to make sure you all come out of it better prepared than before."

He waved his wand, and the chalkboard behind him scribbled "Practical Applications of Defense Against the Dark Arts."

"We'll be focusing on practical combat this year," Lupin continued. "The best way to defend yourself is to understand the nature of your opponent. We will start with creatures today."

Ezekiel leaned back in his chair, intrigued. This was already shaping up to be better than any of their previous Defense professors.

Lupin flicked his wand, and a large wardrobe at the front of the class rattled ominously.

"Can anyone tell me what's inside?"

Ezekiel's eyes narrowed slightly. "A Boggart."

Lupin nodded. "Correct, Lord Ravenclaw. Now, let's see how you handle facing your fears."

---

After Defense, Ezekiel found Daphne and Alys in the courtyard, the latter complaining about the amount of homework they already had.

"It's just the first day!" Alys groaned. "Third-year isn't supposed to be this bad."

Daphne smirked. "Welcome to electives, dear sister."

Ezekiel chuckled but was soon interrupted by the arrival of Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger.

"Malverne, can we talk?" Harry asked hesitantly.

Ezekiel studied him, then gave a slight nod. "What is it?"

The trio glanced at Daphne and Alys before Harry lowered his voice. "It's about Sirius Black."

Ezekiel's expression didn't change, but his interest was piqued. "Go on."

Harry looked around, making sure no one was eavesdropping. "I overheard some of the professors talking… they think Black is after me."

Ezekiel folded his arms. "That would explain the Dementors at Hogwarts."

"Exactly!" Hermione whispered. "But something doesn't add up. Why would he wait twelve years to suddenly come after Harry now?"

Ezekiel tapped his fingers against his arm in thought. "That is a good question. If he's truly after you, there must be a reason."

Ron shifted uncomfortably. "Well, yeah, he was You-Know-Who's biggest supporter, wasn't he?"

Ezekiel hummed in thought. He knew the official story, but something about it didn't feel right. He'd seen enough political manipulations in the Wizengamot to know when a narrative had holes.

"I'd be careful, Potter," Ezekiel finally said. "If Black really is after you, you shouldn't go looking for trouble."

Harry sighed. "Trouble always finds me anyway."

Daphne, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke up. "Then at least make sure you have a plan when it does."

Harry nodded. "Thanks… both of you."

As the trio walked off, Daphne turned to Ezekiel. "You don't believe Black is after him, do you?"

Ezekiel exhaled slowly. "I believe there's more to the story than what we're being told."

---

The rest of the day passed with lessons and study sessions, and by the time evening fell, Ezekiel found himself juggling Quidditch, his duties in the Wizengamot, and his coursework.

He and Daphne sat in their shared quarters, books spread out on the table.

Daphne looked up from her Arithmancy textbook. "How are you handling all of this?"

Ezekiel smirked. "With sheer willpower."

She rolled her eyes. "Honestly. If anyone else had as much on their plate as you, they'd crumble."

Ezekiel shrugged, then leaned in, pressing a soft kiss against her lips. "Having you by my side makes it easier."

Daphne smirked. "Flattery will get you nowhere, Lord Ravenclaw."

"I disagree," he murmured, kissing her again.

Daphne sighed, leaning into him. "Fine, but only for a few minutes. Then we get back to studying."

Ezekiel chuckled, knowing full well that those few minutes would likely stretch much longer.

As the night settled over Hogwarts, one thing was clear—this year was going to be a challenge, both academically and politically.

And Ezekiel was ready for it.

---