The Malverne estate was blanketed in snow, its vast grounds glistening under the pale morning sun. Ezekiel stood by the window of his room, gazing out at the familiar landscape, a cup of hot tea warming his hands. It was his first real morning back home, and already, he could feel the weight of his responsibilities settling on his shoulders.
His conversation with his father the previous night had left him with much to think about. The Veela bond with Fleur was not something he could ignore, but he also couldn't let it dictate his choices. He had promised her that they would take things slowly, but he knew that their connection would only grow stronger with time.
And then there was his lordship. In just a few months, he would officially become Lord Ravenclaw, a title that carried immense power and expectation. His father had spent years preparing him for this, but no amount of preparation could truly capture the reality of what it meant to lead.
A knock at his door pulled him from his thoughts.
"Come in."
Alys entered, her usual smirk in place. "You're up early. Couldn't sleep?"
Ezekiel took a sip of his tea before answering. "Just thinking."
Alys walked over, leaning against the window frame. "About Fleur?"
He shot her a look. "And other things."
Alys laughed. "You're no fun. Celes is already downstairs, by the way. She's been waiting for you since dawn."
Ezekiel sighed. "I figured as much. I should get ready."
Alys pushed off the wall. "We all missed you, you know." Her tone was softer now, lacking her usual teasing edge. "It's good to have you back, Ez."
Ezekiel gave her a small smile. "It's good to be back."
---
Celes was waiting in the dining hall, her small frame perched on one of the grand chairs as she kicked her legs back and forth impatiently. The moment she saw Ezekiel enter, her eyes lit up.
"Finally!" she huffed. "Do you know how long I've been waiting?"
Ezekiel chuckled, taking the seat beside her. "An eternity, I'm sure."
Celes nodded seriously. "Exactly!"
The house elves quickly served breakfast, a variety of warm pastries, eggs, and hot chocolate appearing on the table. Celes immediately grabbed a croissant, her eyes gleaming.
"So," she said between bites, "what are we doing today?"
Ezekiel smirked. "I thought you wanted to visit the kitchens for sweets?"
Celes pouted. "I already did that last night."
Alys, who had just joined them, snorted. "You mean you dragged Ez there after dinner and stuffed yourself with enough sugar to last a week?"
Celes stuck her tongue out. "Details."
Ezekiel shook his head, amused. "Alright then. What do you want to do?"
Celes grinned. "Sledding!"
Ezekiel raised an eyebrow. "Sledding?"
Alys smirked. "You did promise her you'd spend time together."
Ezekiel sighed, already knowing there was no way out of this. "Fine. But if you get cold, don't complain."
Celes cheered, already running off to get her winter coat.
Alys smirked at him. "You're wrapped around her little finger."
Ezekiel just shrugged. "She's my little sister. What did you expect?"
---
Later that afternoon, after exhausting Celes with sledding, Ezekiel found himself walking through the estate gardens with his father. The snowfall had lightened, leaving behind a peaceful silence.
Thomas Malverne walked with an air of quiet authority, his hands clasped behind his back as he surveyed the estate grounds.
"You seem troubled," he noted.
Ezekiel exhaled, watching his breath fog in the cold air. "A lot is changing."
Thomas nodded. "Yes. But that is not necessarily a bad thing."
Ezekiel hesitated before asking, "Did you ever have doubts? About taking on the role of Lord?"
His father gave him a thoughtful look. "Of course. Anyone who takes their responsibilities seriously will always have doubts. The question is not whether you doubt, but whether you let that doubt control you."
Ezekiel absorbed his words, nodding slowly.
Thomas stopped walking, turning to face him fully. "You have done well, Ezekiel. I see the man you are becoming, and I have no doubts that you will surpass even me."
Ezekiel met his father's gaze, feeling a rare moment of understanding pass between them. "I won't let you down."
Thomas smirked. "I never thought you would."
---
That evening, as Ezekiel sat in his study, a small owl tapped at his window. Recognizing it instantly, he let the bird in, taking the letter it carried.
Unfolding it, he saw Fleur's elegant script.
Ezekiel,
I have arrived home safely. It feels strange being back after so many months at Hogwarts. Gabrielle has already been asking about you—she is convinced you are some sort of knight from one of her fairy tales.
I wanted to thank you again for everything. I know that neither of us fully understand this bond yet, but I am glad that you did not turn away from it.
You promised you would visit France over the break. I hope you meant it.
Fleur
Ezekiel leaned back in his chair, staring at the letter. He had promised, and he intended to keep that promise.
With a small smirk, he reached for his quill.
Fleur,
I meant every word. I'll see you soon.
---