The morning sun streamed through the tall windows of Malverne Manor's study, casting a golden glow over the stacks of parchment covering Ezekiel's desk. He sat in his chair, fingers idly tapping against the armrest as he waited.
His father, Thomas Malverne, had arrived early that morning after receiving an urgent letter from Ezekiel regarding the discovery at Gringotts. Now, Thomas sat across from him, reading through the centuries-old marriage contract between the Ravenclaw and Greengrass families.
A heavy silence hung in the air.
After several minutes, Thomas set the parchment down, his sharp gaze meeting Ezekiel's.
"This… is unexpected," he finally said.
Ezekiel exhaled. "You didn't know about it?"
His father shook his head. "No. If I had, I would have told you. This contract must have been buried within the Ravenclaw family's records for centuries, hidden away until you uncovered it." His voice was thoughtful. "That means neither Lord Greengrass nor Daphne would have known about it either."
Ezekiel leaned back, his mind processing the situation. A centuries-old magical contract that dictated his future.
"This contract," Thomas continued, "was forged between Rowena Ravenclaw and an ancestor of the Greengrass family. Back in those days, noble families sought alliances that ensured magical bloodlines remained strong and influential." He tapped his fingers against the parchment. "The fact that this contract remained active means its magic is absolute. It was designed to ensure that the Ravenclaw and Greengrass families would always be connected."
Ezekiel frowned. "So, we were always meant to be allies."
"Yes," Thomas confirmed. "And this contract guarantees that bond remains unbroken. You and Daphne must be wed before you turn seventeen."
Ezekiel's fingers curled slightly. Before seventeen. That meant he had less than two years.
His father studied him closely. "How do you feel about this?"
Ezekiel let out a slow breath. "It's not that I dislike Daphne. She's one of the few people I trust. But neither of us had a choice in this." He glanced at the contract. "That's what bothers me."
Thomas nodded. "Then take control of it."
Ezekiel met his father's gaze.
"You can't change the contract," Thomas continued, "but you can control how you handle it. Talk to Daphne. Make sure she understands that she is not just an obligation to you."
Ezekiel was silent for a moment before nodding. "That's what I intend to do."
Thomas gave a small, approving nod. "Then go speak with her."
---
Later that afternoon, Ezekiel arrived at Greengrass Manor.
The estate was as grand as he remembered—elegant yet not ostentatious, with sprawling gardens and well-kept grounds. The air smelled of freshly bloomed flowers as he approached the entrance.
He was escorted inside, where Cyrus Greengrass, Daphne's father, was already waiting in the study.
Cyrus sat in his chair, a glass of aged firewhisky in his hand, his expression unreadable. He gestured for Ezekiel to sit.
"I received your letter," he said, his tone calm but serious. "This contract… you're certain it's unbreakable?"
Ezekiel nodded. "I had Gringotts verify it. The magic behind it is absolute. There is no loophole or escape clause."
Cyrus sighed, setting down his glass. "I won't pretend this isn't a shock. I had plans for Daphne's future, but it seems our ancestors had their own designs." His gaze sharpened. "How do you feel about this?"
Ezekiel didn't hesitate. "I won't force Daphne into anything. That's why I came—to talk to her."
Cyrus studied him for a moment before giving a nod of approval. "Good. She's in the garden."
Ezekiel stood, making his way outside.
---
Daphne sat beneath a large willow tree, her usual composed expression slightly softened as she gazed at the sky. The sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled patterns on her pale skin.
She noticed Ezekiel approaching and straightened slightly.
"You look serious," she remarked.
Ezekiel exhaled. "Yeah. Because what I have to tell you is important."
Daphne gestured for him to sit beside her. "I'm listening."
Ezekiel took a breath. "While reviewing my family's records at Gringotts, I discovered something—a magical marriage contract between the Ravenclaw and Greengrass families."
Daphne's eyes narrowed slightly, but she remained silent.
"The contract was made centuries ago, before our families lost touch," Ezekiel continued. "It states that the heirs of both houses must marry before the Ravenclaw heir turns seventeen. If not, there will be… consequences."
A slight breeze rustled the leaves, but Daphne remained still.
Ezekiel hesitated before adding, "We didn't have a choice in this."
For a moment, there was nothing but the distant chirping of birds.
Then, to his surprise, Daphne let out a small laugh.
"Oh, Ezekiel." She shook her head. "I was wondering how long it would take for you to realize we were meant to be."
Ezekiel blinked. "What?"
Daphne smirked. "Oh, don't look so surprised. We've known each other forever. You're the only person who can tolerate me, and frankly, I wouldn't want to be stuck in a marriage with someone less intelligent."
Ezekiel frowned. "I was expecting more resistance."
Daphne rolled her eyes. "Do you think I'm naive? I know how the world works. Arranged marriages happen all the time among noble families. At least I got lucky."
Ezekiel was silent for a moment before chuckling. "You're taking this better than I expected."
Daphne crossed her arms. "I won't lie and say I like that our choices were taken away. But if this is happening, we're going to handle it our way."
Ezekiel gave her a small smile. "Agreed."
She eyed him carefully. "Are you going to tell Alys?"
Ezekiel let out a groan. "She'll be insufferable once she finds out."
Daphne smirked. "I look forward to it."
Ezekiel rolled his eyes, but for the first time since he discovered the contract, he felt a little lighter.
---
Later that evening, back at Malverne Manor, Ezekiel sat in his study, staring at the ancient contract.
He had expected anger, frustration, maybe even defiance from Daphne. Instead, she had been unfazed—pragmatic as always, but not unwilling.
His father's words echoed in his mind.
"Then make it your choice."
Ezekiel sighed, running a hand through his hair. He didn't know what the future would hold, but one thing was certain—he and Daphne Greengrass were now bound together.
For better or worse.
---