The shift in Ezekiel's life became more apparent with the arrival of his sister and Daphne at Hogwarts.
Alys and Daphne had been sorted into Slytherin, which wasn't surprising. Their upbringing and family backgrounds made the house a natural fit. However, their presence at Hogwarts changed things for Ezekiel in ways he hadn't expected.
Elena and Adrian noticed it first.
"You seem more... occupied this year," Elena remarked as they made their way to the Great Hall.
Adrian smirked. "Could it be that our dear Ezekiel is struggling to balance his responsibilities as a doting older brother and an engaged man?"
Ezekiel shot him a look. "Don't start."
Elena chuckled. "We're just observing. You've been more—" she searched for the word, "—protective lately."
Ezekiel sighed. "Alys is my little sister. It's only natural that I look after her. As for Daphne… things are complicated."
"Complicated how?" Adrian asked, his smirk deepening.
Before Ezekiel could respond, Daphne and Alys appeared, walking together toward their house table. Daphne caught his gaze, offering a small nod before sitting down beside Alys.
Elena followed his gaze and hummed in thought. "So, the arrangement is becoming real now, isn't it?"
Ezekiel didn't answer. Instead, he simply continued toward his seat, lost in thought.
---
Later that evening, Ezekiel sat in a quiet corner of the library, skimming through old tomes. His search for more information on the Ravenclaw inheritance had become a personal project, though progress was slow.
Alys found him there.
"You didn't come to check on me after the Sorting," she said, crossing her arms.
Ezekiel glanced up. "I knew you'd be fine."
Alys huffed, taking a seat beside him. "Still, I expected a proper conversation, not just a passing glance."
He sighed, closing his book. "Fine. How was your first day?"
Alys smirked. "Slytherin is interesting. Daphne is already fitting in well, though some older students are far too nosy about her background."
Ezekiel's eyes darkened slightly. "Is anyone giving you trouble?"
Alys shook her head. "Not yet. But I know how to handle myself, Ez. You don't need to act like a guard dog."
He gave her a knowing look. "You say that now, but if anything happens, you'll come to me first."
She grinned. "Obviously."
There was a comfortable silence before Alys spoke again. "And Daphne? How are things between you two?"
Ezekiel exhaled. "We've come to an understanding. We both know what's expected of us."
Alys tilted her head. "But do you want it?"
"It doesn't matter what I want."
Alys frowned but didn't press further. Instead, she reached for one of his books. "Still digging into the Ravenclaw legacy?"
"There's still a lot I don't know," Ezekiel admitted. "I plan to change that."
Alys gave him a knowing smile. "Then let's find out together."
And for the first time that day, Ezekiel felt a little less burdened.
---