The holiday season was winding down, and the inevitable return to Hogwarts loomed over the remaining days. Despite that, Malverne Manor remained lively, especially with Celeste and Astoria keeping things energetic.
Ezekiel found himself in the grand hall, watching as Celeste convinced Astoria to try a small ice-skating charm on the marble floors. The younger girl wobbled uncertainly before finding her balance, laughing as she slid forward.
"See! I told you it was fun," Celeste grinned.
Ezekiel shook his head. "You're going to break something."
Celeste shot him a mischievous look. "Not if I don't get caught."
Astoria giggled but quickly stopped when she saw Daphne entering the hall, carrying a book in her hands.
Daphne raised an eyebrow at the scene but didn't comment. Instead, she approached Ezekiel. "You disappeared earlier."
"I was training," he said simply.
She sighed. "Of course you were."
Daphne wasn't wrong to be exasperated. Ezekiel had spent much of his free time pushing his magical limits, especially now that he had begun refining his control over ice magic.
It wasn't just about strength—it was about precision.
And while he was growing stronger, there was still much he didn't understand.
Before he could say anything, Celeste grinned and turned to Astoria. "Come on, let's leave the lovebirds alone."
Daphne flushed. "Celeste—"
But the younger girl just winked before dragging Astoria away, leaving Ezekiel and Daphne standing in the grand hall alone.
A quiet moment settled between them before Daphne finally spoke.
"You're still trying to master it, aren't you?"
Ezekiel nodded. "I can create the ice easily. But sustaining it… controlling its shape, its form—it's harder than I thought."
Daphne hesitated before speaking. "I want to help."
He raised an eyebrow. "You want to spar with me?"
"I want to be useful," she said. "If we're going to be in this together, I don't want to just stand by and watch while you struggle alone."
Ezekiel studied her for a moment before nodding. "Alright. Let's see what you've got."
They made their way to the training grounds, where the cold winter air sharpened their focus.
Daphne wasn't a duelist, but she was clever—quick on her feet
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