The Malverne Estate was quiet during the summer holidays, a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of Hogwarts and the world beyond. Ezekiel found himself spending the early part of the summer at home, trying to catch up on family matters and the responsibilities of being the heir to Ravenclaw. But amidst all the paperwork and quiet conversations with his parents, there was something else on his mind: Daphne Greengrass.
His relationship with Daphne had advanced in the last year, and as the summer stretched out before him, Ezekiel felt a deeper sense of commitment to her than ever before. It wasn't just the contract that bound them, but something more—something real that had developed over the past few months. They'd spent time together at Hogwarts, in the library, at Quidditch matches, and late-night walks by the lake. The more time they spent together, the more he realized that Daphne was someone he could not only share his future with but someone who made him feel a sense of balance, of home, that he had never known before.
Their letters had become more frequent, each one filled with little moments from their days—her thoughts on the upcoming year at Hogwarts, his reflections on the summer, and shared excitement for the future. But even more, there were moments of vulnerability, small confessions, and promises that made him feel closer to her despite the distance.
One letter in particular stood out to Ezekiel. It was from Daphne, and it arrived just as he was finishing his morning training session with his father.
"Ezekiel," she had written, "I can't help but feel that there's a lot we need to talk about. I know we're both in this because of the contract, but lately, I'm beginning to wonder about the future. It's strange, isn't it? That something that started as an obligation now feels like it could be something more."
Ezekiel had smiled to himself after reading those words. She was right. Their relationship had started as something bound by duty, but the more time he spent with her, the more he saw her not just as a political alliance but as a person—a smart, kind, and beautiful person who had her own dreams, fears, and ambitions.
Ezekiel hadn't been sure how to respond at first. There were so many thoughts running through his mind—thoughts about his duty to his family, his future as a lord, and the growing feelings he had for Daphne. But, for the first time in his life, he decided to follow his heart. He had written back immediately.
"Daphne," he had replied, "You're right. It's strange. But it's also the most incredible feeling I've ever had. I'm looking forward to whatever we decide to make of this—together. I want us to make it work, not just because of the contract, but because I believe in us. And I promise you, we'll figure out what this means for both of us."
It had been an unspoken promise—a promise of patience, understanding, and trust. A promise that had made Ezekiel's heart swell with something more than he'd ever expected.
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A few weeks into the summer, Ezekiel made a decision. He had planned to visit France—a trip he had been promising to take with Daphne for months. It wasn't just about honoring their bond through the contract; it was about exploring something real and personal, something they both deserved to experience together. He hadn't discussed it with anyone yet, but it felt like the perfect opportunity to deepen their relationship.
When he told Daphne about the trip, she had responded with excitement, her letters practically brimming with anticipation. She agreed to meet him in France for a few days, to visit the Greengrass family estate in the countryside, and then spend some time together—alone. It would be a rare moment of freedom before their final year at Hogwarts, and Ezekiel was determined to make the most of it.
The journey to France was filled with quiet excitement. As the train rattled through the English countryside and crossed into the French border, Ezekiel's thoughts were entirely on Daphne. The closer they got, the more eager he became to see her. He hadn't realized just how much he missed her until they were only a few hours away from the Greengrass family's home.
When they finally arrived, it was everything Ezekiel had imagined—the Greengrass estate, nestled on the outskirts of a small village in the south of France, was as beautiful as it was grand. The château was set against the backdrop of rolling hills and vineyards, with perfectly manicured gardens and sparkling fountains. It was a world away from the hustle and bustle of Hogwarts and the busy streets of London. It was peaceful, calm, and beautiful.
Daphne met him at the front steps of the château, her eyes sparkling as she stepped down to greet him. Her smile, warm and inviting, was all it took for Ezekiel's heart to beat just a little bit faster.
"Ezekiel," she said softly, her voice full of warmth. "It's so good to see you again. I'm glad you made it."
He took her hand, holding it gently. "I couldn't imagine being anywhere else."
For the next few days, the two of them explored the estate, enjoying each other's company away from the prying eyes of their families and friends. It was the perfect opportunity to talk freely, to laugh without worry, and to build on the connection that had been growing between them.
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One afternoon, as they strolled through the gardens, Daphne's gaze shifted towards the horizon, where the sun was beginning to set. The light from the evening cast a soft golden glow over the grounds, making the world feel more magical than it already was. As they sat by a small pond, their hands brushed together, and for a moment, neither of them spoke. But the silence between them was comfortable, a sign that the bond they shared was real.
It wasn't until Daphne broke the silence that Ezekiel realized how much he had come to care for her.
"Ezekiel," she said, her voice a bit quieter than usual. "I've been thinking. We've spent so much time trying to understand the nature of our relationship… but I don't want us to keep holding onto the past. I want to know you. For you. Not just because of the contract."
Ezekiel felt his heart skip a beat. He turned to look at her, her eyes filled with sincerity. "I want that too, Daphne."
She smiled softly, her lips curving with affection. It was then that Ezekiel realized that he had been falling for her all along. And now, in this beautiful moment, with only the sound of the wind in the trees and the ripples of the pond to accompany them, he knew they were no longer bound by the weight of obligation. They had become something more, something real.
---
The next day, Fleur Delacour arrived. She had been planning to visit Daphne for some time, and her arrival marked the end of Ezekiel and Daphne's secluded time together. The moment Fleur stepped out of the carriage, her elegant frame silhouetted against the sun, Ezekiel couldn't help but be struck by her beauty.
"Fleur," Daphne called out, her voice bright and warm as she moved to greet her cousin. "It's been too long!"
Fleur's lips curled into a smile. "Daphne, it's good to see you again."
And then, to Ezekiel's surprise, Fleur turned her gaze toward him. "Ezekiel," she said, her tone a bit more formal than before. "It's been a while. How are you?"
Ezekiel bowed slightly, a smile playing at his lips. "Fleur, I'm doing well. It's good to see you again."
As the three of them spent the day together, Ezekiel couldn't help but feel a shift in the air. There was something tangible between Daphne and Fleur—something unspoken but understood.
Later that evening, as the two women chatted about their families, it became clear to Ezekiel that despite the complexities of their situations, their connection was undeniable. Both women had been brought together by fate, family, and circumstance, but it was becoming more apparent that they each had their own role to play in his life.
As the day came to a close, and the stars began to dot the sky, Ezekiel stood in the quiet of the gardens, thinking about the future. He didn't know where it would take him, but he was certain of one thing—Daphne was now a part of that future.
And in that moment, under the stars, he felt more certain than ever that everything would fall into place, just as it was meant to be.
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