The summer had come to a close, and with it, the last days of their time in France were drawing to an end. Ezekiel, Daphne, and Fleur had spent every moment together, growing closer than ever before, each learning more about one another with each passing day. The previous months of uncertainty about their futures were slowly fading, replaced with a quiet confidence in their bond, one that would only grow stronger as the years went on.
As the time to leave approached, the three of them took one last walk through the expansive gardens surrounding the Greengrass estate. The sun was beginning to set, casting a soft golden glow over the landscape, and the air was filled with the fragrant scent of blooming flowers.
The sounds of nature around them seemed to mirror the peaceful resolve settling in their hearts. Daphne had found an unexpected sense of peace during these last days in France, a tranquility she hadn't known she needed. Fleur walked beside her, no longer distant but instead with an air of someone who had come to terms with their circumstances. And Ezekiel—well, he was simply content, knowing that he had the love and support of both women.
"I still can't believe it," Ezekiel said as he glanced at both of them, a small smile tugging at his lips. "The last few months… they've been a whirlwind."
"You can say that again," Daphne laughed lightly, her voice warm. "I thought I was coming here for a summer getaway, but I've ended up learning more about myself than I ever imagined."
Fleur smiled softly, her blue eyes catching the last rays of the sun. "It's not what I expected either. But I think it's been necessary for all of us to find clarity."
For a moment, the three of them walked in silence, savoring the tranquility. The past few weeks had been a time of understanding, of forging connections that would last far beyond their time in France.
"I'm glad we came here," Daphne spoke up, her voice quieter now. "It gave me time to think. And, it gave me time with both of you, to figure out what we really want. Not just what we have to do, but what we want."
Fleur turned to her, her expression thoughtful. "And what is it you want, then?"
Daphne smiled softly, the weight of the decision now fully settled in her heart. "I want us to be a family. Not just because of the contracts, or the legacies… but because I believe in us. All three of us. I want to build something real."
Ezekiel looked at her, his heart swelling with affection. "And you're right. I don't just want the responsibility that's been placed on me. I want to build something with you both. Something that isn't just based on obligation."
The words hung in the air, the sincerity of the moment undeniable. Fleur stepped forward, placing her hand gently on Daphne's arm, then on Ezekiel's. "Then let's make it happen. We may have different roles to play, but we can choose to build a life we can be proud of."
Daphne looked at the two of them, her heart racing with the clarity of what they were saying. They were all in this together—not just as individuals bound by old contracts, but as partners, creating something new and real.
They continued walking through the gardens, and the conversation turned to the future—what the next year would hold, how they would handle their relationships, and how they would balance their obligations with their personal desires.
By the time they returned to the Greengrass manor, evening had fully descended, and the estate glowed with the warmth of soft candlelight through the windows.
Their carriage ride to the portkey station the next day was quiet, each of them lost in their thoughts, knowing that the next chapter of their lives was about to begin. Ezekiel would return to Hogwarts for his third year, Daphne would begin her first year at Hogwarts, and Fleur would continue with her duties in France before visiting them in England. They would each have their own paths, but they were bound by the decisions they had made, and the commitment they'd chosen to honor together.
---
Back at the Malverne family estate in England, preparations for their departure were already underway. It was bittersweet—Ezekiel would miss being with his family over the next few months, especially his younger sisters, Celeste and Astoria. He still had a strong sense of duty to them, but now, more than ever, his focus was on Daphne and their future together.
The day before leaving, he sat with his parents in their study, finalizing plans for the future. His father, Thomas Malverne, and his mother, Marissa Malverne, were supportive of the decisions he had made, but like any good parents, they still had questions and advice to offer.
"You know, son," his father began, looking over some family documents, "things may not always go as planned. This marriage contract, while old and unbreakable, doesn't change the fact that you'll face challenges ahead."
Ezekiel nodded, his fingers drumming lightly on the desk. "I understand. But I'm ready for whatever comes. I'm not just doing this because of the contract. I'm doing this because it feels right."
Marissa smiled warmly, her gaze full of love and pride. "I know you are, darling. And we're proud of you. Just remember to balance duty with what makes you happy."
---
As the day of departure drew near, Daphne and Ezekiel spent one last evening together before the hustle of returning to Hogwarts. Sitting by the fireplace, they were silent for a long while, simply enjoying each other's company.
"You know," Daphne murmured, "this summer, this time with you and Fleur—it's been more than I could've hoped for. It gave me the clarity I needed. And now, I feel ready for whatever the future holds."
Ezekiel smiled, reaching for her hand. "I'm glad we took this time, too. It's been life-changing. We have so much ahead of us, and we'll face it together."
Daphne leaned in, resting her head on his shoulder. "Together," she repeated, her voice soft but filled with certainty. "No matter what comes."
---
The next day, after an emotional goodbye to the family estate, Ezekiel and Daphne boarded the train back to Hogwarts. The Hogwarts Express chugged along, carrying them away from the world they had known for the past few weeks, back to their familiar routine. But the journey felt different now. The weight of the future—both their responsibilities and their shared dreams—hung in the air between them.
They sat together, the soft hum of the train accompanying their silent thoughts. Daphne rested her head on his shoulder, and for the first time in a long while, everything felt right.
The future awaited them—full of promise and uncertainty, but they would face it together.
As the train neared Hogwarts, Ezekiel couldn't help but think about the years to come. He had learned that life was full of surprises, and no matter how certain they were about their paths, there would always be twists along the way.
But for now, with Daphne by his side and the future ahead of them, he felt ready to face whatever would come their way.
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