The Malverne estate was transformed into a breathtaking winter wonderland. Snow blanketed the vast grounds, but magical charms kept the cold at bay for the arriving guests. Chandeliers of enchanted ice crystals floated in the grand hall, casting a mesmerizing glow. The entire estate radiated an air of nobility and grandeur befitting the union of two powerful wizarding families.
Ezekiel stood by his bedroom window, gazing at the preparations below. He had always known this day would come—but now that it was here, he felt a mix of anticipation and something else entirely. Excitement. Not just for the ceremony, but for the life he was about to start with Daphne.
A knock at his door broke his thoughts.
"Come in."
Adrian Selwyn stepped inside, dressed in his formal robes, his smirk ever-present. "Well, Lord Ravenclaw, today's the big day. Feeling nervous?"
Ezekiel turned, smirking. "Me? Nervous? Never."
Adrian chuckled. "Right, of course. You just happened to be dramatically staring out the window, brooding."
Ezekiel rolled his eyes. "Brooding is an art form, Selwyn. You wouldn't understand."
Adrian laughed, then clapped a hand on his friend's shoulder. "You know, I never thought I'd see the day you'd willingly get tied down. But Daphne's different, isn't she?"
Ezekiel's expression softened. "She is."
"Then you're a lucky bastard," Adrian said with a grin. "Now, get ready. People are already arriving, and I have a best man's duty to fulfill."
---
Downstairs, the estate was filled with movement as guests from the wizarding world arrived in elegant robes.
Daphne's family had already arrived, with her father, Cyrus Greengrass, exchanging pleasantries with Thomas Malverne.
The arrival of Fleur Delacour caused quite a stir. The veela's presence turned heads as she stepped gracefully into the grand hall, her silvery-blonde hair glowing under the enchanted lights. She had come all the way from France for this occasion, and as she approached the gathering, her gaze immediately sought out Ezekiel.
Ezekiel, who had just descended the stairs, met her eyes. She approached with a soft smile.
"Bonjour, mon amour," she greeted, her voice carrying warmth.
Ezekiel smiled. "You made it."
"Of course," Fleur said, reaching out to touch his arm briefly. "I would not miss your wedding."
Before anything else could be said, Alys appeared, linking her arm with Fleur's.
"Come on, Fleur, let's find our seats. You'll sit with me," Alys declared, dragging the veela away with a mischievous grin.
Ezekiel chuckled.
More guests arrived—Elena, Hogwarts professors including Professor Flitwick, who was delighted to witness the union of a Ravenclaw Lord, and even Headmaster Dumbledore, who seemed particularly pleased to be attending such an important wizarding event.
---
As the time approached, everyone gathered in the grand outdoor pavilion, which had been magically enchanted to shield them from the cold. The aisle was adorned with floating candles, and ancient tapestries bearing the sigils of House Ravenclaw and House Greengrass decorated the surroundings.
Ezekiel stood at the altar, dressed in regal deep blue and silver robes, representing Ravenclaw. His House crest shimmered on his chest, a mark of his noble status. Adrian stood beside him, his best man, looking proud yet amused.
"Last chance to run," Adrian whispered.
Ezekiel smirked. "I think I'll stay."
Music filled the air as the crowd hushed. Then, Daphne appeared.
She was breathtaking. Dressed in a gown of silver and emerald, woven with subtle enchantments that made it shimmer like the stars, she walked down the aisle with grace.
Her green eyes met Ezekiel's, and at that moment, nothing else mattered.
As she reached the altar, Ezekiel extended his hand. She took it, her fingers warm against his.
The officiant, an elder wizard from the Greengrass family, stepped forward. "We gather here today to witness the union of Ezekiel Cassian Malverne, Lord Ravenclaw, and Daphne Greengrass, heiress of House Greengrass. This marriage, bound not only by tradition but by their own will, shall be sealed in magic, unbreakable and eternal."
Daphne turned to Ezekiel, her expression steady yet filled with emotion.
"Ezekiel, do you take me as your wife, to stand beside me as my equal, to protect and cherish me, to share in all burdens and joys, for as long as magic flows in our veins?"
Ezekiel's voice was unwavering. "I do."
The officiant nodded, then turned to Daphne.
"Daphne, do you take Ezekiel as your husband, to stand beside him as his equal, to protect and cherish him, to share in all burdens and joys, for as long as magic flows in your veins?"
Daphne smiled softly. "I do."
A golden magical band formed around their clasped hands, glowing with the strength of the unbreakable contract.
"Then, by the laws of magic and the traditions of our world, I now pronounce you husband and wife."
The glow intensified, sealing their bond.
Ezekiel wasted no time. He pulled Daphne into a deep, passionate kiss as the crowd erupted into applause.
---
As the ceremony ended, guests came forward to offer their congratulations.
Fleur approached with a smirk, her arms crossed. "I suppose I must now call you Madame Malverne."
Daphne smirked back. "You may call me whatever you wish, Fleur. But remember—Lady Ravenclaw comes first."
Fleur chuckled, casting a glance at Ezekiel. "She will be a fierce Lady indeed."
Ezekiel merely smirked. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
As the celebration continued into the evening, Ezekiel and Daphne knew—this was only the beginning. Their lives had now intertwined permanently, and whatever came next, they would face it together.
---