The morning sun filtered through the grand windows of the Malverne estate, casting a golden glow across the lavish bedroom. Daphne stirred against Ezekiel's chest, a soft hum escaping her lips as she shifted beneath the silk sheets.
Ezekiel smirked, brushing a strand of blonde hair away from her face as she slowly opened her eyes. "Morning, Lady Ravenclaw."
Daphne blinked up at him, a lazy smile forming on her lips. "Morning, Lord Ravenclaw." She ran her fingers across his bare chest before sighing. "Do we have to get up? I quite like it here."**
Ezekiel chuckled, "As much as I would love to stay in bed with you all day, our families will be expecting us at breakfast."
Daphne groaned, burying her face against his shoulder. "Fine. But only because I'm starving."
Ezekiel smirked, pressing a kiss to her forehead before reluctantly getting out of bed. "Then let's go before the house-elves think we've disappeared."
---
The dining hall was already buzzing with quiet conversation when the newlyweds entered. Marissa and Thomas Malverne sat at the head of the table, along with Cyrus and Beatrice Greengrass. Alys was grinning knowingly, while Celeste gave an excited wave.
"Finally decided to show up?" Alys teased, smirking at her brother.
Daphne arched an eyebrow as she took her seat beside Ezekiel. "I was under the impression that newlyweds were allowed to sleep in."
Thomas Malverne chuckled. "That may be true, but considering the commotion in the newspapers, I doubt anyone will let you two rest for long."
Ezekiel's gaze sharpened. "What do you mean?"
Marissa Malverne passed a copy of the Daily Prophet across the table, and Daphne's eyes widened as she took in the bold headline.
"A Union of Power – Lord Ravenclaw & Lady Greengrass Wed in Secret Ceremony!"
Below the headline was a moving picture of them standing together at the altar, exchanging vows. The article detailed their betrothal contract, the prestigious lineage of both families, and the surprise of the Wizarding World at such a significant union.
Daphne scoffed. "Well, that didn't take long."
Ezekiel read further, his eyes narrowing. "'The marriage, which was kept a closely guarded secret, has taken many by surprise. Some sources claim that this union marks a shift in the balance of power within the Sacred Twenty-Eight, as the Greengrass and Malverne families strengthen their position under the leadership of the newly restored House Ravenclaw.'"
Beatrice Greengrass sighed. "They're already speculating about what this means politically. Some believe this will make Ravenclaw a dominant force in wizarding politics again."
Alys snorted. "Well, they're not wrong."
Daphne shook her head. "Of course, people would see this as some sort of grand political maneuver."
Ezekiel leaned back in his chair. "Let them talk. What matters is that our families stand together. Everything else is just noise."
Thomas Malverne nodded approvingly. "Spoken like a true lord. But don't be surprised if some start reaching out with 'offers' now that you're officially married."
Daphne smirked. "Oh, I'd love to see them try."
Marissa chuckled. "I have no doubt you'll handle them perfectly, dear."
---
As the Daily Prophet circulated across Britain, the reactions were immediate.
At Hogwarts, whispers filled the Great Hall as students pored over the article. Some were impressed, others jealous, and many were simply in shock that Ezekiel Malverne had officially married before even finishing school.
Draco Malfoy sneered at the paper, muttering about how Daphne had 'betrayed' Slytherin by marrying someone with a claim to Ravenclaw's legacy.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione were surprised but didn't comment much beyond Harry muttering, "Well, that explains a few things."
Professor Snape merely arched an eyebrow upon reading the news, while Dumbledore chuckled to himself, murmuring about history repeating itself.
In France, Fleur Delacour read the news over breakfast with a knowing smile, shaking her head fondly at her fiancé's ability to make headlines.
The Wizengamot, meanwhile, was already abuzz with speculation about what Ezekiel's marriage meant for future political alliances.
Back at the Malverne estate, Ezekiel and Daphne simply enjoyed their breakfast, ignoring the world's chatter.
They had made their vows.
And no matter what anyone thought, they were bound together—forever.
---