The morning after their wedding reception, Ezekiel and Daphne found themselves in the grand sitting room of the Malverne estate, discussing their future living arrangements.
Daphne sipped her tea, glancing at her husband. "As much as I enjoy staying here, we should probably start looking for our own place."
Ezekiel nodded. "I was thinking the same. We're married now, and while my family wouldn't mind us staying, we should establish our own home."
Alys, who had been listening in from the other side of the room, smirked. "You just don't want Mother walking in on you two being all lovey-dovey."
Daphne chuckled while Ezekiel shot his sister a warning look. "We're newlyweds, Alys. I'd expect you to understand privacy."
Alys grinned. "I do, which is why I fully support you both moving out."
Ignoring her teasing, Daphne turned back to Ezekiel. "So, where do we begin? Do we look at estates owned by the Malverne family, or should we consider something new?"
Ezekiel leaned back, thoughtful. "We have several options. My family owns properties across Britain, but we should also consider the holdings under the Ravenclaw name. Some of those have been untouched for centuries."
Daphne perked up at that. "Ravenclaw properties? I didn't think any of those were still standing."
Ezekiel smirked. "You underestimate how well some ancient estates were built. There's one in particular—Ravenclaw Manor. It's one of the last surviving properties directly linked to Rowena Ravenclaw's bloodline."
Daphne's eyes widened. "The Ravenclaw Manor? I've read about it before. Some say it's more than just a manor—it's a legacy."
Ezekiel nodded. "It's been locked away under ancient protections, untouched for centuries. As Lord Ravenclaw, I now have access to it."
Daphne set her cup down. "Then I want to see it."
---
Over the next few days, Ezekiel and Daphne visited several properties, some belonging to the Malverne family, others newly available on the market.
A grand estate in Northern England with sprawling gardens and enchanted defenses. Daphne found it beautiful, but it lacked character.
A luxurious manor near the coast, offering breathtaking ocean views. While appealing, it felt too detached from wizarding society.
An elegant townhouse in London, ideal for political influence but lacking privacy. Ezekiel immediately dismissed it.
None of them felt right.
Finally, after exhausting all other options, they stood before Ravenclaw Manor.
---
The moment they stepped through the protective enchantments surrounding the ancient estate hidden deep within the Scottish Highlands, Daphne felt something shift in the air.
The manor was breathtaking. Unlike the modern elegance of Malverne estates, this place carried the weight of history—a castle-like structure made of enchanted stone, towering spires, and intricate blue-and-silver banners bearing the Ravenclaw crest.
Ezekiel and Daphne walked through the grand entrance, the enchanted torches flickering to life as if welcoming them.
"This place…" Daphne whispered, trailing her fingers over the carved runes on the walls.
Ezekiel smiled. "It was Rowena Ravenclaw's personal retreat—a place of knowledge and power. It's been untouched for centuries, waiting for its rightful heir to return."
Daphne looked around, eyes filled with awe. "It feels like it's meant for us."
Ezekiel exhaled, glancing around the vast halls, the library brimming with forgotten tomes, the enchanted ceilings reflecting the night sky.
"Then it's decided." He turned to Daphne, taking her hand. "Ravenclaw Manor will be our home."
Daphne smiled, squeezing his hand. "Our home."
---