The Hogwarts Express pulled into King's Cross Station, students pouring onto the platform, eager to reunite with their families. Ezekiel Malverne, now entering a new phase of his life, stepped off the train with Daphne by his side.
Alys, walking next to them, was chatting animatedly with Elena about their plans for the summer. But Ezekiel's focus was on the familiar figures waiting for them.
His father, Lord Cassius Malverne, stood tall with his usual composed demeanor, though there was a glint of pride in his gaze. Beside him, Lady Marissa Malverne greeted them with a warm smile, her sharp eyes immediately assessing Daphne.
And then there was Celes, her silver-blue eyes locked onto Ezekiel with a dramatic pout.
"You didn't visit me first," she huffed, crossing her arms.
Ezekiel smirked and effortlessly scooped her into his arms. "I'm here now, aren't I?"
Celes let out a soft "hmph" but still wrapped her arms around his neck. "You have to make it up to me."
Daphne chuckled. "You've got competition, Ez."
"I never stood a chance," Ezekiel admitted with a grin.
Lady Marissa turned to Daphne, a knowing look in her eyes. "Welcome home, Daphne."
Daphne straightened, offering a soft smile. "Thank you, Marissa."
The acceptance in those words made something warm settle in her chest.
---
A few days later, Ezekiel found himself at Falmouth Falcons' training grounds, meeting with the team officials and coaching staff.
He was led through the state-of-the-art facilities and introduced to the team. Victor Langley, the head coach, wasted no time setting the tone.
"You're talented, Malverne, but talent alone doesn't win matches. We expect discipline, effort, and results. Are you ready for that?"
Ezekiel met his gaze without hesitation. "I wouldn't be here if I wasn't."
Langley grunted in approval. "Training starts in two weeks. Don't disappoint."
As he left the meeting, Ezekiel felt the weight of his decision settling in. This was no longer just school Quidditch—this was the professional league.
---
With two weeks before training began, Ezekiel and Daphne embarked on their long-awaited honeymoon, traveling across some of Europe's most breathtaking magical and non-magical destinations.
---
Their first stop was Paris, where they stayed in an enchanted suite overlooking the Seine. They strolled hand in hand along the Champs-Élysées, visited the Eiffel Tower, and explored the Louvre, where Ezekiel jokingly insisted he was far better looking than any painting.
At night, under the glow of Parisian lights, they dined at a hidden wizarding restaurant, where the dishes floated to their table, and the wine never ran out.
In their private suite, as the city sparkled beneath them, Daphne leaned against the balcony, her silk nightgown barely covering her curves.
"Paris truly is the city of love," she murmured.
Ezekiel slid behind her, pressing a kiss against her exposed shoulder. "Then let's make sure we experience it properly."
Their kisses deepened, their touches igniting passion, and that night, they made love against the backdrop of the Paris skyline.
---
Next, they traveled to Venice, staying at a wizarding resort hidden within the Grand Canal. They rode gondolas through the maze-like waterways, the gondolier casting quiet enchantments to keep their ride private.
"This city feels like a dream," Daphne said, resting her head on Ezekiel's shoulder as they drifted past ancient buildings.
"A dream I never want to wake up from," he replied, pressing a soft kiss to her hair.
Later, they explored wizarding Venice, where enchanted masks whispered secrets, and spell-infused glasswork shimmered with hidden runes.
That evening, back in their lavish suite, Ezekiel traced patterns along Daphne's bare back.
"I don't think I can ever get enough of you," he murmured, his fingers trailing lower.
Daphne's breath hitched. "Then don't stop."
And he didn't.
---
Their next stop was the stunning cliffs of Santorini, where white-washed buildings gleamed under the Mediterranean sun. They spent their days exploring ancient ruins, swimming in enchanted hot springs, and dining in seaside tavernas.
One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of gold and crimson, Daphne pulled Ezekiel into their private infinity pool.
"The water's warm," she whispered, her hands sliding over his chest.
Ezekiel smirked, tugging her closer. "You're warmer."
Under the moonlight, their bodies moved together, the cool water doing little to tame the fire between them.
Afterward, as Daphne lay on his chest, her fingers drawing lazy patterns on his skin, she whispered, "I love you, Ezekiel."
His heart clenched at the raw emotion in her voice. He tilted her chin up, meeting her gaze. "And I love you, Daphne. Always."
---
Their final stop was Vienna, the heart of music and elegance. They attended a wizarding ball, where couples danced in enchanted gowns that shimmered with stardust.
Ezekiel led Daphne onto the floor, guiding her effortlessly through the steps of the waltz.
"You're quite the dancer," she teased.
"I have a good partner," he murmured, spinning her into his arms.
That night, in a candle-lit suite, with the echoes of music still in the air, they celebrated their final night of the honeymoon with whispered promises and breathless sighs.
---
When they finally returned home, Ezekiel barely stepped through the door before Celes and Alys pounced on him.
"You left us for weeks!" Celes accused, clinging to him.
Alys smirked. "So, how was your trip, dear brother? Did Daphne wear you out?"
Daphne flushed, but Ezekiel only smirked. "Jealous?"
Alys huffed. "As if. But you owe us both some quality time."
Celes nodded, "You belong to me too, you know!"
Daphne chuckled. "Looks like I have competition for your attention, husband."
Ezekiel sighed dramatically. "Merlin, what have I gotten myself into?"
Celes beamed. "The best family ever!"
He couldn't argue with that.
---
With the honeymoon over and professional Quidditch on the horizon, Ezekiel knew that this summer was just the beginning of a new chapter in his life.
As he held Daphne close that night, he whispered, "No matter what happens next, I'll always come back to you."
And she smiled, because she already knew.
---