Ezekiel sat in his study at Ravenclaw Manor, reviewing the latest Wizengamot reports. The flickering candlelight cast long shadows across the room, but his mind wasn't focused on politics.
He leaned back in his chair, exhaling slowly. His life had changed drastically over the past year.
Marriage had brought new responsibilities, but Daphne had handled everything with her usual poise. What had surprised him was her unwavering support for Fleur joining their relationship.
Fleur's visit from Beauxbatons had made things even clearer—this was no longer a question of if but when.
The soft knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts. Fleur stepped inside, closing the door behind her.
"You always look so serious, mon amour," she teased, her French accent curling around the words like silk.
Ezekiel smirked, setting his quill down. "Being a Lord isn't all Quidditch and politics, you know."
Fleur tilted her head, studying him. "And yet, you forget that some matters require attention beyond duty."
She walked closer, her presence commanding.
"I spoke with Daphne," she said softly, "and she told me there is no need for hesitation."
Ezekiel arched a brow. "So she finally got tired of watching us dance around this?"
Fleur chuckled. "It seems so." She hesitated for a moment, then met his gaze with quiet determination. "I don't want to wait any longer, Ezekiel. We both know what we want."
Ezekiel leaned forward, resting his elbows on his desk. "Then stop hesitating."
Her breath hitched at his words, but instead of responding, she simply smiled—genuine, radiant.
The moment stretched between them, a silent promise taking form.
---
Later that evening, as they sat in the drawing room with Daphne, the atmosphere was lighter. Fleur and Daphne exchanged knowing glances, their previous conversations making everything clear.
Daphne sipped her tea before finally speaking. "You've made your decision, then?"
Fleur nodded. "Oui. There is no reason to delay."
Daphne leaned back in her chair, crossing one leg over the other. "Good. It was going to happen eventually."
Ezekiel glanced between them, a smirk playing on his lips. "It's amusing how you two have already planned my future without me."
Daphne rolled her eyes. "Oh, please. We both know you had no say in this."
Fleur laughed, shaking her head. "I do not mind. I know my place here, and I accept it."
Ezekiel's expression softened. "It's not about a place, Fleur. It's about what we choose to build together."
Daphne smiled slightly but didn't argue. Fleur, meanwhile, seemed truly at ease.
The future of House Malverne was no longer uncertain.
Everything had fallen into place.
---