The summer had been a season of relentless training, magical discovery, and political maneuvering, but now it was time for something different. For the first time in years, the Malverne family was taking a proper vacation—destination: France.
Ezekiel welcomed the change. He had spent the past few weeks buried in ancient Ravenclaw texts, refining his magical control, and preparing for his eventual role as a political force. A break was well-deserved.
---
The Malverne family arrived via Portkey, stepping into the warm southern coast of France, where the sunlight kissed the pristine beaches. Their destination was an exclusive wizarding resort near Marseille, one frequented by European noble families.
Luxury villas lined the coast, enchanted for maximum privacy.
The shimmering blue waters were charmed to remain crystal clear.
A blend of French wizarding culture, cuisine, and entertainment awaited them.
"This is more like it," Alys grinned, stretching as she took in the ocean view.
"Sand, sun, and no studying," Ezekiel smirked, nudging her. "Try not to get lost in the shopping district."
Their father, Thomas, placed a hand on Ezekiel's shoulder. "Enjoy yourself, but remember—France is home to influential wizarding families. Opportunities for networking may present themselves."
Ezekiel nodded. A vacation didn't mean letting his guard down completely.
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On their second day, the family attended an exclusive wizarding banquet hosted by the Delacours, one of France's most prestigious noble families. The Delacours were known for their wealth, influence, and, most notably, their Veela ancestry.
As Ezekiel entered the grand ballroom, he immediately sensed the difference in atmosphere. The magic here was different—subtler, more refined.
French wizards dressed in elegant enchanted robes.
A mixture of human and Veela bloodlines mingling.
A light, alluring magic in the air—Veela presence.
It was then that he saw her.
Across the room, standing with effortless grace, was a young witch with flowing silvery-blonde hair and striking blue eyes. She carried herself with an air of quiet confidence, her features refined—beautiful beyond human standards.
Fleur Delacour.
She was speaking with a group of guests, but the moment Ezekiel stepped into the room, she paused.
A strange pull.
Her heart skipped a beat, her Veela senses sharpening. She turned her head slightly, her gaze locking onto Ezekiel.
Who is he?
For the first time, Fleur felt something she couldn't explain. A magnetic force. An unfamiliar, unshakable awareness of him.
Ezekiel, unaware of the full effect of Veela bonds, noticed her reaction but remained composed. He gave a polite nod before focusing on his parents, who were greeting the Delacours.
"Thomas, Marissa," Lord Delacour greeted warmly. "It has been too long."
"A pleasure as always," Thomas replied smoothly.
The conversation flowed naturally as both families exchanged pleasantries.
Fleur, however, couldn't take her eyes off Ezekiel.
He was unlike any wizard she had met. His presence was strong, his magical aura refined yet powerful.
She had met many suitors—wizards who fawned over her, unable to resist the natural charm of her Veela heritage. But this boy—he didn't seem affected.
Intriguing.
Ezekiel, sensing her continued gaze, finally met her eyes fully. Deep blue meeting icy silver.
A moment stretched between them.
Then, as if fate itself had decided it, Lord Delacour gestured toward his daughter. "And this is my eldest, Fleur."
Fleur, composed as ever, gave a polite smile. "Enchanté, Monsieur Malverne."
Ezekiel, never one to be thrown off, responded with equal poise. "A pleasure, Mademoiselle Delacour."
Their interaction lasted mere seconds, but something had already shifted.
For Fleur, it was the first spark of something unfamiliar.
For Ezekiel, it was the beginning of something unexpected.
---
As the evening progressed, Ezekiel found himself observing Fleur. She was intelligent, refined, and carried herself with confidence—yet there was something guarded about her.
Fleur, on the other hand, couldn't understand why she kept glancing in his direction.
Why did she feel the need to be aware of him?
Why did the usual admiration from others seem dull in comparison?
And why was she annoyed that he wasn't enchanted by her Veela allure like other wizards?
The Veela side of her demanded recognition, but Ezekiel's reaction—or lack thereof—only made her more curious.
As the night ended, Fleur found herself thinking about him longer than she expected.
The first meeting had been brief, but fate had already begun its work.
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