The Malverne family's vacation in France continued, and today was meant to be a day of relaxation—a full day dedicated to shopping, sightseeing, and most importantly, indulging Celes' love for sweets.
Ezekiel had spent the morning listening to Alys and his mother discuss their shopping plans, which included browsing French wizarding fashion, enchanted accessories, and rare potion ingredients. Their father had decided to handle some business, leaving Ezekiel to one important mission:
Entertain Celes.
At just three years old, his youngest sister had an endless supply of energy and an obsession with sweets. She had personally appointed Ezekiel as her "sweet shop knight."
"Brother, we have to go to the biggest one first!" Celes declared, holding his hand as they walked through the bustling magical shopping district.
Ezekiel chuckled. "Are you sure you can finish everything you buy?"
Celes pouted, crossing her arms. "That's why I have you, Alys, and Mama! We share!"
Alys, walking beside them, smirked. "More like she just takes a bite and makes us eat the rest."
Celes giggled, not even denying it.
---
The Rue des Enchantements was France's answer to Diagon Alley, a beautifully structured magical marketplace that stretched across the heart of the wizarding district.
Shops filled with rare magical books and enchanted artifacts.
Elegant wizarding boutiques showcasing the latest Parisian fashion trends.
Cafés where witches and wizards enjoyed delicacies infused with magic.
And most importantly—
The famous Pâtisserie Magique.
Celes' eyes sparkled the moment they arrived. The shop's glass display showcased floating macarons, self-replenishing éclairs, and chocolate truffles infused with stardust.
"I want one of everything," Celes whispered in awe.
Ezekiel sighed, already preparing to carry multiple bags. "Alright, let's get you your sweets."
Inside, the scent of vanilla, caramel, and sugar filled the air as house-elf patissiers worked behind the counters, carefully assembling magical confections.
Celes ran from display to display, her tiny hands pressed against the glass as she struggled to decide what to get.
Alys leaned toward Ezekiel, whispering, "She's going to make you carry everything."
"I know," Ezekiel muttered, already accepting his fate.
Just as Celes had finally picked out an assortment of pastries, a familiar presence entered the shop.
---
Ezekiel turned at the soft chime of the doorbell, sensing a distinct magical aura. It was refined, warm yet commanding—similar to the presence he had felt at the Delacour banquet.
Fleur Delacour had just walked into the pâtisserie.
Beside her, a much younger girl—no older than five—clutched her hand excitedly, her blue eyes filled with wonder.
Gabrielle Delacour.
Gabrielle, or Gabby as her family called her, had golden-blonde hair and an angelic face, a younger version of Fleur. Unlike her sister, who carried herself with graceful composure, Gabby had the boundless energy of a child.
"Fleur, Fleur! Can I get the sparkling macarons?" Gabby tugged at her sister's hand.
Fleur smiled, indulgent yet patient. "D'accord, ma petite."
It was then that her gaze shifted—and met Ezekiel's.
Recognition flickered in her eyes.
They had only met once at the banquet, but Fleur had not forgotten him.
There was an undeniable awareness between them, though neither spoke immediately.
Gabby, however, was much less reserved.
She immediately noticed Celes, another little girl close to her age, with a similar excitement for sweets.
Gabby, without hesitation, ran up to her. "Are you getting sweets too?"
Celes blinked at the sudden approach but then nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! My brother is buying me lots!"
Gabby gasped, eyes wide. "Really? Fleur only lets me get a few…"
Celes, determined, pointed at Ezekiel. "Tell your brother to get you more!"
Gabby pouted. "I don't have a brother…"
Celes gasped in horror, looking at Fleur. "You don't have a brother?!"
Fleur blinked at the sudden attention, struggling to keep up. "I—no?"
Celes turned to Ezekiel in shock. "Brother, can we give her a brother?"
Ezekiel, for the first time in years, was utterly speechless.
Alys burst into laughter.
Fleur, caught off guard, felt warmth rise to her cheeks. "I—Gabby, you can't just—"
Gabby, however, was too focused on Celes. "I want a big brother too!"
Fleur groaned, rubbing her temples. "Gabby, that's not how it works."
Celes, however, seemed deep in thought, her little brows furrowed. "Then maybe your sister can marry my brother?"
Silence.
Ezekiel sighed, running a hand down his face. "Celes, you can't just say things like that."
Fleur, clearing her throat, composed herself. "Your sister is… very direct."
"She's a menace," Ezekiel muttered under his breath, making Alys laugh harder.
Fleur glanced at him, a glimmer of amusement in her gaze. "A dangerous trait for a little lady."
Ezekiel smirked. "You have no idea."
Their exchange was brief, but there was an ease to it that hadn't been there before. Fleur was still curious about him—still aware of the strange pull—but for now, they kept things light.
Gabby and Celes, meanwhile, had already begun discussing their favorite sweets like they were lifelong friends.
"I like chocolate frogs!" Gabby declared.
Celes gasped. "Me too! But I don't like the moving part…"
Gabby nodded. "Yes, they jump too much!"
Watching them, Fleur sighed in surrender. "I suppose we'll be here for a while."
Ezekiel nodded, smirking. "Looks like it."
And just like that, a simple day of shopping had turned into something far more interesting.
---