The air was crisp as students bustled toward the carriages that would take them to Hogsmeade. The first official weekend trip of the term had students buzzing with excitement, but no one drew more attention than Fleur Delacour.
Despite the stares, Fleur remained composed, walking with effortless grace. Ez, walking beside her, simply smirked at the reactions.
"You seem to enjoy making an entrance," he remarked.
Fleur glanced at him, her blue eyes twinkling with amusement. "It is not my fault people notice me."
Ez chuckled. "Right. Completely unintentional."
Fleur just smiled, and Ez was beginning to realize that, for all her pride, she had a sharp sense of humor.
---
Once in Hogsmeade, Fleur took in the sights with mild curiosity.
"It is smaller than I imagined," she noted, scanning the bustling streets.
Ez shrugged. "It has its charm. Wait until you see the sweets shop—Celes would probably spend a fortune there."
Fleur's lips twitched. "Your sister has good taste, then."
They walked past Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop, where couples sat whispering over tea, before reaching their first stop: Honeydukes.
---
Inside, the scent of chocolate and caramel filled the air. Fleur glanced around, her expression unreadable as she examined the colorful displays.
"You don't like sweets?" Ez asked, grabbing a Chocolate Frog.
Fleur scoffed. "Of course I do. But I prefer elegance over excess."
Ez smirked. "So, no interest in trying one of these?" He held up a bag of Exploding Bonbons.
Fleur narrowed her eyes. "Are you challenging me?"
Ez grinned. "Maybe."
To his surprise, Fleur took the bag, tore it open with a casual flick of her fingers, and popped one into her mouth. For a moment, she chewed thoughtfully. Then—a small crackle of sparks burst from her lips.
Fleur froze. Ez fought back laughter as her eyes widened in shock.
"That… was unexpected," she admitted after swallowing.
Ez smirked. "Welcome to Hogwarts snacks."
Fleur gave him a look but didn't seem upset—if anything, she looked amused.
---
After leaving Honeydukes, they wandered toward The Three Broomsticks, where Ez ordered Butterbeer for both of them.
Fleur took a sip, her expression softening slightly.
"This is… warm," she noted. "And sweet."
Ez raised a brow. "That's a good thing, right?"
Fleur hesitated, then nodded. "Oui. It is not bad."
Ez leaned back. "You act like you're above it all, but you seem to be enjoying yourself."
Fleur arched a brow. "And you enjoy trying to figure me out, do you not?"
Ez smirked. "Maybe."
There was a pause, and then, Fleur spoke again—this time, her voice softer. "Do you ever get tired of the attention?"
Ez blinked. "What do you mean?"
Fleur exhaled. "People watching you, making assumptions, expecting something from you."
Ez studied her. It was an oddly personal question. Fleur, with all her confidence, wasn't immune to the weight of expectations.
"Sometimes," he admitted. "But I learned not to care. People will always talk. It's up to you how much you let it matter."
Fleur was quiet for a moment, then nodded. "Wise words. Perhaps I should follow them."
Ez smirked. "So, you admit I'm right?"
Fleur rolled her eyes but didn't argue.
For the first time, she seemed less like the untouchable Veela and more like just another student figuring things out.
---
As they finished their drinks, a voice interrupted them.
"Ez? I didn't expect to see you here."
Ez turned to see Cedric Diggory standing nearby, hands in his pockets, wearing his usual easy-going smile.
Ez smirked. "Cedric. And here I thought you Hufflepuffs spent your weekends studying."
Cedric chuckled, then glanced at Fleur. "And you must be our famous exchange student."
Fleur gave a polite nod. "Fleur Delacour."
Cedric smiled. "Pleasure to meet you. Though I have to say, Ez doesn't usually share his Hogsmeade visits with company."
Ez rolled his eyes. "And here I thought we were friends."
Cedric laughed. "Just making an observation."
Fleur looked between them, seemingly amused by their dynamic.
---
After Cedric left, Ez and Fleur stepped outside. The sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the village.
Fleur glanced at him. "Your friend is… different than I expected."
Ez smirked. "Why? Because he's nice?"
Fleur tilted her head. "Because he treats you as an equal. Many people either admire you too much or see you as a rival."
Ez chuckled. "And which one are you?"
Fleur didn't answer right away. Then, with a small smirk, she replied, "I have not decided yet."
Ez laughed. "Let me know when you do."
As they headed back to Hogwarts, Ez couldn't help but notice that Fleur walked a little closer than before.
---