Despite their agreement to take things slowly, Ezekiel and Fleur both knew that something fundamental had shifted between them. It wasn't just the awareness of the bond anymore—it was the way it subtly influenced their interactions.
Fleur, who had always prided herself on her independence, found herself glancing in Ezekiel's direction more often than she cared to admit. And Ezekiel, despite his usual composed nature, found it harder to ignore the pull whenever she was near.
Neither of them acknowledged it aloud, but the bond was growing stronger.
---
It wasn't long before others began noticing the subtle changes between them.
Ezekiel, already drawing attention as the rising heir of House Ravenclaw, had his fair share of admirers. Fleur, on the other hand, had always attracted interest due to her Veela heritage, though she brushed it off with practiced ease.
But now, with the two of them seen together more frequently—whether it was in the library, crossing paths in the halls, or during brief conversations after meals—whispers began to spread.
"Did you see how Fleur looked at Malverne?"
"I swear they've been talking more than usual. You think something's going on?"
"Well, he is the youngest lord in centuries… Maybe she's interested in that."
Fleur scoffed when she overheard the rumors. "Idiots."
Ezekiel smirked. "Welcome to Hogwarts gossip."
Her expression soured. "As if I needed more attention."
"At least they're not wrong about us talking more," he pointed out.
She shot him a look. "Do not make me regret zis, Ezekiel."
---
Determined to understand more about their connection, Ezekiel continued his research into Veela bonds. He scoured his family's private collection and even sent a letter to his father, subtly inquiring if House Malverne had any historical records on magical bonds.
Fleur, meanwhile, consulted her own sources—mainly speaking with her grandmother, one of the few full-blooded Veela in her lineage.
When she returned from her latest correspondence, her face was unreadable.
"My grandmother said that true Veela bonds are… different from mere attraction. Zey are rare because they require both individuals to have magic that resonates on a deep level."
Ezekiel frowned. "So it's not just about Veela magic?"
"Non," she confirmed. "It means your magic and mine… are compatible. Unusually so."
A pause.
"Which means?"
Fleur sighed, rubbing her temples. "It means that ignoring it will not make it go away."
Ezekiel exhaled slowly. "Great."
She huffed. "Do not sound so thrilled, Malverne."
"Trust me, I'm not," he muttered. "This just complicates things."
She studied him for a moment. "So… what do we do now?"
He met her gaze, considering his answer. "We keep going as we are. For now."
Fleur nodded, but something in her expression told him she wasn't entirely convinced.
And deep down, neither was he.
---