As the days at Hogwarts passed, the growing awareness between Ezekiel and Fleur became undeniable. It was no longer just an unspoken understanding or a subtle pull—it was something real, something neither of them could explain nor ignore.
Fleur, usually composed and confident, had begun to show small signs of restlessness around him. Meanwhile, Ezekiel found himself drawn to her presence in a way that felt unnatural, as if something beyond his control was guiding him.
But before they could even begin to make sense of it, the term was coming to an end.
Fleur's student exchange at Hogwarts was temporary, and with winter break approaching, she would soon be returning to Beauxbatons.
---
A week before the break, Ezekiel received a letter from his father.
It was short, precise, and to the point—typical of Lord Malverne.
"Ezekiel,
There are matters regarding your bond with Fleur Delacour that we must discuss. This is not a conversation to be had through parchment. Return home for the Christmas break. We will talk then.
Your Father."
Ezekiel exhaled sharply, folding the letter carefully before slipping it into his robe. He had expected something like this, but knowing his father, this wasn't just some casual discussion.
It was serious.
He needed to prepare himself.
---
The last day of the term came faster than Ezekiel anticipated. Fleur was set to return to France that evening, her exchange term at Hogwarts officially over.
He found her standing near the carriages, speaking in hushed tones with Madam Maxime, the headmistress of Beauxbatons. The cold winter breeze played with her silver-blonde hair, making her look almost ethereal under the soft afternoon light.
She noticed him immediately, her blue eyes meeting his with an expression of quiet understanding.
"Leaving already?" Ezekiel asked, approaching her.
Fleur gave a small nod. "Oui. My time at Hogwarts is over—for now."
There was something unspoken in her words, something that lingered between them.
Ezekiel hesitated before finally saying, "I'll be visiting France over the break. There are… things we need to talk about."
Fleur's expression flickered with surprise before she smirked slightly. "Is that so?"
"My father insists."
Fleur studied him for a long moment before exhaling softly. "Then I suppose I will see you in France, Ezekiel."
There was an odd sense of finality in her tone, yet it wasn't a farewell. It was a promise.
Neither of them had the answers yet, but one thing was certain—this wasn't the end.
It was just the beginning.
---