The days at Delacour Estate passed swiftly. Ezekiel spent his mornings meeting with Lord Delacour, discussing magical politics, trade agreements, and the delicate balance of power between wizarding families. In the afternoons, he trained—refining his elemental magic, deepening his understanding of his Ravenclaw inheritance, and occasionally testing his skills with the French dueling masters.
But in the evenings, he found himself in Fleur's company, and that was where the true mystery lay.
---
On the third evening, Fleur invited Ezekiel to walk through the gardens again. The twilight cast a soft golden glow over the estate, the flowers blooming under the influence of subtle magic.
"You seem troubled," Ezekiel noted as they walked.
Fleur hesitated before sighing. "I have been thinking about… the connection between us."
He turned to look at her, curiosity in his eyes. "The Veela bond?"
She nodded. "It is not… fully formed, yet I feel it. I do not understand why it lingers, why it has not settled as most bonds do."
Ezekiel crossed his arms, considering her words. "Could it be because we're both… resisting it?"
Fleur exhaled, her frustration clear. "Perhaps. But a bond does not force feelings; it only strengthens what is already there."
That statement made Ezekiel pause. "Are you saying you already feel something for me?"
Fleur's eyes flashed, her usual confidence faltering for just a moment. "That is not—!" She stopped herself, inhaling sharply. "I do not know."
Ezekiel smirked slightly. "So you don't dislike me, at least."
Fleur rolled her eyes, but there was no true annoyance in her gaze. "You are infuriating sometimes, Ezekiel."
"And yet, here you are, taking a walk with me."
She gave a reluctant smile. "Yes… here I am."
---
The next day, Lord Delacour summoned both Fleur and Ezekiel to his study. A grand oak desk stood at the center, and behind it, Lord Delacour's piercing blue eyes regarded them with quiet amusement.
"I understand you have been… preoccupied with the matter of your bond," he said, glancing between them.
Fleur straightened. "It is unlike any Veela bond I have heard of, Father."
Ezekiel leaned back in his chair. "From what I've read, a Veela's bond usually solidifies quickly if the feelings are mutual. If not, it fades entirely. Ours is… lingering."
Lord Delacour steepled his fingers. "That suggests one thing—there is potential, but uncertainty. The magic is waiting."
Fleur frowned. "Waiting for what?"
Ezekiel exhaled slowly. "For us to make a choice."
Lord Delacour nodded approvingly. "Precisely."
Fleur's hands clenched in her lap. "So if we choose to ignore it…?"
"The bond will eventually fade," her father confirmed. "But if you choose to explore it, then it will grow stronger. The question is—what do you want?"
Fleur fell silent, her gaze drifting toward Ezekiel. He met her eyes, feeling that familiar pull, the strange sensation of something unfinished between them.
He had his answer.
But was she ready to hear it?
---
That evening, Fleur found Ezekiel on one of the balconies, looking out over the estate. The stars shone brightly, the cool night air brushing against them.
She stepped beside him, her voice softer than usual. "You never answered the question earlier."
Ezekiel turned to her. "Neither did you."
Fleur bit her lip. "I… do not know what I want yet."
Ezekiel studied her before responding. "Then I'll wait."
She blinked, surprised. "You would?"
He smirked. "You're worth waiting for, aren't you?"
Fleur's breath hitched, a faint flush appearing on her cheeks. She looked away, but not before he caught the small, genuine smile on her lips.
For now, the bond remained unresolved.
But it was far from over.
---