The days at Delacour Estate passed in a blur, each moment deepening Ezekiel's understanding of both the Veela bond and his growing connection to Fleur. They never directly spoke about it again after their conversation on the balcony, but the unspoken tension lingered between them—neither rejecting nor fully embracing it.
As Ezekiel's departure back to Britain approached, he found himself drawn to Fleur more than ever, and she, despite her usual composure, seemed more reluctant to see him go.
---
On his final evening at the estate, Fleur invited Ezekiel for a last walk. The sky was painted with hues of deep violet and gold, the fragrance of enchanted roses filling the air.
"You leave tomorrow," she murmured, not meeting his gaze.
Ezekiel smirked slightly. "Unless you plan to keep me hostage here."
Fleur scoffed. "As if I would waste my energy." But her usual sharpness lacked its usual force.
A comfortable silence stretched between them. Fleur finally spoke, her voice quieter than before.
"When you return to Britain, things will change. We will be in different countries again, and there will be… distance."
Ezekiel glanced at her. "Distance isn't enough to break this bond, is it?"
Fleur exhaled sharply. "No. But it makes it easier to ignore."
He stopped walking, making her pause as well. Turning to face her, he tilted his head slightly. "Is that what you want? To ignore it?"
Fleur opened her mouth, then closed it. Her hands clenched at her sides, her struggle evident.
"It's not that simple," she admitted. "A Veela bond… is different. If we give in to it too soon, it may cloud our judgment. I—" she hesitated, then inhaled deeply. "I want to be sure, Ezekiel. I want to know if what I feel is because of the bond or because it is truly my choice."
Ezekiel regarded her carefully before nodding. "Then take your time. But know this—I won't pretend it isn't there."
Fleur finally met his gaze, something unreadable in her expression. "You are infuriating."
He smirked. "You've mentioned that before."
For a moment, it looked like she wanted to say something more—but instead, she took a step back. "You should rest. You have a long journey tomorrow."
Ezekiel didn't push. Instead, he reached for her hand, gently lifting it before brushing his lips against her knuckles. It was a simple gesture, yet Fleur's breath hitched ever so slightly.
"Until we meet again," he said softly.
Fleur said nothing, but as she turned away, he caught the faintest hint of a smile.
---
The following morning, Ezekiel stood before the Delacour family, preparing to leave. Lord Delacour shook his hand firmly. "It was an honor to host you, Lord Ravenclaw. Our families will remain in contact."
Madame Delacour smiled warmly. "Do visit again. You have brought much excitement to our home."
Gabrielle, the younger sister, pouted slightly. "I wanted more stories!"
Ezekiel chuckled, kneeling briefly to ruffle her hair. "Next time, I promise."
Finally, his eyes found Fleur's. She stood a little apart from the rest, her arms crossed. She had regained her usual cool elegance, but there was something softer in her gaze.
"Take care, Fleur," Ezekiel said.
"You as well, Ezekiel," she replied.
And just before he turned to leave, her voice reached him in a whisper, only for him to hear.
"I will be waiting."
A small smirk tugged at Ezekiel's lips as he stepped into the magical transport, the promise of the future lingering between them.
---