Ezekiel stepped through the ornate gates of the Delacour estate, the crisp winter air carrying the faint scent of blooming winter roses. Despite the season, the Delacour grounds maintained an almost ethereal beauty, enhanced by Veela magic woven into the estate itself.
A servant led him inside, where he found Fleur waiting in the grand hall. Her silver-blonde hair cascaded over her shoulders, her blue eyes lighting up as she saw him.
"Ez." Fleur's voice was soft but held warmth. She approached, tilting her head. "You kept your promise."
"Of course," Ezekiel replied smoothly. "I always do."
Fleur studied him for a moment before smirking. "You look more confident. Did something happen?"
Ezekiel chuckled. "You could say that."
The two walked through the garden, catching up. Fleur was curious about his deepening bond with Daphne, though she didn't press too hard. Ezekiel appreciated that—there was an unspoken understanding between them now.
Before he left, Fleur placed a hand on his arm. "Do not forget, Ez, you are not alone. If you ever need me…"
Ezekiel nodded. "I know, Fleur."
They shared a lingering look before he bid her farewell.
---
The train station was bustling with students returning for the second term. Alys and Daphne stood beside him, the former practically bouncing with excitement while the latter maintained her usual composed demeanor.
Ezekiel spotted Adrian and Elena waiting near the train, their expressions brightening as they saw him.
"Enjoy your break?" Adrian asked as they boarded.
"It was… eventful," Ezekiel replied with a smirk.
As they settled into a compartment, conversation flowed naturally. Alys and Daphne shared stories of their first term, while Adrian and Elena discussed upcoming classes.
Eventually, the topic shifted.
"Ravenclaw vs. Slytherin is coming up," Adrian pointed out. "Your first match since Hufflepuff."
Ezekiel leaned back, eyes glinting. "I won't let us lose this time."
---
The air was thick with anticipation as the Quidditch teams took their positions. The Slytherin team, led by their newly appointed captain, was brimming with confidence.
Ezekiel tightened his grip on his broom, glancing at Roger Davies, who gave him a nod.
The whistle blew.
The match was fierce. Slytherin played dirty, their tactics relying on brute force and well-placed distractions. But Ravenclaw adapted.
Ezekiel weaved through the air, expertly maneuvering past Slytherin Chasers, scoring goal after goal. The crowd roared as he executed a perfect feint, tricking the opposing Keeper and securing another ten points.
But Slytherin struck back hard, their Beaters targeting Ezekiel relentlessly. A particularly nasty Bludger came straight at him—he barely dodged, feeling the rush of air as it missed him by inches.
Then, the moment arrived.
Their Seeker spotted the Snitch, but so did Ravenclaw's.
A race ensued, both Seekers pushing their brooms to the limit. The stadium held its breath—until Ravenclaw's Seeker snatched the Snitch just seconds before Slytherin could.
The whistle blew.
Ravenclaw wins!
Ezekiel exhaled, grinning as he met Adrian's gaze from the stands. Their team had redeemed themselves after the earlier loss, and the celebrations that followed were nothing short of spectacular.
Another victory—on and off the field.
---