A New Dynamic

Fleur's arrival at Hogwarts sent ripples through the student body. It wasn't every day that a Beauxbatons student joined their ranks, and her Veela heritage only heightened the attention she received.

Some students were awestruck, while others, particularly the girls, viewed her with thinly veiled jealousy. Meanwhile, Ez watched with amusement as Fleur handled the attention with practiced ease, her polite but distant demeanor keeping most admirers at bay.

However, what interested Ez the most was that Fleur seemed to gravitate toward him.

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Fleur had been temporarily placed in Ravenclaw, as her academic achievements and natural intellect aligned with the House's values. That meant she shared the common room with Ez, Elena, and Adrian.

The first evening, as students whispered about her presence, Ez found her in the common room, gazing out of the enchanted windows that reflected the night sky.

"You seem to be adjusting well," Ez commented, taking a seat nearby.

Fleur turned, her silver-blonde hair catching the firelight. "Your school is… different," she admitted. "Less refined, but I suppose it has its own charm."

Ez smirked. "Still considering transferring permanently?"

She scoffed. "Not a chance. Beauxbatons is far more elegant than this place." Her tone was teasing, but Ez noticed a flicker of something in her expression—perhaps she wasn't as indifferent as she claimed.

"Then I suppose I'll have to show you what makes Hogwarts special," Ez replied, standing. "You're already getting more attention than most students. Try not to let it go to your head."

Fleur gave a graceful laugh. "I am used to it."

Ez believed her—but he also suspected that, for the first time, she was experiencing something new.

---

Over the next few days, Fleur and Ez spent more time together. It wasn't intentional at first—they simply crossed paths often.

One afternoon, Ez was reading in the library when Fleur approached, setting her books down across from him.

"You study a lot," she noted, glancing at the old tome in his hands. "That is… unusual for a Quidditch player."

Ez smirked. "You think I'm just an athlete?"

Fleur shrugged, an amused glint in her eyes. "Most boys who play the game are. But you seem… different."

Ez leaned back. "I take that as a compliment."

She studied him for a moment before speaking. "Are you always this confident?"

He chuckled. "Only when it's warranted."

Fleur shook her head but didn't hide the small smile that tugged at her lips.

Something was shifting between them. Fleur, who had always held herself above distractions, seemed genuinely intrigued by him. And Ez? He found her sharp wit and strong presence refreshing.

---

While Fleur's presence at Hogwarts fascinated many, not everyone was happy with the way she spent time with Ez.

Elena, who had been one of Ez's closest friends, watched their interactions with a mixture of curiosity and wariness. She didn't say much, but Ez noticed the change—the way she lingered slightly behind in conversations, the way she studied Fleur whenever she was near.

One evening, as Ez and Elena walked toward the common room, she finally voiced her thoughts.

"She likes you, you know," Elena said, crossing her arms.

Ez raised a brow. "Fleur? She barely knows me."

Elena gave him a pointed look. "Doesn't matter. Veela or not, she's drawn to you."

Ez thought about that. He wasn't oblivious to Fleur's growing comfort around him, but was it because of a Veela bond or something else?

"You're worried?" Ez asked.

Elena hesitated. "Not worried. Just… noticing."

Ez nodded. "Noted."

He didn't press further, but he understood her point. Fleur's presence was shifting dynamics, and it was something he'd have to navigate carefully.

---

A few days later, Fleur approached Ez before breakfast.

"You're coming with me to Hogsmeade," she stated, as if it were already decided.

Ez blinked. "I am?"

Fleur smirked. "You are."

"Any particular reason?"

She tilted her head. "Let's just say I want to see if Hogwarts' famous wizarding village is as interesting as people claim. And since I am new here, I require a guide."

Ez chuckled. "And you chose me?"

Fleur's expression didn't waver. "You are tolerable company."

Ez shook his head in amusement. This was going to be interesting.

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