tradition

01

Some people would say that Harry Potter's obsession with Briar Rose Calista-Laurier was concerning, noting his almost single-minded devotion to her that bordered on unhealthy fixation. Others, however, would argue that it was cute and endearing, a testament to his pure-hearted affection for a girl who seemed so unattainable. The school was divided on the matter, whispering their theories and opinions in corridors and common rooms.

If you asked Briar Rose Calista-Laurier herself, she would be quick to dismiss the whole affair with an exasperated sigh. "Harry Potter is the most annoying person to ever exist on this planet. I wouldn't touch him with a ten-foot pole," she'd say, her tone laced with a mixture of frustration and bemusement. Her friends knew she was partly amused by Harry's antics, even if she would never admit it.

If you asked Harry James Potter, his eyes would light up with a spark of hope and curiosity. "She talked about me? What'd she say?" he'd inquire eagerly, always hoping that maybe, just maybe, Briar had a kind word or a hint of affection hidden in her complaints. His friends often teased him for his relentless pursuit, but Harry remained undeterred.

Briar was named after her mother's favorite story as a child, a tale of magic and enchantment that seemed to suit the girl perfectly. With her long curly dark brown hair that framed her face in wild, untamed ringlets and her gorgeous tan skin that glowed in the sunlight, Briar was a vision of natural beauty. Her striking features—high cheekbones, deep brown eyes, and a radiant smile—elicited envy and admiration from those around her.

But her beauty was not the only reason girls were jealous of Briar. The most compelling reason was Harry Potter's undying love for her. To have the famous Harry Potter in love with you was something many of her classmates dreamed of. Briar, however, found the whole situation quite comical. She couldn't understand why the girls were so envious; they were all pretty and capable of finding boyfriends easily. What made Harry's affection so special in their eyes?

Many wished it was them who the Potter boy was infatuated with, but they knew that would never happen. Briar, on the other hand, would gladly trade places with anyone who asked. She grew tired of Harry's daily attempts to ask her out, especially during their third year when the new privilege of visiting Hogsmeade made his advances even more persistent and public.

Most people were aware of Harry's obsession with Briar, though a few were oblivious. Those who knew often found the topic fascinating and would frequently ask Briar what it felt like to have someone like Harry in love with them. Some did it out of genuine curiosity, others with a hint of jealousy in their voices.

As the third year came to a close, Harry promised to write to Briar every day during the summer, a promise he diligently kept. Each letter was filled with his earnest thoughts and feelings, though they often ended up discarded or crumpled under Briar's bed when her trash bin overflowed.

~

Dear my lovely Rose,
I hope your summer is as wonderful as you are. I'm counting down the days till I get to see you again and bask in your beauty.
Love,
Your Future Husband

~

Briar received several such letters from Harry over the summer, each one more ardent than the last. Despite her usual reaction of tossing them aside, her mind was preoccupied with something far more exciting: the Quidditch World Cup. She couldn't wait to witness the spectacle of her favorite sport on such a grand scale.

"Briar! You must hurry!" her father, Mr. Laurier, shouted from outside their tent. Briar grabbed her bag and ran out, eager to join the festivities. "Mum, how far up are we?" she asked, trying to keep up with her parent's brisk pace.

"We're sitting with the Weasleys. They should be around here somewhere... ah! Arthur!" Mrs. Calista waved enthusiastically, catching the attention of Mr. Weasley, who greeted them warmly. "Ah, Jolie, Mark!" Mr. Weasley stopped to let the two girls catch up. "Hermione, Ginny!" Briar exclaimed, delighted to see her friends. She hugged them tightly and looked behind them to see Harry standing there, his eyes lighting up at the sight of her.

"Hello, my darling Rose. Did you miss me? I missed you," Harry said with a loopy grin, stepping closer. Briar rolled her eyes, crossing her arms over her chest. "In your dreams, Potter," she retorted. Fred and George Weasley burst into laughter, finding Harry's attempt at flirting highly amusing.

"Oh, I love dreaming about you," Harry continued, undeterred. "You know, in my dreams, we went on a marvelous date. I got you flowers, you held my hand, and then we... you know what, why not just make my dreams come true? Go out with me?"

Briar shook her head, exasperated. "You're the most insufferable person to exist!" she declared, throwing her hands up in frustration. Harry smirked, stepping even closer. "You're just in denial, but okay, love."

Ginny giggled, watching the exchange with amusement as Briar turned away from Harry and sat next to her. Fortunately for Briar, the seat next to Ginny was far away from Harry. Despite his failure to woo her, Harry smiled, satisfied that he had managed to engage her in a 'conversation' for more than two minutes.

"It's starting!" Fred shouted, drawing everyone's attention back to the field."It's the Irish! Look at Troy!" George exclaimed excitedly. "And Mullet!" Fred added, his voice filled with enthusiasm.

"And Moran!" Briar said, her eyes wide with awe as she watched the team fly onto the field. The crowd erupted in cheers for the team dressed in green and silver, their energy electric.

"Here come the Bulgarians!" George shouted, nudging Ron, who cheered loudly alongside the others. The team of red and gold flew through the arena, performing dazzling tricks that left Briar and the rest of the audience in awe.

"Who's that?" Ginny asked, pointing at a player executing spectacular flips on his broomstick. "That, Ginny, is the best Seeker in the world!" Briar gushed, her admiration evident. "Krum!" the boys chanted in unison.

"Good evening! As Minister for Magic, it gives me great pleasure to welcome every one of you to the final of the four hundred and twenty-second Quidditch World Cup! Let the match begin!" A ball of light burst from Fudge's wand, signaling the start of the match as Viktor Krum rocketed upward, the crowd roaring in approval.

~

As the match ended and the excitement began to fade, Briar waved goodbye to Hermione and Ginny. She rolled her eyes as Harry blew a kiss in her direction, eliciting another round of laughter from her friends. Briar's mother laughed as well, watching her daughter's reaction with amusement.

"That boy is infatuated with you, isn't he?" Mrs. Calista chuckled as they made their way back to their tent. Briar sighed, entering the tent with a tired expression. "That was a brilliant game. Thank you," she said, hugging her mother and father gratefully. Mrs. Calista smiled warmly, starting to prepare a small dinner for the two of them.

"Sounds like the Irish are having a good time," Briar noted, hearing loud distant shouts and music. But as Mr. Laurier poked his head outside, his smile faded.

"That's not the Irish, Briar... hurry, grab your things and your wand!" Mrs. Calista's voice was urgent, filled with a fear that made Briar's heart race. She looked at her mother in confusion until she heard a loud, shrill scream. "Go!" her mother yelled again, pushing her towards the exit.

Briar and her mother ran out of their tent, searching for a place to hide. "Briar, come!" Mrs. Calista grabbed her daughter's hand. "Hermione, Hermione?!" Briar shouted out for her friend. "Briar!" Hermione spotted the girl and followed her as they ran, trying to find refuge. 

"Where's Harry? Have you seen Harry?" Hermione shouted frantically. "No, I - " Briar looked around to find the campsite in ruins and Harry hiding behind a ruined tent. "Harry!" Ron shouted, Hermione grabbed the red-headed boy's arm and grabbed Briar's hand. "Harry!" Hermione shouted, searching for the bespectacled boy.

"Harry! We've been looking for you for ages." Ron exclaimed as they finally reached him. Hermione hugged the boy and Briar gasped in surprise as she looked up at the sky. A large colossal skull of emerald stars appeared in the sky with a serpent coiling from its mouth. "What is that?!" Harry asked, staring at the sky. The dark-haired boy grunted and winced as he touched his scar.

The four Gryffindors ducked down in panic as several wizards attacked them. "Stupefy!" Briar wraps her arms around Hermione, trying to protect the witch. "Stop! That's my son!" Arthur Weasley shouts, running. He pushes Fudge aside and runs to the four kids. Mark Laurier ran forward, embracing his daughter. "I - I found Hermione a - and she needed to find Harry, so I followed... I - "

Mr. Laurier holds out an arm to protect the Gryffindors as Fudge holds his wand out. "Which one of you conjured it? You've been discovered at the scene of the crime!" Briar's eyes widened and she looked at the other's in panic. 

"Crime?" Harry questioned. "Barty, they're just kids. You've got to be out of your mind!" Mark exclaims.

Briar gently pushed her father's arm down and frowned. "We didn't conjure it," she said frustrated. "Conjure what?" Harry asked again and searched for an answer. Hermione sighed and whispered, "It's the Dark Mark, Harry."

"It's his mark."