tradition

11

Briar sat alone in the dimly lit kitchen of Grimmauld Place, her thoughts swirling like a storm. The house was quieter than usual, her parents talking with Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, and Adam and Ginny playing a card game in the dining room. The others seemed to be doing their own things, leaving Briar alone with her thoughts. The only sounds were the occasional creak of the old house and the soft ticking of the clock on the wall. Briar's mind was a whirlwind of emotions, and she couldn't shake the image of Harry and Cho from her thoughts. She hadn't meant to feel this way, but every time she saw them together, a pang of jealousy stabbed at her heart.

Sirius entered the kitchen, his expression weary but alert. He had noticed Briar's brooding demeanor over the past few days and decided it was time to have a chat. He poured himself a cup of tea and sat down across from her, his grey eyes studying her intently. "You seem troubled, Briar," he said gently, breaking the silence. "What's on your mind?"

Briar looked up, startled to find Sirius watching her so closely. She hesitated, unsure how to begin. "It's... it's complicated, Sirius," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm not even sure I understand it myself." She wrapped her hands around her own cup of tea, seeking warmth and comfort from the ceramic.

Sirius leaned back in his chair, giving her the space to find her words. "Sometimes talking it out helps," he encouraged, his tone inviting and nonjudgmental. "I've got all the time in the world right now. What's bothering you?"

Briar took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing heart. "It's Harry," she began, her eyes downcast. "I think... I don't know quite yet... but I may like him." Sirius nodded, understanding dawning in his eyes. "Ah, young love," he said softly. "It's never easy, is it?" He paused, choosing his next words carefully. "Have you talked to Harry about how you feel?"

Briar shook her head vigorously, her curls bouncing with the movement. "No, I couldn't do that," she said quickly. "Harry has enough on his plate without me adding to his worries. Besides, he likes a girl a year above us... Cho Chang." Sirius leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "I see... perhaps you could talk to Hermione about it? She is close to Harry." Briar bit her lip, her mind racing. "I couldn't," Briar said, shaking her head violently. "Well then, who would you talk to?" Sirius asked her. Briar shrugged and sighed, "Isn't it selfish? Cho's probably beyond upset after Cedric... and... perhaps it would be better..."

Sirius reached across the table and placed a comforting hand on hers. "You're not being selfish, Briar," he said firmly. "You're being human. It's natural to feel conflicted." Briar nodded her head, feeling a small measure of comfort from Sirius's words. Briar managed a small smile, grateful for Sirius's unwavering support. "Thank you, Sirius," she said softly. "It means a lot to me that you're here, listening to me."

Sirius returned her smile, his eyes warm with affection. "I'll always be here; besides, someone has to make sure that Harry ends up with the right person." Sirius winked. They sat in companionable silence for a few moments, the weight of the conversation hanging in the air. Finally, Briar took a deep breath, feeling a bit more grounded. "I suppose I ought to go, probably apologize to Harry." Sirius nodded approvingly. "That's a good start," he said. "Poor boy's probably wondering what the bloody hell he did wrong." Sirius chuckled.

They both laughed, the tension easing slightly. Briar felt a bit lighter, the burden of her feelings not entirely gone but more manageable. "Love can be messy and complicated," Sirius said with a wistful smile. "But it's also one of the most powerful forces in the world. It can give you strength when you least expect it and help you overcome the darkest of times. Just have faith that it'll all work out..."

Briar nodded, her expression understanding. "Look, your mum and dad are probably wondering where you are. Enjoy Christmas with them for now and deal with this Harry stuff tomorrow." Sirius said, placing a hand on Briar's shoulder. Briar nodded and grinned before taking out a small pouch from her pocket. "I forgot to give this to you earlier," Briar said. Sirius opened the pouch and smiled as he noticed a small pin with a black dog and a small rose. "It's wonderful, Briar," Sirius said and pinned it to his long velvet overcoat.