tradition

02

Diagon Alley was a sight to behold that day, an amalgamation of chaos and desertness that seemed almost surreal. Papers scattered and tossed throughout the cobblestone street fluttered in the breeze like restless spirits, while several store clerks appeared conspicuously absent, their shops eerily quiet. The usual hustle and bustle of the magical shopping district was muted, replaced by an air of unease. However, amidst the turmoil, one store stood out, radiating an infectious energy: Weasley's Wizard Wheezes. Located prominently in the middle of Diagon Alley, the shop featured a remarkable image of one of the twins tipping a hat at the entrance. The vibrant, whimsical facade was a beacon of laughter and mischief in otherwise somber surroundings.

Briar couldn't help but stare at the shop in awe and admiration. She was immensely proud of Fred and George for making their long-awaited dream a reality despite the ongoing turmoil in the wizarding world. The twins had always been resilient, and their success was a testament to their unwavering determination and creativity. As she stepped closer to the entrance, she marveled at the intricate details of the storefront, from the sparkling window displays to the colorful signs advertising the latest and greatest in magical pranks and products. It was clear that every inch of the shop had been designed to draw in customers and keep them entertained.

Upon entering the store with Ron, Harry, and Hermione, Briar was immediately struck by the sheer volume of people inside. The place was packed, a vibrant hive of activity. She found it difficult to move throughout the store, the throngs of excited witches and wizards jostling for space. Her eyes darted around, taking in the various displays and shelves crammed with a dizzying array of magical items. She looked up at the twins and grinned widely after seeing them hand a cauldron to a young boy who looked like he was going to throw up. Fred and George's cheerful demeanor was a stark contrast to the boy's pale face, and she couldn't help but chuckle at the sight.

Scanning the different shelves curiously, Briar came across a shiny pink display case with several pink potion bottles arranged neatly inside. Each bottle was a delicate shade of rose, their contents shimmering alluringly under the shop's warm lighting. "Hello, ladies... and Briar!" the twins exclaimed enthusiastically, their voices cutting through the din of the busy store. Their familiar, playful banter brought a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos, and Briar felt a wave of affection for the brothers. "Am I not a lady?" Briar asked, placing her hands on her hips and adopting a mock-offended tone. She couldn't keep the smile off her face, though, and her eyes sparkled with amusement.

"Oh, come off it, you're one of us!" George said, ruffling her curly hair affectionately. Briar groaned and swatted him away, her grin widening. She glanced back at the love potions, the sight of the heart-shaped bottles making her roll her eyes. "Love potions, eh?" Fred smirked, noticing her interest. He leaned against the display, his expression one of amused curiosity.

Briar rolled her eyes again and glanced over at Ginny, who raised her eyebrows in amusement. "They do work, but the way we hear it, girls, you're doing just fine on your own," George said with a knowing look. Briar picked up one of the potions, examining the label curiously. "Meaning?" Ginny asked, a hint of suspicion in her voice. She eyed the twins warily, knowing they were up to something. "Don't you two have your own little boyfriends?" George asked, his tone teasing. Ginny nodded her head slowly and looked over at Briar, who shook her head and looked down, blushing deeply.

"Just talking to someone... it's not serious..." Briar said, her voice trailing off. Unbeknownst to her, Harry looked over curiously. He didn't know that Briar fancied someone, and he certainly didn't know that the feeling was mutual. He watched her with a thoughtful expression, wondering who she could be talking about.

"You ought to mind your own business, Freddie and Georgie. I have many Weasley twin secrets that I'm sure you wouldn't want me to share," Briar joked, her tone lighthearted but with an underlying hint of seriousness. "Oh, it's all jokes, Sleeping Beauty," Fred said with a laugh, his eyes twinkling with mischief. He and George shared a conspiratorial grin, clearly enjoying the banter.