tradition

05

The late afternoon sun cast a golden glow over the Quidditch Pitch, bathing it in a warm, amber light that painted the entire scene in hues of orange and gold. The sunlight filtered through the scattered clouds, creating a dappled effect on the sprawling field below. The grass, lush and vibrant, seemed to shimmer as if it were sprinkled with flecks of gold. Long shadows stretched across the pitch, adding a sense of grandeur to the already impressive sight. The wooden stands, lined with rows of benches, were slowly filling up with students eagerly anticipating the practice session. The murmurs of excitement and anticipation created a buzz of energy that seemed to pulse through the air.

Briar, nestled comfortably in her spot beside Hermione and Georgia, felt a bubbling excitement coursing through her veins. Her gaze was fixed intently on the players as they took their positions on the pitch. The rhythmic thrum of broomsticks slicing through the air and the occasional thud of a Quaffle being thrown created a symphony of sounds that heightened her anticipation. Her heart raced, and her eyes danced with enthusiasm as she watched the players prepare for the drills. The vibrant colors of the Quidditch uniforms, contrasting sharply with the green field, added to the dynamic atmosphere of the practice.

When Briar's gaze landed on her brother, Adam, her face lit up with a wide, enthusiastic grin. He was hovering in mid-air, his broomstick gliding smoothly as his curly brown hair caught the sunlight, creating a halo-like effect around his face. The resemblance between them was striking — both shared the same rich, dark skin that spoke of their family heritage. Briar's excitement was palpable, and she let out a long, piercing whistle that cut through the ambient noise of the pitch. "Go, Adam!" she shouted, her voice ringing with unwavering support. Adam, momentarily distracted from his drill, glanced down and flashed a broad smile, giving her a quick thumbs-up. The simple gesture conveyed a silent acknowledgment of her support, making Briar's heart swell with pride.

Nearby, Georgia's eyes were twinkling with excitement as she caught sight of Neville Longbottom, who was waving enthusiastically from the field. Neville's cheerful demeanor added to the overall sense of camaraderie among the players. Eloise, standing beside Ginny Weasley, was already prepared with her broomstick, her eyes focused and determined. The sight of Ginny's intense expression as she prepared for the drills made Georgia's excitement even more palpable. The warm camaraderie among friends was infectious, and Hermione, seated beside Briar, couldn't help but feel a surge of nervous energy. As she glanced towards Ron, gripping his broomstick with a look of intense concentration, Hermione winced slightly. The pressure of the upcoming drills seemed to be taking its toll on him.

Harry Potter stood at the center of the pitch, attempting to rally the Gryffindors for their practice session. His voice, though earnest, struggled to carry over the din of excited chatter that filled the air. "Um, so this morning I will be putting you all through a few drills to assess your strengths. Quiet, please!" Harry's plea was almost drowned out by the noise of the crowd. Ginny Weasley, ever the assertive leader, rolled her eyes in annoyance at the commotion. With a determined expression, she stepped in and shouted, "Shut it!" Her voice cut through the clamor with impressive force, and the once loud chatter gradually faded into a more subdued murmur. Harry, visibly relieved by the sudden silence, mouthed a quiet "thanks" towards Ginny. Her role as an unofficial enforcer of order was clear, and Harry's grateful nod was a testament to her invaluable support.

Harry took a deep breath, his eyes scanning the group of eager players. "Now, then, remember, just because you made the team last year does not guarantee you a spot this year. Is that clear?" he asked, his voice firm but encouraging. The players nodded in agreement, their expressions a mixture of determination and apprehension. As Harry's gaze shifted towards the stands, he was momentarily startled to see Briar sitting beside Hermione. The unexpected sight of her there seemed to momentarily distract him from his responsibilities. Harry's focus wavered as he took in the sight of Briar's bright eyes and animated gestures, which seemed to pull him away from his role as the team captain.