no rose is without thorns

briar lavinia avery. 25. pureblood. former slytherin. event planner. making her way to the top. 'because i can be.'

[briars-thorns]

cautiousxcora​:

Who: Cora & Briar (( @briars-thorns )) Where: Le Canard When: April 26

Cora had a parchment spread in front of her and was proof-reading the article she’d written about the fashions from The Witches Institute charity tea as she waited for Briar. She had come early - usually Cora worked from the office or home, but sometimes a change of scenery was nice, and it certainly seemed to help this time. After making a last note about changing a sentence, she looked up to see Briar approaching and beamed, casually waving her wand to roll the parchment up and direct it into her bag. “Briar! Just in time, I finished my article revisions so my attention is all yours.”

Briar stepped into Le Canard with the air of someone who knew she absolutely belonged there, back in her stomping ground at last. Her hair was pinned to perfection, her robes hanging just so. Perhaps it was a bit much for a brunch with one of her closest friends, but Briar knew that there was always someone watching, and she planned to take full advantage of that. “Cora!” Briar smiled at her best friend as she came closer, glad to be back in her company. “I do hope I haven’t interrupted anything important, but I simply couldn’t go another day without seeing you.”

[briars-thorns]

thevioletwilkes‌:

The start of the season had certainly come quickly, Violet thought. And with it came the inevitable dramatics that the pureblood elite were fond of. Today, however, she was out shopping with Briar and while she had not ordered much of her own, she had enjoyed picking out a few things here and there. Her lips quirked. “I don’t know how much longer I could have stood for it,” she agreed with a shake of her head.

A small hum left Violet’s lips. “There has been quite an influx of dramatics. Did Cora get the chance to tell you about what happened with Lucius at the end of the retreat?”

Her return had come at the perfect time, and Briar supposed her mother could have made it far worse if she had felt like it. Missing the end of the Flint estate had been bad, but missing the beginning of the season would have been nearly unforgivable. She could still move on from this, and for that, she was grateful. “Remind me to hide my flirtations better next time,” she teased with a grin.

Briar had, of course, heard about what had happened, but it seemed better to let Violet retell it herself. “She did not. But now I must know.”

[briars-thorns]

mllexmalfoy‌:

Try as she might, Camille could not place the other girl but that was hardly unusual. She did her best to recall people, but it wasn’t always an easy task. And Camille was not yet overly invested in making her home here in England. The many people she had to remember were not very important to her as of yet. But at least it didn’t seem like she was committing a social error. “I’ve done that myself,” she said, shrugging away the apology. 

“It’s lovely to meet you, Briar. I’m Camille Malfoy.” She nodded, although she had been in England for a little while. Probably she ought to know the other girl by now. “I came shortly before Hamilton Flint opened his estate, but I was somewhat overwhelmed by all of the new faces and wasn’t as social as I might have been otherwise.”

I know. Of course, Briar knew who Camille was, but it had become clear that she shouldn’t make that known. It was far better to just play it off as a simple mistake. Perhaps she could build up a rapport with the other woman. A closeness with Camille could be beneficial in the future, she supposed.

She smiled at the woman’s introduction, “The same to you.” She nodded at the explanation. “That’s very understandable. I do hope you’re finding your footing better now, I’m sure plenty of people are eager to get to know you.” Briar’s words were laced with warmth, and gave nothing away of her own situation. A stranger didn’t need to know about the complexities of her mother anyhow.

[briars-thorns]

siriusly-okay‌:

Sirius’ smile turns sheepish at her teasing. Things are easier now that he’s not at the gala. While he understands he’s still being watched, things flow a little more naturally away from the weight of his family’s gaze. He’s always been charming, and it feels easy to step back into that when there’s a pretty face in front of him. “How did you know?” He brushes a bit of hair back from his face, wishing he would’ve thought to tie it up earlier. “I’m afraid that all my clothes are quite lacking now that I have a chance to be among the elite again. My leather jacket’s a bit too muggle for this crowd.” 

“What are you in town shopping for? Perhaps we can go together and spend some time catching up?” He suggests it because he needs to make more connections in this world, and Briar is just another fantastic place to start. Rebuilding his life here will take time and patience – both things Sirius finds he has in abundance now. 

“Mmm. Maybe don’t get rid of that jacket just yet.” Briar grinned, even if Sirius’s words had a bit of truth to them. He couldn’t be caught in something like that, at least not in front of proper society. Still, one needed things to wear for themselves, and Briar had always had a preference for things her parents would find simply abhorrent. 

“Oh, nevermind me. Narcissa simply wouldn’t have it if I didn’t help you.” Another in with the Black family couldn’t be a bad thing, and an afternoon with Sirius promised entertainment. Briar smiled as she looked at him, “Where to?”

[briars-thorns]

nrcissablck‌:

“True. My Grandfather really knows how to surprise the world,” She said with a fond smile on her lips. Her Grandfather had a sense of dramatics that she liked to think that she had as well. “That was really too bad. It would have been a better night with you there,” She said. “But there will always be more galas, right?” She said with a shrug. Narcissa couldn’t imagine her mother keeping her from a gala. Even with her relationship with Lucius, her mother enjoyed flaunting her around. Narcissa didn’t mind it, she quite liked the attention. And she liked the way that she looked on Lucius’s arm so there was never any event that Narcissa would miss. 

Narcissa smiled. “I was hoping that you would say that,” she admitted. She had seen what Briar could do for an event and she wanted that for herself. But she also knew that it would upset Violet if she found out, and well…Narcissa would never turn down that opportunity. “That would have been a lot of fun. We should make a trip this summer, yes?” She certainly wasn’t expecting to take any holidays with Lucius after what he had said. But she wasn’t about to think about that. Things were good with them now. “I’m not entirely sure. I worry that it’s going to be hard to top my Grandfather’s.”

“There will always be more galas,” Briar nodded, and with a mischievous grin, she added, “And I’ll just have to dazzle at the next one to make up for my absence.” It wouldn’t be hard, and a good public appearance would quiet her mother long enough to let her have her own fun for a decent amount of time after. She was anxious to get the woman off her back, and an even with Narcissa might just do the trick.

“I’m glad that you agree! Our joined forces will surely make history,” she smiled, her mind already whirring with how she could explain things to Violet, keeping both girls in the dark just enough to not arouse suspicion. “A trip would be lovely.” She gushed, “I’m sure the usual places are positively lovely.” At the comment about topping Narcissa’s Grandfather’s ball, Briar’s eyes twinkled. “I’ve always loved a good challenge.”

[briars-thorns]

opheliagreengrass‌:

Ophelia wasn’t sure what to think of Briar. She was nice enough of course, and she was very much aware that Briar’s parents were eyeing Adrian. But Adrian was in love with Rowan, and while Ophelia had her own thoughts on that she wanted what made Adrian happy. That was all she had ever wanted for her older brother, and she just…didn’t know if Briar would make him happy, especially when he was so hooked on Rowan.

 She had to laugh and smile. “My father has never been fond of Dublin and i’m kind of glad he isn’t. When your parents like something it makes that thing significantly less cool, don’t you think?” She loved the atmosphere here, even in Dublin. It was just so different from the atmosphere of England. “Oh, that sounds…” she grimaced. “Well, not fun. If it wasn’t your choice to  go.” She was grateful that her father was so easy going, truthfully. Ophelia hadn’t wanted Briar to notice her look to the door and so she took a sip of her drink. “No, no, it’s not like that,” she laughed. “Adrian said he might meet me here, is all,” she said, watching the other woman for her reaction. “But…I’m thinking that he’s not coming. He probably got stuck at work or something.”

No matter how her parents may try, Briar knew she wouldn’t marry Adrian. Not when his head was so turned by another. She wasn’t one to be content playing second fiddle, and, she was sure that she could catch the eye of someone even grander. Let Adrian have Rowan, Briar would bounce back with little effort, she was sure.

“Everything my parents like is uncool.” Briar gave Ophelia a knowing look, accompanied by a smirk. She wasn’t even sure that she could say that her parents had been cool in their prime, she was only able to picture them as the stuffy older generation she had grown up with. At Ophelia’s comment about her brother, Briar raised a brow. “Oh, did he?” Her face didn’t betray anything but curiosity, “How unfortunate, if he did. I’m sure he would have quite a good time here.”

[briars-thorns]

rab-lestrange‌:

The expression that took over was rather skeptical, an eyebrow rising up once he was done waving his hand in front of her face. He took a step back and wrinkled his nose. “Nope, clearly there’s something wrong with you.” It couldn’t be him at fault - not when he was able to admit he hadn’t started drinking yet.

“No one has ever been excited to see me,” He chuckled and shook his head. “Not that I can blame you for it since I have heard I’ve got a rather attractive face. Never expected you to be the type to fall for it though.”

“I must argue. I’m perfectly sane, and happy to see you.” Her smile didn’t falter, even if she was already beginning to grow annoyed by the man. That didn’t take long. Still, she was practically starved for contact with people her own age. She could put up with anything for a short time, right?

“I am full of surprises, Rabastan,” Briar teased, before she moved, linking her arm through his. She looked pointedly at him, raising a brow. “But I won’t just stand here arguing with you and dawdle away my time. Where were you off to?”

[briars-thorns]

theaudreynott‌:

It felt different to be home and returning to her work. Audrey always did better when she had a schedule to keep her focused and in line. She loved her job as she had an understanding of the magical laws and forces in wand cores so the studies only led her interest more. It seemed not to be an interest her family shared and knew that not having a job at all would be a more gracious figure for her to follow, but she was more willing to comply with being independent. 

Audrey was around London and in search of a book on spells for any passionate side projects when she saw Briar. “It is so good to see you and yet I feel like that is an understatement. No one would dare turning on you! How have you been?”

“I’ve been positively bored,” Even with her words, Briar was smiling as she welcomed the other woman close. It was easy to fall back into her natural rhythm, and she was grateful for that. The younger woman made fine company, and Briar was thankful to be reunited.

“I’d like to believe you’re right, but we both know how fickle the minds of our like can be.” Her tone was light enough, her smile still present, and no one could accuse her words of being malicious. Usually, the fickleness of society worked to her advantage, anyway. “But, we don’t need to focus on all of that. You must tell me how you’ve been, and what you’ve been up to.”

[briars-thorns]

when: april 29, 1979.  where: rappaport’s. who: briar avery & @thevioletwilkes​

Briar offered a smile and nod as thanks as she stepped away from the counter of the shop, finalizing details on a set of new robes to be sent home. After the event that was being pulled so unceremoniously from the Swedish retreat, she was glad to be returning back to a sense of normalcy, and even more, to be reunited with Violet. Finally, it felt like she was in her own skin.

She stepped away from the counter, and turned back to her friend. “Thank the heavens we’re back. I don’t know how much longer I could have gone on without you by my side.”

[briars-thorns]

when: saturday, may 5th. evening. where: bohemia, carkitt market. who: briar avery & @dontcallmebartemius​

The great gatherings of the weekends made them the perfect time for Briar, and she often found herself in various wizarding locales, waiting only a short amount of time before someone she knew, or, in rarer cases, someone she wanted to know, would waltz through the door. Over drinks and appetizers she thrived, and she didn’t intend for this night to be any different. 

However, when she recognized a particular face among the crowd, she knew she had to make the time. Carefully and lightly, she weaved through the people who were starting to gather, before finding herself next to her latest target. “Barty,” her grin was dazzling as ever as she looked to him. “I was hoping to run into you.”

[briars-thorns]

siriusly-okay‌:

date: april 26, 1979 location: horizont alley  open to: @briars-thorns​

Sirius had been desperate for a day out. He’d been living at Arcturus’ estate, and as much as he loved his grandfather (a surprisingly tolerable man), he was starting to go mad there. He needed a break from it all. So, he’d popped over to Diagon Alley for a bit of ice cream and a day in the sun. Thankfully, he hadn’t run into any familiar faces. He knew it’d be hard to confront James or Lily or any of the other Marauders. After enjoying his ice cream he’d moved on to Horizont Alley, needing to get some new, more appropriate dress robes and attire. Now that he had a bit of money to his name again, he needed to look the part. 

As he strolls he gets lost in thought, and he almost runs straight into a pretty, familiar face. “Oh! Briar, my apologies.” He offers a smile. “I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going.” He greets her like a friend, even though he hasn’t spoken with her in quite some time. He has no idea if she even knows he’s back in the good graces of the pureblood world, but with how word travels in their society he has no doubt she’s heard whispers. 

“How are you? I hope I didn’t startle you.” 

It had seemed for all her mother’s attempts, she couldn’t fully control her daughter, at least not back on Briar’s own turf, and with her father involved. She had bargained for more time away from the woman, citing work obligations, among an array of other things, and had made her way to Horizont Alley, eager to see any new robe releases she might have missed while away.

What she found was much more interesting, though.

After nearly running into a solid form, Briar took a step back, about to shake off apologies, before her eyes landed on the culprit. “Sirius Black.” The smile that grew on her face was nothing short of dazzling as she shook her head. Of course, she had heard about his return to society, the gala she missed, and she had been dying to run into him. There were a dozen questions floating in her mind, but they would stay there, as she remained smiling. “Oh please, you have nothing to apologize for. It was just as much my fault.” She looked towards the shop window in front of them, proudly displaying a wide array of dress robes, before turning back to Sirius, her grin now playful. “I don’t suppose you’re shopping for your return as the prodigal son?”

[briars-thorns]

mllexmalfoy‌:

Camille had attended the tea, although she wasn’t sure that it was something she would be eager to do again. She had learned to carry herself well at such events but her preferences remained for things that were more lively and boisterous - Quidditch matches were her favorite, but anything that let people shout and show some passion. So after the tea, she was happy to slip away for some browsing on her own.

Stopped in front of a window, she was startled to hear the other woman speaking to her and turned with a puzzled expression. She didn’t know if she could place the other woman, although she had been trying very hard remember names and faces. Her confusion lasted just too long for her to mask it with a polite exclamation and she decided to go for the truth instead of a polite misdirection. “I’m so sorry - I’m not sure I can place you? I haven’t been in England terribly long.”

Her mother would have scolded her instantly, and Briar couldn’t help but feel a bit foolish as the other woman’s confusion became evident. She thought she recognized the other blonde, but it was evident when she turned, and when she spoke, that she was not who Briar had originally thought her to be.

Still, she would be lying if she claimed to not know who the other was. But she didn’t need to know that. “Forgive me, it was my mistake. I mistook you for someone else.” Her apologetic smile was genuine, as it should be, after years of perfecting every look in the book. “I’m Briar Avery. You must have come in just as I left.”

[briars-thorns]

opheliagreengrass‌:

It felt like she had seen a lot of Briar Avery in the last few months. She was very aware that her parents, like many others, were interested in Adrian, but she wasn’t quite sure what to make of the situation. She didn’t actively dislike Briar. She thought that the older woman seemed nice enough and was friendly enough, but she wanted Adrian to be happy. And she knew that his heart was with another woman. Ophelia had her own thoughts on the matter, and she worried about her brother. 

She supposed that this was a good time to perhaps get to know Briar, outside of the stuffy dinners and the like that their parents seemed to host. “No, of course not,” she said. She picked up her drink and took a sip of it, looking at Briar. “I think so as well,” she said. “I thought that this place was supposed to be a secret, but it seems like everybody and their mother knows of it,” she said with a shake of her head. “So, how have you been? I feel like I haven’t seen you around in a while,” she mused. She eyed the door for a moment, wondering what Briar would think if Adrian made an appearance before she focused back on Briar. 

Briar had been getting to know Ophelia little by little, even if the circumstances weren’t her first choice. Her parents had become obsessive with pairing her off, and Briar knew better than to try to argue with them. Still, she knew that Adrian wasn’t it, at least not for her. His sister didn’t need to know that though. At least not yet.

“Well, I for one am thankful that my mother does not,” Briar grinned as she accepted her drink, turning to face the younger woman. Though she didn’t foresee herself being happy as a future Mrs. Greengrass, she could see the potential good a friendship with Ophelia could do. Taking a sip of the drink, she shook her head at the question. “My mother drug me to France, without a care of what I’d be missing here.” She caught the other eying the door, and arched a brow with a mischievous grin. “Ophelia, are you waiting for someone? You shouldn’t have let me take the chair!”

[briars-thorns]

nrcissablck‌:

“We will have to go for tea and catch up,” she said with a smile. Things finally seemed to be calming down in the aftermath of the Gala. It had been everything that they had hoped it would be, and now Sirius had returned and things could settle down. She and Lucius were back to the way that they should be, and Narcissa thought that things were going to be better than they had been in the second half of the month. At least she hoped so.

“We missed you. Have you heard the news about my cousin?” She asked. “I’m already starting to think of the next event that I would like to throw, I would love your help,” she offered. They had briefly spoken of it back in Sweden, but she would like to make it happen in the near future. At her explanation, she nodded. “Mothers can be so strange,” she said. “How was your time in France? I have been wanting to go visit this summer,” she said. “I feel so lucky that I have Bellatrix, although my mother does usually ask for my assistance more than hers, it seemed.”

“Oh, you are so sweet. You didn’t have to get me anything.”

“I don’t think there’s a witch or wizard of society anywhere who didn’t hear about Sirius,” Briar mused with a slight smile. It was good for all of them if the Black family was strong, she supposed. “I begged my mother to let us come back, but she simply wouldn’t allow it.” Begging was putting it lightly - the Avery women had gotten into more than one fight about the matriarch keeping Briar from attending the event. For as much as her mother claimed to care about her social standing, Briar had been shocked that she had kept her daughter from such an important night.

“You know I can’t say no to planning an event, and especially one of yours!” Briar smiled. She had started event planning for many reasons - keeping herself busy had always been part of it, but being able to get close with those she worked with had also proven worthwhile. “France was as lovely as ever, though I wish I could have been there with you instead of her. I think we would have had much more fun.” She grinned, before tilting her head to the side, “What kind of event were you thinking of?”

[briars-thorns]

opheliagreengrass‌:

Date: April 19th, 1979 Location: Augurey Open

Ophelia loved having the freedom to just pop into Dublin for the day, to go to the flower market to pick up dozens of bouquets for her flat and then a show at Augurey. Adrian was supposed to meet her there, but even if he didn’t show up, it was going to be a good night. She had always been a fan of the Hobgoblins, and when she had heard from a reliable source that they were performing tonight, she knew that she had to go. She knew that she had work in the morning, which was a bit of a downer, but it would be well worth it. 

Sitting at the bar, waiting for her drink, she looked around the pub. She just loved the atmosphere, away from the stuffiness of pureblood society back home. Ophelia knew that she couldn’t complain too much, she enjoyed the luxuries that her father provided, that society provided, but sometimes it was good to let her hair down and have fun. Some of the pureblood girls could use the fun. 

She turned around, looking to see if Adrian had arrived, he hadn’t of course, but she saw a familiar face walk in. “I didn’t expect to see you here!” She exclaimed with a laugh.

Briar had had to practically beg her mother to let her out of the house for the evening, the woman still keeping a tight reign on her only child after their return from France. But with enough bats of her lashes, and getting her father on her side, Briar had won. She didn’t care to think about the rigged society functions she was now obligated to as a form of trade, instead, letting herself enjoy the night for the time being. 

She knew a good deal of her friends and acquaintances would find themselves in the pub, and Briar nodded in greeting at a few of them as she entered. She made her way to the bar, slipping between people as she did, before settling next to a face that quickly became familiar. Her family spent enough time with the Greengrasses, and Briar offered a smile at the younger woman. “I hope I’m not some sort of disappointment!” She teased, and placed her drink order before turning back to Ophelia. “I think everyone we know might be here.”

[briars-thorns]

mxrlenemckitten‌:

Marlene was on the prowl for a new sort of tea. She wanted something that would be uplifting but also calming. Something that could help her settle into her work but also pep her up enough that she had enough energy not to fall asleep while trying to figure out relationship advice and household hints for the advice columns of the magazine. She wasn’t having much luck. 

She paused when it seemed someone was trying to get by but then let out a small squeal of delight when she realised who was beside her and reached out to embrace her friend but pulled back at the last moment confusion on her face. 

“Turned on you? Whatever do you mean?”

What a relief it was to be reunited with friends! Briar and Marlene had shared an unspoken bond for what seemed to be years, each never fully conforming to what their parents might think a perfect pureblooded girl of society must be. Though Briar could turn it on it a heartbeat, it was still a relief to be able to let her guard down, even if not fully, for a moment as she smiled at the other blonde.

“You never know what could happen in our world during an absence!” Her tone was light enough to not give her away, and her smile matched, though deep down, it had been those very words that had driven her mad while with her mother. Briar had carefully been calculating her entire life, working her way to the top, and with one fell swoop, her mother may have undone it all. She didn’t need to think about all of that now, though. “I’m so glad to see you!”

[briars-thorns]

nrcissablck‌:

Narcissa needed a day of retail therapy. The past month had gone by so fast what with the planning of the gala, Sirius’s return, and her fight with Lucius. It was all just so much, and Grandfather had promised her a new dress for her brilliant display at the Gala, and she was cashing in on his offer. She had popped into the witch’s institute charity tea, but the entire event was dull as far as Narcissa was concerned and she had stayed just long enough to be polite before she had headed out, with words of another event that she was helping to plan for the orphanage, and had popped into Diagon Alley. 

She was walking towards Twilfitt and Tatting’s when she heard a familiar voice.

Briar Avery. She hadn’t seen her since Sweden. She had noticed her sudden disappearance, but then the drama with Lucius had happened, and she had forgotten. “Briar!” She exclaimed with a smile. “I thought that I was going to have to send the Aurora to search for you. It feels like it’s been ages,” she said. “How are you?”

“Believe me, it has been ages.” Perhaps she would have preferred to see Cora or Violet wandering through Diagon, but she knew she wouldn’t be able to stay away from Narcissa for long. A part of Briar felt bad for leaving the other blonde in the dark about her whereabouts, though, if she knew anything about Narcissa, Briar could only guess that she had had more than enough to fill her time.

“I was so sorry to miss the Gala,” she gave a sympathetic look, and there was truth in her words. Briar flourished at events like that, and had a feeling that had she been present, she could have worked closely with Narcissa in making it happen. Her face didn’t betray her thoughts though, as she continued, “My mother needed me in France - for what, who knows exactly. Being the only child to shoulder her requests can be so exhausting.” She was omitting a good deal of the truth, but Narcissa didn’t need to know that. 

“I wish I would have known I’d run into you! I picked up a few things for you along the way.”