a change of pace [addy]

[BRÍGH ENNIS O'DALAIGH]

13 February 2026

Brígh smoothed down her jumper for a sixth time, having changed outfits even more than that. They'd only just arrived to Hy-Brasil and yet Brígh was already panicking. When she'd asked Aidan about this field trip all those weeks ago, he assured her that he would be around to give her a tour. Her cheeks flushed scarlet at the insinuation in her own words, even if perhaps they might have been a bit lost on him. Even though Aidan was not usually on the island anymore, he'd make a special occasion of it for her. Her heart thundered within her chest, clammy palms tugging on the hem of her jumper as she decided once again it wasn't quite the right shade of green. "Addy," she called to her best friend, her voice a pathetic whine lost to the wind. "Help please," she added, staring once more at herself in the mirror.

Tugging the soft woollen jumper over her head, Brígh appraised her messily packed rucksack for anything she hadn't tried. She shot a glance over to the blonde who was lounging on the bed beside her - obviously, the pair had chosen a room together. Brígh had considered asking Addy if she'd rather share with Cheese, but she had resolved to be more underhanded about the way she approached that relationship. The last few times had gone poorly - and besides, Brígh suspected that the professors of Hogwarts would not be keen to let boys and girls share. No matter though. Maybe Addy and Cheese would sneak off for Quidditch practice. Maybe she and Aidan would sneak off for Quidditch practice...

Shaking those thoughts from her head, Brígh sauntered over to Addy's bed, pawing through her neatly packed things. "Can I borrow a top. Something nice. What would you wear to impress a cute druid boy?" asked Brígh, pursing her lips thoughtfully. For with all those letters she had exchanged with Aidan, with those lists and notes to herself, she realised that she'd been harbouring a lost cause with Albus, and simply enough had to move on. And it was a good time for her to have met Aidan - the instant connection she'd felt with him, the zing of electricity between them as they'd rustled through rose bushes. Brígh made a tiny noise at the back of her throat, feeling the weight of stress squarely on her shoulders.

addilyn elara slater

[addilyn elara slater]

I want to feel weightless

'cause that woudl be enough

February 13, 2026
BRÍGH ENNIS O'DALAIGH

Addy had actually been looking forward to this field trip. While she didn’t have the NEWT level Care of Magical Creatures course, she did have Herbology, and she was excited to learn about a new place and new things. Of course, the dates of the trip had not been lost on her. Tomorrow was Valentine’s day, and she could see all the happy couples in their anticipation and all the giggling in the school hallways and notes passed in class. Naturally, she’d chosen to room with Brígh and hoped they could hang out like the old days. However, instead of her usual excited self, Brígh was quiet, and Addy had noticed, but she knew why. There was that druid boy she had been talking to, and Addy had yet to meet, although she already had a list of questions ready in her mind for when she did.

While Brígh changed her outfit again Addy read over the small guide book they had been given, which had some basic maps and information, more of a pamphlet really, but Addy wanted to know it front to back lest they get lost or break some rule while on this trip. Due to her focus on the possibility of meeting this boy while on this trip, Brígh had yet to mention Cheese in any way, but seeing him was unavoidable, and Addy had tried to her best to be normal around him—or at least as much as her brain and heart would let her. And before Addy could answer, Brígh was already messing up her neatly packed items. ”Hold on. You’ll mess it all up.” Addy rolled off the bed and placed the book on the nightstand while she went over to stand next to her best friend.

”You’ve hardly said twenty words since we’ve gotten here. You okay?” It was unlike Brígh to not be speaking about a hundred words a minute, Addy was quite used to it, and she even missed it now since it kept her out of her own head. Addy thought for a moment through the items she had meticulously packed. ”Hm…I brought that one dress you always liked, you can borrow that one.” She wasn’t sure why she had packed it—she wasn’t trying to impress anybody though any student, even Addy, welcomed a break from her school uniform.

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[BRÍGH ENNIS O'DALAIGH]

Brígh was overcome with nerves. She hadn't felt quite like this in so long, having pined for Albus for the last two years. She supposed perhaps this was how Addy had felt with Cheese, at least whenever she wasn't around. Brígh threw her friend a surreptitious glance, noting that she seemed fully invested in the booklet they'd been given. Brígh rolled her eyes at her ever so studious friend, but was grateful nonetheless. She'd retain nothing within the next few hours, so it would be useful to have someone in their little trio know about the island. Even with the upcoming group tour, Brígh knew that her focus was elsewhere.

Shaking out her shoulders and hands, attempting to rid herself of the nerves that flowed through her body, Brígh sauntered over to Addy's belongings, rifling through them and moaning about needing help. Brígh stepped back as Addy directed, a hint of a smirk tugging at the corners of her lips. Addy fixed her with a glance before enquiring after her own wellbeing. Brígh said nothing for a moment, before a waterfall of words emerged. "I don't know what's wrong with me. I even wrote a pro's and con's list, Ad," she said softly, her eyes pleading as they met Addy's. "I don't even know... what I'm doing anymore. I've been fixated on Albus for so long. And then Aidan comes into my life. With his poor dance moves and easy grace," she said, a dreamy look in her eyes as she remembered that time when he tried to show her the mooncalves dance. With a giggle, she brought her attention back to Addy.

"Ugh, I love that dress so much," said Brígh agreeably. "But I worry. You've got a smaller waist than I have," she added, tilting her head as she appraised the dress that Addy spoke of. "And you look so beautiful in it.." Brígh trailed off, stopping herself before she mentioned Cheese. "You should wear it tomorrow night. For the feast," said Brígh, thinking Cheese would appreciate her underhanded attempts to sway Addy to his side, especially on Valentine's Day. He'd told Brígh some of his plans, but she still didn't know much. "What about that cream coloured blouse? The flowy one?" asked Brígh, scanning for the blouse without touching Addy's things and messing things up.

addilyn elara slater

[addilyn elara slater]

I want to feel weightless

'cause that woudl be enough

February 13, 2026
BRÍGH ENNIS O'DALAIGH

The first of the educational courses was that night. Addy would attend naturally and perhaps end up taking notes along with Eggy for their friends who likely weren’t as interested in a history lecture versus the available adventure of the island. It was very rare to see Brígh in such a state, but it was different from how she used to become when talking about another brooding boy. The nerves, the butterflies—Addy could relate, but she didn’t want to bring it up since, for once, they weren’t talking about it. Her eyebrows went up in surprise for a moment. Making a list was more of something Addy would do when trying to plan her next steps, so it must be serious if Brígh was now doing that in trying to decide her own path. A slow smile appeared on Addy’s face, all she wanted for her best friend was her happiness, and from her perspective, it hadn’t been with Albus. ”Well, the fact that he’s seeing you this weekend is more than Albus ever did.” Addy remarked.

Addy only knew what Brígh told her about Aidan, and until she met him for herself, she couldn’t really decide on his character or whether she liked him or not. Brígh didn’t seem sad or stressed—nervous, but that was typically normal when you had feelings for someone like this. Addy’s own stomach did a flip at the thought of that, feelings for someone like this. They discussed possible outfits, and Addy shot Brígh a look. ”Really Brígh, its like you forget we know magic.” Addy had always been on the smaller side, but she’d happily modify the dress for her friend if she wished—simple transfiguration, really. She suggested that Addy wear the dress the following night instead, she considered it. It was one of her favorites. Addy thought about the schedule she had just read, and her other outfits packed. ”The feast is the day after, isn’t it?” It wasn’t lost on her that the next day was Valentine’s day, but she’d focus the subject on Brígh and Aidan for now.

Addy picked up a few folded shirts and retrieved the blouse that Brígh had mentioned, placing them back on her things without wrinkling them. ”This one?” She asked to confirm, it would be a lovely color on her and Addy smiled. ”I think this one would be perfect as well.” She unfolded it fully and lay it flat on the bed. ”Do you two have Valentine’s plans?” She had debated asking, knowing where the topic could lead, but her goal now was to help Brígh, and so she would. Plus, it was Valentine’s Day on a school field trip, and they were still teenage girls after all.

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[BRÍGH ENNIS O'DALAIGH]

Brígh let out all of those words in a rush, a tangle of feelings wrapping her up like a prisoner. She was so rarely in such a state, usually more collected and confident than any of their little gang. When Brígh revealed that she had made a pros and cons list about Albus and Aidan, Addy's brows shot up in surprise. Honestly, Brígh wouldn't be shocked if Addy had done the same for Cheese, and then gotten all flustered and lit the list on fire. At least, that was what Brígh thought. But she didn't bring it up because she had learned that for Addy, it was a sensitive subject. Cheese on the other hand... well, he was completely smitten.

"True," said Brígh thoughtfully. "And he's made an effort to come here. Like he doesn't live here anymore but he wanted to show me his home," she supplied. Albus had only ever responded to her, and usually only half heartedly. She supposed that he had a lot on his plate but it made her feel rather pathetic. Addy suggested a dress which Brígh declined, fearing it wouldn't fit her properly. She blinked at Addy's response, having completely forgotten about magic. "Merlin, where is my brain?" she muttered, but she'd already thought about another top that Addy owned. Besides, Addy looked ethereal in that dress, and Brígh thought Cheese might appreciate that more than Aidan. Brígh tried to be casual and nonchalant about her suggestion, and when Addy reminded her that the feast was the final day, she scrambled to figure out a reason why Addy should wear that dress tomorrow. "Yeah, but that's a Saturday dress, you know? Don't want to waste it on a Sunday. Trust me, clothing matters on certain days. It's also why I can't wear the dress today. Not a Friday dress," she proclaimed with a shrug. Addy held up the top Brígh had in mind, and she nodded.

"Cheers, big ears," said Brígh with a giggle, shimmying the blouse over her torso. She rose from the bed, and padded to the mirror to admire herself. Finally pleased, she turned back to Addy. "It's perfect," she said decisively. "And I have no clue. I haven't gotten very far past today's plans, to be honest. I don't even know how it's going to go. Like is it real, or is it all happening inside my head? Because you know me... I am delusional."

addilyn elara slater

[addilyn elara slater]

I want to feel weightless

'cause that woudl be enough

February 13, 2026
BRÍGH ENNIS O'DALAIGH

Addy always operated with a goal in mind, plans to further herself in some way. Whether it was school, Quidditch, or any of the student clubs—she also had to live up to her family’s expectations and walking in the path left behind by her older siblings. However, didn’t stop her loyalty to people in her life, such as Brígh and anyone in their little gang. The way Brígh had pined over a boy that barely acknowledged her never sit right with Addy, and neither had the way it had always put a damper on her usual lively friend’s mood. This boy was different, and Addy was aware he worked in the village but took the time to visit Hy-Brasil while the students were here for the trip. That was more than a certain Potter had ever done. Maybe it was her Slytherin sensibilities, but Addy always believed that actions told a better story than words ever did.

The way Brígh blankly stared at her was reminiscent of helping her through Charms class in their early years at Hogwarts, though now it was a much stronger subject for Brígh. Addy looked at a Brígh, unamused and curious as to why she focused on this dress for the following evening. ”A Saturday dress?” Her arms crossed loosely, and she shifted her weight from one leg to the other. To Addy, it was a dress that she simply liked. ”Yes, I’m sure everyone will want to look nice during the Healing Seminar.” She added sarcastically. They did have quite a bit of free time during the day, and if they did go exploring, she didn’t want to ruin her favorite dress. ”I’d rather wear it Sunday.” Addy decided, picking up the other article of clothing Brígh planned to borrow.

Brígh put on the top, and it fit like a glove, in Addy’s opinion. She smiled and shook her head at Brígh’s response. ”Normally, I’d agree with you.” She said as she sat back down on the bed and lay flat on her stomach, holding her head up with her hands. ”Do I get to meet him?” She asked, curiosity clearly in her expression. She wanted to meet the mysterious druid boy who had captured her best friend’s attention. Plus, it would give this Aidan a chance to be appropriately interrogated by Addy, Cheese, and Eggy though Addy knew that she would probably ask most of the questions. The thought of Cheese again left a strange feeling in her chest. Her eyes looked down a moment before she pushed the feeling away and looked back at Brígh. Addy felt as if they’d found a sort of balance since the awkward holiday break, but the more certain she felt about things, the more questions and doubt she only carried.

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[BRÍGH ENNIS O'DALAIGH]

Addy looked back at Brígh with the same even glare she always fixed her with. Addy truly was the master of a staring contest, and she was stubborn enough to completely dry out her corneas rather than lose at anything. Brígh and Addy fought infrequently enough that she wasn’t accustomed to being on the receiving end of that stubbornness, but Brígh did not forget their tiff in the library a few weeks ago. She blinked, and looked away, twisting her fingers together rather than revealing her true hand.

With a simple shrug, Brígh relented. ”I still think it’s a Saturday dress. But you will look marvellous regardless,” said Brígh, a ghost of a smile on her lips. Rolling her eyes at the sarcasm, Brígh shot back another reply. ”What about the healthy amount of attractive, young druid males to drool over? Don’t want to look good for them?” It was a taunt that Brígh ordinarily wouldn’t have gone through with, but her entire being was fraught with nerves. ”Sorry, sorry. Eugh, I just don’t know what to do with myself,” she lamented. Addy held out the top for Brígh to try on, and she pulled it over her head. It flowed easily down her torso, hugging her slight curves attractively. She twisted this way and that, then nodded, finally appeased.

”Of course you do. I imagine he’ll be around all weekend. I would say don’t scare him off but… well, he manages me. You’re a piece of cake in comparison,” said Brígh with a giggle, joining Addy on the bed. Her friend’s expression clouded for a moment, and Brígh innately knew her thoughts had drifted to a different young man. Brígh chewed thoughtfully on the inside of her cheek, unsure of how to broach the topic. She was fairly certain Addy and Cheese had considered their arrangement, likely to their own detriment. She combed her fingers through her bright red hair before speaking. ”Do you think the teachers would cotton on if we skipped out on some of our seminars? Maybe Aidan can give us like a more in depth talk. He’s really clever… well, with druid things at least.”

addilyn elara slater

[addilyn elara slater]

I want to feel weightless

'cause that woudl be enough

February 13, 2026
BRÍGH ENNIS O'DALAIGH

Brígh didn’t push the subject of the dress and didn’t overthink it. They were just friends encouraging one another. That was all and nothing new. Addy would push her friends to do their best, though never to the level she pushed herself. Her ambition was a defining quality and drilled into her from a young age from her parents and watching her older siblings. And then, to nobody’s surprise, Brígh brought up the subject of boys. Though druid boys this time, rather than the usual mention of a certain Hufflepuff seeker. Addy rolled her eyes. ”Brígh…” She looked at her friend and almost pleaded that she not bring it up. In Addy’s book, there wasn’t time for boys, and that associated drama when she had NEWTs to study for and her future to prepare for, and with graduation so close, she couldn’t afford any mistakes. The more she thought about it, the more she could see her mother’s face and the judgment in her eyes.

Addy smiled and laughed a bit. She had a point. Addy and Brigh were two different personalities, but there were overlaps in some areas, such as their stubbornness and persistence. The difference was where they directed it. ”I wouldn’t scare him. Just ask him a few questions.” She responded innocently or as best as she could manage. Who was this boy, and what were his intentions? Did she need to use her convenient Auror connections in the form of her older sister or even her brother at the Paper? Although soon when she began at the Ministry, she would build her network of friends and associates. Addy’s attention was brought back when she felt the pressure on the bed shift as Brígh joined her. The look she gave Brígh as she slowly looked to her side should have answered her next question. ”No, they aren’t required but don’t you want to attend? How often do we get a chance to learn about druid healing?” Addy was serious. She wanted to learn what she could and bring back notes. She wasn’t planning on skipping any of the seminars.

She was curious if this Aidan was the more mischievous type as Brígh was or if she would drag him along in her adventures. It could go either way. There was a pause, and Addy found her mind wandering again. It was frustrating. ”Brígh…I know you want to bring it up.” When one was best friends for this length of time, it made it easy to read one another. Addy sighed as she paused a moment. ”This…whatever it was between Cheese and me—we can go back to normal, can’t we?” If not, how did she push away or move on from how she felt and the way her stomach might lurch if he was near or seeing him laugh with another girl. Addy didn’t want to bring it up or talk about it, but she needed her friend right now.

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[BRÍGH ENNIS O'DALAIGH]

It was in a loving and teasing manner that Brígh brought up boys as a distraction. She knew that Addy’s attention wouldn’t waver from her studies and making her family proud. Brígh had never understood that family dynamic - her parents were just happy she hadn’t gotten herself killed or expelled (a miracle in its own right). ”I mean, you’re going to be top of the class whether you get distracted or not, so why not have a little fun, Slater? I’m sure your parents will be proud that you’re successful regardless,” said Brígh with a shrug, but she didn’t push the subject further. ”And if they don’t you know my mum would be more than happy to adopt you. If only you can tolerate her rubbish cooking. Except Aidan did give me a soda bread recipe that she can actually manage…” Brígh mused, recalling over the winter holidays when she and her ma had baked the bread and it didn’t taste like charcoal. ”And if my opinion means anything at all, I am very proud of you. For everything. Especially resisting my wilder plots, though I have some resentment,” she added with a soft smile. Why did Addy’s parents' opinion bother her so much? In Brígh’s mind, it was overrated.

”Of course I want to attend and learn these things,” said Brígh, more for Addy’s benefit than anything. ”But Aidan will show us things too. As long as you don’t terrify him. So keep your claws in. And we can get a more personalised experience,” said Brígh, arching a brow. But Addy had checked out of the conversation, and Brígh could sense where she had gone by the dazed look in her eyes. She’d been careful not to bring up Cheese since their argument, at least not more than required with all the time they spent together.

Addy saw straight into Brígh’s mind the way they always had been able to do. Despite their vast differences, Addy and Brígh were best friends who understood each other on a deeper level. ”Was?” echoed Brígh, genuinely curious to see if this was actually the case. Somehow, she doubted it. She surveyed Addy carefully, taking time to choose her words rather than just speaking what came to mind. She considered sugar coating her response, but Brígh knew that Addy would appreciate honesty most. ”Ads… I don’t think it can go back to the way things were,” she said softly. ”I’ve seen the way he looks at you. It’s a two way thing, whatever it is. And even if you are adamant about moving on, which I think you might regret, what about Cheese? You have to consider him as well. And if I know you, you wouldn’t have started this without some sort of end goal. Beyond just a distraction,” said Brígh, tilting her head thoughtfully. ”Not everything has to be about excelling and proving yourself. You can muddle about and be wrong and fail and learn. I mean Merlin, look at what happened between Al and I. Absolutely shit. But it made me learn that I want to be appreciated. And it has nothing to do with my NEWTs,” she added with an upwards quirk of her lips.


addilyn elara slater

[addilyn elara slater]

I want to feel weightless

'cause that woudl be enough

February 13, 2026
BRÍGH ENNIS O'DALAIGH

Most of the time, Addy felt that only a Slater could understand the Slater family, which was probably true. Even between herself and her siblings, the experience was different. Addy had learned by watching and being patient, making sure not to make the same mistakes Claire or Grey may have made, and learning how to talk to her parents. It didn’t make it easy. The expectations were still there, as was enforced by the lovely letters from home after not being made a Prefect or securing Quidditch Captain at the beginning of the year. Even when Professor Zabini had handed her that badge not a week ago, it had felt like a hollow victory. She smiled warmly at Brígh’s offer to join her family, knowing it was sincere. Still, she shrugged. ”They seem okay with me going into the Ministry, even if it's not as an Auror like Claire.” That had been a bit of a surprise, something Addy had been working on for quite some time with her mother and father.

Addy was reminded of the Christmas dinner she’d had. She had not eaten much but had pretended to enjoy it since nobody would ever tell their mother otherwise—not even her father, it seemed. Brígh then added her own opinion of Addy, and again she just smiled in return. ”Thanks, B. You know I’m proud of you too. My best friend is going to be a Cursebreaker.” Addy beamed with pride. The academic requirements for that career were almost in line to be an Auror as well—despite her wild antics, Brígh was intelligent in her own right and capable. However, their approach to such things was vastly different. Addy was looking forward to the seminars on this trip while Brígh was looking for adventure and love—things Addy was certainly not looking for. At this point, however, her mind had wandered already. This whole business with Cheese created uncharacteristic behaviors in Addy. She wasn’t the type to daydream even when she was tinkering with her phone or some other muggle device.

Brígh didn’t answer her right away, different than the last time this had come up as a topic in the library. But she supposed this whole thing was just entirely different for them as friends and the group, and unfortunately, there were no books with clear steps on how to proceed. However, as Brígh spoke, Addy found herself almost cringing. That was the thing, wasn’t it? She hadn’t thought this through and had just acted instead. Internally she cringed at what her family might think of such behavior. What would Claire think and say about Addy feeling so off track over a boy? Addy didn’t answer right away. Instead, she was unable to stop the slightly guilty and apprehensive look that crept upon her face. ”That’s the thing Brígh…last summer—it wasn’t planned. It just happened, and I didn’t even get a chance to think until after.” Was this the first time Addy was admitting that out loud? Yes. Yes, it was. And it only shamed her that she’d acted on impulse, like a ‘moment’ spoken of in those muggle novels. She sighed. ”Besides, you heard him at the cabin.” Addy hated that those words still echoed in her mind. It wasn’t anything, it didn’t mean anything.

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[BRÍGH ENNIS O'DALAIGH]

Brígh wanted to scoff and roll her eyes as Addy admitted that her parents were merely okay with her going into the ministry. "Why does it matter what they think anyways? You should put yourself first. Not them," she replied simply. Throughout their years of friendship, it had always been a bit of a sore spot for Brígh that Addy did everything to garner her parents and her siblings approval. Brígh couldn't understand why that was so important, and why she wasn't satisfied with the approval of her peers and her own self? She added that she was proud of her and if Addy ever got fed up with her family, her mum would gladly take her in as an O'Dalaigh. She grinned and flipped her long red hair over her shoulder. "I'm really excited. Seems like a grand adventure, but one of the curse breakers that I've contacted has been like... don't do it. But you know me. Not easily dissuaded," she added with a playful wink.

The curse breaker requirements had been stringent, and it was a lucky thing Brígh hadn't had so many distractions (well, besides the occasional Connor). And now, she had Addy riding her to complete all of her homework, and her interest in the subjects she was taking added to her high marks in each class. Brígh was sure she would be accepted into the programme, especially with her added curiosity and forethought on reaching out to the various different curse breakers. The minds of both girls wandered and Brígh knew exactly what Addy was thinking of. Her question a few moments later only confirmed it.

Uncharacteristically, Brígh considered her words before speaking. She qualified that Addy was a planner, and that she never acted on things without considering the consequences. Well, this was a bit different, Addy claimed. "But was it? Was it not building up for some time? You didn't think of the immediate consequences. But Ads, you wouldn't have done it if somewhere unconsciously, you didn't want something from it, you know?" said Brígh. She wasn't sure if her meaning was clear. But at Addy's guilty face, her quiet voice and her claim that Cheese wanted nothing had Brígh scoffing. "You and I both know he's only just said that because you're too obsessed with your school work and he wants to be a good friend. He has always been a good friend. Bending to our iron wills, going with the flow, following where we lead. Is this not any different?" said Brígh, arching a brow in challenge. She wasn't looking for a fight but she was growing tired of these two constantly denying their feelings and wallowing when clearly, there was something there.

addilyn elara slater

[addilyn elara slater]

I want to feel weightless

'cause that woudl be enough

February 13, 2026
BRÍGH ENNIS O'DALAIGH

Addy didn’t respond to Brígh’s comments, it was the same old disagreement for them, and Addy had long ago given up trying to explain it. The approval of those around her inherently brought approval from her parents. It was about that semblance of respect earned through that kind of hard work. To Addy, that respect would have been higher with a Prefect or Head Girl badge, even being made Quidditch Captain at the beginning of the year versus into the second term. She raised her eyebrows at Brígh’s comment about what the Curse Breaker had told her, and then she furrowed her brow. ”Why would they tell you that?” Unless the job wasn’t what it seemed, it was always advertised as the great adventure, but obviously dangerous. ”I can ask Claire if she knows any Curse Breakers. Have you talked to Professor Selwyn or Professor Yaxley?” Addy asked. They were newer members of staff, but word had spread fast of their former professions.

Brígh challenged Addy’s notion that none of this had been planned, but she couldn't see how. Addy didn’t answer right away, instead of letting out a slightly frustrated sigh and rolling onto her back so she could bore holes in the ceiling with her eyes as she stared straight ahead. She thought through her best friend’s words and the implication if she were to accept it as any kind of fact, though she looked over when Brígh insisted again that Cheese had been lying when he’d claimed it was nothing at the cabin. The boy had never had a strong of a will as either Brígh or Addy, he certainly had his own mind, but they had probably just grown accustomed to dragging him around into their antics over the past seven years. She waited a moment, opening her mouth to speak but closing it again. ”So he lied?” Addy looked over at Brígh, her voice even and soft. It would have been dumb to think otherwise, but her brain had been going in circles for over half a year now.

Addy ran her hands across her face. This was frustrating. Why couldn’t it be logical and straightforward? How was she supposed to know? Like when brewing an advanced potion, and you look for changes in color or temperature or even smells. It wasn’t anything like that. ”I miss him, Brígh.” Addy finally admitted with a fluttering in her stomach. ”I miss my friend, I miss when it wasn’t weird.” She hated that she had been so impulsive. She was usually so composed and in control but not when it came to this. "I didn't plan for any of this..." She mumbled. 

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[BRÍGH ENNIS O'DALAIGH]

They'd had this argument - if you could even call it that - a hundred times before. Brígh had never understood Addy's dedication to anyone other than herself. It wasn't even that Brígh was the most self serving person, more that she took the little victories much better than Addy ever had. Nothing was ever enough for the Slater family, and Brígh had made her disagreement known on multiple occasions. Addy had stopped indulging her, but usually they didn't talk too much about her parents. It was a bit of a sore topic - Brígh felt completely in the right, having come from a loving and accepting household (minus her idiot brother). Despite their stark differences, Addy and Brígh could often come to a middle ground. This, however, was not part of that middle ground. So Brígh dropped it, and Addy swiftly steered the conversation away.

"Honestly, I don't know. Seemed kind of weird. I know there are bad parts to it, and that it's dangerous. But that's the allure to me. And thats why I've been trying so hard to brush up on my defensive charms. I should learn more about healing but..." Her eyes slid to Addy, a mischievous glint to them. "I have my priorities for this trip. Seminars are not amongst them," she said with a wicked grin. "I've been meaning to speak to professor Selwyn. I forgot Professor Yaxley was a curse breaker too," she added dreamily. "He's just perfect isn't he? Except for being a Yaxley. Charms professor, well spoken, attractive, and a former curse breaker. What could be better?" asked Brígh with a dramatic sigh.

Their conversation drifted towards a topic that Brígh had actively tried to avoid. But the fact that Addy brought it up instead made her feel better about sharing her insight. Brígh supplied that if she knew Addy at all, she would have subconsciously measured the consequences for months before anything had happened. Addy had always been a planner, concise and to the point. She always knew what she wanted to do. And she stuck to that path without deviation effortlessly. The path of denial she now treaded was just another example of how unlikely she was to sway from her staunch standpoints. "Yes. Cheese lied," said Brígh simply. "I admit I was really angry at first. And Cheese was just trying to think of the quickest and easiest way to placate me. Even if it was just for that moment. He said what he thought I wanted to hear, but it wasn't the truth." It was a fact that she had been trying to push on Addy for the past six weeks, despite her insistence that it was nothing.

Brígh surveyed Addy as she ran her hands over her face, the pain evident there. Brígh knew it must have been hard, trying to come to terms with such a ground breaking and Earth shattering revelation. But what was done was done, and they couldn't very well change the past. Only stop dancing around denial and accept that things would change for the future. "You don't have to plan for everything. Sometimes you've just got to hold on and enjoy the ride," said Brígh, reaching over and taking Addy's hand, giving it a squeeze. "I bet he misses you too. I know I miss you both. I feel like I haven't spent time with the both of you since the New Year. If you're worried about me... well, I don't give a shit as long as you don't snog all the time. But accepting this doesn't mean you're giving up on your school work or revising. It's merely... shifting," said Brígh softly.

addilyn elara slater

[addilyn elara slater]

I want to feel weightless

'cause that woudl be enough

February 13, 2026
BRÍGH ENNIS O'DALAIGH

Addy thought it was odd that a current Curse Breaker would discourage one from joining. If the profession was so bad, then why stay in it at all? It only made her worry more about Brígh’s safety when she went off to training. ”You can ask them what kind of defense spells to practice or counter-curses too.” Addy’s expression showed she was thinking. They dealt with cursed objects, so it would make sense to find ways to counter them. She looked at Brígh when she spoke of their Charm’s professor. He was no doubt handsome. Even Addy admitted that, and she had liked his NEWT level course. The experience of a former Curse Breaker or an Auror was something she thought was invaluable, and more should be on staff. She shook her head. Brígh obviously was concerned about Aidan on this trip and the exploration and adventure of a new place that wasn’t Hogwarts and its grounds. ”Can you at least attend one seminar with me?” Addy asked, wondering if it was futile at this point.

The events of that night were mostly clear in Addy’s mind, at least the parts they were mostly sober for and the conversation after that she remembered in pieces. Addy wondered if she had read her friend completely wrong when he’d reacted the way he had because they weren’t just friends anymore. As much as she wanted Cheese to be, adding the physical relationship had opened a can of worms she had no idea how to deal with, and she was fighting the anxiety it gave her to not have complete control of what she was doing. Had he lied? Was there more to what he had said or actually felt? The thought made her heart race a bit faster for a moment, at least until a wave of doubt passed over her. Addy remembered the Slytherin girl who had spoken to him and laughed the last time they were in the village. The fact of the matter was that Cheese was not that small little boy with a camera anymore, and Addy had not been the only one to notice.

”I tried to stop it after the summer break. We came back to school, and everything felt normal until it wasn’t.” It had taken them a whole two weeks to fall off that wagon, and the feeling had been a strange combination of frustration and relief. Addy looked over when she felt Brígh grab her hand and listened to her words. Admitting some of what she felt out loud made the longing worse, though she also had to admit to herself she missed the physical part. Being near him, close to him. The girls in her dorm talked about sex and boys all the time, but it had become a part of her life, and she’d had to admit to herself that she missed that too. ”Besides, all the girls seem to want to talk to him now.” Addy commented with a clear annoyance in her voice. She sighed, it was exhausting to run around the same thoughts in her mind over and over again. ”Can’t we just focus on you and Aidan? I need to meet the boy who has gotten your mind off Albus Potter.” Addy attempted a small smile, pushing through the feelings that wouldn't leave her in peace.

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[BRÍGH ENNIS O'DALAIGH]

Brígh nodded agreement, glad to be able to talk to Addy about this. So much more level headed and logical than she was, Addy had a plan for everything. Brígh had reminded herself of Addy when writing these letters, determined to wrangle her future. "And then I can share them with you..." Brígh paused momentarily. She hadn't brought up the idea of Phoenix Rising with Addy. She knew Addy would be keen to join. Right now, it was just her and Kat really, having formed the idea of reviving the group at the counsel of James Potter. "Ads, I was thinking... you know how like, we're not really... taught instinct? Or instinctual spells?" she hedged, before forging on. "I wanted to start a group. Well, restart, considering it existed a few years ago too. It's called Phoenix Rising. And we will be able to practice defensive spells and charms and get what we really need from it, rather than just practicing duelling," said Brígh in a rush, her eyes bright. "James told me that the Order of the Phoenix is still around. That they're still fighting. But they're not allowing students in due to the risk. But what if we proved that we can be useful?" asked Brígh, drawing her impassioned speech to a close.

Addy met Brígh's gaze evenly, thoughtfully as Brígh supplied her wisdom. Then replied how she had tried to stop whatever had started between them. "Trying to control and force something that's as much a whirlwind as you was never going to work," said Brígh with a smirk. "Besides, it is a ride to be enjoyed. Quite literally. But... well, there's no erasing that it happened and something has shifted between the two of you. You've seen each other naked." Brígh grimaced as that mental image surfaced. "As hot as new, improved, hot Cheese is, that is just something I don't want to think about," said Brígh, mostly to herself.

Rolling her eyes, Brígh replied to Addy's latest feeble argument. "So what? He's hot. You and I both know that. Cheese has always been a friendly, popular lad. Doesn't mean he wants to talk to them more than you," said Brígh. She knew these girls wanted more than to talk with Cheese. "Best not mention it to him though, he might get a big head," she added as an after thought. "Addy, I think you just need to face the truth. Hufflepuffs value honesty. Do you honestly think that you would be better off as friends, smothering these feelings that even I know you have?" asked Brígh blankly. "And hell no. You brought this up. Don't start something you can't finish," she added with a grin.

addilyn elara slater