composure [abc]

[BRÍGH ENNIS O'DALAIGH]

12 January 2028

Quidditch. QUIDDITCH. How in the name of Merlin's saggy y-fronts had Addy convinced Brígh to attend a Quidditch match. When had she ever shown an interest in the sport further to fit boys and watching her mates play. The answer was never. But when Luna Trelawney, who had never shown much interest in being friends with anyone, had offered Addy three free tickets to the match vs the Tornadoes, Addy had swept them up and insisted she and Cheese come. Which was bizarre enough in itself. Last Brígh had checked, Addy was shagging some Scottish bloke and she and Cheese were awkwardly trying to figure out how to stay friends despite breaking each others wee hearts. Surely if the situation had changed, someone would have informed Brígh. She had a qualified stake in the relationship.

Wales in winter was about as appealing as a blast ended skrewt on a good day, so Brígh wrapped up warm with a scarf, thick cloak and hat. She'd spent the night at Aidan's flat, and kissed him farewell before apparating to the gates where she'd agreed to meet Addy and Cheese. It was unfortunate that Brígh's worst nightmares had come true and their friendship had cracked. They'd always been a three. Never a two and a one. And stuck in the middle, Brígh had no idea where to stand. She hoped that a fun day out as such would cure the awkwardness that plagued them.

Brígh was the first to arrive, and as such she busied herself buying pints for the group. She wondered how late Cheese would be. His head really was in the clouds lately. Not that Brígh cared much about the match. She was here for the craic, and to support the reunion of her two best mates. If only they would fall in love again, and not break up, and live happily ever after, that would be class. Blinking against the afternoon sunlight, Brígh glanced around the crowded gate, awaiting her two best friends as she sipped deeply from her pint.

Raphael Caelan McLaggen
addilyn elara slater

[addilyn elara slater]

I want the phases of life

No reset, no rewind

January 12, 2028
BRÍGH ENNIS O'DALAIGH
Raphael Caelan McLaggen

Perhaps a Quidditch match in early January outside was not the most brilliant idea Addy ever had, but she couldn’t pass up tickets that were given to her. Plus, she’d been desperate just to get out. Something about the routine of her life was endlessly frustrating, but she couldn’t pinpoint why. She enjoyed her work, and as her internship would end this year, she’d only grow in her career at the Ministry. But as she pulled her cloak around herself tighter, she watched a few of the Chasers warm up in the Pitch. Merlin, she missed that feeling of being up there, the wind in her face and going high enough that the roar of the crowd was muffled and nothing could touch her.

But she hadn’t chosen that route. Addy probably could have, but then the mental image of her mother’s face turning red like some animated teapot came to mind. While she’d never bore the brunt of her mother’s frustrations as Grey had, she knew what her mother was capable of. If only because Grey didn’t seem to mind poking a dragon with a stick if he could help it. Naturally, she invited Brígh instantly, disregarding how low Quidditch was on her best friend’s list of interests. But then there was the third ticket. Addy had cautiously written a message, pushing away what felt like doubt before inviting Cheese.

So many months later, the tension slowly dissipated to a more acceptable level. Addy still felt a level of awkwardness. Was it because it had not even been a year since they’d broken up? Or because Addy still called him occasionally, they were suddenly back to old habits. But instead of places like the Quidditch locker room, he would sneak into her room most of the time. They never spoke about what it meant or dove deep into conversations Addy was likely to shut down. The pair had even managed time together figuring out what to get Brígh for her birthday and Christmas. It had been the most normal she’d felt around him in months. And he’d managed to somehow leave his jacket behind in her room as he rushed out into the cold English winter to head home unnoticed.

”Hey.” Addy stepped around people and through a crowd to get to Brígh at the gate. ”I don’t miss playing in this weather.” She commented as she readjusted her scarf to stay warmer. ”Cheese here yet?” Probably not. Cheese was on time as much as he was subtle.

template by vee

[Raphael Caelan McLaggen]

12 January 2028

Quidditch! It was one of the things Cheese missed most about Hogwarts – that sense of freedom and weightlessness as the wind ripped through his robes and his hand stretched desperately to curl over the tiny Golden Snitch. Going pro had never been a real option for him, and Rafe had already suffered Cormac’s endless monologues about his younger children’s failures too many times to reconsider that choice. But Mickey had pushed him to join a neighborhood Quidditch league after too many complaints about graduation and the end of Quidditch, and it was the first time Cheese had tried out other positions since he’d gotten knocked off his broom (age 7, the one and only time baby Cheese had tried to play Beater in a friendly match with the Bainbridge kids).

‘Warm and fuzzy’ wasn’t exactly how Cheese would have described Luna and Addy’s relationship, so the free tickets came as a surprise, but he would never turn down an opportunity to watch a match. It was a little awkward going to Mickey’s games, but besides that…it was hard to peel his eyes off the players while he shoveled down snacks at an alarming rate. Some little part of him questioned the wisdom of going to a game with his ex, but it felt wrong to think about Addy like that. They’d promised to themselves, years ago when the feelings became all confused and they’d fallen into a sort of gray area in ‘defining the relationship’, that their friendship would always come first. He’d said it to Brígh too when that can of worms had finally been opened (and the worms had gone all over the place). And it was hard to place the big black label (ex ex ex) when he was still sort of seeing her too. Not that Cheese had ever been the kind to sneak into girls’ bedrooms or fool around, but…it was Addy. And it’d always been Addy. What else could he say?

“Cheese…is…here,” he announced in response to Addy’s question, panting heavily as he plopped down next to Brígh and tried not to cough a lung out. It was a fair question because no amount of gifted watches or scribbled down reminders would ever get the poor boy on-time anywhere. But he certainly tried anyway. “And they didn’t release the Snitch yet, so I’m technically not late,” Rafe felt obligated to point out as his eyes roved over the field. The teams had gathered together for a final pep-talk, and he could see the captains crossing the field to shake hands. Cutting it close, but…still. He could’ve kicked himself for losing his favorite jacket, the nice warm one he wore everywhere, but Cheese had dug out an old Hufflepuff hoodie and bundled up in a hat and scarf to boot. “Are we making bets? Winning team, victory margin, how long it takes Brígh to die of boredom…?”

BRÍGH ENNIS O'DALAIGH
addilyn elara slater

[BRÍGH ENNIS O'DALAIGH]

It was no small feat that Brígh had managed to get to the match, not only on time but the first of their group. And she was the one who liked Quidditch the least. But, to be fair to herself, she certainly liked drinking the most. She often joked that it was in her blood, but to be completely honest there was definitely a chance that her blood alcohol content was permanently raised.

The stands were filling up quickly and Brígh was draining her pint at an alarming pace. At last, Addy greeted her and Brígh nodded her response. She was glad that Cheese and Addy hadn't turned up together - that would have raised her suspicions. "I don't miss watching you play in this weather," Brígh replied idly, giving Addy a hug in greeting. "No, I-" she started, but was saved from having to continue by the breathless arrival of the third of their trio. Brígh grinned at Cheese and wrapped him in a hug as well, her eyes darting between the two former(?) lovers to see their reaction to one another.

"Aren't you meant to have better stamina with all those rippling pectorals?" said Brígh dryly as they settled into their seats. She dutifully passed the other two the drinks she had gotten for them out of the kindness of her heart. "We're doing rounds today. Seeing as I am the only poor bloody student," she grumbled. She would never get over the fact that she'd been forced back into an academic setting after she had already done a year as a curse-breaker trainee in the field. At least she would be fully qualified at the end of it.

Casting her eye over the pitch for any familiar players apart from that Trelawney girl, Brígh offered a noncommittal response. Then, she reconsidered. "Five minutes. Tops," said Brígh airily, shooting Cheese a grin. "Ordinarily I would float the idea of who has the better looking seeker. After all, you can be appreciative without wanting any action," Brígh added. "But I must admit the last time I saw Aidan, he had me seeing and screaming double. Merlin, it's always the quiet ones," she said with a sly smirk, glancing over to see Cheese's no doubt comedic response to this revelation.

addilyn elara slater
Raphael Caelan McLaggen

[addilyn elara slater]

I want the phases of life

No reset, no rewind

January 12, 2028
BRÍGH ENNIS O'DALAIGH
Raphael Caelan McLaggen

Merlin, Addy must have been running spectacularly late if Cheese only showed up a few minutes after her. The timing was uncanny but entirely unplanned. And Addy didn’t want a repeat of that New Year’s Eve and out in public. She returned Brígh’s hug, looking at Cheese as he caught his breath. The Hufflepuff sweatshirt—she recalled the jacket hanging on the back of her door. But Addy focused on the drink Brígh passed her. This should help warm them up so they wouldn’t freeze to death watching this match. And as Brígh commented on Cheese’s lack of stamina, Addy busied herself by drinking to avoid speaking the several comments that popped into her head.

”I’ll get the next one.” Addy offered. It was true that Brígh was technically a student but also technically a trainee. Much as Addy was still an intern. Only Cheese had a real career already at the Prophet. She figured it would take another decade for Brígh to find something else to grumble about. But Addy would have worried if her best friend was not grumbling about one thing or another.

Addy looked over past Brígh because if Cheese was drinking, it was likely to come out his nose at Brígh’s answer to a question he would never have asked. Naturally, Addy was all caught up on the details. She stifled a small laugh. Addy was happy to listen to Brígh talk about Aidan with that dreamy look in her eyes. With the attention away from Addy, she wasn’t left deflecting questions about fanny flutters and a bartender. And she was happy that Brígh was happy. ”I think they’re about to start.” Addy spoke, looking at the pitch. It was fortunate timing for Cheese, but it would not be the last unsolicited thing Brígh would say that day. But it appeared to be a false alarm as the players finished up their warmups.

template by vee

[Raphael Caelan McLaggen]

“Rippling pectorals?” Cheese repeated in a choked voice, his voice reaching an impressively high squeak while his face flushed red. It was embarrassing how easily Brígh could embarrass him, especially because literally nothing he could say would ever faze her. It was like being defenseless against her best weapon, and his ears burned red. He sheepishly took the drink even while his stupid eyes darted to see how Addy would take the comment. Mostly because she was usually the one to defend him from Brígh’s merciless jabs, but also because – maybe there would be some reaction there? But no, her face was perfectly blank and she took a slow sip instead of pulling out a witty retort. So Cheese was left to splutter even though he couldn’t think of anything clever to say.

“Why am I friends with you?” he grumbled instead. His eyes roved over the pitch to take in all the action while he contemplated an alternate timeline without gossipy redheads and Brígh’s complete lack of filter. Some of the players were warming up (Cheese watched that with interest) and latecomers were still filing into the stands (see, he hadn’t been the last one). It was chilly out, but the drinks were good and he was chuffed with pride at his Hufflepuff hoodie. All in all – things were shaping out to be a great match and Cheese settled comfortably into his seat while he sipped at his cup. Until the human bludger spoke again. Half his pint slopped down his front and Cheese felt his nose burn as he choked on the rest. He knew this was some form of revenge against him because Brígh could talk to Addy about this literally any time she wanted – he just couldn’t figure out what he must have done to deserve it. Had he run over a basket of cruppies on his way here?

It didn’t matter. All that mattered was the extreme need to put some distance between them, change his name and never see Brígh again. Anything to never hear that configuration of words leave her mouth again. “Snacks,” he choked out, trying not to hear the words it’s always the quiet ones ring in his ears again. He waited by a food stall until he was sure Brígh would be done laughing. He didn’t even want to think about what Addy might have to say about that. It wasn’t that there’d ever been a time when he’d been okay hearing her thoughts about boys, but it felt even more awkward now. And Cheese didn’t even want to contemplate the thought of Addy and Brígh talking about their relationships. Merlin, what had they said about him? Munching on a bag of chocolate cauldrons, Cheese reluctantly returned to the group and dropped heavily onto his seat. “The Tornadoes haven’t played the Harpies in ages,” he said loudly, eyes fixed on the pitch, “I bet Creevey's eager for a rematch.”

BRÍGH ENNIS O'DALAIGH
addilyn elara slater

[BRÍGH ENNIS O'DALAIGH]

Brígh chortled with delight. It was so easy to rattle Cheese. It was one of her absolute favourite pastimes. She would never understand how Addy had been romantically inclined to someone so sensitive. Though she supposed it was a mixture of him suddenly becoming mega hot whilst Brígh had been away caring for her ill father. To each their own. She supposed her wild switch from dark and brooding to light and sweet was rather unsettling as well. "You're the best," said Brígh to Addy, resting her head on Addy's shoulder momentarily as Addy offered up the next round of pints.

Sipping her pint, Brígh gave Cheese the evil eye. "Because I'm an absolute treat, you melt," said Brígh, swatting at Cheese. She scared him off with her comment and Brígh watched him go for snacks with a frown. "Has he always been this sensitive?" asked Brígh, sliding her gaze over towards Addy. "Or do you reckon its because of... well, you know." For once, Brígh didn't expand. A rather awkward silence settled over the pair of them for a moment, before Brígh took the conversation in a different direction completely. "So I think I may be going to Peru next month. I imagine Machu Picchu has been totally explored, but will be cool to see some different cultural tombs," she said, tightening her scarf around her neck as a more serious gust of wind blew past them.

Brígh took another long drink of her pint, before nodding in greeting to Cheese. "Oh, is that who they're playing?" Brígh teased with a grin. "I still can't believe Trelawney gave you tickets. I didn't know there was a single nice bone in her body. Maybe dating Simon has softened her up," she said thoughtfully. It made sense, in her mind. Addy was definitely better off for having a Gryffindor best friend. She plucked a cauldron cake from Cheese's stash. "Thanks," she said, before stuffing it into her mouth. Her gaze travelled around the stadium, completely uninterested in the players warming up on the pitch. She wondered if there was anyone famous here. "Who owns the Harpies?" she asked offhandedly.

addilyn elara slater
Raphael Caelan McLaggen

[addilyn elara slater]

I want the phases of life

No reset, no rewind

January 12, 2028
BRÍGH ENNIS O'DALAIGH
Raphael Caelan McLaggen

If there was one thing consistent with Cheese, it was his ability to blush quickly. And it didn’t take much. Brígh seemed to make it a personal challenge to say something that made him turn scarlet, and if some liquid went down the wrong pipe or out his nose, it was bonus points. Addy felt his eyes on her, and she glanced over at him but didn’t linger too long, focusing on her drink instead. The only thought that had popped into her head was more of a recent memory of the aforementioned pectorals. And really, anything else she might have said on that topic would have made him blush even more.

Brígh turned to Addy as Cheese declared he was going to grab snacks. The look of horror on his face told them otherwise. Addy glanced quickly to the side as Cheese sped walked toward the vendors before looking back at Brígh. Addy wasn’t sure how to answer the second question, but the first was easy. ”You never saw how he’d slide out of his chair when you’d start about Albus in fifth year.” Addy reminded her. He’d slouch out of despair until he was basically on the floor. She opened her mouth to speak but closed it, looking away for a second. If only it was that simple. ”I don’t know…” At least that was the truth, but Addy would bet a few galleons that all she had to do was mention something about riding and broomstick, and his ears would burn hot enough to deal with this cold.

There was a moment of quiet. Addy looked back to the field as the players warmed up. The Harpies looked sharp and organized. After so many years playing at Hogwarts, Addy noted precision when she saw it. ”That’s exciting. Maybe that makes it safer to train?” Both girls finished their respective trainings this year, but Brígh’s travels sounded exciting. Much more than sitting at the Ministry. Addy wanted to ask more, but Cheese reappeared. Addy shook her head slightly, amused at the same old evaluation by her best friend. ”Networking isn’t always about being nice.” Addy reminded Brígh. Was Luna a friend? Sure. In whatever way, old teammates could be. ”He’s so irritating, though.” Addy furrowed her brow in disagreement. They’d been rival Captains and chasers in those days.

template by vee

[Raphael Caelan McLaggen]

An indecent portion of his salary went to snacks every month, Cheese admitted to himself as he polished off half the packet before the match had even started. But that just couldn’t be helped, because he wasn’t responsible for whatever the snacking portion of his brain did when the rest zoned out, and it also didn’t help that he was surrounded by thieves. Brígh made a quick snatch for a cauldron cake and Cheese rolled his eyes but angled the bag so she could grab another without having to resort to anymore awkward gymnastics. His eyes roved over the field, although there wasn’t much to see – the two teams had huddled together on opposite ends of the pitch for a last pep talk and it was impossible to see anything.

Brígh’s question sounded suspicious, in the sense that it seemed like she was interested in background knowledge of the teams. Cheese spent a moment digesting this fact, but he couldn’t figure out what her secret motive would be so instead he stood up and scanned the stands (which was much easier for him to do than the two girls). “That’s her,” he said, pointing at an expensively-dressed witch in the Top Box wearing Harpies colors. “But not for long, I reckon. League gossip says she’s looking to dump the team.” Even if he wasn’t playing Quidditch regularly anymore, it had become habit for Cheese to follow the news and ask Mickey relentless questions about rumors circulating around London. It was one of the only parts of his life that carried over from Hogwarts, so he took a certain comfort in sticking to familiar topics like Quidditch wherever possible.

Addy and Brígh had started discussing Luna and Simon, which Cheese found less interesting, so he settled back in his seat and let them speculate about Luna’s sudden burst of goodwill in giving Addy tickets to the match. He hadn’t brought his camera (boo) but Cheese slipped his phone out of his pocket so he could snap a panorama shot of the stadium. He squinted at the dark clouds through his camera lens, then took his nose out of his screen so he could get a better look. “The Seekers’ll have a real job trying to find the Snitch in that,” he said mildly, stashing his phone quickly so it wouldn’t get wet. In that same spirit, he stuffed another two cauldron cakes in his mouth to try and finish off the lot before the rain started too.

BRÍGH ENNIS O'DALAIGH
addilyn elara slater