Chapter Thirteen- Minerva Mcgonagall
Minerva Mcgonagall
Minerva is buttoning up her shirt, it’s dark green and has long sleeves. she has it paired with black trousers.
She’s gets ready for her day, as usual, Minerva has a very strict schedule, and rarely has a mix up.
“Do you need help with that?” Poppy asks, “you ask this every morning and you know I don’t need help” Minerva responds, moving up a button.
“I know, but I want to” poppy walks closer, moving her hands over Minerva’s, Minerva’s hands moving closer to her chest.
She can feel her heart pumping through her ribs. Poppy and Minerva have been like this for years and she still makes Minerva’s heart race.
Minerva feels her smile lengthen across her face, she drops her hands to her side, giving into poppy as she buttons up her shirt.
“There” she smiles, “very sly Pomfrey “ Minerva says teasingly. “I wouldn’t say sly” Poppy shrugs, Minerva can tell she’s holding back a slight laugh.
“Thank you “ she states gently . “Of course tabs, any shoes you need tying? “ Minerva rolls her eyes.
“No” she shakes her head, she hasn’t even noticed Poppys hands have moved behind her neck, and her own hands have made their way to Poppys hips.
“But I do need a quick-“ she gets cut off by Poppys lips locking in with hers.
“Poppy-“ she pulls away from the kiss “yes, I know, tight schedule” Poppy knows what she’s going to say by heart . Minerva pecks a short kiss on her lover's lips.
“I’m sorry my dear , but y’know these kids get less and less engaged throughout the year with school, I need to make class get through their heads even more”
“I know” Poppy smiles lightly
Minerva finishes getting ready “I love you “ she says, making her way to Poppy who’s putting her boots on. “I love you” Poppy repeats.
Poppy hates saying ‘ I love you too’ she feels as if it’s an extension of the other person's love, and it loses the meaning . Minerva finds Poppys analyzation on common phrases to express one’s love rather interesting .
“See you tonight?” Poppy questions, “of course “ Minerva smiles, leaning down to Poppy putting on her shoes , pressing her lips onto hers. “Do you need help tying your shoe?” Minerva teases.
Poppy scrunches up her face at her teasing “go” she says, “alright , alright” Minerva raises her hands up in surrender, she plants a quick kiss onto Poppys head.
“Love you” she repeats leaving the room.
***
Minerva enters her class room waiting for all of her students to take their seats, she notices that Sirius Black sits on the other side of the classroom as far away from his friend Remus Lupin.
She decides to not give it a second thought and starts the class. “Alright everybody, I’m aware everyone is still getting used to being back from holiday, but we’re still going to be paying attention “ she glances back to her student Sirius Black whose eyes are placed on Remus.
She knows that to look better than anyone, something had to of happened between the two.
She knows she shouldn’t interfere with her students personal life, but she knows how much these two have been through, and the last thing she wants to see is them be as dumb as she and Poppy were back then.
“So I’m going to put everyone into a group of two to work on this assignment “ she grabs her attendant list and puts everyone into groups of two, putting both Sirius and Remus in a group.
She can see Sirius’s face turn red and he covers his face with his hands, and Remus does not seem to change his facial expression, but takes a short look back to Sirius.
The class finishes up after Minerva explains what their assignment will be, as children leave her room she sees Sirius waiting back for kids to leave and minerva makes her way over to where he is sitting.
“Mr black” she clears her throat, making herself known “Professor “ he states. “Is everything alright?” Minerva asks.
“Yeah- yes, everything’s great” he nods, never making eye contact with her , she turns her lips into a straight smile, pressing her lips firmly together.
“I see, look Sirius, I know you've had a rough year, but if you ever need anyone to talk to I’m always here” she declares, Sirius makes his eyes to hers eventually.
“Thank you professor, but I really am fine” Sirius immediately directs his eyes to the wall , “I should get going anyway “
Sirius stands up abruptly, picking up his books along with him. He starts to walk away but she cuts in “Sirius , I just want you to know. Whatever your feeling, is okay” she adds.
Sirius stops walking, her words seem to stump him, “okay” he says in more of whisper “thanks” he says blankly.
***
Sirius Black
Sirius is pacing back and forth in his dorm, after his classes. Wondering what he thinks he feels is real, he can’t get it out of his head . How these feelings towards his best friend could happen.
How could he call him beautiful?
He is beautiful .
For fuck's sake Sirius, pull yourself together. This has got to be normal, best friends find each other beautiful, yeah it has to be. Mary thinks Lily’s beautiful and they’re best friends, she doesn't think it's odd.
And what did Mcgonnagall mean by his feelings are okay?
What feelings?
And now him and Remus a going to be working together and-
“What are you pacing around for” Peter questions, he stands at the doorway, a potions book under his arm.
Sirius stops his pacing, directing his eyes to his friend,
“I'm confused” his mind filled with questions. “Peter have you ever liked someone you know you shouldn't?, I mean like ,romantically”
“Sure” Peter shrugs, “you have?” Sirius questions, his brows moving up. “Don't act so surprised” Peter rolls his eyes, tossing his book onto his bed.
“I’m- I'm not” Sirius shakes his head .
A moment of silence passed through the two.
“Do you like a boy?” Peter questions,bluntly. Sirius chokes on his breath , he brings a hand up to his chest
“Merlin Pete, why would you ask that?”.
Peter shrugs again, “well do you?” . “no! Jesus” Sirius moves his hand to his head, as if that'll make things less confusing.
“Why do you seem so offended?, is there something wrong with that? “ Peter snaps back. “No, i just, i can't be like that”
“Why not?” Asks Peter, “Because, I don't need to be more of a disgrace then I already am!”Sirius moves his legs a step forward. Peter's shoulders relax, “who cares what they think, Sirius, you deserve to be honest with yourself” Peter steps closer, his hands lay flat on his sides.
“I dont know what i am” Sirius sighs. “That's okay” Peter gives Sirius an affirming smile. “It is?” Sirius squints. “Yeah” Peter answers.
“Are you-” Sirius starts, he questions if Peter is that sort of way, but Peter nods before he can finish his sentence.
“Is that okay?” Peter asks his voice going softer, Sirius nods “yeah, of coarse Pete” Sirius smiles, a long held breath escapes peters lungs “okay” He mirrors Sirius’s smile
***
“So, what's up with you” Mary squints, her sitting criss crossed on the common room couch.
“What ?” Sirius question. “You're not your usual annoying self” Mary laughs, elbowing sirius in the side, “thanks Macdonald” Sirius squints back teasingly, “No im serious” Mary adjusts herself to face sirius “No i am” Sirius jokes,
“This annoying self” she glares sarcastically . “You think Lily’s beautiful,right?” Sirius asks, moving his face closer to Mary’s, analyzing her face,
“Of course I do” Mary answers, tilting her head to the left.
“And that’s normal?” Sirius squints, “well yeah” she squints back, “wait is this about you telling Remus he’s bueatiful?” Mary whispers.
“What?” Sirius raises his eyebrows, he feels his face heat up at the question, Mary smile’s cheekily “it is!” She whispers louder, poking her finger at Sirius’s chest, all knowingly “oh my Merlin it is” she pokes again.
“Shut up “ Sirius whispers back. “How do you know about that?” Mary takes her finger away from his chest and shrugs. “He told you?”
Mary looks away
“he did!” He yells whispers back, Sirius eyes widened.
“Shh” she smacks his shoulder, “now I’m going to tell you but you have to tell me something first.”
“Tell you what?” Sirius furrows his eyebrows, scrunching up his face, anticipating Mary's question.
“Do you have feelings for him ?” Mary questions,
“Oh my Godric no!'' Sirius can tell she can hear the uncertainty in his voice. “You think Lily’s beautiful and you two are best friends.” He adds.
“More or less” Mary shrugs, “what does that mean” Sirius questions.
“This isn’t about me” she changes the subject.
“Did Remus tell you, or did he not?” Sirius repeats.
“He did, he told me lily, Marlene, and Dorcas “ Mary answers, Sirius sighs. “What?” Mary questions.
“Was he y’know fine with it? “ Sirius asks, a twinge deepens in his heart as he yearns for his best friend. Is he alright with it? Is this going to end their friendship?
“I think you should talk to him about it” Mary places a hand on his arm, “he’s more than fine with you thinking he’s beautiful “ Mary smiles assuringly
Sirius swallows a dry breath, “Really?” , Mary tilts her head, “really”
More than okay?
What the hell does that mean?
***
Poppy Pomfrey
“Poppy , you have to go to sleep “ Minerva insists, laying herself up, from their bed. “I know,” Poppy sighs, sitting at the end of the bed , looking out the window.
“You always get like this, “ she states. “Like what?” Poppy asks, Turing herself to face Minerva.
Minerva crawls herself closer to Poppy, “like this” she grabs Poppy's hand “look , you’re shaking” her eyes flicker up to poppy’s .
“I just get worried about him , y’know that”
Minerva clicks her tongue at the roof of her mouth “yes, I know that” . Her other hand reaches for poppy’s face. Her cold hand traces over Poppy's cheek, sending chills down her spine.
It always has and it always will.
“He’s just a boy he doesn’t deserve it,” Poppy pauses, her words making her heart twinge. “ The full moon’s tomorrow, and he doesn’t even have his Mother anymore “ her shoulders run tense. Minerva rubs her thumb over her cheek hoping it’ll make her worries go away.
“You said he’s been better lately,” Minerva cuts in, “that poor boy can’t be better , he’s hurt” Poppy’s eyes fall shut, blinking the tiredness from her eyes. “you help him so much, Poppy” Minerva whispers.
She opens her eyes back up and Minerva is looking right at her. “And he’d be in more pain if it weren’t for you” Minerva moves her other hand to Poppy’s cheek.
“No” she whispers rawly. Her voice barely making it from her throat. “that can’t be true Minnie, what do I do?” Her voice breaking from her lips. “I don’t do anything for him”
Minerva’s lips curl into a frown, making Poppy’s heart twinge. Minerva moves her left hand to the back of Poppy’s head motioning her into Minerva’s shoulder, Her other hand goes to Poppy’s back.
Poppy’s arms wrap around her lovers, as she burrows her face into her shoulder. Her signature scent floods through poppy’s mind.
Cinnamon, and cherries.
It just takes her thoughts away, narrowing it down to just her, and only her.
“I don’t want you talking like that poppy” Minerva snaps. “You do so much for him and all the kids at this school. Even for me” Minerva whispers the last bit but Poppy hears her.
“You think?” poppy whispers, moving herself an inch away from her shoulder.
“I know “
Poppy moves her head back into Minerva’s shoulder, tightening her arms around her. Melting her body into hers, as if they’re two puzzle pieces, able to connect perfectly. Only meant to be held in eachothers arms
“I love you tabs ” Poppy says softly.
“I love you” Minerva runs a hand through poppy’s hair, “I love you” she repeats.
***
Remus Lupin
It’s the night of the full moon and Poppy is walking Remus down to the shrieking shack, and he can tell she’s upset about something but decides to not mention it.
He feels bad he’s the reason she comes out here every month, that she has to take care of him. She persists in taking care of him, but maybe she doesn’t want to . Or maybe he’s not appreciative of it enough.
All these thoughts push on him as they walk, he’s never felt like breaking the silence as much as he does now. He’s not much of a talker, so he doesn’t feel the need to start an unnecessary conversation.
They get to the shack, and as poppy goes to leave “poppy” he cuts through the silence. “Yes?” Her lips immediately turn to a slight smile. “I -uhm , just wanted to tell you thank you”
“For what?” She questions her eyebrows moving together. “For everything” Remus answers. And a surprised expression flickers over her face. “You do so much for me and you seem upset, and I feel like I don’t tell you enough, that I really appreciate what you do for me” Remus rambles.
shut me up
“Especially after my mom died I’ve realized how much you care for me” he continues, and in the back of his head he’s begging for Remus to stop talking.
“Thank you “ poppy says gently, Remus shakes his head “ no ,I’m thanking you” he interrupts. “I’m sorry I drag you out here every month “
“No , Remus i want to take care of you, you are not burden and you’re not dragging me out here”
“Poppy” he says strained out, his voice breaking slightly “you and professor Mcgonnagall are a thing, right?”
“A thing? elaborate please”
Remus sighs dragging his hand down his face “like you two are together “ he adds. “Oh” her eyebrows raise slightly.
“Yes we are, but Remus -“
“I’m like that!” Remus interrupts, “just with uh boys” Remus wants to strangle himself for how much he’s sharing, but he feels this natural connection with Poppy. He feels like he’s talking to his mother. And it kills him that it’s not.
“Remus “ she curls her lips turn into a small smile “that’s okay “
“And I like someone, but they don’t like me back”
Poppy clicks her tongue, she walks forward to Remus “can I hug you?” She asks
Remus nods , poppy brings him into a hug and he can’t even remember the last time he was hugged. poppy embraces him so warmly, and all he thinks of is how he wished it was his mothers arms wrapped around him.