In the Hospital Wing
“It’s alright, come on now. There there.” Minerva patted the Hufflepuff student gently on the back in a comforting gesture. At least she hoped it was comforting. The two were walking side by side through the halls of Hogwarts towards the hospital wing. Poor Patricia Smith had been victim to a prank pulled by the infamous Marauders. Minerva didn’t actually need to be escorting Miss Smith to the hospital wing, but found she was doing so for a completely unrelated reason.
Patricia Smith was still clutching her hand to her face as she was ushered through the doors of the hospital wing by a brisk McGonagall. “There, now. Madame Pop- Pomfrey will have exactly the trick to help”. Minerva hastily corrected her informality as she led the student directly to Poppy’s office. Miss Pomfrey bustled out at the sight of the two, rushing over to the student. Minerva watched with warmth as Poppy dealt expertly with her patient.
“It’s alright, dear. Just move your hands for me, that’s it.” Madame Pomfrey commentated, quickly observing the ailment and coming up with the perfect remedy. She smiled kindly at the girl and turned back to her office, pointing her wand towards the doorway. “Accio Boil Cure”. Minerva watched with mild admiration as a bottle came flying from Poppy’s office and landed with a gentle thud in her outstretched hand.
“Now, dear. This won’t hurt a bit.” Poppy promised Patricia as she unstoppered the bottle and dabbed minute amounts of the solution onto the girl's face. Minerva marvelled at the results. Within seconds, the reddened splotches across her face simply disappeared. Poppy pulled a boiled sweet from her apron pocket and handed it to the girl. “Alrighty, dear. You’re all set. Back to class, with you now. Off you go.” Poppy instructed, and watched with a gentle smile as the girl trotted out of the door.
“Thank you, Poppy.” Minerva turned to face Poppy. Poppy looked up at her. “I’m only doing my job, Minerva.” She replied with a wry smile. Minerva, embarrassingly, felt a heat enter her features. “Yes, well. You’re very good at it.”. Minerva couldn’t help voicing her earlier thoughts to her colleague. “Well, thank you.” Poppy conceded. She raised a curious eyebrow at Minerva, “May I ask why you accompanied the student? It’s not something you usually make a habit of.”. Minerva looked down, gathering her dignity and courage. She brushed down her gown, dusting off stray cat hairs. “I merely wished to keep her company, the poor little dear.” Minerva explained, not quite able to meet Poppy’s eye. She didn’t see the knowing and amused expression on Poppy’s face.
“I see. Well, you must come along more often. It would be a pleasure to see you, Minerva.” Madame Pomfrey stated, delicately touching her hand to Minerva’s chin and lifting it so they were face to face. McGonagall suddenly realised how very little space there was between them. She found herself rendered breathless. “Quite.” She whispered, barely audible to anyone further away than Poppy. Minerva found her eyes flickering downwards towards Poppy’s lips. Poppy registered this, her hand finding its own way to Minerva’s cheek. Minerva leaned into the touch, confirming silent permission. Poppy advanced, wrapping her other arm around the taller woman’s waist, still clutching the antidote bottle. Their lips met with a gentle passion. Minerva settled her hands on Poppy’s face and fell forward into the embrace of the kiss.
The two of them emerged breathless and smiling gleefully like teenagers. Minerva cleared her throat and brushed down her gown once more. Poppy laced her fingers with Minerva’s with a small smile. “Do come again.” She said, “Please.”. Minerva smiled back, her reply confirmed by a chaste repetition of the kiss. “I will.” She promised as she took her leave. Minerva exited the hospital wing, leaving Poppy to gather herself. She was already planning her next visit.