A/N: First, I would like to apologize for this very late update. I meant to update the following day after my last update, but life …well life is a bitch.

Anyways, THANK YOU so much for the follows and the reviews! They mean the world.

I do not have a Beta, so that means ALL errors are mine and mine alone. Again I apologize for any misspelling/grammar errors, and the ooc-ness.

Enjoy

Chapter 2 The Plan - Part 2 Minerva

Once Minerva and Rolanda stepped outside the Quidditch Pitch Rolanda started questioning Minerva about the lie she told Hermione. Minerva avoided answering by excusing herself saying she had matters to attend to. Thanks to the many perks of being headmistress she apparated away before Rolanda could protest her leaving.

For the last two hours Minerva had been successfully avoiding Rolanda. Minerva didn't lie to her best friend; she did have to check the rest of the grounds of Hogwarts, and send out a notice to the staff about the meeting. Now Minerva was waiting for the other professors to arrive at the Three Broomsticks in one of the upper level rooms of the pub. She was reading the list of all the damages Hogwarts suffered when Rolanda entered the room.

"So here is where you have been hiding," asked Rolanda with a raised eyebrow.

Without looking away from the parchment she was reading Minerva explained all that she had done since she left the Quidditch Pitch. Minerva would never explain herself to anyone else and Rolanda wasn't that easily distracted, but right now she only wanted to delay the interrogation Rolanda was going to unleash on her.

After a few minutes Minerva had finished, and Rolanda didn't waste any time getting to the point, "Alright, so what in the world was that all about in the Quidditch Pitch?"

"You're the one who told Oliver Wood to be there at six in the morning," Minerva finally looked at Rolanda.

"That's not what I'm talking about. Why did you lie to Granger?"

Minerva never looked away from Rolanda's questioning gaze as she told her the half-truth, "I did not lie. I believed that Ms. Granger and Mr. Weasley were engaged. I didn't want them to believe that Minerva McGonagall believes in silly rumors."

Of course Rolanda knew it wasn't the whole truth, "No, there was something more. The sadness in your eyes disappeared when Granger told you that you were mistaken. Your eyes lit up and - and I saw that smile you tried to hide as we walked away from them. I wasn't going to bring it up, but after thinking…"

"Ah, that explains the smoke coming out of your ears. I hope you didn't hurt yourself," smirked Minerva. Rolanda ignored the comment instead she narrowed her hawk like gaze at emerald eyes and demanded an answer, "Minerva McGonagall, are you in love with Hermione Granger?"

Minerva's heart started racing, "Don't be ridiculous! That's absurd, she is a student." Minerva frantically tried to excuse her behavior as she stood up and eyed Rolanda, "I was just elated that she will not waste her life being an ordinary house wife." As soon as the words left her mouth she mentally scolded herself. She didn't really believe being a house wife was a waste; on the contrary, she believes that any one that could stay home and raise children deviser a vault full of gold and more.

"Minerva, don't tell me that you're happy because she isn't going to waste her life being a house wife. You and I both know that Granger will never be a Molly Weasley." Rolanda demanded an answer again, "You are, aren't you? You are in love."

Minerva stayed silent. She couldn't bring herself to argue that she wasn't in love, but she didn't want to admit it either. She looked into Rolanda's bright yellow eyes and quietly replied, "Why does it matter if I'm in love . . ."

"It matters a great deal Minerva," a familiar voice interrupted from the door way, "You deserve to be happy." Pomona agreed with her husband, "You do Minerva."

"I can't waste my time on someone who does not even love me." Minerva argued as the peculiar couple took their seats. Pomona is a foot taller than her husband's four feet and five inches, with wavy sandy hair and hazel eyes. While Filius hair is sleek black with honey brown eyes.

"Chase after this love Minerva, it's better to find out whether she is in love with you, than to waste your life thinking of what could have been," the tiny wizard spoke with wisdom.

Minerva was at least relief that he didn't hear who she was in love with, "Filius, you wouldn't be encouraging me if you knew who it was."

"It's Hermione Granger," Pomona stated as if it were common knowledge. Seeing the puzzled look from Minerva she explained, "Filius let me see his memory, and I notice you acting a bit odd. When I saw Miss Granger I just put two and two together. You're truly in love with her, aren't you?"

"I wasn't acting odd," Minerva defended her self.

"I think she is also in love with Minerva," Rolanda added. Minerva shook her head and was about to protest but stop when she heard someone enter.

"Someone is in love with Minerva?" Poppy asked as she entered the room. Minerva pinched the bridge of her nose. 'Could my day get any worse,' she thought.

"No it's the other way around. Minerva is in love with someone," Rolanda was careful not to say who it was. They all learned long time ago that Poppy Pomfrey has strong opinions when it comes to relationships. When Poppy found out Minerva was a lesbian she stop talking to her for almost a year. Then for no reason at all Poppy started talking again to Minerva like nothing happened. Ever since then many were careful about what they talked to Poppy about, and only tolerated her for Minerva.

"So who are you in love with, Minerva," Poppy was excited to know. Nobody answered; they all remembered the foul words she said to Minerva.

After an awkward silence Minerva finally spoke the truth, "I'm in love with Hermione Jean Granger." The name barely came out as a whisper, but Minerva gathered her strength and looked into Poppy's icy blue eyes and defended her self, "Before you start reprimanding me, I know that it's wrong. She is a student and I am the Headmistress of Hogwarts. I will never take advantage of her. It is everything I'm against. Plus I'm old enough to be her. . ."

"But she is of age." Everyone stared at Poppy dumfounded, those were not the words they were expecting. "Yes, you are right. You would be taking advantage of her while she is a student. It would worry me more if you, the Headmistress of Hogwarts, didn't believe it was wrong. You could be sent to Azkaban for Merlin's sake." That sounded more like Poppy. "Wait until she graduates, a month or two, to tell her how you feel." Again everyone was sill disbelief at Poppy, but they all voice their agreement with her.

Filius asked Minerva, "Miss Granger is eighteen, right?"

"Yes, she is a year older than most of her classmates, she will be nineteen in September," Minerva answered without thinking, and a light blush colored her cheeks.

"No, she is actually two years older, Miss Granger used a Time Turner twice, her second and third year*, which means she is actually twenty." Poppy corrected.

"And how would you know this," Rolanda eyed Poppy suspiciously.

"Because I was informed by Albus himself, in case something happened to Miss Granger," Poppy said gently, not wanting to argue with Rolanda. Minerva nodded to confirm the explanation which made Rolanda eased back a bit.

"Ah, no wonder she looked disappointed when Minerva announced no exams the year of the Basilisk." Pomona chuckled trying to defuse the tension. "So she is really going to be twenty one," Pomona added with a smile understanding this new information.

"That doesn't make any difference, she is still a student," Minerva replied angrily to the group.

"Like I said before, wait until she graduates," said Poppy again.

"It's not as easy as it sounds, Poppy," Minerva actually thought about telling Hermione, but in every scenario came out worse than the one before. "The friendship that I have with Hermione is to priceless to lose . . . And truth be told I don't want to get my heart broken, again," Minerva confessed. "The other professors will be here soon, and personally I don't want any more people to know." Minerva noticed it was ten minutes to six.

"Fine, but we are continuing this discussion." Rolanda said right before Septima Vector and Horace Slughorn walked into the room. Soon after they greeted each other the rest of the staff walked in the room.

Minerva recomposed herself and greeted the professors. Not wanting to waste any more time Minerva started the meeting as soon as the professors sat down.

O.o 0.O o.0 0.O 0.0

The meeting ended as soon as it began. Minerva informed them of the closing of Hogwarts, but would grand permission to a few people to go on the grounds only if they were there to help with the rebuilding. The professors understood why she was doing this, and before they all left several professors made a list to get permission to have certain alumni, friends, and family members to help with the rebuilding. Only Rolanda, Filius, Pomona, and Poppy stayed behind with Minerva.

After Rosmerta brought dinner and bottle of firewhisky Filius put up a silencing charm. He wanted to make sure no one else would walk in on their conversation. Why didn't they put one earlier puzzled him, he was still unsure whether to trust Poppy or not. He was ready to obliviate her memory if necessary.

"I still think I over reacted today with Mr. Wood." Filius said in order to break the silence that over took the group.

"I'm pretty sure anyone else would have reacted the same way, love. Today after all is still one of the hardest days to get thru." Pomona laid her hand on top of his for comfort. Her hazel green eyes began to water thinking of Azalea, their daughter.

"Don't worry about it Filius," was all Rolanda could say her eyes began to get teary as well; she was there when Azalea died.

Minerva gave Filius a faint smile, "Don't stress over it Filius. You acted the same as Rolanda and I."

"Well, just me. You were a bit distracted out there," teased Rolanda. She was not about to waste an opportunity on reopening their previous discussion.

"I was not distracted; I was checking the progress of the Quidditch Pitch," smirked Minerva.

"Or you were checking out the curves of …"

"The Quidditch Pitch, Rolanda." Minerva glared at her. A rich laughter came from the tiny wizard and his wife. Minerva was happy to finally see them laughing, even if it was at her expense.

"Rolanda the discussion is over, just drop it," Minerva stated calmly.

"Oh please, Minerva, we are just curious how you fell in love with Miss Granger? When did it start? How long have you been in love with her?" Poppy pleaded

With a raised eyebrow and already knowing the answer Minerva asked, "Do you really want to know?"

"Yes," everyone said eagerly. "Please," Pomona added to be kind.

Minerva took a deep breath and told her friends how she fell in love with the young witch. Minerva never openly shared something so private, so they were hanging on her every word and did not dare interrupt her. She explained that it started as admiration for her pupil and slowly turned to friendship. How they would talk over tea about school subjects, debate on articles that appeared in Transfiguration Today, but she reassured them that it never got too personal. Silent tears flowed down from Minerva's emerald eyes as she described how she felt when she was hit by the four stunners. "The fear of never seeing Hermione again scared me more than death itself. That's how I knew I was falling in love with her." They couldn't help going wide eyed, but Minerva ignored the startled looks, and went on to say how she denied what she was feeling and how she distanced herself from Hermione. They nodded their understanding. Then she told them how much she missed Hermione and worried about her safety this past year. That's when she admitted to herself that she was in love with the Gryffindor student. Last she confessed how upset she was when she believed Hermione was engaged to Ronald, and how elated she was when she found out she was wrong.

Again they sat in silence not knowing what to say. Minerva was waiting on pins and needles for them to say anything. Each having different expression on their faces; Filius and Pomona looked like they were weighing the pros and cons to the situation with arched eyebrows and head nods, Poppy looked worried even a bit upset - not much difference there, and Rolanda seem to be in deep thought - which Minerva knew it wasn't a good thing.

"Say something," Minerva couldn't stand the silence anymore.

Rolanda smiled as she said, "She's in love with you too."

"For heaven's sakes Rolanda, I am old and she not even. . ."

"You are not old Minerva," Rolanda was beyond frustrated at Minerva, "Minerva we are the same age. We. Are. Not. Old. Muggle women dream, pray, and pay to look half as good as we do. We are witches. I don't need to remind you that you are really half your age, which means that there is a ten year age gap between you and Granger. So don't you dear use that excuse anymore." Rolanda knew she would be the only one, (other than Albus), to get away with talking to Minerva like that. Plus she can turn herself back if Minerva changed her into a toad.

"Fine," Minerva said defeated, "but Hermione is not even gay."

"Oh, she is a lesbian," Rolanda said in her all knowing tone.

"Why? Is your gaydar finally working?" Minerva laughed.

Rolanda joked backed, "Actually yes. After many years of experience in this field I can bet Granger is into women. I'm sure she is either a lesbian or bisexual."

"I think you need to get you gaydar check, but all right, let say she is, what then?" Minerva fired back knowing Rolanda wouldn't know how to answer that, or at least she hoped she didn't have an answer. Filius', Pomona's, and Poppy's eyes went wide with disbelieve. They lean in closer to see how Rolanda was going to responded.

With a grin Rolanda answered, "We get her to fall in love with you."

"We?" all three said simultaneously with a bit of shock. Minerva was too shocked to know what to say this was by far the craziest thing Rolanda has ever said.

"Yes us as in we," Rolanda smile at them.

"You've been hit with the bludger one too many times," Minerva shook her head; her friend had finally lost her mind.

"I say we do it, count me in," Poppy said hurriedly, knowing the two would argue all night. Rolanda gave her a crooked smile; she would rather have Hagrid's help knowing full well that the man could not keep a secret. She would have to keep a close eye on Poppy from now on.

With one shared look and a nod Filius and Pomona agreed with each other to help out Minerva. How could they not, she was always there for them. "Count us in too," Pomona smiled. "Yes, we lived a good life, count us in," Filius added.

"What is that supposed to mean?" Rolanda did her best to sound offended, knowing all too well why that statement was expressed.

"You know why, all your crazy schemes have ended us in St. Mongo's at least ten times. You almost sent us to Azkaban twice in the same year. Lost our wands and had us arrested by muggle Aurors", Pomona gave Rolanda a menacing glare. Truth be told Pomona and Filius love remembering those crazy schemes, those where happy, but dangerous memories, not that they would ever admit it too Rolanda.

"There was the house elf incident in 68', the mini fairy war in 72', being chased by vampires in 73, and not to mention you're the one who got Dedalus Diggle to set off the shooting starts in Kent in 81," Filius was actually naming his favorite schemes that Rolanda got them into.

"Okay, you have a point, but this plan isn't as crazy as my other schemes." Rolanda argued backed.

"Fine, what do you have in mind," Pomona actually couldn't wait to start the plan.

"Okay, first we prove I am right about Granger being a lesbian," Rolanda gave a devilish smirk the wheels in her head where turning.

"Filius you and Pomona can talk to Lovegood and Longbottom, they might know something. I can talk to the Weasleys and Potter," order Rolanda. The wizard and his wife nodded, while the mediwitch cleared her throat. "Oh. You," Rolanda didn't really want Poppy there, "umm, I don't know, umm look something up in her medical records." Rolanda shrugged.

"You can get info out of Lavender Brown, from the way she and Ronald Weasley where kissing in the great hall I'm sure they are dating now, so she might know something too. I heard she is still seeing you for her, umm . . . treatment, so maybe you can ask her or something," Pomona offered, she wanted to scold Rolanda for her childish behavior.

Poppy gave a weak smile and nod to Pomona. It had been over 30 years ago since Minerva had forgiven her, but the rest had not.

Rolanda rolled her eyes and continued, "After we confirm I was right. Minerva, you will have to . . ."

"Get a new wardrobe, regardless of whether we find out Ms. Granger is gay or not." Poppy interrupted Rolanda, "A bit more modern and tighter; something to show off your figure. What? You do have an amazing figure, Minerva." A light blush colored Poppy's cheeks, she saw Minerva naked when she had to treat her for the stunners. "Change your look a bit - wear your hair down. You'll look, umm, less stern."

"I agree with Poppy, umm, you do look a bit too stern sometimes. You can put your hair in different braids, twist, or different style of buns. As for a new wardrobe, I say we go shopping next Friday after Filius leaves for Australia." Pomona smiled at Minerva, already scheming for her to wear a yellow dress.

"What do you say Minerva, would you go shopping with Pomona?" Poppy gave her a pleading look.

"You're not going?" Minerva asked a bit sadden, she didn't want Poppy to feel left out.

"No, I believe that Filius is leaving on the fifth of June," Filius nodded at Poppy, "I have to get a few things done that day before I leave to the States to visit my children." She smiled at the group.

"Alright, I'll go, but no pastels or neon colors, Pomona," Minerva narrowed her gaze at Pomona, knowing to well that the herbologist was plotting for her to wear something yellow. 'Sorry Hufflepuff, but yellow is not my color,' Minerva thought as she stared at Pomona. Pomona nodded with a disappointed smile knowing yellow was out.

"Wait, you're okay with this? You're actually going to go through with it, Minerva?" Filius believed Minerva would stop this by now.

"I only have two options here, Filius. One I go along with this plan and know exactly what's going on every step of the way, and have more controlled on what is going on. Or I can argue all night with Rolanda, she'll do it anyways. Gets you lot involved, and then foolish incidents happen all year - driving me crazy to a point that I'll do something rash - like confessing to Hermione that I'm in love with her before the school year is over." Minerva responded with a defeated tone.

"Good point," was all Filius could say.

"You know me so well," Rolanda grinned, "after your new wardrobe slash new look. We get her to fall in love with you."

"No love potions or charms," Minerva's voice left no room for argument. The other just nodded their heads.

"Of course, it wouldn't be fair to you or Granger, you have our word Minerva." Rolanda answered with a strict tone. "That also means that you have to be willing to open up more to her. Have more tea time, start animagus training, talk to her about things other than school, that way she gets to know the real you, not Professor McGonagall. Who knows, you'll get to know the real Hermione Granger and find out she isn't at all what you believe."

"Rolanda has a point Minerva," Poppy didn't dare look at Rolanda, who no doubt was giving her a death glare for agreeing with her. Poppy also knew that the last part was towards her.

"We are not saying to seduce her, Minerva; we are just saying to be more open to her. Build your friendship," Pomona added, knowing that Minerva was about to protest.

Minerva thought for a few moments and nodded, "Alright, I'll build my friendship with Hermione." The group smiled at her, they knew deep down it was going to take a lot of work.

"If I may add to this plan," Filius turned a rosy as the women turn to look at him. 'Why must I be the only man in the group,' he thought. Albus would have loved to see this plan develop and offer wisdom to help them along the way. He even wish Snape was here - Severus would walk out of the room and called them all crazy and that they were wasting time, but he would secretly help in his own way.

"Filius," Pomona called out to her husband who all of the sudden was miles away.

"Sorry dear, as I was saying, if I may add to this plan? Please don't be offended Minerva" he turn crimson, "It's really meant to be a complement." His cheeks were burning. "You should remove the glamor charms you have on. What I mean to say is, being a level 6 Charms Master , well it's very easy to detect that you have several charms to make you look older than you really are. I mean Pomona and I are 6 years older than you, and you look a bit older than us. Unless you don't want to take them off, it's your choice after all."

"Why on earth would you want to look older Minerva?" an appalled Rolanda asked.

"It's not as if I enjoy looking older Rolanda. I started using the charms when I first started teaching. I was only a few years older than most of the students. I thought it would be easier to follow orders from someone older than someone who is about the same age as you. It became a habit, second nature to always have the charms on," Minerva defended herself.

"How many charms do you have on?" a carious Rolanda asked.

"Five - one to make my hair lighter, another to make my eyes look older, one adds wrinkles, another one gives me age spots, and last to make my skin look older."

"I knew it! There had to be a logical reason why you look so much older than me. Take them off, let see what you look like without them," Rolanda demanded.

Minerva rolled her eyes and with two flicks of her wand the charms disappeared.

"Wow," whispered Poppy. Minerva's raven hair became a jet black, her dark emerald eyes got a shade brighter, the few wrinkles she had faded away, age spots vanished, and her warm skin tone turn pure ivory. She looked like a woman in her late 20s or early 30s instead of a woman that looked in her 40s or early 50s. Minerva always took good care of herself and was in excellent shape, but Poppy always wonder why Minerva looked a bit older than them. Minerva gave another two flicks of her wand and the charms where back on.

"Maybe you can take them off one at a time," Poppy suggested, "I . . . I mean take one off now then in a few week take off another or reduce the charms until they're nothing ."

"This is what you meant Filius?" Minerva asked the Charms Master.

"Yes"

"Then I will reduce the charms as the year goes by," Minerva gave him a small smile. Filius let out a breath of relief.

"Great, so that's our plan." Rolanda grinded at the group, "We prove that I am right about Granger, a new wardrobe, build you're friendship with her, and as the year goes by you reduce the unnecessary charms you have on. We can always add to this plan as the year goes by."

"This is going to be a very long year, isn't it?" Filius asked no one in particular.

Suddenly a light sliver butterfly patronus flutter around them and landed gracefully in the middle of the table. A sultry voice spoke, "Professor McGonagall there are two letters here for you, both seem very important. I've been trying to get in there for the last half hour, so if you would be so kind to remove whatever charms you have put up. You're worse than the students." With that the patronus faded away.

"Must be from the Ministry, Rosmerta wouldn't bother us for any other reason." Rolanda eyes lit up, causing the others to roll their eyes at her. It was no secret that Rolanda had a crush on Rosmerta.

"Right because Rosmerta isn't nosy at all," Poppy muttered out loud. She absolutely could not stand Rosmerta. It was bad enough that she was a shameless flirt with both men and women - married or not, but what got to Poppy the most was that Rosmerta couldn't mind her own business.

Rolanda was about to defend Rosmerta's honor, but was stopped by Minerva's question, "Who put up the charm?" Minerva was staring right at her.

"It was me," all turn to stare at the small man who again turned crimson. "I believed it would be safer so nobody else would hear what we were discussing," Filius couldn't help but stare at Poppy to make his point.

"Take off the charm Filius," Minerva pinched the bridge of her nose.

With a flick of the wrist Filius removed the charm, and with another he sent out his own patronus telling Rosmerta that she could come in.

Within seconds a curvaceous bottle blonde with dark roots walked in the room carrying two letters. Rosmerta handed them to Minerva still wondering who they were from. "Seems they're from the Ministry," she gave a beaming smile to Minerva.

"Thank you Rosmerta," Minerva gave a quick glance at the letters, "I must be leaving, and I'll pay for our dinner downstairs."

"You're welcome, and dinner is on the house Professor," Rosmerta smiled at the group.

Minerva smiled, "Thank you." She was about to leave when she heard Pomona ask, "What did you mean we are worse than the students, Rosie?"

"Oh, The Golden Trio and friends are down at the pub eating dinner as well. The charm they are using didn't let me go near them, and apparently they couldn't hear me either. I was concern for Miss Granger; she looked a bit upset, practically in tears. They must have used the same charm as you." Rosmerta smiled at Filius, "You taught them well Professor." The group chuckled.

Upon hearing Hermione was upset Minerva quietly left the room and headed to the pub area. The others gave each other knowing looks. The group rose from their seats and started to get ready to leave as well.

"Thank you again Rosie for dinner," Pomona said when Rosmerta was about to ask about the letters Minerva received.

"Yes, thank you. Dinner was delicious as ever," Filius added to distract her even more.

"Yes, thank you, Rose," Poppy said more crude that she intended to.

"You're very welcome Professors," Rosmerta gave one of her beaming smiles oblivious to Poppy's rudeness.

They were already heading out the door when Rosmerta asked Rolanda if she could have a word with her. With a beaming smile of her own Rolanda stayed behind with Rosmerta.

Poppy lingered to watch them just for a moment. The scene of two witches gave her a sharp pain in her stomach and her heart felt like it was squeezed. Giving them a disgusted glare she left the room in a hurry.

With calming breaths Poppy made her way down the stairs. She noticed the pub area was packed and chatter filled the air. It was no wonder why the group of students used a silencing charm. Poppy saw Filius and Pomona standing at the bottom of the stairs watching Minerva leave the pub.

"What happened?" Poppy asked the married couple.

"Don't know. She was just standing there, then suddenly the group stared at her, and she left," Filius answered with concern in his voice.

"We should make sure she is okay," Pomona didn't wait for a reply and walked out of the Three Broomsticks with the two following behind her.

Luckily for them Minerva didn't apparate away.

"Are you okay Min," asked Poppy.

Minerva nodded, "Yes I'm fine. I had to make sure she was okay. As I got near their table I could see they were happy and enjoying their dinner. Then I just froze - I froze."

"It was probably the charm they were using. There is no need to worry," Filius smiled.

"You're right," Minerva gave him a weak smile.

"What did I miss," Rolanda asked as she got near them.

"Nothing," Minerva's smiled. The last thing she wanted was Rolanda teasing her.

"Are the letters urgent," Pomona changed the subject.

"Not at all; one is from Firenze and the other is from Kingsley," Minerva smiled at the group.

"Already getting letters from the new Minister of Magic, Headmistress?" Rita Skeeter asked as she approached the small group of professors.

"Ms. Skeeter, I've been meaning to have a word with you," Minerva gave the reporter a fake smile.

"Oh, you have," Skeeter eyes widen and gave the headmistress a fake smile of her own.

"We better leave," Rolanda whispered to the group as Minerva went to talk to Skeeter, "We wouldn't want to be witnesses at Minerva's murder trial."

"Oh dear, you better have a bed and supplies ready Poppy," Pomona glance at Minerva and the soon to be Late - Rita Skeeter.

*I know, I know – Hermione only use the Time Turn once, I just wanted to make her a bit older.

Thank you so much for reading. Please review!