25th March 1958

"McGonagall!" Minerva barked.

Malcolm McGonagall jumped and turned to see his sister marching purposefully towards him. "It isn't what you think," he said desperately once Minerva was standing in front of him. "Honest."

Minerva pursed her lips. "Hand it over," she said sternly.

Malcolm sighed and pulled out a small phial of liquid from his cloak pocket. He gave it to Minerva who instantly narrowed her eyes and inspected the liquid.

"Have you tried to brew a potion yourself?" she asked, frowning. "What is this?"

Malcolm put his hands into his pocket. "Robert dared me to try making liquid luck," he admitted grumpily. "I don't think it worked."

"Did you know that an improperly brewed liquid luck potion can also act as a de-ageing potion?" Minerva told him seriously. "You didn't try this did you?"

He shook his head.

Minerva pursed her lips and pocketed the bottle. "It can have lasting damage on whoever drinks it," she informed him. "As is the case with several potions that are made without the proper instructions or methods. That is why a teacher supervises you when you brew potions at school," she added. "I advise you not to listen to everything that your brother tells you."

"Sorry," Malcolm mumbled.

Minerva looked at him for a moment. "I don't want to catch you trying anything like this again," she said. "It can be very dangerous." Malcolm nodded and Minerva pressed her lips together. "Off to your next class, then," she said, finally, "or you will be late."

Malcolm didn't argue and instantly hurried away. Minerva watched him for a while before sighing and continuing her way down the corridor. It wasn't long before she was forced to stop once again.

"Professor McGonagall?"

"Miss Pomfrey?"

"Could I have a word please, Professor?" The girl was looking a little nervous. "In private?" Glancing around, Minerva spotted the Defence against the Dark Arts classroom. Knowing that Merrythought did not teach at this hour, Minerva knocked on the door nevertheless before opening the door. The room was empty. Gesturing at Poppy Pomfrey to follow her, she walked into the room and let the door slowly shut.

"I'm sorry to disturb you like this but," she paused and bit her lip. "I've noticed that my grades have been slipping in Transfigurations and-well obviously that's not what I want. So, what I'm really asking is… well… hum… is it possible for you to give me extra lessons?"

Minerva raised her eyebrows slightly. "I don't think you should be that concerned with your grades, Pomfrey. As I recall you are getting a combination of Exceeds Expectations and Outstandings."

"I know," Poppy said. "But I need to get Outstanding in my NEWTs if I want to become a Healer. I wouldn't want to miss my opportunity to get onto St Mungo's Healer programme," she added. "I would be really grateful if I could get the extra support, Professor."

Minerva looked at the seventh year, looking at her hopefully. Minerva finally nodded. "If that is what you wish, Miss Pomfrey, then I am perfectly happy to offer my support."

Poppy smiled looking relieved. "Thank you, Professor. I really appreciate it."

Minerva shook her head. "Not at all," she said. "I am available Wednesday evenings. I believe a one hour lesson should be sufficient."

Poppy nodded. "I agree," she said, before repeating, "Wednesday sounds fine. Thank you so much, Professor."

Minerva nodded and Poppy smiled. before hurrying away. Minerva picked up her books from the desk she had placed them on and followed her student out of the room.

She arrived in Hogsmeade fifteen minutes later and was immediately greeted by Elphinstone who seemed to have been waiting for her at the carriages drop off point.

"Minerva!" he exclaimed, giving her a hand to help her out of the carriage.

"Hello Elphinstone," she replied, taking his hand and getting out from the carriage.

"I didn't think you would be able to make it because it is a weekday," he admitted as they walked down the cobbled street covered with a thin layer of snow.

"I always have Wednesday afternoon off," shrugged Minerva and Elphinstone chuckled.

"Good because I have something I have been meaning to ask you," he said, looking much more serious than before.

Peering at him closely and frowning slightly, Minerva thought she detected a bit of fear in his features. A little confused but sure that it couldn't be anything bad, she nodded indicating that he could carry on speaking.

"Well…" he chuckled nervously, "I'm not sure where to start," he confessed, wringing his hands together. Minerva looked up at him again, astonished to see her friend so nervous. She was about to open her mouth to speak when he continued, "The thing is, Minerva, I enjoy being in your company. We've known each other for some years now and… I suppose what I'm trying to say is," he took a shaky breath, "I like you, Minerva McGonagall, I really like you and I was wondering if you wanted to mar–"

Minerva couldn't bear to let him finish. "I'm sorry Elphinstone, I truly am but no. I-I…" but Minerva couldn't say what she was. Her heart squeezed painfully in her chest and her head started to pound. The memories of her time with Dougal came pouring back preventing her from thinking of anything else but of her disappointment with Dougal and the fact that a part of her was still in love with him.

"Min –" he started to say, but she held up her hand.

"I can't Elphinstone. I'm sorry but no. I think I should go," and with that she turned and left, deciding to walk instead of taking a carriage: she wanted time to mull things over and she also didn't want her students to see her in this state.

Elphinstone was a kind person, which was why Minerva had been meeting up with him frequently since she had started at Hogwarts. Nevertheless, their friendship was nothing more than just that – a friendship. She felt awful for putting him down in such a manner however she could not help it. The thought of getting into a relationship one more time scared her. It also felt like a betrayal to Dougal whom she still had feelings for.

Arriving now at the Hogwarts gate she entered the castle and walked to the Great Hall for lunch. Despite not wanting to be around others, Minerva was very hungry. As she approached the staff table she noticed Dumbledore watching her carefully.

"Minerva my dear, are you all right?" asked Dumbledore, frowning.

Minerva sat down. "I am perfectly all right, Albus," she answered without elaborating.

"I thought you were eating with Elphinstone," said Dumbledore who hadn't failed to notice the slight shake in Minerva's voice.

"I was going to but I left," she answered shortly. "We disagreed about something."

"I am sure it isn't anything that cannot be resolved."

Minerva pursed her lips tightly as she poured herself some water with almost imperceptibly trembling hands. She was silent for the rest of the time it took her to eat and she left the Great Hall abruptly after that - ignoring Albus' concerned looks.

Ah, Elphinstone I'm sorry to say but it's going to take you a while. Read and Review, please :) it would make my day!