Femslash February: MinervaPoppy

Love in Motion: MinervaPoppy

Insane House Competition: chocolate

Serpent Day: Eastern tiger snake: vanish

Character Appreciation: reliable

Word Count: 382

Minerva wakes with anger in her heart. She doesn't have to look around to know that she's in the hospital wing. The memory of Joseph Lestrange smirking as he sent a Bludger straight at her is still fresh in her mind. She can still feel the bones shattering upon impact, can still see her grip on the broomstick slipping.

"I'll murder him," the Chaser groans.

"Murder is probably not good for your blood pressure."

Minerva almost smiles. She isn't surprised to find Poppy by her side either. Her girlfriend is so reliable. In the two years that they've been dating, Poppy is always there when she needs her most.

"How many bones did I break?" she asks. "I'd like to break the same ones in his body."

Poppy rolls her eyes and climbs to her feet, making her way over to the hospital bed pressing a kiss to Minerva's cheek. "Typical angry Gryffindor," she teases.

"Typical kind and forgiving Hufflepuff," Minerva counters with a grin. "You didn't answer my question."

"Because I don't want you to break anyone's bones," Poppy says. Her hand vanishes from sight for a moment, and she pulls out a bar of chocolate. "I brought you something."

Minerva accepts it and peels the wrapper away. She nibbles the chocolate, enjoying the sweetness. It isn't enough to distract her, of course. Her mind is still set on vengeance. Perhaps it isn't a proper thought for a prefect, but she doesn't care.

"You're still angry," Poppy sighs.

"You would be too if you were in my position."

Except she knows it isn't true. Poppy has always been too kind for her own good. Maybe that's why Minerva loves her so much. Poppy is so easy to talk to, and even easier to love.

The Hufflepuff leans in, kissing Minerva gently. It's amazing how that tender kiss works a magic that no spell or potion ever could. The tension in her body slowly melts away, and Minerva manages a genuine smile. She still wants to slaughter the entire Slytherin Quidditch team, but she can forget about it for a moment. Poppy keeps her calm, and she can pretend that the world is bright and beautiful.

"Better?" Poppy murmurs.

Minerva wraps her arms around the other girl, holding her closer. "Getting there."