"What are you doing over the summer, Poppy?" Rolanda asked, taking a seat beside the mediwitch. The students had finally left, and the staff were gathered in the Room of Requirement which Albus always requested be set up as a large living room to accommodate all the staff for a party. It was always more laid back than the Christmas Eve parties, most of them looking forward to a restful summer. Poppy always enjoyed the time to spend with her colleagues. Being in the hospital wing all day meant her day to day interactions with everyone were limited. They included her every time they spent time together, but she always felt slightly left out amongst all the teachers. Parties like the end of year one always helped her to feel more included.

Poppy swirled the wine in her glass a little. "I don't plan on being in the castle the whole time, if that's what you're asking."

Rolanda laughed. "Well, that's certainly a start."

Pomona sat down as well, putting an arm around her shoulder. "We need to get this one out more."

Poppy shook her head. She loved her girl friends more than anything, but they were so much more outgoing than she had ever been. The witch had always found herself closest to Minerva because they were slightly more alike. Sometimes she found it incredibly hard to relate to Rolanda's sexual escapades and Pomona's ability to put herself out there. Minerva, like herself, was a little more reserved and to herself. "I assure you, I'm fine right where I'm at."

"Even Minerva is getting herself hooked up," Pomona said, motioning to where their friend stood talking to Severus.

"Act your age, Ro!" Poppy replied, rolling her eyes. Minerva was a kind woman. She had befriended Severus because she was a forgiving person. Poppy refused to believe Rolanda and Pomona's obsession with the idea that something romantic was going to happen between Minerva and Severus. Minerva was smarter than to get herself involved with a colleague who was not only half her age, but a former criminal. "I'm more concerned about what you two are doing this summer. I hope it clears your heads of this nonsense you two have been talking all year."

Poppy couldn't help but look over to Minerva and Severus out of curiosity. It was no secret that the two had become friends and that Severus was more comfortable around Minerva than anyone else. But, that was Minerva's way. When someone needed support, she almost always gave it. "I wish you'd see it," Pomona said.

"Does Minerva know you two are convinced she and Severus have some sort of…romantic…spark or however you're describing it this week?"

"Oh hell no!" Rolanda exclaimed. "They need to sort this out on their own."

"At least we're on the same page with that," Poppy muttered, finishing off her wine. "I'm going to get another drink, if you don't mind." Poppy stood from her spot, figuring she'd stop and speak to Minerva before she poured herself another glass. The two had barely spoken all evening. Poppy put a hand on her friend's shoulder, turning her attention away from Severus.

"Poppy!"

"I'm getting myself another glass, thought you'd join me."

"Of course. Excuse me, Severus," Minerva said, squeezing the Potion Master's arm. Poppy raised an eyebrow at the gesture but didn't otherwise comment. "What are your plans for the summer?"

Poppy laughed. "I hope you don't attack me the way Ro and Pomona did." Minerva laughed, pouring herself a rather generous glass of wine. "Nothing out of the ordinary. I'm going to my brother's for a little while, but I'll be here preparing for the fall for much of it."

Minerva leaned against the tale the alcohol was one. "I supposed that wasn't wild enough for Rolanda?"

"Nothing ever is."

"Well, you know, I'll be here as well," Minerva replied. "We haven't spent nearly enough time together this year."

Poppy smiled. "I know you've had a long year."

Minerva nodded. "There were so many changes…I'm afraid the Order took up a lot of my spare time. And with The Dark Lord's fall and Severus coming onto staff…"

Rubbing Minerva's arm, Poppy was glad to finally get a chance to speak to her alone. "I know, my dear. That's how it is being friends with you. You're needed by so many people, so we can go months without seeing much of each other. It's part of why I love you."

"I've missed you, Poppy. I'm sorry I haven't been around."

"We have years like this, Min. There's been plenty before now and will be." Poppy meant what she said; Minerva had always been fiercely independent. As a friend, she was loyal to the end, but she wasn't the type of woman who held weekly girls' nights the way Pomona and Rolanda did. Minerva came when she came, and when she wanted to be alone, she was alone. When they were young, Poppy had taken it personally, thinking that Minerva didn't like her. But, as they grew up and Minerva was by her side every time she needed her, even if they hadn't spoken in months, Poppy realized Minerva didn't trouble herself with how much she saw people. She focused on being there as soon as they needed her. It wasn't that Minerva never did anything fun with them, but when she was busy, she didn't worry herself over missing out on time with them.

Minerva laughed, taking a sip of her wine. "I appreciate your patience, Poppy. I always have." Poppy put a hand on Minerva's, throwing her a small smile. "This year has been something…"

"I know."

"I haven't been much fun, have I?"

Poppy laughed. "You've been busy. But, we've had our usual good times, don't you worry."

Minerva nodded. "I'm afraid I could have been a better friend, and for that I apologize."

"Nothing to apologize for, dear."

They sat in a small bought of silence, Poppy glad to be with her friend for the first time in a while without the bother of Rolanda and Pomona gossiping over Severus. "Are you alright?"

"Hm?" Minerva looked confused by her question.

"I just…I know the war ending and things with the Order have been intense. Of course, I don't know details. But, you've looked tired."

"I am. But, I'm hoping things lighten up next year. With the Dark Lord gone and the ministry in full swing to get his followers away, I'm hoping our need is much less."

Poppy nodded. "How is Severus adjusting?"

Minerva's eyes widened and found their way over to the Potion's Master who was standing in the corner. Filius was chatting with him, but it looked like Filius was doing most of the chatting. A small smile played across her lips, which Poppy saw she hid with her wine glass as she took a sip. "I think it's an adjustment we are all still making. He's become a good friend."

"I've noticed. We all have." Poppy wanted desperately to tell Minerva about the ridiculous gossip spreading amongst their friends, but as Poppy watched her friend's eyes follow Severus upon her mention of him, she found herself not wanting to broach the subject. Something about the way Minerva was looking at him was different. Poppy wouldn't call it lust the way the others would, but there was definitely more beneath the surface. It seemed more personal than Minerva was willing to share. "I'm glad he has you," Poppy added quickly. "But, please, be careful, Min."

"Be careful?"

"He has a history."

"And don't we all?"

"Not like this."

Minerva narrowed her eyes, and Poppy immediately regretted her words. She hadn't meant to upset Minerva, but she would be lying if she didn't say she was worried. Everyone seemed to have come to trust Severus quickly, but she couldn't bring herself to welcome him in the way they did. Sure, Albus had appointed him, but Poppy knew the Headmaster's judgement wasn't perfect. Even if Severus had turned sides, she knew he brought a lot of baggage and darkness Minerva didn't need. She worried how much more Severus was adding to her stress. "I understand that none of you, save Filius, have had a desire to befriend Severus this year. I understand he hasn't been open to any of you either, and I understand why you are wary of his intentions. But, I ask that you don't question my choice to show him a semblance of friendship." Minerva's scolding teacher voice had become so deeply part of her persona that it became easy for her to switch mid-conversation. Poppy looked closely at her friend, trying not to show the fear Minerva could instill in her after so many years of friendship.

"I wasn't questioning you. I'm just worried…I don't know if I'll ever trust him completely."

Minerva's expression softened slightly. "It's been a long day, Poppy. If you excuse me, I think I'm going to retire." Minerva stood from her seat, and Poppy stood as well. The mediwitch reached out to grab her arm, not wanting to end the school year on poor terms with her friend she had so desperately missed.

"Min, please…I don't want to fight. Not over a man." Poppy couldn't help but feel a smile creep up on her, thinking back to a time in their school years where her and Minerva hadn't spoken for a week because Poppy had kissed a boy Minerva had a crush on. "Not like Bernard Fletcher," she added, hoping a bit of humor could relieve the tension.

Much to her relief, a large smile formed across Minerva's face. She laughed, a hearty laughed that Poppy hadn't heard from her in a long time. "Oh, Merlin. This fight may be over a man, but thankfully not over romance. We remember how poorly that ended."

Poppy laughed as well. "I remember it ended rather well for me."

Minerva leaned in closer, whispering in her ear, "But, I never told you what happened when Bernard and I went into the Forbidden Forest one night."

Poppy widened her eyes. Over the years, she and Minerva had shared all their girlish secrets from childhood, or so Poppy had thought. "Is there more to the Bernard story than I thought?"

Minerva finished off her glass with one sip, placing it on the table in front of them. "Perhaps I'll tell you one night this summer." With that, Minerva made her way towards some of the other professors, saying her goodbyes and promptly leaving the party.

When Minerva was far out of sight, Rolanda approached Poppy. "Are you and Minerva alright?"

"Oh, we're fine," Poppy replied, shooing her off. "I didn't mention Severus if that's what you're asking."

Rolanda laughed. "Good." She raised her glass towards the Potion's master. "Because I've been watching the look on his face since she left. His eyes followed her out the door."

Poppy rolled her eyes. "Have a good night, Ro." Following her friend's footsteps, Poppy made her rounds to say goodbye until the next term.