Written for the 335 Pairing Bonanza Challenge

Many Reasons

OWL examinations were on again and that meant many of things for Irma Pince.

One. The library was filled with panicked students as they tried to cram as much study as they could into the last few days.

Two. The library was a complete mess. She would be working overtime to try and get it back to its normal state.

Three. Apparently students thought that just because everyone else was there it was okay to make a lot of noise.

Four. And throw parchment at one another from across the room.

Five. She would be coming.

Irma's breath caught at the last thought. It was always the most terrifying, yet most exciting thought at this time of year. They were both getting on in their years now, but the fleeting looks and the soft touches had never changed. Not once. It still felt as if her skin was on fire every time she came to visit, and –

"Such horrible children this year."

Irma smiled as lips pressed against her neck in the now-silent library.

"Oh, I know."

Arms wrapped around her waist.

"And terrible at all the practical, of course."

Irma chuckled. "Funny. They don't seem to have a problem destroying the books."

There was another kiss to her neck before strong arms spun her around so that she was staring into the face of a very old woman; but a happy one.

"It's my favourite time of year," the elder one whispered.

Irma nodded. "Mine too," she agreed.

Both women then laughed, and the elder one cupped Irma's face in her hands and brought lips to lips like she had done for so many years.

There were many reasons why Irma hated the OWLs, but she could not say that Griselda Marchbanks was one of them.

The whole point of this challenge is that you get weird, sometimes (actually most of the time) unbelievable pairings. But... I feel this one could actually work. I enjoyed writing it, and I hope you enjoyed reading it. Please leave a review if you read it (and pop over to HPFC if writing for challenges and / or prompts is your thing)

(Also, ff doesn't like me using . in between OWLs so I had to take them out)