As she recast the spell for the alarm system on the Restricted Section, Irma Pince wondered if she could set a similar spell on the library itself that was specified to the teachers. She didn't want it going off every time someone walked into the library, but she would like to know when there were other teachers about—particularly since Minerva had warned her that there was a rumor going around the staff table that Hermione Granger and Blaise Zabini would be studying together today, which meant that there would probably be more teachers than normal, disrupting her sanctuary.
It was not something that surprised Irma, however. Being who she was, she had a rare opportunity to observe all of the students in different circumstances and times of day. Ms. Granger and Mr. Zabini were two students that she actually did not have any great feelings of animosity towards. They both treated books with the respect they should be given as the great bearers of knowledge they were. It nearly ripped at her insides when students dropped the books, forgot the books, or put them in the wrong spot on the shelves. If they didn't know how to use a book or put it away then they shouldn't be in the library at all!
Ms. Granger was one of those rare students who actually seemed to enjoy reading. Her checkout history was almost a book in itself and was as varied as Professor Dumbledore's would have been if he deigned to tell her when he was taking a book. It irked her to no end that the man could come into her library and take a book or two—sometimes ten—without telling her. Granted, it was a rare time when a student was actually looking for the same book the Headmaster had out, but it was disrespectful to Irma, the students, and the books, to not let them know what was about.
Mr. Zabini, too, seemed to enjoy reading. However, he rarely checked books out, instead spending the majority of his time in the library. There was a particular corner Irma found he had taken over most days of the week. Although Ms. Granger certainly spent more time than most in the library, Mr. Zabini held the record.
Of course, this was not something that Irma had shared with her fellow teachers. On the contrary, there was a rather nice bet going that Ms. Granger would hold the record for most time spent in the library by her graduation date.
Only Irma had money down on Mr. Zabini.
"Madam Pince," a whiny voice called from the other side of the checkout desk.
Irma looked up grumpily, having been distracted from thinking about all the wonderful things she would buy from the bet she had on Mr. Zabini: an original copy of Hogwarts, A History, some new Self-Inking Quills for checking books out… Ah, one of the annoying Patil girls, whichever one it was. She narrowed her eyes, focusing on the badge on the girl's robes. Gryffindor. Parvati Patil. How annoying.
"Yes, Ms. Patil?"
"Madam Pince," she repeated, "I simply cannot find any of the books on the divination of moon signs. I've looked all over the divination section."
Without looking at the checkout list, Irma responded, "Ms. Brown has our only copy out."
Ms. Patil's features drooped visibly, the corners of her mouth falling, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Oh. Thanks."
And she left.
Irma sighed. If only she could leave the humdrum life of a library madam and get a job classifying and organizing books at a major museum or private collection. She'd heard Lucius Malfoy was looking for someone…
She shook herself slightly and narrowed her eyes. Ms. Granger had just entered the library, and rather than her quick, no-nonsense walk towards whichever section she had need of, she hesitated in the doorway. Then she took a step forward, towards the Muggle Studies and History sections, before abruptly turning and coming up to Irma's desk.
"Madam Pince," Ms. Granger began respectably. One always knew that Ms. Granger was speaking to one with respect, rather than mocking one. It was refreshing to know there were still people like Ms. Granger growing up to repopulate the world. "I'm terribly sorry, but have you seen Blaise Zabini in here tonight?"
Irma bestowed a rare smile on the girl, gloating inside. "I'm afraid I haven't seen him yet tonight," she said, watching Ms. Granger's shoulders droop, "But when he comes in he will probably head to that table," she finished, pointing to Mr. Zabini's particular corner.
"Thank you, Madam Pince," Ms. Granger said, her voice low, "Have a wonderful evening."
"You, too, Ms. Granger," Irma responded, letting a ghost of a smile pass her lips as she turned back to the books she was currently sorting. She continued watching the girl out of the corner of her eye as she walked towards the corner, Zabini's corner, of the library farthest from the main doors – and thus, always the least populated, a choice which Irma decided was not coincidental. Though he could converse with others if need be, Mr. Zabini did not actively seek out other students' company. Irma, of course, didn't blame him in the least.
Miss Granger didn't have long to wait. Within five minutes of her abrupt entry, Mr Zabini was making his way through the library, slowly, so as to make certain he didn't miss the young lady in the stacks. Irma smiled secretly, picking up a stack of books she had been waiting to shelve for just this opportunity. She'd been saving the Muggle fiction books ever since she'd heard Severus gloating to Minerva yesterday, hoping that the pair would decide to study in Mr Zabini's oft-used corner. It seemed her wish was to be granted. All that was left was to make certain no one else disturbed the two, which was quickly accomplished with a well-placed Distraction Charm around the three of them: Miss Granger, Mr Zabini, and herself. That would keep the rest of the noisy professors out for at least fifteen minutes. After that, some of those who were better at charms might recognize the tickle at the back of the neck for what it was.
"Hello," Ms. Granger started, "Er, Blaise."
"Hello," he replied. Irma heard a shuffling and then a soft clunk as his bookbag hit the ground. "…May I call you Hermione?"
"Sure," she laughed, the sound a bit high-pitched as she shifted quickly on her chair. "So, did you want to exchange notes or just study for now?"
"How about we start by studying? Are you done with chapter 8?" Another shuffle and a soft thud as a book hit the table, and a rustle of papers and clink of ink jars.
Ms. Granger laughed again, more naturally this time, as she said, "Honestly, I've read through to chapter 13. I've almost finished the work for chapter 9."
Irma could hear the smile in Mr. Zabini's voice. "I've already started chapter 10."
"You have?" No one could affect disbelief better than the estimable Ms. Granger.
"Of course. How else do you think I became the second in our year? Between us, Ravenclaw's not in a good place. Every other year except ours, Ravenclaw has the first three people from their house."
"Where did you find that out?"
"Professor Snape posts the rankings weekly in our Common Room."
"Professor McGonagall doesn't do that for us. At least, I don't think she does. Could I have missed it?"
"It's possible. He might post it, but it isn't prominent."
"I'll have to look when I go in this evening."
The conversation lapsed for a moment as Ms. Granger and Mr. Zabini opened their books, and the sound of quills scraping on parchment became prominent.
"So, the addition of fluxweed too early in brewing would…" Ms. Granger trailed off.
"Render it lethal, wouldn't it?"
"Well, I don't know. See…"
Irma smiled and set the last book in its place. Leaving the distraction charm in place for as long as it would hold, she walked away, feeling very secure that the two would get to know each other quite well by the end of the evening. In fact, she was very certain they would have another meeting before long.