This is so lovely, Mystery Author! You could give a master class on perfect characterization with concision, and I would be the one sitting in the front row taking notes that would put Hermione's best efforts to shame. ::g:: Oh, and there's the lovely little turns of phrase: Irma doubts they fathom the true breadth and depth of the Deputy Headmistress’ knowledge, or the uses of Transfiguration she might teach them if it would not cause the entire Board of Governors to drop dead of a simultaneous heart attack; But she must admit, whatever his failings, the man does possess a silver tongue; gaps between moments A and B that seem only explicable through Apparition; he will sweep past to pluck a book from the shelves with no more acknowledgement than if she were a ghost or portrait; Many a first schoolchild crush – and quite a few later infatuations – have been spawned in the wake of her signature turquoise-heeled strut; By the time Fate brought them back together as colleagues, though, she had regained control of the narrative and made her peace with the abandoned plotlines; With her, he is always the gentleman, but with none of Horace’s airs; But there is only one Irma Pince. And she contains volumes. All of these: bright little nuggets of flawless characterization which cut right to the heart of things. Brava, for a truly wonderful portrait of our Irma!