Work Text:
If all else fails, check the University library.
“There she is. I should have known,” Pandora muttered under her breath.
She slipped between the stacks and made a beeline for the table near the back. Lily had her long, auburn hair wrapped up into a messy bun with a pencil stabbed through it. A was a classic sign that she was buried deep in her research. If left to her own devices, her wife would squirrel away in those dusty tombs for days, eating nothing but an expired granola bar from her purse.
“Excuse me, Miss Evans?”
Pandora slowed her steps as she watched the tall man approach Lily’s table. He was almost handsome, if she squinted a bit. His oversized jumper wasn’t doing him any favours.
As usual, Lily released an annoyed huff as she glanced up. “That’s Dr. Evans, Professor Lupin. What do you need?”
Oh, she was deep, deep in the rabbit hole this time.
Lily was never snippy with her co-workers unless she had specifically requested no interruptions. Which explained why she’d turned her phone off too. Pandora’s plan to surprise her for lunch was thwarted by a deep dive into…
17th century Grimoires and Spell Books. Ah yes, light reading.
“Sounds about right,” Pandora said under her breath. She crossed her arms over her waist and leaned against a bookshelf. That’s what happens when you marry a hot history nerd.
The man apologised profusely for the title slip-up, clearly caught off-guard by Lily’s sharp tone. He asked her a series of questions about something “archaic” and “ancestral” before awkwardly fumbling with a book in his bag. Pandora may even have felt bad for him if he wasn’t in her way.
“I’d really like to hear your thoughts on the historical context of this novel,” he said. “Could we discuss this over lunch, perhaps?”
Not so fast, interloper.
“She has plans for lunch, actually,” Pandora said, with more attitude than was probably warranted. She wanted her message to be clear. Back off. She’s mine!
Lily’s head snapped up at the sound of her voice as a bright smile lit up her oh-so-lovely freckled face. “I do?”
“With who?” Lupin asked, glancing between them in bewilderment.
“With her absurdly possessive wife,” Pandora answered casually. “I’d clear out before she sees you hitting on Dr. Evans.”
Lupin backed up a step, shaking his head. “Oh no, I wasn’t—”
“Relax, Professor. She’s joking,” Lily said, rolling her eyes fondly.
Pandora hummed a vague disagreement as she walked around the table. She leaned in to kiss her wife’s cheek, then draped her arms around Lily’s neck and glared menacingly at the man. He made a hasty exit shortly thereafter.
“As happy as I am to see you,” Lily said, leaning into her embrace, “you shouldn’t terrorise the other professors, my love. Besides, he’s married to a man.”
“Good for him. Where am I taking you for lunch, mon cœur ?” Pandora asked, nuzzling her temple. “Anywhere you want, it’s my treat.”
Lily’s grin widened. “Your treat? In that case, Paris!”
“Don’t threaten me with a good time. I will charter a plane and—”
“Pandora, no! Fish and chips is fine.” Lily quickly packed up her things and shooed Pandora toward the exit. “Charter a plane…you’re ridiculous.”