when is a question not a question

[mudblood_andproud]

Hermione has her hands full when she enters the Nexus today. She has a large box in her hands, which has Crookshanks laying on top of it.

"Where do you want to go?" She speaks to the cat softly. He blinks at her a couple of times. Hermione smiles softly, and heads towards the Grand Library. Their favorite place to visit. The same place where they first visited when they entered this area of the Nexus, so many months ago.

She sets down the box gently. Crookshanks closes his eyes, content with the location. He seems to be guarding the box. Or whatever is inside the box.

Hermione doesn't seem to have a question today. She pulls a large book out of her small beaded bag. And gives Crookshanks another fond smile, petting him softly.

Crookshanks seems to be waiting for someone to appear. Who could it be?

Comments

[boldygoing]

Without a question being asked to draw his attention, Jim doesn't notice the two of them at first, as he passes by. It's not until he hears a familiar chirp hello that he looks up from his padd, and recognizes Crookshanks and his witch. "Hey," he says, tucking the padd under his arm and altering course to approach them. "I didn't expect to see you out here."

[mudblood_andproud]

"You look busy." Hermione observes, noting the padd in Jim's hand. It seems both of the Jim's have a lot to organize right now.

Crookshanks chirps again. Hermione smiles softly. "He was hoping to see you today."

[boldygoing]

"Paperwork is eternal," Jim says, pulling a face. But he doesn't really look stressed by it; the break is a welcome one, and he leans down to stroke Crookshanks' head. "Oh yeah?" he asks, looking back up at Hermione, eyebrows raised. "Is something up?"

[mudblood_andproud]

"Indeed it is."

Hermione looks over at Crookshanks fondly. And smiles sadly. "He wanted to let you know how much he values his friendship with you. That he admires your strength, your courage and your loyalty."

"And he wishes to give you a legacy. To remember him."

[not_the_question]

The Doctor doesn't have K-9 today, but he is using a staff once again to help him balance. He would curse the weather and his old age, but he knows it has everything to do with the stasis of his regeneration. He just doesn't like admitting that any more.

He too has come to the Library, if only because this one has information from all the universes. The TARDIS only has selections from the universes she herself has travelled to. He waves at the cat in greeting. And smiles at the girl.

"Hullo, Hermione. Haven't seen you in awhile. How have you been?"

[mudblood_andproud]

"I have been good. Busy, but it is a good busy." Hermione has accomplished a lot with the Ministry of Magic. And her work is now being noticed.

Crookshanks notices the regeneration energy around The Doctor. And he chirps softly, in understanding.

[not_the_question]

The Doctor looks back at Crookshanks but explains for Herminone's benefit. "It's fine. Not as painful as it looks, anyway. Well, most of the time."

He smiles something kind of awkward at Hermione. "You may or may not know, I don't know how quickly news travels here, but it doesn't really matter. I'm in a sort of stasis here. Wish it were a little more stable than it is, but causal nexus, there's bound to be instability."

He flexes his hand and the regeneration energy becomes visible for a moment before fading again. "Regeneration. It's always a dodgy process. No clue how long I'll be in this condition here. Maybe forever."

[delphicbooksandbaubles]

She's half browsing, half pondering some ideas when the scent of cat reaches her nose. {Oh kitty } she thinks happily and glances around looking for it. She could use a little break.

[mudblood_andproud]

Crookshanks does not move from his spot on top of the box, even as Hermione gets settled. He is the only cat that she will be able to smell.

The cardboard box itself seems to be lacking any scent. Not even the smell of cardboard.

[delphicbooksandbaubles]

She tilts her head following the scent and then stopping a respectful distance away. And gives them both a friendly smile and wave. Not certain if they want company just as yet. If they were working on something, but she wasn't going to be rude either.

Huh, interesting. A charm or something no doubt. She assumes when she doesn't get any other scents. "Ya know, I don't believe I got a chance to say thank you for the lovely party ya hosted. " She murmurs warmly and sincerely with a smile in Hermione's direction.

[sumarusfinest]

"Hermione? Crookshanks?"

Katsuya's exiting the library when the pair of them appear with their box with a stack of culinary books in hand. Thanks to some recent inspiration he's been working on new recipes to try out at the cafe.

"It's nice to see you two out here. Heading inside for a warm place to read? Shall I get the door for you?"

[mudblood_andproud]

"I believe we were just looking for a place to sit." Hermione looks at Crookshanks for guidance. "Someplace inside would be wonderful."

"How are you today, Kaysuya?"

[sumarusfinest]

"Alright, here we are then."

The officer heads right back up the stairs and pulls the door open for the witch and her kneazle to head on inside. There's plenty of common areas to sit and chat, quietly of course, around the main level.

"I'm doing well. Met up with an old Nexus friend recently and got to catch up. That's always fulfilling. How are the two of you today?"

[gorogorogoro_chan]

A well-dressed gentleman sporting a pair of cool aviator sunglasses is slowly feeling his way through the Nexus. In lieu of a proper long cane, a closed umbrella is helping him suss out his surroundings.

While Hermione is focused on her book, the tip of the umbrella finds the box. The man grunts in surprise and gives the obstacle another exploratory poke to determine its dimensions. This whole blind thing is getting old really fast.

[mudblood_andproud]

Crookshanks swats at the umbrella. Stay away from my box. And hisses.

The sound makes Hermione look up in surprise. "Oh! Do you need assistance?"

[gorogorogoro_chan]

Majima looks startled when he hears a hiss from the mystery object, and then a voice from approximately the same location. "Oh shit, are you a cat? A talking cat? Uh ... sorry if I poked ya."

[fiveofnone]

A familiar-looking Cylon is heading down the steps of the Grand Library. His expression is serious -- more serious than usual, if that's at all possible -- but he cracks a genuine smile upon seeing the witch and her familiar. "Hey, Hermione. Hey, little man." He pulls a small electronic device -- a flashdrive -- and hands it to the witch. "I finished the electronic transcription of the arithmancy book. What's in the box?"

[mudblood_andproud]

"That is wonderful Caspar. Well done."

She smiles at his next question. "That is something that Crookshanks is handling. Is Adia available today?"

[fiveofnone]

"Don't congratulate me until you look through it," he replies, but he's not completely immune to the praise, his smile turning almost bashful. "I'm still getting a feel for the runes."

He looks down at Crookshanks, eyebrows raised, before shrugging and pulling out his PINpoint. "I'll text her. I'm sure she can make time for a cat-related surprise."

[smartass_captain]

Inside the library at one of the many tables Jim's sitting with a stylus hanging out of his mouth while he works fervently on one of the many data pads he's got scattered around him. The quiet of the library made it a great place to work and since his apartment isn't really an option at the moment Jim's come here to get some work done.

It isn't until a chair pulls out across form him that he looks up from his work, sharp gaze softening immediately when he sees his friend and Crookshanks.

"Hey you two." He pulls the stylus out of his mouth and twirls it between his fingers while they take their seats. "I'd say I was surprised to see you but you, in a library? Not so much surprised. How are you guys?"

[mudblood_andproud]

"The library is a second home to us. During my school years, it was usually where Harry or Ron could find me."

Hermione smiles softly at Jim. "I am doing fine. Crookshanks is glad we found you. I hope we did not catch you at a busy moment."

[smartass_captain]

"I was the same whenever things got hectic during the academy. A nice quiet space to get my work done has always done me well."

The box draws a curious glance from Jim, but he won't pry just yet. He doesn't want to be nosy even if he is curious. He gives Crookshanks a grin and holds his hand out to scratch the cat gently behind the ears.

"Yeah? Nah. I mean I'm working yes, but it's nothing that has to be done tomorrow or anything. What's going on?"

[primelogic]

With the cold weather stymieing exploratory ventures in the Nexus, Spock and Jim have taken to quiet afternoons spent playing chess or reading together in their new abode. It does mean an unfortunate trip outside every so often though, and Spock is gratified once he's inside the warmth of the library.

Once he's done shaking the snow from his cloak and robes he's slow to make his way to a new section of the library and select a variety of books for himself and Jim to enjoy for the next few weeks.

He pauses when a familiar human and cat catch his eye.

"Hermione Granger and Crookshanks." He gives a slight bow of his head in way of greeting before slowly approaching. "It is gratifying to see you here. Are you both well?"

[mudblood_andproud]

Hermione smiles in greeting. "I am doing well. And Crookshanks is having a peaceful day, so far."

The cat opens his eyes briefly. And chirps softly.

"He is glad to see you here today, Spock."

[primelogic]

"And I you, my feline friend."

Spock gives a small smile, just a quirk of his lips really, to the cat before pulling up a chair next to Hermione and easing himself into it. It takes longer than it used to but such is the way of getting on in his years.

"Both Jim and I finished that book you gifted us for a second time now. I must say we found it quite fascinating. I wanted to thank you for your suggestion."

Once Spock is seated and his outer robes pulled down to not cover his head anymore he reaches out to give Crookshanks a soft pet. The cat is less animated than usual. Perhaps he is not overly fond of the cold either.