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

[fiveofnone]

"Glad you like it," Caspar tells Crookshanks with an amused smile. "Smart move outsourcing your childcare, too."

"Don't be flippant," Adia says, but can't help but laugh a little, too. There's something very sweet about watching Caspar speak to Crookshanks like an old friend. It makes her excited for them to have a kneazle of their own to love and care for. She gently shifts Anastasia into Caspar's open hands so she can put the book into her messenger bag. "How many of the kittens are going to other people, Hermione? Are you keeping any?"

[mudblood_andproud]

"Crookshanks won't be able to care for them, himself." Hermione's voice is soft. As she gently pets the fur of her beloved familiar.

"There are six kittens. And the one who is left last, will choose me, once he is assured that his brothers and sisters have all selected their chosen."

[fiveofnone]

Adia catches the mood in Hermione's tone and looks at Crookshanks with a faint frown. "He won't?" Crookshanks is getting up in years, isn't he? Oh, she hopes she's not right about her hunch...

"Who are the other kittens going to?" Caspar asks, oblivious to the implications. He's too busy cuddling Anastasia. The kitten is licking his chin and he has the stupidest look on his face, but whatever. Worth it.

[mudblood_andproud]

"He is practically 100 years old. It is his time to rest." Hermione strokes her familiar's fur. She is taking strength from Crookshanks' peace of the situation.

"A few other people that Crookshanks feels need guardians in their lives."

[fiveofnone]

Adia's expression falls at the news, although she doesn't look entirely surprised. "Oh... Hermione... Crookshanks. I'm sorry..."

It's only now that Caspar seems to catch on to the true meaning of the conversation. He looks from witch to cat and back again, bewildered and in obvious denial. "But... he's a magic cat. Half-kneazle. He...?"

[mudblood_andproud]

"And 100 years is quite a long time for a magical cat. He has lived a long, full life."

Hermione smiles at Crookshanks. He purrs softly.

"He wanted to ensure his legacy was carried on, with his kittens."

[fiveofnone]

Caspar stares at Hermione as if uncomprehending. When the reality truly hits him, he looks away, his face an expressionless mask.

"I see," he says, his voice thick and a little shaky. "Well... good to have spent a bit of that time with you, old man." He hands Anastasia over to Adia before standing up, taking a step back for good measure. "I should go shopping and get what we need for the kitten. Can you give me the book?"

Adia tucks their kitten into the corner of her arm and pulls out the book. Caspar takes it without a word and forcefully wipes his eyes with the back of his hand before storming off. She watches him go, surprised and sad.

Oh, Caspar...

"Sorry," she says quietly, petting the kitten in her arms and looking apologetic. "He, um... he really likes you Crookshanks. It'll be hard for him -- for both of us -- when you go."

caspar... you made the mun cry...

[mudblood_andproud]

Hermione nods softly. They can not really grasp how much harder it is for Hermione, who is bond to Crookshanks. The only way she is getting through this is because Crookshanks is actively sending her peaceful thoughts.

"He adores you both. That is why he wanted you both to have one of his children."

his little robot heart is broken. :(

[chiron_survivor]

"We'll take the best care of Anastasia,". She cradles close the kitten who is now dozing peacefully in crook of her arm. "I promise."

It'd be easy for her to cry right now, too, but she does not want to add the burden of her own grief onto Hermione's. Perhaps she cannot understand the bond between witch and cat just yet, but she knows that her friend is dealing with a grief much deeper than hers and Caspar's. Which makes her boyfriend stalking off with tears in his eyes unexpected and a little worrisome.

"We adore him, too." She gives the old tabby a bittersweet smile. "If there's anything you need, you have your witch get us right away. Okay?"

She gives Crookshanks a gentle scratch behind the ears, standing up as well, kitten safely in her grip.

"I'm going to catch up with Caspar. I, um... I'm not sure he should be alone right now. I'll see you again soon, okay? I'll let you know how Anastasia is doing."

[mudblood_andproud]

Crookshanks purrs softly, as Adia gives him a gentle scratch behind the ears.

"I would appreciate that. You take care of him."

[chiron_survivor]

It's tempting to linger, but Caspar needs her. "Let's go, little one," she says to Anastasia before heading off in the direction Caspar left. If she's lucky she can catch him before he reaches the Shopping District.