***This is an AU Fanfiction story – meaning that it is a story that may contain aspects of an original story, but is created mainly to serve a unique storyline, that could only happen in an alternate universe.
*** All Characters belong to J.K. Rowling, all original story lines/ideas belong to their original writer(s), &/or Warner Brothers, as well. There is no profit being made by this story – it is for entertainment purposes only.
*** SS/HG and Crookshanks – Romance/Humor/Heartwarming WARNING: If you hate chick flick oriented happy endings stories, run now – save yourself, for nothing good can come to you from reading this story! If however you love those – read on.
***Please remember that, although Severus Snape was played by the amazing Alan Rickman in the movies, in the book Snape was actually much younger, and would have been 38 at the time of Hermione's 7th year. This story's Snape is based on the book character's age. (OK, yes, still a large age difference but, she's legal for all moments of their romantic relationship, and it's better than if I went with the movie character's age – right? Right. )
Authors Note: This is the first FanFiction that I have completed, and am publishing. I have two other in the works, and will publish them when I can. I hope you enjoy this story. Please feel free to leave a review; I'd love to hear from you.
Chapter One: Happy Move
Crookshanks arched his back, and leaped onto the bed. It was their last day living at Hogwarts, and he could not wait to leave. While he always enjoyed his time with Hermione, the daily irritation of having to tolerate other beings had worn thin, and he was looking forward to no longer having to do so. Hermione had passes her N.E.W.T.S., with all outstanding marks, and had accepted a position as a Healer at Hogwarts. Crookshanks was quite concerned when he first heard this, as he was afraid she would take quarters at the school but, she did not. He was sure it had something to do with that man that she helped save in the war, Professor Snape, and that sparkly thing that appeared on her hand the other day – that was not a toy, supposedly.
Crookshanks surveyed the room, to make sure they were not leaving anything behind, "Hermione's trunks, check. My bed, check. My toys, check. My food and snacks, check. Good, all is packed." Confident all was ready to go, he stretched out in the patch of sun that had now fallen upon the bed, and waited for Hermione to come and claim him. As he rested, he reflected on their time at Hogwarts. It had been a difficult journey for her, with many loses that could not be regained. She had been harder to assist and protect than he could have imagined but then, who could have imagined all that she would be faced with. But there had been good times as well, and friendships she made that would last a lifetime. And, although he usually disdained of having to tolerate others, he could see that some people were good to have in her life so, he made that sacrifice – for her.
Crookshanks had been particularly pleased that Hermione had not allowed her losses to define her future, but rather her time at the end of the war, when she helped the staff at Hogwarts to save her former Professor, Severus Snape. The months she spent by his side, tending to his care, revealed feelings for each other that both had hidden for some time. Snape appeared to be a man of great intelligence, with a general disdain for most beings – that Crookshanks respected - and in the time of their courtship Snape had made Hermione very happy, which pleased Crookshanks as well.
As he drifted off to sleep, Crookshanks could hear Hermione's voice as she entered the room. "They'll be here in an hour to move all of my things to the cottage so, I just need to collect Crookshanks, and my bag, and we can go." she said. Hermione grabbed her bag from the desk, and took one last look around the room. As she placed the bag on her shoulder, she smiled. "Ok Darling, have you got everything? Snape asked. At that moment Crookshanks felt Hermione's familiar hands reach down and pick him up, then hold him close to her chest. She made her way over to Snape, and looked up into his eyes. He smiled as he stared into hers, then gently kissed her lips. Squeezing him with one arm, while holding Crookshanks close with the other, she looked up again at Snape and said, "I have everything now."