Author's Note: This takes place sometime during Hermione's third year.


Hermione had always wanted a cat. She liked how they were independent, and she also liked their grace and elegance.

Even though it quickly became clear that Crookshanks lacked both grace and elegance, he most definitely did not lack independence.

And to anyone who would bother to listen, Hermione would swear that Crookshanks was just as intelligent, if not more intelligent, than must humans.

For instance, even though Crookshanks could not speak like a human, Hermione just knew that he could understand every word that she spoke. He definitely looked at her with a lot more attentiveness than Ron did most of the time.

And Crookshanks was always willing to listen to whatever Hermione had to say, unlike some boys that she knew.


Crookshanks really proved to be the perfect pet for Hermione, especially since he was both independent and intelligent. He could find his own food, which meant that Hermione could spend her time on studying and doing her homework for all her extra classes instead of having to feed him.

And even though most people would say that Crookshanks was ugly (Hermione didn't understand those people at all), he really was good at cuddling. Sometimes Hermione just needed to stroke something, and Crookshanks never failed to appear whenever she needed some comforting. Hermione never had to call for him. He just knew when she needed him.

Hermione, though, sometimes felt guilty that she didn't much for Crookshanks. But for some reason, he never wanted anything to do with the milk that she poured out for him in a bowl.


"Come on, Crookshanks," Hermione urged her cat one morning. "Drink some milk. It will be good for your bones."

Crookshanks flopped his tail and gave Hermione a look that clearly said, "And what exactly makes you think that I have a problem with my bones? My bones are just fine the way they are, thank you very much."

"Fine," Hermione sighed, "but don't come complaining to me when your bones become brittle as you get older."

Hermione swore that Crookshanks rolled his eyes at her.

Sometimes, it really was scary just how human Crookshanks could be.

"At least let me get you some water," Hermione said. "I saw you eating that spider, and you need something to wash it down with."

Crookshanks immediately turned and made his way to the bathroom.

Hermione got up from the floor where she had been sitting with Crookshanks, and she followed him.

Crookshanks jumped up onto the sink. He then used one of his huge paws to turn on the faucet.

Hermione could not help but be both amused and impressed as she watched Crookshanks put his large tongue under the stream of water that was now coming out of the faucet.

"I guess this means you don't need my help with taking a bath either," Hermione smiled.

All that Hermione saw next was a huge ginger blur running past her and out of the bathroom.

"He really is such a big baby at times," Hermione remarked with obvious fondness in her voice.