Disclaimer - I own nothing you recognise.
Written for auction prompt - Hermione&Crookshanks friendship.
Word Count - 346
From Start To End
The Start
She sits alone in the common room, Crookshanks on her lap, purring loudly. He hasn't been the most loving cat, admittedly, but Hermione is grateful that he's allowing her this indulgence. She's been so lonely over the last couple of months.
Harry and Ron weren't talking to her. First a broomstick, then Scabbers. She didn't know what she was supposed to do.
She glanced over at the boys in question, catching Harry's eye. He offered her a small smile, which she ignored. He might not be angry with her anymore, but he was still siding with Ron. She was still alone.
Her hand stuttered in stroking Crookshanks, and he nipped gently at her finger.
She smiled down at him. "At least I still have you."
…
My human is sad, and I think it's my fault. If only I could just tell her that the rat is different, perhaps things would be different.
He smells funny. Wrong.
Instead, I'll keep her company because I am the only comfort she has. Her humans have abandoned her.
…
My time is about done, but my human is still here, sitting on the floor beside me. She's looked after me for a long time, and I've looked after her too.
There were times she needed me.
She's more settled now, and is having a litter of her own. I knew before she did, her scent changed. Now she's swollen, and her kit's heartbeat is strong.
She doesn't need me anymore, and I can finally rest.
…
Tears fell down her cheeks as she stroked the ginger fur. Crookshanks was old, and he'd been with her for years. He pawed gently at her swollen stomach and she laughed through her tears.
He'd been obsessed with her stomach since she got pregnant, and it hurt her that he'd never meet the baby he was so enamoured with.
Ron stroked the back of her neck, standing behind her.
"How's he doing?"
"I think… I think he's going," Hermione sobbed. "I think he's…"
The purring slowed to a silence.
The End