Crookshanks loved his new home. It was a small two bedroom cottage in the country, close enough for Hermione and Snape to travel to Hogwarts with ease, and filled with sunlight. But, the best part was that there was no one there to bother him during the day. Each night after dinner, Hermione made sure to take time to spend with him and play with whatever toys he wanted. Hermione and Snape seemed to be going to bed earlier than he remembered her ever resting at Hogwarts but, he assumed she must just be trying to get on a proper schedule, for her new job starting in the fall.

Since he kept trying to attack and play with her ring, Hermione decided to explain to Crookshanks that the new sparkly thing on her hand was not a toy, but rather something called an engagement ring. Wanting him to fully understand what that meant, she sat with him on his favorite chair in the sun, and explained everything to him. While he was happy for her, he could not help but feel offended and annoyed. He was one of the most valued beings in her life, was he not? He was her family, right? If so, then how could Snape have sought out Mr. and Mrs. Granger's permission to marry Hermione, yet have failed to get His permission as well? He felt this was inexcusable!

Sensing something was wrong, Hermione asked Crookshanks if he was upset because she loved Snape, and was adding him to their lives. Crookshanks rubbed up against her cheek indicating that he was not upset about that, at all. She was confused, "Then, what is it? Why are you upset?" He quickly jumped off her lap and on to the desk behind them. He went over to the picture of her holding him and standing with her parents, and sat next to it. With a deep scowl on his face, he stared at her, then stared at a picture of she and Snape, the back again at her. Knowing now why he was so upset, she said, "Oh Crookshanks, I am so sorry that that happened. He never meant for you to be left out. I don't think it's a customary to ask a witch's companion for his permission though."

At that moment Snape entered the room to find Hermione and Crookshanks seemingly at odds. Crookshanks glared at Snape, leapt off the desk, and walk out of the room. With a wave of his wiskers, he opened the front door, and had it close briskly behind him. Confused, Snape asked Hermione what in the world was going on. Hermione went on to explain that Crookshanks had been hurt and offended because Snape did not ask him for Hermione's hand, as he did her parents. Snape raised an eyebrow, and scoffed, "That's ridiculous. When have you ever heard of a person asking an animal companion for their love's hand? " "I know but, it seems to mean a lot to him. Would you at least consider it?" she asked. Snape rolled his eyes and shook his head, which Hermione took to mean "Yes."

The next morning as Snape made his way down the hall to start their morning tea, he was met by Crookshanks at the entrance to the living room. Crookshanks stood there, eyebrow raised, staring at Snape with a look of hurt and disgust. Snape stood there, eyebrow raised, staring back at him with a look of indifference. Crookshanks held his ground. Snape liked that about him, and realized that this creature deserved more respect than he had previously given him. Feeling a bit silly but, now realizing the importance of it, Snape dropped his eyebrow down, and spoke from his heart, "I love her, with all that I am! I will spend the rest of my life loving her, protecting her, and doing everything I can to make her happy. I want to marry her, and share the rest of our lives together. I ask for her hand." Crookshanks dropped his eyebrow down, but continued to stare at Snape. After a moment he relaxed his posture and began to walk away. As he did so, he brushed up against Snape, and smiled, as he made his way down the hall. Snape chuckled to himself, figuring that that must mean "Yes," in cat. Hermione, having witness this all from the bedroom doorway, couldn't help but smile herself. There was peace in the house again, and she was now free to go and enjoy her morning tea, with her family.