The (Odd) Adventures of the Starship Hogwarts

Seven of the Seventh Scene Seven... Missing Hermione

The Mess Hall, 1200 hours.. Lunch.

"Harry, I'm going on the away mission. Can you watch Crookshanks while I'm away?"

"How in the bloody hell did you manage to bring a cat along anyway, Granger?" Lieutenant Weasley inquired.

"Well, I had him on the Order vessel, and he was one of the lifesigns your crew beamed over. I'm pretty sure Crewman Finch-Fletchy has a talking parrot."

"He does," Harry said. "Justin likes to dress up like a pirate and go out to sea on the resort holodeck program."

"Will you watch Crookshanks for me, Harry, please?"

"Why me?"

"Well, Luna's going on the mission as well, otherwise, I would ask her."

"Oh, alright, buy why did you ask me in the first place?"

"Crookshanks likes you."

"Oh my god! That bloody fur ball tried to bite my leg off when I had to deliver a padd to Granger's quarters once. I hate that 'effin thing."

The pilot and engineer broke out in guffaws, as the security chief scowled.

Listening to: Best of PixiesWave of Mutilation

The away mission was supposed to last a total of three days. Harry knew this and apparently so did Lieutenant Granger's feline, since the fourth day passed without his master's return. Crookshanks launched himself at Lieutenant Potter with purring and rubbing up against his leg.

When Harry was finally getting to sleep, just seconds from total surrender to sleep, Crookshanks plopped himself firmly and without much effort on the part of Harry, Crookshanks was NOT going to move, his claws firmly entrenched in the fabric of Lieutenant Potter's pajamas.

Harry and Crookshanks stared at each other for quite some time, before Harry finally started to crack from the exhaustion of an overly long shift on the bridge, a vomit-like substance for dinner from the ship's mess and a few hours of sword fighting in the Holodeck.

"Crookshanks, I know she was supposed to be back by now.. But something came up! They have to stay away longer. Don't worry, Hermione's okay. She'll come back for you. You won't be stuck with me, I promise, and if she doesn't return. Hell, I'll.. I'll.. I don't know what I'd do and I certainly can't promise you anything but my companionship as opposed to say Lieutenant Weasley's," Crookshanks hissed.

"I know, I wouldn't make anyone suffer him. How 'bout this? I'll let you eat Justin's parrot.. okay, okay.. I guess that wouldn't be very nice," Harry responded to the disdainful look the cat was giving him.

"I'll... I'll use my next batch of replicator rations for a nice salmon or something for you.. If she doesn't return."

And Harry scratched the cat behind his ears and stroked it's back, as well as scratching before it's tail, which Crookshanks stuck out..

Till Harry finally quit and attempted to go to sleep with a cat firmly stuck to his chest.

So what do you people think of this one? Review PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE! IT's all I ask.. I have an idea for a multi part to this story.. so expect that whenever I get a shot at writing it.. will probably not be the next part.. though who knows. I go back to D town and Wayne State Friday morning I leave a 6:45 am.. get in at 12:45 pm.. middle of the night.. damn.. got an hour layover in chicago.. well at least the tickets cheap! was only 59 one way.. so not bad. I went on a shopping spree today.. spent WAY too much on clothes.. something I've never done before.. well I've never had a job and money before either.. lol. Well, my job is over as of this past sunday.. Tuesday Bright and early I start classes.. fun, fun. Spanish, Greek Mythology, Physical Anthropology, Drawing 2, and Design 1 are my courses, 16 credits, five classes, four days a week.. I'm guessing Spanish and Phys. Anthro. will keep me the busiest.. though who knows about the Design class.. I have to decide a major this year.. fun, fun. Please Review.. it'll guilt me into updating if you review a lot. I sware! It will! So, please REVIEW to guilt your author into writing.. besides.. this story is fun to write.. because any and all insane things I come up with can be made to fit, lol. SO PLEASE, PLEASE.. REVIEW, REVIEW!