Word Count: 383
Kingsley finds Hermione in the library, stroking Crookshanks. There's a sad sort of distance in her eyes, and Kingsley understands it all too well. Some blabbermouth found out about their relationship and plastered in every print they could, insinuating that Hermione is ruthless and only trying to advance her position in the Ministry.
He has his suspicions about who the journalist may be, but he doesn't want to make accusations without proof. In the meantime, his girlfriend is so clearly drained by the ordeal, and Kingsley feels so absolutely helpless now.
"Animals are better than people," Hermione says, glancing up at him. "Show me proof that I'm wrong."
Kingsley chuckles and sits beside her. Almost instantly, Crookshanks is in his lap, nudging his stomach with his furry head. Kingsley offers the cat an affectionate smile, scratching behind his ears. "Typically, yes," he agrees. "But that doesn't mean you really believe that." He gives her a knowing smile. "At the end of the day, you're amazing, and you will try to help everyone. Humans, animals, fearsome beasts."
Her lips twitch, but she seems unable to bring herself to smile. "It's just like the Triwizard Tournament all over again."
Kingsley vaguely remembers the articles. He hadn't given it much thought at the time. After all, why should he care about teenage drama?
Now, Hermione is hurting, and he doesn't know how to make it better.
"You know I don't believe that article, don't you?"
She nods, but his words don't seem particularly helpful. The pain is still so clear. "I know. But so many people will. The way they looked at me…"
Kingsley sighs. He doesn't know everything that happened, only that Ron found him just before lunch and told him that Hermione had left. It must have been bad; Hermione would probably live at work if she could.
He wraps an arm around her, pulling her closer. Crookshanks hisses, hopping onto the floor and glaring up at them. "To hell with what anyone else thinks," he says softly. "We're going to show them."
"Show them what?"
"That we are madly in love," he answers, kissing her softly. "That it doesn't matter what they say. It's you and me, and no one else really matters."
She softens slightly at that, nodding. "Let's prove them wrong."