Title: Crookshanks
Prompt: 030 - Death
Word Count: 137
Rating: G

"I-I can't do it," she sobbed, her voice broken. The shovel was in her hand, the metal tip only slightly pressed into the garden ground.

He came behind her and encompassed her grip in his. He could feel her shaking violently against his chest.

"We have to bury him, Hermione," he said gently, steadying her as she nearly collapsed.

"Oh, this is so ridiculous," she sniffed wearily. "I'm a grown woman, and Crookshanks was just a c-cat…"

"He wasn't just a cat, Hermione, don't lie to yourself. Trust me, doing so doesn't help any," he added, almost bitter.

"I know," she choked, casting an anguished glance at the small wooden box at her feet.

"Come on," he said firmly, tightening their grips. "We'll do it together."

She nodded, unable to speak, and slowly they began to dig.