Chapter 42: Cat People

A few weeks before term was supposed to start, Harry and Hermione were reading their new course books. Thanks to Dobby, they had all their books already, with a scheduled visit for Diagon Alley coming up this weekend. They were discussing the variable nature involved in the Cheering Charm when Helen and Richard knocked on the door.

"Hey kids, we have some bad news," Richard said. "We've had a conference come up. It was supposed to be in the middle of September but they've moved it up. We'll be gone for two weeks."

"So we'll need to find a place for you to stay for two weeks," Helen said. "Usually this isn't an issue as you are already at school. Amelia Bones suggested the Leaky Cauldron would be a good place."

"That makes sense," Harry nodded. "It's actually an inn, as well as a diner. We could rent a room there for the remaining time. We would have a lot of eyes watching us and the goblins wanted to take us to the castle so I can open the chamber for their rendering team."

"mmhmm," Richard nodded his head. "It would solve a bunch of issues. You'd be able to get all your supplies while remaining safe. Amelia has even arranged to have a few Ministry cars bring you King's Cross but there's only one more issue."

Hermione chewed her nails, wondering what issue her father might have.

"This year," Helen began slowly. "We were going to do something special for your birthday."

"For years, you have been asking for something," Richard picked up the thread. "Ever year, you have asked for the same thing for your birthday. This year... we've decided to agree to it."

"You don't mean..." Hermione left off the end, looking from her dad to her mum, hoping her parents were saying what they thought they were saying.

"Yes... you may get yourself a cat," Richard sighed out and braced for the reaction.

He was not disappointed as Hermione squealed and slammed into her father at warp speed. Richard stumbled but caught his balance.

"Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou!" Hermione was beside herself in joy.

"This was going to be your birthday present but, unfortunately, we won't be able to be there when you pick it out. There's a store in Diagon Alley where you can pick out a pet, right?" Hermione nodded vociferously. "Great. Hopefully you'll find a cat there that you bond with."

Harry mouthed a silent thank you to Hermione's parents. Harry had spent the last two weeks campaigning for them to allow her to get the cat she so desperately wanted.

That was what brought them to the Leaky Cauldron, waiting to speak to Tom about renting a couple rooms. As Hermione stepped up to book the rooms, Harry caught some motion out of the corner of his eye. Spotting two familiar faces, he walked up to the duo.

"Greg? Vinny?" Harry had to make sure it was them. When they turned, he saw a black eye on Vinny's right eye. "What are you doing here?"

"Potter," Vinny's lip was so swollen that it was hard for him to talk. "We're just trying to get away."

Vinny tried to turn away but Harry wouldn't let him. As someone who had previously suffered abuse, he was the best-equipped to see the signs.

"Your father?" Harry asked, Vinny nodded. "Come on. Let's talk."

Harry caught Hermione's eye. She was holding up two room keys. Harry nodded and tilted his head toward the two bigger boys. She nodded her understanding and took their bags up to the room.

"Tell me what happened." Harry addressed the boys.

"My father," Vinny grunted out. "He's been rather displeased with our siding with you over Draco. I told him that I wasn't going to cow-tow to a Malfoy the way that he did. Apparently Malfoy Senior is upset with this and has been imploring our fathers to get us to return to Malfoy's side."

"And I'm guessing you're opposed to the idea?" Harry asked.

"Draco treated us like bodyguards; you have treated us like equals," Goyle said. "There's just no going back."

"Once we got back, my father lit into me about abandoning Malfoy," Crabbe muttered. "He didn't do anything at first. He shouted and told me to make amends. When I refused, he taunted my about my mother who died giving birth to me. After a while that didn't even have the effect that he was hoping for, so he resorted to physical attacks."

"Been there," Harry said.

"Really?" Greg seemed flummoxed.

"The first ten years of my life, I lived with my aunt and uncle. My room was the cupboard underneath the stairs on a mattress meant for a big dog," Harry explained. "When I would have an outburst of magic, my uncle would beat me. I still have the scars to remind me of it. It all culminated in him nearly killing me last summer. If Hermione hadn't arrived when she did..."

Harry shuddered and left off.

"I got tired of it so I left to Goyle's place," Vinny said. "His father spends more time at brothels than he does at home. But when he came home..."

"He was drunk," Greg said. "He cursed us for being there and threw us out, told us to go away. He even threw us a bag of gold."

"So here we are," Vinny winced as he shifted.

"Well, Hermione and I are staying here as well," Harry said. "Had to find an alternative place to stay the last few weeks."

"Well don't expect us to shadow you and take away all your alone time, loverboy," Greg cracked the first smile.

"How? I was just about to tell you," Harry was taken aback. "How did you know?"

"You were standing closer to her than usual," Greg said. "It was only a matter of time, really, until you saw what everyone else saw."

"For a smart guy, you're really slow sometimes," Vinny smirked. "Congratulations."

"Well if you need anything," Harry offered.

"We'll be fine," Greg said. "Though we'll probably need some help on our homework at some point."

"Well if you ask nicely," Harry smiled as Hermione arrived back into the lobby. "I'm sure I know someone who'll look it over for you."

"We've taken up enough of your time," Vinny gave a slim smile, small enough that his split lip didn't hurt. "Go to her, loverboy."

Departing from the boys, Harry rejoined Hermione.

"Everything okay?" She asked

"It will be," Harry said. "Crabbe's dad has a lot in common with Vernon. That's all I'll say."

Looking to change the subject, Harry tapped the bricks leading into Diagon Alley and asked Hermione the all-important question of the day.

"Where to first?" He asked. "Bookshop? Or pet store?"

Hermione smiled brightly, grabbed his hand and pulled him down the Alley. Harry figured the bookstore would be first but was surprised when they sped by the store and arrived instead at Magical Menagerie. Hermione eagerly pulled the door open, its chime ringing brightly. As they crossed into the shop, the animals went wild. Every rat started doing backflips, the snakes all raised their heads and the cats started meowing. It was a cacophony, but Hermione never seemed to notice it as she went from cage to cage.

Each cat enclosure had a different feline; some black, others calico and a few tabby cats arrayed throughout the shop.

"Which one?" Harry asked as Hermione scanned the options for the third time.

"I don't know. I kind of figured the right animal would, I don't know, grab me. Maybe not literally but I thought I'd feel something but so far, I just... don't."

As she finished her soliloquy, she started to chew her nails, doubt and indecision written clearly on her face. When she paced back across the aisle, she felt something brush against her legs. Looking down, she spotted what either was a large cat or a small lion. Kneeling down to inspect the orange ball of fluff, she was awed when the ball turned and looked her in the face.

"Hello there," Hermione cooed. "What's your name?"

Hermione reached forward to try and pet the creature when out of nowhere the cat jumped into her outstretched arms, taking her, Harry and the shopowner completely by surprise.

"Well now isn't this a surprise," the shopowner said. "This is Crookshanks. He's a half kneazle, half British shorthair. He's been in the shop for ages but he didn't seem fond of people, nor did he like cages. Anytime I would corral him into one, he'd yowl until I let him out. Kneazles are very intelligent creatures and an excellent judge of character. I was honestly beginning to worry he'd be here the rest of his life."

"You were just waiting for the right person, weren't you Crookshanks," Hermione sing-songed like she was talking to a baby: her baby. Crookshanks responded by purring deeply and rubbing his head on Hermione's chest. "How much?"

"Since he's been here so long, I'll sell him for a Galleon plus the usual accoutrement."

"She'll take him," Harry said. Hermione's head snapped up as he spoke. "What? It's clear you're taken with him and he with you."

"He is really cute. Yes, I'll take him," Hermione nodded resolutely. "I'm going to set you down now while I pay, okay?"

Hermione set Crookshanks down and wandered up to the counter. She counted out coins for Crookshanks, a carrier and his food. While she did that Crookshanks wandered up to the only other human in the store. Hermione waited with baited breath as her new cat investigated her best friend. Unsure what would happen, she just tensed as the cat approached. Harry crouched down to greet her new pet.

"Crookshanks?" Harry held out his hand, palm down, for Crookshanks to sniff. Cautiously, the cat approached, sniffed his hand and meowed softly. Turning his head into Harry's hand, Crookshanks walked through Harry's hand, weaved between Harry's legs and wound his way through them before pouncing on Harry, forcing the young teenager to catch him. Lightly petting him on the cheek, Harry stood up with a now-purring cat relaxing in his arms.

"I don't believe it..." the shop keeper was positively stunned. "That settles it: he likes you and your boyfriend."

"But he's not my..." Hermione's brain whizzed to a stop. Is that what he is? She wondered. He's not dating anyone else and boyfriend does sound... rather nice.

"Yup. He's a keeper," Harry said while stroking the cat. He had also heard the honorific the lady threw out and decided it felt right.

"He certainly is," the owner said smiling at the duo. "Honey, whatever you do, don't let that one go."

"Oh I don't plan to," Hermione beamed as they exited the shop.

"Hey Hermione," Harry said as they walked back toward their rooms at the Cauldron. "About what the lady said: are you okay with that? I know we decided not to label this but that title... it sounded right, didn't it?"

"Yes, Harry," Hermione checked that they were alone, save for an older gentleman reading the paper. Stepping up on her tip-toes, she kissed Harry. "What would you like to do next, boyfriend?"

"Whatever you want, girlfriend," Harry kept the same distance, smiling as he leaned forward.

"Well we are alone," Hermione said with a devilish smile. "For now."

Dropping the carrier and food, Hermione slid her arms around him, one at the base of his head, the other around his back. Both smiling like loons, Hermione closed the remaining distance and kissed him deeply. They held the kiss for a while until, acting on instinct, Hermione opened her mouth and licked along his lips.

He responded in kind, leaning in further to press closer to his newly-minted girlfriend. Crookshanks purred as he was comfortably pressed between the two of them as they shared their first snog.

The old man smiled behind his paper and cast a notice-me-not on the pair. Tonks may not always love protection detail but she had to admit: this one was easy, fun and very, very sweet.

A while later, a very pleased couple waltzed through the Leaky Cauldron and up toward their rooms. Interested to see how she would react, Hermione wanted to introduce Crookshanks to Hedwig. Inside Harry's room, Hermione set the half-kneazle down. Hedwig chirped from her perch atop Harry's dresser and flew down to meet the new arrival.

"Hedwig," Harry began the introduction. "This is Crookshanks. He'll be living with Hermione from now on. Go on, say hi,"

Hedwig leveled the orange ball of fluff with her hardest gaze, her amber eyes boring into the cat. Crookshanks, to his credit, never wavered. He neither advanced nor retreated; he just stared right back.

Hedwig hooted once, ruffled her feathers and then bobbed her head. She flew back up to her perch and then shuffled on it to leave enough room for someone to join her. Crookshanks mewled and pounced up. Despite his size, he was quite nimble and a few quick pounces later, he was curled up next to Hedwig and fell fast asleep.

"This is the day for strange," Harry said. "Hedwig never shares unless she has to."

"Guess it's true what they say," Harry looked over at Hermione, skepticism written on his face. "You don't do normal."

Harry tried to glare at her but after a few seconds, broke into a wide smile, his booming laugh filling the room as he grabbed his stomach in pure, undiluted joy. Hedwig screeched at him and Crookshanks hissed.

"I think you upset them," Hermione giggled at the obvious pets-before-humans hierarchy that had been formed. "We should leave them be."

From there, the time flew by as the duo toured the Alley thoroughly, working to keep their relationship as secret as possible while also thoroughly enjoying their time together. After alerting the clerk at Flourish and Blotts the key to calming down the Monster Book of Monsters, she let them each pick out a small book as a thank you. Hermione picked up a supplemental reading on numerology while Harry picked up a special tome on dark and dangerous creatures. Every day, they'd find themselves at Florean Fortescue's for a sundae and every night they'd snag a table in the diner to review for the upcoming year, occasionally joined by Greg and Vinny.

Harry, as it turns out, was not half bad at math and took the principles rather quickly, though he had the annoying habit of trying to skip steps in the equations which would give him the incorrect answers.

All things considered, he felt ready for Arithmancy and the year overall. Even if Sirius Black was gunning for him and at least one werewolf out for his blood. To be safe, Hermione and Harry read the section of Harry's new book that covered werewolves, specifically how to deal with them should a wizard come across them. According to the book, werewolves were exceptionally fast and twice as strong as the average human. Because of this, they were spell-resistant and also healed at an advanced rate, meaning spells were of little use and weapons were the better choice of defense.

Silver was obviously the best, although since silver was an element that could not be conjured, that was less helpful. After learning that, Harry had the daggers he was having the goblins craft made from pure silver. It was expensive but also worthwhile, since goblin-forged silver was one of their specialties. It would be unbreakable and only imbibe that which made it stronger. For that reason, he was going to have them dip it into Basilisk venom. They'd have to learn how to wield the weapon but they were hoping Professor Flitwick might have a tip or two.

That would have to wait until the Basilisk was rendered down which the goblins suggested the first Saturday in September. After contacting Professor McGonagall to get her approval, they set the meeting for 9 am that Saturday.

The day before their trip back to Hogwarts, Harry and Hermione were sitting down with Crabbe and Goyle, debating uses of the water-making charm when the Weasleys entered the pub in their usual, boisterous fashion. Thanks to a few letters from Ginny and Ron, he knew they would be staying at the Cauldron the night before the train was going to depart.

"Heya Harry!" Ron slammed himself down into the chair next to Harry. "Did you have a good vacation? Hermione didn't bore you too much did he?"

Harry looked at Ron and noticed he was looking at Hermione differently. He even called her by her name instead of using his usual 'bookworm' or 'know-it-all' invective. If he was to guess, he was noticing- just as Harry had- how much she had grown and changed.

"We had a nice vacation," Harry said. "How was Egypt?"

"Oh it was great!" Ron extolled all the various pyramids they visited. As he prattled on about the different mummies, Ginny approached as well.

"Mind if I sit?" Ginny asked the group. Hermione nodded and pointed toward the chair next to her.

"And how did you like Egypt, Ginny?" Hermione asked.

"Oh it was fantastic!" Ginny smiled brightly. "Did you know the earliest Egyptian Wizards were the first one to develop magical rituals?"

"Really?" Hermione's brain, revved up from their conversation with Greg and Vinny, turned to the new topic.

"Oh yes," Ginny said. "Their temples are all ritual sites and they discovered the ley lines in Egypt which would channel the magic. They also were responsible for the early discoveries of magical numbers. The pyramids are the culmination of that. It is three sets of triangles, angled in a way to channel magic through the structure. Obviously, the most common is mummification where they used the four canopic jars placed at specific points to intersect with the heart, as it was the only organ they left."

"And five is a magical number. How fascinating!" Hermione said. "I know Greek wizards were the pioneers of Astronomy in learning when to conduct rituals and their research into magical creatures led to the creation of the first staffs."

"Wow," Greg said. They had discussed a little of Arithmancy and how it applied to magic overall but this topic was beyond their comprehension.

"Who are you?" Ron finally noticed who they were sitting with.

"You've met them, Ron," Harry said. "Or at least seen them. Gregory Goyle, Vincent Crabbe. Meet Ron Weasley and this is his sister, Ginny."

"Nice to meet you," Ginny shook their hands while Ron looked uncomfortable.

"Really?" Ron sneered. "You're talking with Slytherins outside of school now?"

"Why not?" Hermione shrugged. "Have you taken the opportunity to get to know them? Not all Slytherins are Malfoy and Parkinson. In fact, we were just having an intriguing discussion about the water-making charm we'll be learning this year. They theorize that you could heat or cool the water to make..."

"Yeah, yeah whatever," Ron waived away Hermione's comments. "I've got to go to the pet shop anyway. Scabbers has been ill ever since Egypt."

Ron banged the rat on the table, making Crabbe flinch at the noise. Greg saw this and reassured his friend.

"Why is he missing a toe?" Greg asked.

"He's always been like that," Ron said. "Ever since Percy got him as a pet."

"How old is he?" Harry asked.

"He's been in the family as long as I can remember," Ginny said. "Percy's had him since he was young, around 12 years, I think?"

"12 years?" Vinny asked, incredulously. "For a rat that would often live 3 or 4?"

"Yeah," Ginny explained as she furrowed her brow in thought. "Percy said he found him in the garden and took him in. He was rail-thin with a bunch of cuts and scratches scabbed over, hence why he's called Scabbers."

"He's probably just getting old, Ron," Hermione reasoned. "I'm not sure what the pet store will have for..."

The rest of what Hermione was going to say was lost as an orange blaze pounced on the table, making a beeline for the rat.

"Crookshanks, no!" Hermione shouted. Vinny was just fast enough, grabbing the rat before a cat claw arrived. As a reward, Scabbers sunk his teeth deep into his hand.

"Ow!" Crabbe winced in pain as he dropped the rat. Ron scrambled to pick the rat back up before he could scamper away. Hermione had Crookshanks in her arms, the cat glaring and hissing at the rat.

"You own that monster?" Ron shouted at a distraught-looking Hermione.

"His name is Crookshanks," Harry said, rubbing the cheek of the cat, calming him down.

"He's adorable," Ginny approached. Crookshanks sniffed her hand and pushed her hand away with his paw, not allowing Ginny to pet him.

"Adorable?" Ron held the squeaking Scabbers with both hands. "He's a menace is what he is. What about Scabbers?"

"He was fine with the other rats in the shop when we got him," Harry pointed out while he used his wand to heal the Crabbe's bite. Tonks let it slip in Europe that the Ministry can't detect who uses magic, just where it is used. Thus, in magic-heavy environments, they can get away with using magic if they're careful. "Don't know what his issue with Scabbers is."

"Sure, take her side," Ron brooded. "Like you always do."

"I'm just making an observation," Harry heatedly spat back. "Crookshanks was fine with the other animals in the shop. He was fine with Hedwig. The only thing I've noticed is he's a very proud cat and takes a while to warm up to people. See?"

After a few moments, Crookshanks relented and allowed Ginny to pet him, purring contentedly as she did.

"You could also thank Vinny for grabbing him when he did instead of antagonizing everyone around you," Harry started to lecture. "As long as you keep Scabbers in your dorm, he'll be fine. Maybe get a cage for him while you're at it."

"Yeah, yeah," Ron waived away Harry's comments before looking at the bigger Slytherin and muttering a hasty. "Thank you."

Ron scurried out of the Cauldron, leaving everyone behind.

"Well that was interesting," Harry lightened the mood. "Are you okay, Hermione?"

"I'm fine," she said stuffily. "He didn't have to be so mean."

"Well it's Ron," Ginny said as she kept petting the cat. "He's always been that way, especially with girls who intimidate him. Trust me, I know."

Hermione cocked her head in question.

"When we were young and I started learning things, I found I learned quickly and soon caught up to where he was," she explained. "How to read, how to write. I even learned to fly, at least when mum wasn't watching. It always followed by an angry outburst from Ron. I soon learned to do it away from him, especially as he became lazier and I started to pass him in different areas."

"I'm sorry, Ginny," Hermione said. "Don't feel you have to do that this year. Just come study with us like Luna does; we won't mind."

"Thank you, Hermione," Ginny spotted how close Harry was standing to her, nodded her head and turned away. "And thank you, Vinny, for saving Scabbers from this adorable guy."

"No problem," Vinny watched her as she strode away.

It's going to be an interesting year, Harry thought. Cats, rats and werewolves, oh my. Add in an escaped convict and it was pretty clear that any hopes Harry had of a normal year were slim to none.

(A/N: There's Crookshanks for those of you who were worried he wouldn't be showing up.)