Fur and Feathers

happy_daze

Rating: G
Genres: Romance, Humor
Relationships: Harry & Hermione
Book: Harry & Hermione, Books 1 - 5
Published: 21/11/2003
Last Updated: 22/11/2003
Status: paused

Hedwig and Crookshanks don't really want anything to do with each other. But when their "pets" are so obviously meant for each other, they have no choice but to deal with each other, yet still look out for their beloved Harry and Hermione.

Chapters

1. The Point of View of a Pet

2. Operation: Humans Are Stupid

1. The Point of View of a Pet

Being an owl for the Wizarding World, you would think that I’m used to flapping out the window delivering numerous letters to different parts of the country. I mean, sure, it’s my job and everything, but this was getting ridiculous!

Harry, my beloved pet, has been sending dozens of letters to this one particular house all summer! And not just any house…his friend Hermione’s house. That’s right. My summer days have been full of flying back and forth between my house and her house. Seriously, it’s as if they were birds of a feather even if they’re not of my noble species and that the miles separating them doesn’t matter.

I hate it! That darn cat, Crookshanks, always smugly looks at me, as if he’s telling me “ha, ha, I don’t have to do any work at all because I’m a fat, lazy cat!” Well, maybe it’s time that I show my pet a lesson…

***

“Ow! Hedwig, what the heck was that for?” Harry exclaimed, nursing his finger that Hedwig had just bitten.

That was for trying to tie that letter to my leg. Don’t think I don’t know where *that* letter is going!

“Ouch…” Harry began to suck on his finger. “Really, I don’t know what’s gotten into you today. Maybe I should just use another owl.”

Hah! And what owl would that be?

“I’ll just have to wait for Pig to come for my birthday.”

No! Not that infernal owl! I’m better!

Hedwig accidentally cuffed Harry’s face with her wing in haste to perch on the windowsill. She stuck out her leg obediently and Harry tied the letter to her leg with a self-satisfied smile on his face. “I knew you’d agree after mentioning that. Now get this to Hermione’s house alright?”

Who else have you been mailing these days?

Hedwig hooted once and set out into the night.

***

“Hedwig! It’s good to see you again. Do you have a letter from Harry?” Hermione asked gleefully as the familiar snowy owl swept into her room. A hiss from the bed was heard, later followed by a loud squawk.

“Shh…Crookshanks, behave yourself. It’s only Hedwig. And she brings news from Harry!” Hermione’s face lit up as she settled down at her desk to finish reading the letter. Hedwig waited around, in case she had a reply. Meanwhile, Crookshanks’ yellow eyes were still fixed upon her own amber ones.

Bird, you’re here again.

The name is Hedwig, mere feline, and I am performing my duties.

Crookshanks gave a snort (or at least a cat snort. They sound different from human snorts). Then you’ll be performing these duties forever.

What are you talking about?

Don’t you see? Our pets are obviously smittened with each other…why do you think they can’t stop writing to each other when they’re not together? And they practically neglect us when they’re at school.

Oh well, you see, I am an owl. Harry lets me be independent.

Hey, I’m just as independent as you are!

Hermione looked up from writing her letter to Harry and cast a stern glare over at Hedwig and Crookshanks. Hedwig looked ready to swoop down and pinch Crookshanks with her talons while Crookshanks had his claws out, prepared to swipe.

“What has gotten into you two? I swear, you haven’t been this hostile towards any other pet besides Scabbers, Crookshanks. Calm down.” She went back to writing.

She sounds more like a *master* to you than a pet, like Harry is to me. All your talk about independence is rubbish. Everything you talk about is rubbish.

Oh is it? We’ll just see about that.

How do you mean? Hedwig cocked her head to the side curiously. Crookshanks began to nonchalantly clean his paws.

Oh no, oh no. You’re probably not interested…

Hedwig didn’t want to admit it, but she was. At least she got to keep some of her dignity when Crookshanks automatically assumed that her silence was one of curiosity for he continued.

Well, if you’re certain. His yellow eyes met hers, each swirling maliciously at one another. I’m willing to bet you that our pets will be mates by the time the first term at school ends.

Hedwig gave a low hoot. What? You think that they’ll be “mates”? She pondered on the thought. What are you willing to bet?

You do my hunting for the rest of the school year. If I lose, I’ll do your hunting. You like mice and rats, don’t you?

It’s a deal! Hedwig gave an approving hoot. Crookshanks meowed in return.

Just then, Hermione approached them and began tying her reply to Harry to Hedwig’s leg. “There you are, Hedwig. Take this back to Harry, and thanks for the letter!” She took out an Owl Treat and fed it to Hedwig, who ate it gratefully.

Don’t forget our bet! Hedwig heard as she flew out the window, on her way back to Surrey.

***

Hedwig ruffled her feathers, hoping to shake off the excess water that she had accumulated from being caught in the rain. A letter was tied to her leg for Harry, so she waited for him in the Gryffindor Common Room. She was just cleaning her feathers when Crookshanks ambled in and hopped onto the seat of the armchair she was perched upon.

And where were you?

Out delivering a letter. To the dog-man.

Oh him. I remember him…he wanted me to catch that rat a few years ago.

Yeah, yeah…we’ve all heard your heroic story.

The sound of crackling flames in the fireplace was the only thing heard, along with some scattered students doing their homework. Hedwig began to find this unnerving.

So what did you want?

Crookshanks smiled (a cat smile) and wagged his tail loftily. I have something to show you. Follow me.

Hedwig tilted her head. Why would I want to follow you?

Crookshanks gave out a low hiss. Don’t make this difficult.

Hedwig rolled her amber eyes. Alright, alright. It better not take long, I’m waiting for Harry.

Oh, don’t worry about Harry. He’s going to be there…

What?

Just follow me.

It was an odd sight, a ginger cat being followed by a snowy owl. Crookshanks had to meow loudly by the Portrait Hole a few times before someone opened it up for them without questions.

Impressive.

Humans seem to know what certain meows mean most of the time.

I see…

Crookshanks led Hedwig down towards the Entrance Hall.

What are we doing here? Just be patient…

Crookshanks settled himself down on the staircase, so Hedwig chose a spot on the stair railing.

What are we waiting for?

She got no reply. They just stood staring at the great, oak doors until –

They swung open, revealing a struggling Harry and Hermione. They were struggling because it’s a mean feat to push open a gigantic door and kiss a person at the same time. Both were soaked from the rain, but that didn’t seem to faze them.

Hedwig just looked at them aghast. When did all this happen?! It’s only been two months into the term!

They went on one of their walks around the lake today. They started talking, things started getting awkward, one thing lead to another and—

You *forced* them!!!

Crookshanks actually had the modesty to look sheepish. I wouldn’t say forced…I’d say a small push in the right direction.

I can’t believe you! Pushing them into one another so they’d kiss and get caught in the rain…

Actually, I pushed Hermione into the lake and Harry dived in after her. She got all dreamy and “thanks for saving my life” kind of thing and that lead to the kiss…or several of them if you want to be technical.

You *pushed* your own pet into the lake?! I’m shocked!

Yeah well, food is food. You owe me five months of hunting, bird.

Hedwig hooted menacingly in Crookshanks direction as Crookshanks gave a delightful meow. He began walking back towards the Common Room and Hedwig grumpily flew back to the Owlery.

Let Harry get his own damn letter…making me lose that bet…

But of course, this all went unseen by the oblivious kissers.

2. Operation: Humans Are Stupid

Crookshanks turned over uneasily at the foot of the bed, trying in vain to shut out the noise that was keeping him awake. When it was clear that the noise wasn't about to stop anytime soon, he languidly got up and crawled over to the source of said noise.

At the feeling of her cat's feet upon the bed, Hermione ceased crying and took a big sniff. Rubbing her eyes, her vision was obscured by the ginger face of Crookshanks. A weak smile appeared upon her face as she put out a hand to rub the spot behind his ears.

"Oh Crookshanks, you know just when I need someone," she said, her voice tightening as a fresh wave of tears threatened to spill over.

Actually, I was here to give you a scratch... but if you're going to rub me behind the ears like that... Curses. You know my only weakness!

Hermione sniffed again, continuing to pet Crookshanks, as it was a sort of comfort. She knew that he was a cat and therefore probably didn't understand a word she said, but he was always a source of consolation. "I'm so glad you're here to listen. Harry can be so difficult sometimes!" She dabbed at her eyes with the blanket. "This is the first big fight we've had since being a couple...and I don't like it one bit. I don't even remember what it was about!" She hiccoughed. "I really miss him, Crookshanks!" She burrowed her face deep into his fur and gave heaving breaths.

Whoa, watch the fur, woman. I just groomed this morning!

"Sorry, Crookshanks," she said tearfully, setting him down beside her on the bed. Instead, she resorted to hugging her knees close and sobbing into them.

Crookshanks stared up at her curiously, a feeling in his chest taking over. It was odd. He'd never experienced a feeling like it before. As Hermione gave another sob, he knew just what that feeling was... he didn't like seeing his pet sad. It made him sad too.

It's okay, pet, I'll set that Harry straight.

Crookshanks laid a paw on her foot, and for once, neglected his vain, catty ways to be there for his pet.

* * *

Hedwig was woken up by the loud slamming of the door to the Owlery. She blinked her amber eyes blearily, ruffling her feathers. Her head ached with all the other owls' screeching, and because of her sleepy state, she had no idea what exactly they were screeching about.

She did, however, become fully awake, when her neighbouring owl pecked her hard on the wing.

Oi, Hedwig!

Hedwig whipped her head viciously to face her neighbour, squawking indignantly. What?!

It's your pet, he's here.

Hedwig turned her head to face down at the Owlery floor. Sure enough, Harry stood there, squinting as he looked for her familiar, snowy feathers. She swooped down, making sure to cuff the neighbouring owl, and perched herself upon his shoulder. She nipped his ear affectionately.

"'lo, Hedwig," Harry said, his voice sounding rather gloomy. He stroked her feathers as he walked them out towards the lake. She swayed upon his shoulder with each step he took, and with each step he took, the more curious she became about what was bothering him.

As if he were able to read her mind (he was her pet, after all), Harry voiced what was troubling him. "Hermione and I got in a fight. We haven't said a word to each other for two days now." He took a deep breath and drew it out, long. He sat himself down on a rock by the lake and sadly looked out at the rippling water. Hedwig took off from his shoulder and landed on a nearby rock, also looking out at the water.

"I'm not even sure what the stupid fight was about. All I know is that she was being pretty stubborn and..."

Hedwig looked at him with piercing eyes. I may be a bird, but there is no way in hell I'm about to believe that an actual male, even if he's human, didn't have some fault in this too.

Harry sighed. "I guess I was being stubborn too at the time...but - Oh! It doesn't matter, now does it? I just don't like fighting with Hermione, and this is the longest it’s lasted since we became a couple." He gave a small chuckle. "You know, this is where we had our first kiss. I had just saved her from falling into the lake..."

Hedwig rolled her eyes. Yeah, yeah. I know this story. It was the stupid, fat, ginger cat's doing... I had to hunt for him for ages!

"It's only been two days, but I miss her," Harry finally said, dropping his gaze to the ground.

Hedwig cocked her head to the side, concerned about her pet's well-being. She didn't know the whole story behind her pet and his mate, but she did know that both of them must be feeling quite miserable. She spread out her wings and placed herself on his shoulder once more, letting her talons give a light squeeze of reassurance.

Harry stroked her feathers once more. "Thanks, Hedwig," he whispered.

* * *

Bird, I have a bone to pick with you!

Hedwig inwardly groaned. Peering down at the Owlery floor, her thoughts on who was calling were confirmed, when Crookshanks peered back at her through his yellow eyes.

Get down here! he ordered.

Normally, Hedwig would have told the fat furball to sod off, but seeing as she meant to have a word with him as well, she actually abided his request.

What'd your pet do to mine? he accused the moment he saw her land.

If Hedwig had had eyebrows, they would have been risen high. Wait a minute, you're asking what *my* pet did? What about yours?

Don't go changing the subject. We both know that you're pet is a daft git—

Hey! Hedwig squawked, her wings stretched out as she prepared her talons to pierce any part of that ginger feline. Harry is not a daft git... most of the time! She added, remembering the times he had snapped at her for no reason.

Crookshanks, whose paw had been raised ready to claw, lowered it and hid his fangs again.

Fine, just tell me what your side of the story is.

Hedwig resumed her neutral state. I don't really know. All Harry would say is that he misses her and he doesn't even remember what they were fighting about.

Crookshanks leaped onto a box and sat down, thinking. That's what Hermione said too.

So you're saying, that both our pets are miserable and both don't know why they're fighting? Hedwig deduced.

Sounds about right... Crookshanks said as his tail moved slowly from side to side.

Humans are so stupid! both said simultaneously. The two of them looked at each other. Bird eyes coming into contact with cat ones. And maybe for the first time in history, bird and cat agreed on one thing.

I have a plan...

* * *

When Terry Boot stepped out of the Ravenclaw Common Room, he was not prepared to come in contact with the scrutinising face of a ginger cat. He was most disconcerted that when he tried to pass it, it moved right in front of him, still staring at him eerily. Thinking he was clever, he tried to trick it by faking it out by going to one side then switching to the other, but the feline was smarter than he thought. It meowed loudly.

"What do you want, you fat cat?" he said, a little annoyed. He had a Prefect meeting to go to.

Watch it buddy. If you weren't a vital part in the plan, you're face would have *so* been disfigured by now.

It meowed again, twice as loud.

"Hey... you're Hermione Granger's cat, aren't you?" Terry realised, as he lowered his head for further inspection of the cat.

Whoo... we have a smart one on our hands! Crookshanks had to fight the urge to swipe at his face.

"Oh, well I'm going to go see her at the Prefect meeting, so I suppose I'll bring you with

me." He moved in to pick up the cat, and as much as Crookshanks didn't want him to touch him, he allowed it. So Terry set off towards the Prefect meeting, carrying a disgruntled cat, supposedly returning him to his owner.

* * *

"Hey, look who I brought!" Terry announced upon entering the room where Prefect meetings were held. "He wouldn't leave me alone, the little bugger!"

Okay, quips like that and you'll be sporting a scar to rival Harry's!

"Ooh, Crookshanks! Thanks, Terry!" Hermione cooed as she took a hold of Crookshanks. She turned towards Terry again. "I was wondering where he was. I hope he didn't give you any trouble?"

As Terry and Hermione chatted, Crookshanks waited patiently. Staring out the window like he was instructed to until the signal...

A light tapping sounded at the window, not loud enough for the occupants of the room to notice but enough for Crookshanks to. He nodded at Hedwig's head at the window.

"But yes, he doesn't usually act like that towards any other people, he's usually a nice, calm, cat, you know? He--"

"MRRRROOOOWWw!!!" Crookshanks leaped into the air, gracefully landed on the floor again and sped off, out of the room.

"Damn it. CROOKSHANKS!" Hermione sped out of the room after the ginger streak. The cat zoomed out of the front doors and onto the school grounds.

"Crookshanks, get back here! What has gotten into you, today? What has-- Oof!" Hermione crashed into something and felt herself begin to fall backwards. She landed on the ground, lucky that it wasn't as hard as the stone floor would have been inside the castle. "Ow.." she moaned quietly.

"Hermione?" a voice said. Hermione slowly opened up her eyes to see Harry bending over her, looking worried. All thoughts of Crookshanks and where he went disappeared from her mind.

"H-Harry?" she said. He stuck out a hand and she gratefully took a hold of it as he pulled her up. She dusted off her robes and cleared her throat. "Erm... thanks."

Harry nodded, shifting a bit in place uncomfortably. Finally he said, "Listen, Hermione... about the fight, I just want to say that I'm sorry... for whatever I did to make you upset." He looked down at his feet.

Hermione took a step forward. Harry timidly tilted his head to look at her. "I'm sorry, too."

Their faces met with a shy kiss. Pulling apart, they both smiled and kissed once more. This time, not so shy.

Well... you were able to get Harry out here fast. I thought it was going to take you longer. Crookshanks said from his spot on the tree that he and Hedwig were sitting in.

Hedwig ruffled her feathers. This was as close to a compliment that Crookshanks was ever going to give her. Thanks.

How'd you do it? Crookshanks asked in wonder.

Hedwig hooted amusedly. He has this picture of Hermione, you know. He looks at it all the time.

So?

Let's just say that he doesn't like it when someone snatches it with her talons and takes off with it.

Impressive!

So the two animals watched their beloved pets kiss, and everything seemed right in the world.

You know. Our pets are back together. We don't have to be nice to each other anymore. Crookshanks remarked.

You're right. Hedwig said.

Pause.

See you later, furball. And she took off.

Sure thing, feather-face! And he jumped from the tree, planning to go tug on his pet's robes for he was getting hungry. The two had been kissing long enough anyway…