The search for Crook shanks had become the talk of the school.

Gryffindor students were scouring every corner of Hogwarts, calling out the cat's name, while Hermiione paced the common room anxiously. Even the professors had joined in, their collective efforts making it clear how serious this mysterious disappearance had become.

Hours had passed with no sign of the fluffy orange troublemaker, and tensions were high. Snape, his robes billowing behind him as he stalked through the hallways, decided it was time to question his own house. If any Gryffindor pet had wandered into the Slytherin common room, chances were it wouldn't have been met with much kindness—or so he assumed.

Pushing open the concealed entrance to the Slytherin common room, Snape stepped into the dimly lit space. The greenish glow of the underwater light cast an eerie ambiance, illuminating the scattered students lounging or quietly studying. The low murmur of conversation died instantly as Snape's sharp gaze swept the room. "Has anyone seen a cat?" he demanded, his voice cutting through the silence.

The Slytherins exchanged confused glances, but no one spoke up. Snape let out an exasperated sigh, his patience wearing thin. He was about to turn on his heel and leave when something caught his eye—a figure slouched in one of the high-backed chairs near the fire.

Draco

Snape's expression tightened. He started toward the chair, his steps slow and deliberate. As he approached, he stopped abruptly, his dark eyes narrowing in surprise. There, curled up in Draco's arms, was the cat, fast asleep, his bushy tail draped lazily over the boy's chest. Draco himself was sound asleep too, his head tilted slightly to the side, his usual sharp features softened in slumber. His arms cradled the cat protectively, his fingers resting gently on the creature's fur.