She had noticed the Headmistress after Melinda Masterson's funeral, quiet…solid, supportive of her family. Speaking with over two dozen family members as they asked questions about Hogwarts, the future…and its safety; especially as their youngest daughter would be attending this coming year. She had watched for a few moments, marveling at her seeming unending patience, compassion, strength…before she had had to leave with Harry and Ron. The next day, she witnessed a similar scene at Pete Style's funeral…and that evening while attending Fred's too. And…despite her own feelings, and heartache regarding the loss of George's spirited twin; she had noticed…that McGonagall…had been as stalwart and unyielding at Fred's funeral as she had been at the other two. And…now today; was no different. She was there; solid, supportive…and Hermione began to wonder, exactly how many funerals the Headmistress had attended? But the thought was answered as she recalled the headline across the Prophet this morning;

VOLDEMORT AT REST; MINERVA MCGONAGALL AND KINSGLEY SHACKLEBOLT BEAR WITNESS

All of them? She silently questioned as Creevey's mother buried her head in her husband's embrace. McGonagall looking on…and Hermione noticed the lack of…something…she couldn't quite put her finger on it; but as the seconds stretched on she was sure…that something was missing. And, in the next instant, the venerable woman was sweeping forward, speaking with the family…answering questions…providing comfort…and she couldn't help but wonder…who was offering her comfort? Who was the Headmistress drawing all of her strength from? Was there someone else? Family? She knew so little of the enigmatic woman, not that she hadn't tried to learn about her; she had tried…for the bulk of her third year, to no avail. Well, at least regarding personal information. There had been dozens of books regarding her time as an Auror at the end of Grindlewald's reign; her mastery of transfiguration; even a few books on the dynamic styles that were vastly different and yet perfectly attuned to the other regarding her and Dumbledore and their respective mutual tenure as Headmaster and Deputy; but despite all the literature on the formidable woman, there had not been one biography or biographical text.

She felt a ghostly hand brush her elbow and found herself peeling her gaze away from the woman across the way to meet Harry's green eyes. "Ready?" He asked softly.

"Yes." She replied, "Lunch before we return to the Burrow?"

He nodded in understanding, as they both wanted to be there to support the Weasley's…but…they also both needed a little time away. "Diagon Alley?"

"Fortescues?"

His mouth quirked in a half smile, "See ya there." And with a quiet pop, she was left standing alone for a moment…her eyes involuntarily lifting and landing upon the Headmistress; who was alone, despite being surrounded by a sea of people.

Shaking her head and her thoughts, she apparated to Fortescues; her thoughts however remained upon the lone woman and how instrumental she had been in her life…and so many others. And…she couldn't help but wonder…who was now instrumental in her life? Or was she alone? And if so, why?

oxox

A/N: Another snippet…