Chapter 11

Hermione had been floored by the volume of persons attending Severus' funeral. It was not quite the same size as Dumbledore's, but…damn close. She was surprised that Filius had given the benediction, however, it was ...Minerva...who stepped up, moving towards his casket and suddenly a velvety white flower was held within her long fingers. Hermione could tell from the shape it was not a rose, but its origin and name escaped her as McGonagall paused at the edge of the grave, hundreds of eyes upon her as she knelt down. A whisper of words quietly uttered and forever lost upon the wind, before a quaint smile touched the enigmatic woman's lips.

She had always wondered about the two house rivals and whether their house hostility stretched to the Professor's themselves. And from the moment of tenderness that had graced McGonagall's face; she would hazard a guess of; no. Their house's rivalry did not extend to them.

With her usual elegance and grace, the Headmistress stood and with one last glance she tossed her flower outward. The white petals glistening as it gently glided downward; and she towards her seat. The soft flower bounced upon the casket, and as if planned a loud crack eschewed forth; Minerva McGonagall having apparated away mid-stride…and thousands of petals began raining down from the heavens.

A velvety rain gently brushing the guests as their rich scent beginning to sweep through the glen; gardenia.

Leaving Hermione and the hundreds of remaining guests to wonder what was the meaning behind the unusual sentiment openly displayed by the closely guarded witch.

It was close to an hour later that Hermione was standing beside Harry and Ginny. The last of the guests remaining.

"Are you sure you don't want to come back to the Burrow this evening?" Ginny asked, a hint of worry lacing her voice upon seeing the circles Harry had spoken of earlier. "Good dfood, friends…"

Hermione was already shaking her head, "I do appreciate the offer, but after earlier this week…" She forced a smile upon her face, "I don't think that is wise. Emotions are thick at your house, Ginny. Besides, I started cleaning at my parents and would like to have that finished before I head to Australia."

"Come on, Hermione. I spoke with Ron and straightened it all out. He feels like an idiot."

Harry couldn't help but crack a grin at her remark. "Definitely a bit daft."

"So come on, and we'll go to your house tomorrow; the lot of us. It won't take but half a day and…"

"I just can't, right now." Hermione interjected. "While I truly appreciate it; I can't. Some…things were said between he and I, that will take a bit longer than three days to heal, Ginny."

Ginny opened her mouth, but felt Harry's gentle hand along her back; indicating that she needed not to push…at least right now. "Alright. But…" Blue eyes swept over her friend, "We're just worried. It's obvious you're not sleeping."

"Just the last two nights, and if it keeps up…" Hermione paused, trying to keep her voice light at the joke she was about to make; despite the heartache from the event from three nights ago. "I'll ask you two over for a sleepover."

Harry and Ginny both smiled, "And we'll be glad to." Harry stated as Ginny bobbed her head. "Merely ask, and we'll be there."

Xoxo

A/N: Hope you enjoyed :)