Hermione couldn't remember she'd ever had more fun. Although by now her feet hurt and her back actually cried for something more comfortable as the hard wooden bench in the ancient church, she felt wonderful, filled with the most beautiful sights, a delicious risotto and a happiness she hadn't experienced since her parent's death. And now the concerto began and the choir - half of it boys hardly older than 10 or 11 years, some even younger, all wearing white robes - started to sing its 'Kyrie eleison' - the ancient, capturing cry for mercy, deep human and in the same time much more than human. Hermione had learned that the composer Johann Sebastian Bach - as a lot of geniuses - had been a wizard and by it learned too, that being magical and believing in a creator didn't exclude each other and with that she'd got a new security in being a witch.
The voices of the boys streamed now through the church like a silver river, mixing to harmonies from perfect and overwhelming beauty. Hermione looked up to Albus who sat next to her. He'd earlier changed his appearance to muggle, his hair now only reaching to the shoulders, the beard short. Instead of his halfmoon spectacles he wore round glasses and his robes were gone for blue trousers, a vanilla shirt, dark blue tie and a casual cardigan in midnight blue. Although nothing in his attire differed from the muggles around him, Hermione had all day noticed that her husband caught a lot of attention. Hermione understood why - even disguised as a muggle Albus radiated power and looked regal.
Now the choir was through the 'Kyrie' and had celebrated the 'gloria in excelis Deo'. The music became quieter, the voices muffled in their heartfelt plea 'Et in terra pax hominibus boni voluntatis' - and on earth peace to all men of good will. Hermione translated the words for herself and listened to how the music became louder, firmer and the voices with every word more secure. They believed in getting peace for all men of good will and in doing so their plea changed to a celebration of the God who would give peace. Then a boy's voice swung itself highly in praise and Hermione felt a cold shudder down her spine and gripped Albus' hand. His fingers were warm and closed protectively over hers, showing her that he understood. And while the music celebrated hope and love, Hermione thought of her friends back at Hogwarts. Harry, Ron, Ginny, Minerva, Severus - yes, even the potion master - were "men of good will" and so they would get peace once - the peace to enjoy music, the company of each other, the shared joys and laughter. And yes, Hermione was sure: One day Severus would join her in laughter, not in the harsh and bitter laughter he was in use with, but in a real cheerful one. She'd seen his humanity, she knew about the tenderness he was able to, about his capability of love and care and she'd never again believe him cold or indifferent.
She leaned a bit closer to Albus, her shoulders touching. It was good to be with him and she swore to herself, she wouldn't complain again about feeling lonely and unwanted when he didn't have time for her. She couldn't expect a man so old and experienced loving a 18 year old girl like her, could she? He couldn't see more in her as a child in his care - perhaps a talented child who was at times nice to be with, but she couldn't demand to be taken seriously as a partner by him.
Besides, she hadn't forgotten what Malfoy had said about Albus having an affair with Rosmerta. Although Hermione didn't trust Lucius Malfoy further as she could throw a hippogriff with one hand - in this case, she was sure he hadn't lied. Hermione remembered how Harry, Ron and she once during a stay in the order's headquarters had hidden under Harry's invisibility cloak, and sneaked down in the middle of the night to the kitchen. They'd thought of the house already being empty again after the meeting of the order earlier on this evening, but by crossing the hall, they'd heard voices from the chamber next to it. A female had asked: "Will I see you later?" It sounded tender and a bit teasing. The voice answering Hermione had recognized at once: A bit cracked, husky and nevertheless firm and melodious - unmistakably the headmaster's voice, saying: "I'll have at least a nightcap with you ..."
