It's not easy to explain, but . . .

Chapter 45

"What?"

"Would you like to take a ride with me on a broom?" He wiggled his eyebrow.

"Ah . . . no.  I'm not doubting your skill, Draco, but I have a real fear of heights!  That's why we didn't visit the Astronomy Tower this morning and why I couldn't wait to get off of those crazy staircases!"

"Hey! Malfoy!"  Harry and the rest had arrived.  "What do you say to showing this lot how real Quidditch players do it?" Harry waved for Draco to join him and the other former team players on the field.

Draco looked at Emma, who smiled.  "Go on, you know you're dying to get out there and relive your glory days!"

Draco barked a laugh, gave Emma a kiss and hurried down the steps to join the growing crowd on the field.  Lucius rose and walked down to sit near the railing.

Narcissa leaned over to whisper in Emma's ear. "My son hasn't looked this happy in years, Emma.  You seem to have changed his outlook on life."

Emma turned to the stunning woman sitting next to her.  "He's told me as much, Cissa. . . . I'm so sorry I can't see him after today, but . . . " Emma's eyes filled with tears.  "We've talked . . . a lot . . . and come to grips with the reality of this whole situation . . . and we've made peace with it.   I'll not remember all of this or him, of course . . .so the burden will be his to bear . . . I wish I could do something, but that's not possible . . . I'm a real danger to your world, and I accept that it would be foolish to think I wasn't . . . we'll enjoy today and Draco will try to move on with his life tomorrow."

"Oh, Emma, dearest,"  Narcissa put her arm around the girl and pulled her close.  "I'm so sorry that this is so painful, for both of you.  But Draco has loved you for a long time."  Emma looked at Cissa wide-eyed, making her smile sadly.  "I've known since you all came to us that Christmas, all those years ago and changed our lives.  But, there was nothing a mother could do or say, we all had to wait until your return and then see what happened. "

"We spent a lot of time together last night and then this morning discussing everything . . . he'll be fine, I think . . . I hope . . . I hate knowing I'll not be able to remember . . . it seems so callus on my part, but it's totally necessary to safe guard all of you . . . why go through everything you have, just to be found out because I selfishly insisted on  . . . .No, I won't do that to him or you or your world . . .not if I can help it."  Emma said, emphatically.

"You and Draco are two very responsible young adults and you are doing the right thing,"  Cissa kissed Emma on the cheek and then turned to watch the action on the field. "Better wipe your eyes, dear; if Draco flies by and sees you crying, I'll get called on the carpet for meddling!"

Emma laughed and turned to see what had been happening while she and Cissa were talking.  Lucius had been joined by Severus Snape and Professor Flitwick.  They were conversing with Arthur Weasley, who had ambled over.  The grandkids were getting ready to show off for the visitors, so Emma and Narcissa turned their undivided attention to the proceedings.

X X X

"Why do Draco and Harry have to be so far up?" Emma wondered, clutching Cissa's arm, as she gazed skyward at the minute figures, aloft, that were Draco and Harry. 

"They can keep a better lookout for the Snitch from up there,"  Lucius informed her, having rejoined the two ladies to watch the pick-up game the older, former players had started after the 'young flyer' demonstration had concluded.  Tom, Rupert and Dan were seated with Severus, Hermione, Professor Flitwick and the senior Weasleys, just in front of them.  Albus and Minerva were just arriving and decided to sit with Fleur and the young Weasley cousins.