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

Chapter 51

"Hello all, sorry we're late.  I was bemoaning the state of Draco's wardrobe . . . he's grown two inches in the last year, I swear to you!!" Narcissa smiled.

"Mother!" Draco rolled his eyes.  "Could we leave this discussion until later?"

"Of course, dear."  Narcissa sat down next to Minerva, smiling at her, as she picked up her napkin.

"Alright! "  Professor Sprout spoke up.  "Now would you mind telling us why the Malfoys are here, Albus? We saw them when Draco was removed by Mister Potter, but  . . . I really don't understand any of this!" Pomona Sprout fixed Albus with an intense glare, pointing her finger at the Headmaster.  "You've got a fair bit of explaining to do!"

"Ah, indeed . . . well, let's see, where to start?"  Dumbledore mused, putting a bit of food in his mouth, chewing it and then swallowing while he contemplated his answer.  "I suppose at the beginning, which was over the Christmas holiday, two years ago.  We had a visit from some people from our future, Muggles in fact, who used a modified "Time Turner" to come back and warn us of certain events, hoping we could change our collective fates."

Healer Treiber leaned over and whispered in Severus' ear. "A group of Muggles with a Time Turner are helping change our lives?"

Severus gasped as he realized Katie had not been part of their past trip through the war with Voldemort.  How could he possibly explain what they'd done without her wishing her husband could  have been saved?  He turned to look at Harry, who had heard her question and had an equally shocked look on his face. What could he say? But it was Albus who spoke up, when he saw them exchanging looks.

"Healer Treiber . . . Katie, my dear. . . it appears you have stumbled upon our secret.  In the future, the year 2012 in fact, Draco, Harry, Ron and Hermione enlist the help of four young Muggles, who used a special 'Time Turner' to go back to Christmas holiday two years ago and tell us some information that is enabling us, now, to defeat Voldemort.  We didn't fare so well the first time we traveled through our lives; Sirius and myself were already dead at this point in time and many more would lose their lives, Severus included, even though Harry does defeat Voldemort in the end.  This time, we have tried to save as many as we could, with warnings and interceptions of Voldemort's plans.  I am pained to realize that your husband was not one of those we managed to save."

"No, Headmaster, don't be  . . . Edward did get one of those warnings, which is why he was trying to get his group moved that night . . . they were ready to leave but then . . .  he held the Snatchers off long enough for the group to 'Apparate' away .  He died a hero, Headmaster and I'm proud of what he did . . . it was his fate and I've come to accept that.  I imagine he died in the other voyage through time, too, as he was a Muggle-born and a marked Wizard.  And those he saved this time were probably not so lucky the first time, either.  So, he was an unknowing part of your plans and that is why I want to help; so his death truly means something."

"Well said, my dear," murmured Minerva McGonagall, as she gave Katie's shoulder a squeeze.

Severus was watching Katie as she listened to the discussion continuing around her.  He reached over and took her hand, making her start and turn to look at him.

"Are you alright?" he said, softly.

"Yes," she answered, raising her chin.  "I'm not so foolish as to think you all would do this again, just to add Edward to your list of 'must save' people.  You all did include him, unknowingly . . . it just wasn't meant to be.   I'm sure others you have warned have still fallen to the Snatchers or Death Eaters . . . "

"Yes, Rufus Scrimgeour, in fact, among a few others," Severus informed her.

Katie nodded and then continued.  "I'm glad for the time Edward and I had together, Severus.  Thank you for your concern, though."  She smiled at him and squeezed his hand.