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

Chapter 7

"How does Draco know all of this?" Remus finally joined in the conversation.

"Well, it's his job, actually; he works in the Department of Mysteries."  Rupert answered, smiling at the open mouthed response to that bit of news. "Yeah, Mr. Clean is one of the good guys." 

That brought smiles to Emma and Dan's faces and a snort of laughter from Tom.

"Inside joke," he said to the twins, who shook their heads in disbelief, then looked at each other and silently mouthed 'Mr. Clean?', as wicked grins spread across their faces.  Tom rolled his eyes. "I'll tell you two later," he whispered, winking at them.

"So, how are you all going to do this?"  Sirius asked the big question.  "You can't just walk around in the Wizarding world  or go to Hogwarts  or . . . "

"'Actually," Emma stood and turned to face Harry's Godfather.  "We were there just an hour or two ago, met with Headmistress McGonagall and talked to Albus' portrait."

"WHAT!"  "Albus is dead?" "That's not possible!" "Bloody hell!"  "Minerva is Headmistress!?"

There was a general uproar as questions started flying and it took a few moments to get everyone quiet.

"Okay, settle down, everyone!"  Remus raised his voice and the noise level dropped.  "I'm sure our guests will have all the answers to your questions, if we give them a chance to talk."

"Thanks, Remus," Dan responded with a smile. "Actually, we need to do a few things first and then, hopefully all of your questions will be answered."

Emma nudged Dan and handed him an envelope.

"I think these might help prove we are who we say we are," said Dan, as he handed Harry a magically sealed note.  Emma and Rupert handed similar envelopes to Hermione and Ron. 

Tom waved his note for Draco.   "Draco will get his in a bit."

"We also have notes for the rest of you, as we knew you'd be here."  Emma reached into her tote and retrieved  the half dozen notes: for the twins, Ginny, Molly, Remus and Sirius.  "Everyone else we have to talk to will just have to take our word.  We know, for instance, what Minerva and Albus gave to each other this morning as Christmas gifts . . . how could we know if they hadn't told us themselves?"  She passed out the notes. "Mad-eye, we'll have to convince in person . . somehow.  Severus, Tonks, Draco and Narcissa . . . we'll deal with them one to one."

After reading the information sent to them from the future, all looked up, eyes wide.

"There's no way anyone knows about this, but me," Sirius said. "Except Harry."

"Same here."  Harry agreed.  "I never told anyone about this."  He waved the note.

"So this really is true."  Molly looked up, shaking her head. " I can hardly believe it."

"Welcome to our world,  Molly," Dan smiled at her. "It's been that kind of day."

"Do I smell cinnamon rolls?"  Rupert took a step toward the door  "We interrupted your meal, didn't we?"

"Yes, we were just starting our Christmas luncheon,"  Molly stood.  "There's plenty, would you care to join us?"

Rupert walked over and gave Molly a hug. "Thanks, 'Mum'! We growing boys need our food! Right, Ron?"  He looked over his shoulder at Ron and grinned.

"Right you are, Rupert!  Follow us, everybody!"

* * * *

"Draco, please stop pacing and sit down," urged Ginny.

"What? Oh, sorry . . . right . . . bugger, I hate waiting," muttered Draco, as he collapsed onto one of the armchairs, leaned back and closed his eyes.