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

Chapter 13

"Putz!"  Hermione muttered.

 * * * *

The credits were rolling to complete silence; nobody said a word as the screen went back to the main menu and Dan turned off the TV & DVD.  Sirius silently waved his wand, causing the wall sconces to spring to life.

"Right."  Emma stood and looked around the living room of #12 . . .  and saw a lot of stunned, sad, thoughtful, shocked, grief-stricken faces.  "Let's all take a break, stretch our legs, use the loo, whatever, then we'll meet downstairs for dinner; Kreacher should have everything ready . . . but hold your questions and any discussions until we all gather at the table . . . as it will save time and repetition."

"Should we bring our notes?"  Neville asked.  "I have quite a few."

"Certainly, bring your notes and we'll talk after dinner . . .  however," Dan informed them as they stood and groaningly stretched themselves.  "We ARE going to separate into groups and discuss some specific parts afterward."

"We're not having a quiz, are we?" smirked George.

"That'd be bloody unfair," added Fred.

"No . . . no quiz, but points for remembering specific details and having your hand up first to answer,"  Emma teased them, as she walked by.  "Draco, Madam Malfoy, could you come with me please?"

"Certainly, Miss Watson," answered Narcissa. "Draco."  Draco started to protest but one quelling look from his mother and his mouth snapped shut, his hands were jammed into his pockets and he slouched after them, a sullen look on his face.

Emma led the way to the back parlor and held the door as Narcissa and then Draco entered.  Closing it, she turned, faced the two Malfoys and taking a deep breath, she started.

"Madam Malfoy . . "

"Narcissa, please . . .Emma." 

"Oh, thank you . . .Narcissa, I saw when you were greeting Sirius that you're a bit ahead of the game as far as convincing you of our purpose for being here.  I just want you to know that it is your bravery alone that turns the tide of the Battle of Hogwarts and that saves your family from total ruin."

"Oh, my, what happens?"  Narcissa's eyes had gotten wide at Emma's words.

"It will be easier to watch the movies than to try and explain, just know that in the movie you lie, boldface, to Voldemort and then you see your chance and you walk away, hand in hand with Draco, Lucius following.  In the book you and your husband run through the battle, not taking part in any of it, just trying to find Draco."

"But I saw that Lucius was caught at the Ministry." Narcissa waited, eyebrow raised.

"Yes, he and the other Death Eaters were put in Azkaban.  That's seen in the start of the next movie . . .which is when it all starts going wrong for you two."

"When . . .how does Lucius get out?"  Narcissa asked.

"Voldemort gets them all released, again, that's coming up later in the movies," Emma told her.  "Although I think Lucius comes to believe he'd have been better off in Azkaban than out . . .  Either way, you all survive and Draco . . ." She turned to look at the sullen boy.  "You realize, early in the next movie, that you, too, were wrong in following Voldemort, but you're caught up in his web and can't see a way out.  However, you also do a very brave thing, lying to Bella, not admitting you know who Harry is when he, Ron and Hermione are dragged to Malfoy Manor by the Snatchers.   You really want out, but don't know how you can do that without your whole family being slaughtered. He threatens to kill you all if you don't do what he wants you to do for him at Hogwarts . . .  kill Albus Dumbledore."