Title: A New Family

Author: Intelligent Witch

Summary: Some women are born mothers; others have motherhood thrust upon them ADMM NOT an adopt Harry fic

Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Rainforest Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

Prologue - Death Letter

"Your move Albus," Minerva said after capturing his pawn.

"And how I wish it wasn't Minerva," Albus replied dryly.

"Albus you are the one who insisted we play chess this afternoon. Since I have won a large majority of our games you really took your own sanity into your own hands."

"Yes, how I wished I had been wise and chosen to play a game of Exploding Snap," Albus said mournfully.

"But then you know I would not have played," Minerva laughed.

"Very true so there is indeed a plus side to this negative situation."

"Just make your move Albus," Minerva instructed.

"Now Minerva it is that tone and attitude which makes you perfect for the Transfiguration position. You know that Professor Canterbury is only temporary, she can only stay until January."

"Albus you know that I am completely happy being an Auror. Besides, I have heard you talk about the antics of those second year Gryffindors, not children I wish to be in charge of. The second year Ravenclaws on the other hand are a different set entirely."

"Ahh Minerva you are simply a doting Aunt. You care for Victoria a great deal. Yes, she is indeed a sweet child although she has quite a temper, much like her mother and Aunt," Albus said fondly. "How is your sister these days?"

"She is quite well. I know that today she and Lachlan were having an afternoon away from the two youngest, Diana's in-laws were watching them. I know that Melia has been running them ragged. The exuberance of youth has always astounded me. I do not believe I could possibly have had that much energy."

"Minerva you are an Auror and regularly catch Dark wizards in difficult situations and yet you do not believe yourself energetic?"

Minerva laughed. "All right I do have energy but even I need rest yet Melia and Lucas, I cannot be so sure."

"Children are indeed wonderful little beings."

"Yes they are," Minerva said affectionately.

"It is truly amazing to think how much they can change as they become adults," Albus commented.

"Indeed, I never would have thought a boy I went to school with could cause such mass hysteria. You have no doubt heard that Tom Riddle has recently started a whole lot of nonsense about being Pure-blooded. I have no doubt that it will escalate and we shall have a fight on our hands and be in need of many an Auror."

"Minerva, always the warrior. Did you really never believe Tom capable of doing such a thing?" Albus questioned.

"Well, I did not like Tom but I never would have imagined he could possibly create this much hysteria over blood. Already he and his followers have committed murder and yet we cannot arrest them for we have no substantial evidence, it simply will not hold up in the Wizengamot."

"Have you not even been able to connect him to the murders in any way?" Albus asked, his curiosity aroused.

"Apart from notes left on the wall we have no other connection and we would surely be laughed at by the Wizengamot for accusing such 'high-standing' members of the community of murder." Minerva sighed. "Until we get solid proof there is absolutely nothing we can do."

"Well I have no doubt that you and your fellow Aurors will find the answer," Albus assured her. "You have always been an intellig-"

Peck. Peck.

"Albus!"

A black crow had appeared at the window to Albus' office. These crows were known for carrying news from the Ministry of Magic. Bad news.

Albus opened the window and quickly took the letter. His face saddened as he read the address.

"Minerva, it's for you."

Minerva's face only registered shock and she seemed unsure of herself as she reached for the letter.

She took it from Albus, her hand trembling slightly. She broke the seal and opened the parchment, spreading it open wide before beginning to read.

Albus watched her read, watched as her face registered first shock, then sadness and finally total shock and disbelief.

All too soon Minerva looked up from the parchment and said, "It's about Diana. She and Lachlan are dead. I am to take care of the children."

To be continued…