A/N: Thank you so much everyone for your care and prayers. Sadly to say, I am still ill, though we know now what was causing my stomach problems. After an endoscopy, they discovered bleeding ulcers throughout my stomach. I still have to see a neurologist about the dizziness, passing out, and headaches, but at least I know about my stomach now. They have me on three different medications at the moment, so I'm hoping this ends soon.

Secondly, I would like to thank CameroonEmma for her PM to me wishing me well. You cannot imagine how much that made me smile.

Next, names I'm using for characters in this chapter. Mei-Mei is the name I am using for Taiwan, Lien for Vietnam, and Daeng for Thailand. If they have official names, let me know, because I could not find any. Now on to the story! And please read and review. Reviews are the best thing I can get at the moment! :D Enjoy!

"Aniki!~"

A soft Oomph was let out of the small Asian boy as an even smaller boy gripped his chest from behind, the small boy nuzzling his head into his back, a small sprig of hair curled up, defying gravity with its position. The boy sighed, taking in the scent of his brother, and then pulled away, a smile on his face. "Aniki, we all missed you! How is Hogwarts? Is it awesome, Aniki? Did you know that Hogwarts was invented in-"

"I missed you too. Yes, Hogwarts is quite amazing. And no, Hogwarts was not invented in Korea, Yong-Soo." Kiku sighed, giving a strained smile as well before turning to the rest of his siblings. There sat a small girl with a flower dress, a smile on her face as her sister held an oar in her hand, a green dress on the elder girl. A small boy, about two years old, was completely head shaven and swinging his legs over the edge of the sofa, smiling up at Kiku. Kiku placed his trunk on the ground, walking over to hug his siblings each in turn, greeting them all in the quick, rapid, melodic oriental language. After a moment, Kiku sat next to his siblings, looking up expectantly for an order from Arthur.

Arthur smiled at the group, looking towards the window as Ludwig, Alfred, and Dan went to their rooms to put away their belongings. A sigh escaped Arthur's lips before this face was overtaken by a smile, and he looked to the large Asian group. "It's about time for supper. Are you children hungry?"

"Yes, Sir," came the chorus, and Arthur felt like he was presented with the perfect troupe of children. He smiled happily and stuck his head into the kitchen. "How soon will dinner be ready?"

"Mon petite chou, you cannot rush perfection~" crooned the Frenchman, looking at Arthur from a pot of soup. "I'm making an onion soup. I hope the children are hungry."

"Starved," responded Arthur, rolling his eyes. "And I'm not rushing. Just turn up the temperature and it will cook faster."

"Mon dieu! No wonder your cooking is atrocious."

"My cooking is just fine!"

"If your love making was as bad as your cooking," continued Francis, stirring the soup with a smile, a cue that he was joking, "I would have to sincerely rethink our relationship, mon amour."

"Oh, you twat." Arthur moved back to the children, sitting beside them with a smile as the Kirkland children came to join the new comers. "Dinner will be ready soon," he told them. "Francis is making soup. Fitting for this chilly night, if I do say so myself." A soft sigh left Arthur's lips as he ruffled the younger Wang's hair, the Asian with the tall curl. He gave a grin and sat on his brother's lap.

Ludwig gave out a sigh of his own, turning his attention to Kiku. "Do you know how long you will be staying here?" he asked.

"Until I find out how to keep us all together," Kiku said softly, his dark hues surveying his siblings. "I do not want us separated."

"Your father wouldn't want you separated, either," Arthur said, placing a hand on Kiku's shoulder. "Don't worry, lad. I'll figure something out. For now, just relax and I'll add on a few bedrooms for you and your siblings."

Kiku's eyes filled with emotion, his voice thick. "How can I ever repay you?"

"Just do your best and keep on your studies," Arthur answered simply, looking to the doorway as Francis came to get the group.

They were sitting at the table, the area made longer by magic. Soup was dished to each child, bread with the meal. It was splendid, Arthur feeling as though perfection was seeping down his throat. He would say often that the only reason Francis was allowed into his house was for his cooking. The caramelized onions were easy to swallow, the broth was delicious. And with the look on the boys and girls faces, they seemed to agree, though the Asian children looked as though something was missing, something dear.

And indeed, something was missing. The father they once had, the friend and mentor Arthur had come to love, the idol to Alfred, and the man who saved Kaoru's life. A man that, even if they had never met, had touched every single person's life in that room. And he was never coming back.

Dinner was soon interrupted by the knock on the door, and Arthur stood to get it, bidding the family farewell for a short moment.

There was silence.

"Kiku, can you and your siblings please come to the main room!" Arthur's voice called out, and the small group of Asian children scampered over to where they were beckoned. Alfred stood, running after them, and Ludwig joined them, the rest of the Kirkland children following after. Even Francis joined the group in the room.

Arthur stood behind a soft chair, an Asian man sitting in the seat. It was Kaoru. The Kirkland children and Francis broke into smiles as they swarmed the eldest Kirkland child. Kaoru smiled at the sight of his siblings, hugging each in turn; Dan, Alfred, Ludwig, Matthew, Seysel, and Peter. He kissed each of their foreheads before having them sit down. Kaoru sighed, rubbing his eyes, and then looked to the Wang children.

"I have your father's will."

The children instantly tensed and sat up straight. Kaoru continued. "And as my father is the one that is taking care of you, I'm the one that was assigned to come read it to you." He sighed, unfolding a scroll of parchment. There was a strip of Chinese on the page, followed by English. It read;

I, Yao Wang, of sound mind and sound body, do compose my last will and testament.

First off, I wish to give Mei-Mei and Lein Wang their mother's jewelry, save for her wedding set. She had wanted it to be separated amongst the two of you when you were older, but if you are reading this, you will not reach older in my sights. I also leave my jade necklace that you loved so much to you, Mei-Mei, and my obsidian ring to you, Lein. Know that I loved both of you very much.

Secondly, to Daeng Wang, I leave my wall scrolls and my jade bracelet that you loved playing with, in hopes that he will remember me. I loved you more than you could fathom. I just regret that I will never see you grow.

Thirdly, to Yong-Soo Wang, I leave the many stories I told him at night, written up in my hand writing. You can find the book on my book case next to my bed. I hope you remember those nights and remember my love.

Next, to Kiku Wang, I leave your mother and my wedding rings, as the eldest, and I hope you use them in your own wedding. May they bring you as much happiness as they brought your mother and me. I also leave my collection of books to you, knowing you will benefit most from them. And finally, I leave my self-blessed talisman, which is currently in the possession of Albus Dumbledore. You are my eldest, and I love you. You have, and will continue to, make me proud.

I leave my estate to be split equally amongst my five children for when they come of age. Until then, I leave it under the protection of Arthur Kirkland, to be used to pay for schooling, clothing and their essentials.

And finally, I leave my most treasured possessions to the custody of Arthur Kirkland. My five children.

Keep your eyes to the sky and your hearts pure. Darkness cannot survive without the light, but the light can illuminate the dark.

Kaoru took a deep breath as he looked to the group before him. There was a pause, then Kaoru brought out a bag, dispersing the items. "The funeral will be in Kyoto. It was your father's wish to be laid to rest with your mother. We will arrange flights for us, as Francis cannot apparate or go by the Floo Network. "

"I liked Yao," Francis mumbled sadly. "He was… a good man."

But Kiku looked besides him as he looked to Arthur, focused on him. He was their guardian? True, Arthur was very kind, but he already had six children of his own. Five more was a lot to ask of one man. A sigh left his lips and his fingers caressed the rings, holding them, loving them, the union symbolized by the two stirring in his heart. From this blessed marriage came five beautiful children. Out of this union, love was given physical manifestation not once, but five times. And each of them was just as wanted and important as the others. He would do all within his power to live and protect them. He must. He was the oldest Wang. He was the eldest. He was responsible.

Arthur smiled as he looked at the children, but inwardly he wondered what Yao was thinking. They would have been safer with Dumbledore. He was glad that Yao saw him a fit enough parent to raise his own, but he also felt guilty… Yao.

He shook his head, getting the image of his dead mentor and friend out of his head, musing slightly. The Wang children. Ludwig. Seysel. Kaoru. It seemed that Arthur had a knack of collecting up children that were not his own, adopting or housing them. The Kirkland's were the go-to family, now, the manor a makeshift orphanage of sorts. He gave a sigh as his emerald eyes rose to a portrait of two adults, a proper, Victorianesque man standing next to a smiling, elegant woman, both adorned in dress robes. They smiled and waved, and Arthur wondered if his parents were proud.

=o=o=o=o=

The three boys, Ludwig, Kiku, and Alfred, all were in Ludwig's room, talking. Alfred was grinning. "Thirteen people all living in one house! This is going to be awesome!"

"You know," Kiku said, "there is a superstition that the first to rise at a table of thirteen will be the first to die."

Alfred froze. "But Dad was the first to get up! Ah! Dad can't die!"

Ludwig shook his head. "He'll be fine. It's just a superstition."

But Alfred was not convinced. "Go check on him, Ludwig! Go check on him!"

A sigh. "Fine, I have to ask him about Lucius' party anyway." Ludwig stood, rolling his eyes at Alfred's gullibility. He made his way to Arthur's study, stopping outside the door. There were voices mumbling.

"Of course," he heard Arthur's crisp tone say. "Yes. Yes. Yes, it is going well. Yes. Exactly as we thought."

The other person kept their voice low, and Ludwig frowned as he pressed his ear against the door. He couldn't make out any of the other's words.

"Of course. He's doing well. Yes."

Ludwig sighed and shuffled his weight, trying to hear better. Who was Arthur talking to? He stood up, looking over the stairs into the front room. Francis and Kaoru were down there, the Wang children in their rooms. Who could it be? Ludwig took his position outside the door once more, trying to gain more information.

"What do you desire for me to do?"

Ludwig bit his lip, his eyes widening. What was going on? Who was Arthur speaking to? Was this safe? The tone in Arthur's voice sent shivers down his spine. It wasn't his usual confident, slightly sarcastic tone, but a serious one. An afraid one.

"It will be done."

At this, Ludwig could not bare anymore. He stood and knocked on the door.

It swung open, causing Ludwig to jump in order not to be hit.

Arthur looked disheveled, slightly mad, as he stared down at Ludwig. "Ah… Ludwig. Hello. What do you need?"

"Ah…." Ludwig looked around. "Um. I was wondering whether or not I could visit a friend over the break."

"Yes, yes," he said dismissively, waving his hand. "Anything else?"

Ludwig peered into the room. No one was there. Just an open window and blowing curtains.

"What are you staring at, boy? Have you not your wits about you?" Arthur brushed at his hair, still staring at Ludwig. He seemed calm now. "What friend is this, anyway?"

"I was invited to Lucius' Christmas party."

Arthur had regained his composure, sighing. "Well. Who all is going to be there?"

"Him. Narcissa, his girlfriend. Bellatrix. MacNair. Rodolphous. Zw-"

"Are his parents?" Arthur sounded apprehensive. "I don't fancy the idea of a troupe of teenagers alone for hours."

Ludwig blinked, biting his lips. "Um, ja. I think that he said they would be there."

"I'll have to speak to them, but yes. You may go."

Ludwig broke into a smile before hugging Arthur tightly around his waist. "Thanks Dad!"

"Anything for you." Arthur kissed the top of Ludwig's head, smiling softly into his bright, blond hair. His little Slytherin. His bright, dark boy.

=o=o=o=o=

"So Arthur is fine," Ludwig concluded, leaving out the part of his conversation he overheard out. "And I get to go to Lucius' party."

"I do hope you have fun," Kiku said, continuing to read a book as Alfred bounced on the bed.

"I'm so glad Dad's okay," he said. "Thanks for checking it, man. Kiku had me worried."

Ludwig nodded. "So, I'm going to turn in for the night."

"I'll do the same," Kiku said, standing and sighing. Then, in a rush, he said, "will you two come to the funeral? And Feliciano as well."

The other two stood, staring.

"Kiku…." Alfred said softly, looking to him.

"Of course," Ludwig murmured, resting a hand on Kiku's forearm. "We're here for you."

"Yeah! You can count on me! 'Cause I'm a hero!"

Kiku gave a soft smile. "Ah. Thank you."

The three departed for the night, leaving Ludwig alone in his room. He sighed, getting dressed, thinking of all that happened. Kiku was now his brother. And something was up with Arthur… nothing too bad, he was sure. It was Arthur. But enough to cause the normally collected Brit discomfort. And it was worrisome.

Ludwig went to his window to shut it, then paused. Upon his windowsill stood a little, yellow bird.

"Hello, Bird," he muttered to it softly. "Are you haunting me?"

The bird let out a soft chirp before spreading its wings, flapping them a few times before taking off into the sky.

"Come back!" Ludwig called out, and he cursed as it continued to fly. He shut the window. That bird. That same bird.

Ludwig had to know what it meant. He just hoped he'd like it.