Chapter 13

Harry and Minerva sat huddled together on the couch in the study at Potter Estate simply enjoying life. The girls, who they named, Fiona and Bridget, were settled down on the floor playing with the dolls their Aunt Hermione had brought with her to the Ministry as soon as she heard of the adoption. The blood ritual selected changed the girls entire DNA to match that of Harry and Minerva. Whereas they looked similar to Minerva beforehand, they had the mischievous grin that Harry typically wore now. Minerva smiled as she thought of how the ritual had given her the memories of her girls' entire life. It was an unexpected bonus and hadn't ever been documented with that particular ritual before. Harry had just grinned and said it was meant to be.

"Hello family," Hermione said cheery as she handed the Daily Prophet to her mentor and sister in law. She settled down on the floor and pulled out a couple of muggle coloring books and crayons for her newly gained nieces. "Who wants to color," she asked and laughed at the smiles on the girls' faces.

Minerva opened up the paper and immediately smiled. The front page story was about their adoption of the girls. Several photos showed the newly formed family beaming with happiness of being together and the start of their bond. The photos showed the absolute acceptance of Harry and Minerva which is what they intended to start with. The headline grabbed attention immediately: Potter Chooses Love over Blood!

"It's another fabulous story," Hermione said matter-of-factly. "The magical adoption agencies have had more inquiries in the past hour than the last year alone. The old Pureblood families might not be willing to take in children with unknown blood statuses; however, the half-bloods and muggle-borns don't seem to care one iota. And now with someone so high profile as Harry adopting they aren't afraid of what the purebloods say as much."

"I didn't expect such a reaction so soon," Harry admitted while glancing through the article.

Minerva smiled at her husband before saying, "Harry you have replaced Albus Dumbledore as the Greatest Wizard of Modern times. Of course, the magical world would react promptly."

Harry looked at his wife surprised. Replaced Albus Dumbledore? Greatest Wizard of Modern times seemed a laughable notion. He was perplexed by the mere comparison to Albus. He considered Albus to be the best wizard he had ever known and didn't believe himself to be in the same sphere of magical ability in the least.

"It's true Harry," Hermione stated as she saw the look of bewilderment on her best friend's face. "You might not want to acknowledge it but the wizarding world has no problem doing so. Your magical ability is great but it isn't what makes you Albus' replacement. It's the willingness to fight for what you believe is right regardless of what it might cost you. You are more than the current savior of the wizarding world, you are their champion."

"An utter Gryffindor if I ever saw one," his wife teased and then gave him a quick peck to the lips. Harry just shook his head. He doubted he would ever see himself as Minerva and Hermione apparently did.

His thoughts were interrupted by his daughters. "Look at what I colored Daddy," one of the girls screamed excitedly before both girls launched themselves into his arms. He caught them easily and pulled them close to his chest and focused all of his attention on his girls.

"What an amazing job you did," he praised before dropping a kiss on both of the girls' foreheads. Minerva and Hermione shared a look and grinned. Fatherhood looked good on Harry Potter. The witches turned their attention back to Harry and the girls and simply enjoyed the evening. James and Lily Potter remained silent in their portrait. Smiles graced their features as they watched over their family. They were never prouder of their son than that very moment. Harry being the greatest wizard of modern times isn't what made them proud. Harry being an attentive and loving family man is what reassured them that their sacrifice was well worth it.

A month later Kingsley had owled and requested The Potters' come to St. Mungo's as soon as possible. Harry and Minerva quickly dropped the girls off to their Aunt Hermione and headed off to meet Kingsley figuring it was important. He met them as soon as they walked through the entrance and ushered them into an elevator that was luckily empty. "Sorry to interrupt your summer vacation but I didn't know what else to do," Kingsley said honestly.

"Do about what," Minerva questioned with a raised eyebrow.

Kingsley looked towards Minerva before answering. "The two muggle women have given birth and are requesting the newborns be placed with the toddlers. The mind healers have been working wonders with the women and while they still want nothing to do with magic they do care enough to keep the children together."

Harry grasped Minerva's hand and squeezed reassuringly. Everything would be fine he silently reassured her. He glanced at his wife before responding, "Can we see the babies before we decide?"

Kingsley nodded his head and led the Wizarding World's power couple to a private room near the nursery. The babies were nestled together in a single crib with blue blankets swaddled around them. "Both lads," Minerva asked curiously as she moved closer to the crib. Kingsley nodded yes when Minerva glanced his way. She focused her attention back on the small bundles before her. With a shaky hand, she reach out and gently caressed a tiny cheek before the doing the same with the other baby. "Hello wee ones," she said gently. Two tiny hands immediately reach up and touched hers. Surprised she glanced at Harry before turning her gaze back on the newborn babes.

"I'll be damned," Kingsley said as he watched Minerva with the babies. "They shouldn't be able to move like that."

Harry smiled at Kingsley and shrugged his shoulders. He kind of expected the unexpected in his life with everything that had happened to him. He didn't question it anymore. He watched his wife bend down and kiss both babies on the forehead. A look of wonder graced her features as she stared at the babies. He moved to his wife's side and got a closer look at the baby boys. A feeling of protection swelled in his chest. He met his wife's gaze and a silent conversation flowed between them. He leaned in and gave her a gentle kiss before turning his attention to the wizard waiting across the room. "We are going to need those blood adoption specialists again," Harry said with a mischievous grin. "Can you also contact Hermione and let her know what is going on? Have her contact her person at the Prophet for another story and let her know we are willing to allow her choice entrance to Potter Estate for pictures when the girls meet their new brothers."

Kingsley just nodded his head in affirmation. His respect for Harry and Minerva Potter continued to grow to unimaginable heights. Kingsley doubted if he had ever met any greater people in his entire life. He left the room quietly but smiled as he heard Minerva whispering to her babes, "Máthair is here my wee ones. Máthair will not leave you."

A special Daily Prophet was printed that evening. The headline boldly read: Auror No More! Potter, Stay-at-home Dad? It told of Harry's decision to leave the Auror division but to remain in the reserves for times of need. His decision to take up the mantle of Lord Potter and work on wizarding laws and reforms were discussed intensely. The story of adopting the newborn boys, Malcolm and Duncan, was covered in great detail (with the exception of the birth mothers' captivity). But the reason every copy of the special edition sold, were the pictures of Harry and Minerva with their four children. They were the picture perfect family!