Author's Note:

I really have to stop rushing my writing. I forgot to add Hagrid as one of the people Molly wrote to. -kicks self- Well, he's in this chapter.

-chapter two-

like family

Molly had Dennis take the younger kids into the backyard to play when everyone arrived. Roxanne and Lily were allowed to stay, being under a year old. Teddy and Victoire, nine and seven years old respectively, both understood what was going on and demanded to be present as well.

"The Potters made me executor of their wills," Kingsley began, standing before the family and few friends in the open living room. "I'll start with Ginny's."

"'If you're reading this will, it means that Hades has won, and Harry and I are gone. I find it doubtful, though. I want it noted that I have complete faith in my brother, and if Hades has won, then he found some other way to get to us. Ron is not responsible.

"'Anyhow, to all my brothers, I give one thousand Galleons each. Another thousand each goes to Hermione Weasley, Luna Lovegood, and the Longbottoms. To my seven nieces and nephews, I leave five hundred Galleons each, to be held in my vault until each finishes their seven years of school. All remaining money - totaling just over two thousand Galleons - will be given to my parents.

"'I have few requirements as to where my belongings go. I would like my best friends Hermione and Luna to have my last two luck bracelets, in the hopes that they will keep them safe until the war is over. My phoenix necklace should be given to Victoire, who's always admired it. My broom must be saved for my children to use. It may be outdated by then, but it'll still fly great.

"'I want James to have the metal ring my parents gave me for my seventeenth birthday. My favorite winter cloak that I bought in Romania will go to Albus. Finally, to my precious Lily, I give the amulet that Bill bought me on his last trip to Egypt. Everything else can be taken by whoever wants it, and anything left over be saved for my children as well.

"'It goes without saying that, if given the choice, I would want Ron and his dear wife Hermione to raise my children. Should they not be able to, physically or mentally, Neville and Hannah Longbottom are the best choice.'"

There was lots of mumbling and protests, but Kingsley put a hand up to silence them all.

"'I know many of you will have problems with my decisions, but I ask that you don't fight them. Call it my last request. I have my reasons for dividing things the way I have.

"'Please do not feel bad for me. I lived a long and happy life, and could not have wished for anything better. Much love, Ginevra Molly Potter.'"

Kingsley folded the document neatly and put it back in its envelope, then addressed the crowd.

"If you'd all be so kind as to hold your arguments for a few more minutes, I'd like to read Harry's will before we contest anything." When no one said anything, he opened the second envelope.

"'After all my near-death experiences, I think it's about time I made one of these things. So, let's get down to it.

"'To each of my brothers-in-law, Hermione Weasley, Luna Lovegood, the Longbottoms, Professor Rubeus Hagrid and Headmistress Minerva McGonagall, I, too, give one thousand Galleons each. To my godson, Teddy, I give the broom my godfather gave me, with the faith that he will keep my prized Firebolt in one piece. I also give Teddy the sum of one thousand Galleons, to be held in my vault until he finishes all seven years of school. I ask that whatever money left in my vault be split evenly between my wife's parents and Andromeda Tonks, who have all been kind and understanding in these past years.

"'A note to George: in Doe's Haven Cemetery, there is a large oak tree with a phoenix carved into the trunk. Beneath this carving, on the ground, is a rock. Remove the rock and dig. You will find a small box, the contents of which must remain between you and I. More instructions are waiting for you. A quick warning for anyone else who seeks that box: it's cursed to harm all who touch it, except George.

"'The cabin I built in the woods belongs to Luna now. It's quiet and secluded, and many creatures pass through that clearing. I leave the house on Poppy Lane for my children to use. Until James' seventeenth birthday, it will be left in the care of their guardians. Said guardians should feel free to live in the house, or leave it as is. The Alliance is also free to use it has headquarters for as long as they need.

"'To my children, I leave my broom, the Falcon 260. I've recently set up three separate vaults at Gringotts for them. There is enough money in each to last throughout their years at Hogwarts, and probably past that. The keys to said vaults are hidden and will not show themselves until necessary. Like Ginny, I ask that all my remaining belongings be taken by whoever would like them, and the rest be saved for the children.

"'Lastly, in the matter of guardians, my brother-in-law Ron and his wife Hermione are my first choices. My only choices for substitution are Neville and Hannah Longbottom. This is effective immediately. If possible, I want the kids staying with them tonight. Also like Ginny, I ask that no one counter my decisions.

"'I have learned two things from my years in the wizarding world. The first is that family has nothing to do with blood, but with who really cares about you. Everyone here has been like family to me, and for that I am grateful. The second is that death is not permanent. This will not be the last you hear from me, so don't waste your time grieving. Spend it, instead, on returning England to what it was before Hades arrived. I don't want my children growing up afraid of another name. Until next time, all my love, Harry James Potter.'"

The adults all remained silent for a few more minutes after Kingsley finished reading, except for Hagrid, who was blowing his nose very loudly. Teddy and Victoire went into the next room on their own, neither in the mood to hear anymore about the deaths or go outside and play. Finally, Molly couldn't hold her tongue any longer.

"Are the children being sent to Hermione, then?"

"No," Kingsley said. "I don't think it's a good idea for her to raise them. Physically, I think it's impossible. As it is, she's going to have her hands full balancing work with Rose and a baby on the way. Emotionally, she's just lost her best friends because of her husband's actions."

"Why can't we raise them, then?"

"Molly," Arthur warned.

"I have nothing against you two," she added to Neville and Hannah. "But you don't have any experience in raising children. It's cruel to expect you to raise three with hardly any help. The children should be with family right now anyway."

Kingsley held up a hand to silence Molly and then turned to the Longbottoms. "Would you be willing to take the Potters in?"

Hannah didn't say anything, but nodded at her husband.

"Yes. If it's what Harry and Ginny wanted, we'll do it," Neville said.

"Well, then, it's settled." The Minister started packing up the wills and pulled a few more documents from his briefcase. "I'll just need you two to sign these papers, then the children will legally be yours."

"Wait a minute. Isn't there any way we can fight this?" Molly stood.

"No. You heard what Harry and Ginny said. They don't want anyone to fight this. They trust the Longbottoms to keep the kids safe, and so do I."

"This has nothing to do with trust in keeping the children safe. This has to do with making sure someone will be there for those children when it comes time to explain what happened to their parents, or what they were like. They need someone who will be there for them emotionally."

"I will be," Neville said quietly. "I think I'd know how they'll feel better than anyone."

No one said anything. They all turned to Molly, who looked torn.

Finally she sighed. "Have either of you cared for children before?"

"We've watched James and Albus a few times," Hannah said. "Other than that, not really."

"Molly, obviously Harry and Ginny have faith in the Longbottoms' child-rearing capabilities if they made them guardians," Kingsley reasoned.

"Yes, I know. And call me paranoid if you want, but I intend to make sure my grandchildren are being taken care of." The red-haired woman turned back to Hannah. "The attic is used as a guest bedroom here. It's where Arthur and I have been sleeping these past months. Would you agree to letting us stay a little longer, to help you and Neville adjust? If you intend to stay here, I mean."

"We do. Our flat is far too small for five people to live in. And I think that would be wonderful if you could help us," the younger witch said. "Is there, by chance, another guest room? I don't really think it's appropriate for us to take the master..."

"Unfortunately, no," Arthur sighed. "But, under the circumstances, I think it's all right if you have the master bedroom. This is your house now. I'd be more than happy to help you move your things in here tonight, if it'll make you feel more comfortable." The young couple agreed.

"Well, now that it's all settled, I'm going to need your signatures on these." Kingsley handed the documents to Neville and turned around. "Arthur, Harry said the keys to the Gringotts vaults are hidden in the ceiling of the master bedroom here. Would you mind checking for me? I'll go to the bank tonight to get the inheritances sorted out."

"We should go," McGonagall said, standing and pulling Hagrid up with her. "Molly, if you need anything, you know where to find me. Neville, take as long a hiatus as you need. I'll send for a substitute."

Neville thanked her and Molly showed the professors out just as Arthur was coming down the stairs, a small wooden box in his hands.

A few minutes later, with keys and signed documents in hand, Kingsley left the house, followed closely by Arthur.

"Kingsley, about the bodies," he began when they were far enough away from the house. "Where-"

"Not to worry. I've hidden them. About the funerals, though, I thought it best that we wait until things settle down. I don't want Hades to get the better of us when we're all gathered there."

"Yes, good idea."

Kingsley made to walk away and then stopped himself. "One last thing. Harry supplied money for the funerals. He asked that they be buried in Doe's Haven."

Arthur nodded. "I thought he might."

"Well, I'll go then. I'll come back later to return the keys and help with anything."

Arthur thanked him and the Minister turned on the spot, disapparating.

:-:

The Weasleys all stayed behind that day. They sorted through the Potters' belongings carefully and quickly, no one really wanted to do the job. Ginny's necklace and bracelets were found, as well as Harry's old Firebolt. They were all stowed away in a cabinet to be given away later.

When everything had been gone through - and very little taken by the family - Kingsley helped them transport it all to Harry and Ginny's vaults. This included the majority of their furnishings as well. Neville and Hannah were already packed and ready to move when Arthur and the boys came to help.

By nightfall, the house on Poppy Lane had been transformed. Bright colors and new furniture gave a cheerful appearance and left no sign of what had happened the night before, or what the residents were still going through.

Author's Note:

I'm so sorry this is late. I know I promised to have this up weeks ago, but I got sidetracked.

Huge thanks to Dimcairien, who's beta-ing for me now! =D

Hoping to have another chappy up by the weekend, but no promises. My birthday's on Monday, so the whole weekend is going to be filled with partying. ;)

-Lizzy