It was a sunny day, the day the Weasley family buried Arthur at the Burrow. His sons and son-in-law carried the coffin from the house to the spot where he was to be buried, and his grandchildren formed a guard of honour as they carried it to his final resting place.
Kingsley spoke of Arthur's commitment to the Light during the Second War. How he had so much to lose, with a family so big and so involved. But Arthur never hesitated, always saying it was for the greater good. He had confidence in his children's abilities, and knew they could always rely on each other's help.
Arthur's boss at the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office spoke of his love for Muggle technology. He mentioned how Arthur wrote the Muggle Protection Act, which was an important law for the Ministry. He spoke of Arthur's fascination with all Muggle technology, especially aeroplanes.
Charlie and Bill stood up and spoke on behalf of the family. They talked of how Arthur had met Molly at Hogwarts and how they'd eloped soon after graduation. Charlie spoke of a father who spent a lot of time with his children, teaching them to fly and swim. Bill spoke of a father who didn't let blood status matter, a trait he passed on to his children.
"We didn't have much, but we had love in abundance," said Bill.
The wizard conducting the service spoke of Arthur's time in the Order of the Phoenix, and his subsequent promotion at the Ministry after the war.
Then, to the surprise of the adults, all the grandchildren stood up and went to the front.
Victoire spoke of a grandpa who always had time for his grandchildren. Who would always sneak one of Nana's scones when Nana wasn't looking if Vicki was hungry. Nick spoke of a grandpa who had some amazing things in his shed, so it was always fun to go in there. Molly spoke of a grandfather who always had time to read her a story.
James and Albus spoke together, talking about their Poppy, and how he'd always bring them some Muggle lollies when he visited. Daisy and Lily held hands and waved to their Mummy and Daddy, and together simply said "We love our Poppy Arthur."
Rose and Lucy simply nodded. "We love and miss you Grandpa," they said.
They then returned to their proud parents sides.
Arthur's body was laid to rest next to Fred's. Molly could look out her kitchen window and see it, and it had a good view of Arthur's shed. A fitting place for his eternal sleep.
Several hours later, all the guests had gone. Everyone had been surprised that so many from the Ministry had come for the service, but as they had been told by so many, Arthur was a genuinely nice man. His kindness had touched many witches and wizards, and they had all come to pay their respects.
Charlie, Bill, George, Percy Ron and Ginny stayed close to Molly, pouring over old photo albums. Molly brought down the one she had found in the trunk, and Ginny's brother's got to see her in her wedding dress.
Fleur, Hermione, Angelina, Audrey and Harry were content to stay outside, watching over the children. They all played well together. Freddie, Nick, James and Albus already as thick as thieves. Victoire tried to dominate the younger girls, but they were too young to listen to her. Rose, Lily, Daisy and Lucy were similar in age. Little Molly decided to hang out with Vicky, rather than the little girls.
Rose sat down and pulled out her favourite book. It was a small child's version of 'Hogwarts, A History'.
"We've read that," cried Lily, pointing.
"Really?" asked Hermione, surprised. She'd always thought her Rose was quite advanced in her reading.
Daisy and Lily nodded. "Now we're reading 'Beauxbatons, from the Beginning'.
Hermione frowned. "I've only seen French versions of that."
Harry smiled proudly, as he brushed his hands over his daughter's heads. "We've been living in Paris the last year, and the kids seem to pick up the language no trouble."
Vicky started to talk French to Daisy and Lily, and they responded in kind. Fleur came over and joined the conversation.
"That's amazing," said Hermione.
Harry shrugged, but looked proudly at his children. "We've moved around a lot, and the kids have learned to adapt. They probably do it better than Ginny and I. They love meeting new people and learning about new cultures. The school of life, Ginny calls it."
"Where have you been?" asked Hermione.
"When we left here after Ginny's birthday, we went to the Greek Isles for a while. We used it as a bit of a base while we travelled around. We were married there on New Years Day. James was born the next year in Australia, and Al came along two years later in Sweden. The girls were born in South Africa," said Harry.
"Fascinating," said Audrey. Harry's other sisters-in-law had come over to listen to the conversation. The other girls had come over, and were watching Vicky, Lily and Daisy converse easily. The boys were flying on the pitch.
"We really liked Japan," smiled Daisy.
"Konichiwa," giggled Lily, bowing.
"What exactly do you do?" asked Angelina.
Harry shrugged. "Whatever needs doing? I'm Harry Potter. I get invitations from Ministries all over the world. Sometimes it's just a goodwill tour, meeting the locals and that. It's a good education for the kids. They helped the local Muggles to dig wells in Africa. They get to see how they can be a help, how one pair of hands can make a difference, even if it's just holding out a hand in friendship."
"Wait, I remember seeing a photo in an international wizarding paper, showing a white boy and a dark skinned boy playing together. Was that James?" asked Hermione.
Harry nodded. "The boy's dad was our security guard. The boys got on great, but yes, the photo made quite a stir in wizarding South Africa. It was just after the girls were born."
"What else do you do?" asked Fleur.
Harry shrugged again. "Sometimes they ask for my input on the laws we have here in England, and the ones they have in their own countries. There is so much we can learn from other countries, and them from us, especially regarding their attitudes towards Muggles. Did you know in some countries, there are still laws that say a wizard can marry a witch as young as ten! In some countries, robes must still be worn at all times. In some countries, the animals are treated better than their children," he said, getting heated.
His sisters-in-law watched as he visibly relaxed. Then they realised why. Ginny had stepped up behind him, and slid her arms around his waist. "Hi," she said simply.
"Hi, love," sighed Harry, putting his arm around her.
"Harry has just been telling us about your travels. It sounds like you are having some amazing experiences," said Hermione.
Ginny nodded. "The best thing has been exposing our children to the world we live in. Harry's name may open doors for us, but once we are there, we do our best to make the most of our opportunities. Harry has done so much good, I can't even begin to tell you. He has set such a wonderful example for our children," smiled Ginny at her husband,
"What sort of things have you done, Ginny?" asked Audrey.
"We helped build schools and homes for the magical people who lost everything in the hurricanes in America. The kids have learnt different languages and embraced different cultures. They've learnt about magical creatures, and have all displayed some form of magic already. However I have a feeling this one is going to be the strongest, magically, of the lot," smiled Ginny, patting her slightly rounded belly.
"Why would you say that?" asked Hermione, puzzled. She ran her hand over her larger stomach, feeling her little one kick.
"You know how you get cravings in pregnancy? Well, when I do with this one, I usually end up with the item in front of me. Watch," grinned Ginny.
She closed her eyes and thought for a minutes. Then a mango appeared before her. She lay it down, cut it open and ate some. "Delicious."
Hermione stared at her. "How did you do that?"
Ginny leaned in. "The baby wanted it, so the baby summoned it."
Hermione scoffed. "From where?"
Ginny shrugged. "From wherever there is a mango. I really don't know."
"Will you ever come back to England?" asked Bill, joining their group.
Harry and Ginny looked at each other. They seemed to be communicating without talking.
"We have a few things to finalise in Paris, but I would like to have this baby here in England," smiled Ginny.
Harry grinned. "James will be off to Hogwarts soon, so we'll need a home. England will make a good base. The other kids can go to primary school, or travel when we do."
"So, you're coming home," said George. "Good. We've missed you Gin-Gin."
"I've missed you all too, but I've learnt that home isn't a place. Home is where your heart is. My home has always been Harry, and the kids," said Ginny, leaning against her husband.
"Well, Lily and Daisy, if you're going to be returning to England, may I borrow your book on Beauxbatons?" asked Hermione, smiling at them.
"Oiu, Tante," said Daisy, still speaking French.
Lily nudged her. "In English, silly."
"You can borrow mine on Durmstrang, if you want, Auntie," said James. "Viktor Krum, the famous Bulgarian Seeker even signed it for me, personally."
"Viktor Krum, hey? I'd like to see that. Heard he's a top bloke," smiled Ron to James.
James and Al both nodded. "We played a Quidditch game with him, and Dad beat him to the Snitch, didn't you Dad?" asked Al.
Harry laughed. "I think he was being nice to a guest, but yes, he's a nice bloke."
"It's a very good book. 'The Domination of Durmstrang'," said Al.
"Is it written in Bulgarian?" asked Hermione.
James nodded. "Just do a translation spell on it."
Nick called over to James and Al to return to the pitch. "Sorry guys, but we have to get back to the hotel. We're returning to Paris tonight," said Ginny, regretfully.
"Tonight? So soon," said Molly.
"The sooner we return, the sooner we can finish things up there, and come back here. We'll certainly stay in touch, let you know when we'll be back," said Harry.
"We could look for a house for you, if you like?" offered Percy.
Ginny nodded, hugging him. "That would be great. Thanks Percy."
She made her way around to all her family, saying goodbye. Her children also got hugs from everyone.
"Goodbye, Mum," said Ginny, hugging her mother. "Maybe you'd like to come and stay with us in Paris for a bit?"
"Not just now, thank you darling. I still need to be here, but I'd love to come over and spend time with you, Harry and the children."
"You're welcome anytime, Molly," said Harry, lifting Daisy and Lily in his arms.
"Thank you, Harry, that means a lot," said Molly. The family watched as she embraced her only son-in-law and kissed her twin granddaughters.
"Be happy, and treasure every day," she said to them. They smiled and nodded. Ginny put her arms around her sons and they all Apparated away.
"Wow, they seem to be doing impressive work," said Charlie.
"What an education they're giving their kids," sighed Hermione.
"They still look as much in love as the day they left," sighed Angelina.
"Thy both deserve every bit of happiness," said Molly, softly. "I hope you can learn from my mistakes. I've missed out on ten years of my daughter's life with my stubborness, missed out on her wedding day, and sharing her pregnancies, and helping her with her babies. It will remain one of my biggest regrets," sighed Molly.
Charlie embraced her. "Gin's coming home, Mum. You can be there when she has the new baby. Merlin knows, with five kids, she'll be glad of another pair of hands, I'm sure."
Hermione nodded. "Their kids are really well behaved. They're a credit to Harry and Ginny."
Molly smiled. "Yes, they are. All of my grandchildren are a credit to their parents."
"It all started with you and Dad, Mum," said Ron gently, putting his arm around her shoulders. "You and Dad gave us the best example to follow."
A gentle wind blew over them. It was as if Arthur was with them.
"Your father would be very happy to know that Harry and Ginny are a part of our lives again," smiled Molly, sadly.
The Burrow would never be the same again, for Arthur's presence was missed deeply. His shed remained untouched for many years. One of his children or grandchildren would often be found in there, just needing the reminder that once, a great man named Arthur Weasley walked amongst them. His sons remembered the many talks they'd had in there, the advice he'd given them. His daughter remembered her beloved Dad explaining his many Muggle contraptions to her with wonder in his voice. His grandchildren still drew pictures and hung them up, for he was a much loved Poppy.
Arthur Weasley's was not a wealthy man, but he was a rich man. Rich in love and in friendship. It was a fitting legacy to leave behind.