Longbottoms. Alright, at least he had a name to put to all of them. However many there were.

Malachi was not even sure what part of the child's answer to respond to, because there wasn't a bit of it that wasn't concerning. If they were all family and had each other's backs, why was this boy always out and about on his own? Why was he toting around a niece and nephew when he was hardly even old enough to take care of himself?

"I'm sorry to hear that," he gave, with a glance at the boy. "I think it's good to take care of your own, like you're doing with your sister's children here."

He looked back to the younger boy and the girl in his arms, and offered them both another tiny smile, though his question was directed at the oldest of the children.

"Does she leave them with you often?"