A marriage of convenience.

Claiming the Custody.

Scarlett and her young brother Tom are crying desperately. She keep him in her hug.

Before their eyes, the coffin with their father.

The only living relative they had.

A muggle accident took his life.

Scarlett is only 15,5 while young Tom is 5,5. Their mother passed away 2 years after Tom was born and he doesn't even remember her any more.

As soon as the funeral is over, a Social Worker and a Psychologist inform Scarlett that she and her little brother will be split and put to different Care Houses.

Tom clenges on his bigger sister and screams.

Scarlett only nods and asks to speak to Tom in private. Both men allow her and she grabs the chance to illegally apparate them both away.

Tom vomits from the apparation. She caresses his head and gives him some water that she keeps in her bag.

- What are we going to do Scar?

- I will try and find a country where I will be eligible to claim your custody.

- But don't we have to go to School?

- Yes, we do. But we can wait until we settle everything.

Tom nods in acceptance. He sees her more as his Mom.

Thankfully, they come from a privileged home, so she is able to track down a small hotel and prepay their stay, so they are allowed there with no further questions.

Soon, Scarlett research comes back with a promising hope. Scotland considers all people adults as soon as they are 16. She will be 16 soon, so all they need to do is to wait.

Unfortunately both of them are magical beings, therefore she needs to check that the Ministry of Magic will also accept the custody claim, which can be very tricky.

As soon as she becomes 16, she goes to the Muggle Ministry of Internal Affairs and claims her brother's custody. She gets approval, so the very next step is to find them a home.

Tom is very well mannered and very bright, so he is easily approached by other kids wherever they choose to go. His socialization won't be a problem even if they are constantly on the move.

They find a beautiful cottage near the sea and she rents it immediately. She puts wards so they are both protected.

Despite her very young age, she was brought up as a fighter and survivor.

Both siblings enjoy their stay and they are very happy together. She sends Tom to a muggle primary school and she is trying to self teach spells, potions and transfiguration in order to be able to find a decent job in the magical world.

Since she is still considered under age in the magical world, every single spell and jinx are monitored by the Ministry of Magic, so the day that she receives unexpected visitors comes.

When she opens the door, a kind tall old Wizard with half - moon glasses enter her house, along with the Minister.

Her mouth drops open but she immediately pulls herself together.

It doesn't go un-noticed by Albus Dumbledore of course.

- You may be considered of age for the Muggles in Scotland, but this doesn't extend to our world, dear.

She swallows hard.

- You need to attend School and finish with your education. Your younger brother needs also to be co-raised with Magical Family that will have at least one adult, the Minister informs her.

As soon as he leaves, Professor Dumbledore offers her the ultimate solution.

They would move to the Burrow, with a family named "the Weasleys". Molly who is Mother Earth, would happily accept Tom as her youngest family member. Scarlett would be able to live there during Christmas and during summer vacations. The rest of the year, she would attend Hogwarts of course.

When she would reach 17, she would be free to go and live with her brother.

The plan was simple but respected both Scarlett and Tom.

She was truly relieved.

She picked Tom up from school early and they left with Professor Dumbledore.

Molly and Arthur were waiting for them and made them feel very welcome.

Scarlett was feeling grateful to them for their kindness.

When Tom felt safe enough to stay only with the Weasleys, Scarlett departed for Hogwarts. It was just a month before Christmas.