Following her father into Albus Dumbledore's office, Maggie slowed as she caught sight of two strangers standing by the fireplace. The woman had curly red hair and a kindly-looking plump face. She was shorter than the man at her side. He was as red-haired as his wife, though he was balding. As Maggie stood there, he fiddled with his glasses.
"I take it this is the young lady you wished us to meet, Albus?" the woman asked, glancing between Maggie and her father.
"Yes," Albus replied. "Molly and Arthur Weasley, I would like you to meet Maggie Stonesmith-Snape."
"It's a pleasure to meet you both," Maggie said softly.
Molly Weasley bustled over, "Ah, dear, the pleasure is all ours, I assure you!"
Maggie shot a pleading glance at her father as she suddenly found herself enveloped in the arms of the red-haired woman.
"Mrs. Weasley," the Potions Master began, drawing the woman's attention to himself, "I will thank you not to suffocate my daughter."
Mrs. Weasley stepped back and her husband came forward. He extended a hand to Maggie that she shook, "It's nice to meet you, Maggie."
"Likewise, Mr. Weasley," she replied with a small smile.
"Please, all of you, have a seat," Dumbledore said from behind his desk. "Would anyone like tea?" Since they had all just finished breakfast, everyone made polite excuses. "Very well. Maggie, I have already spoken to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley and they have both agreed that they would be delighted to have you stay with them for the summer."
Maggie was floored by this news. These people were willing to agree to house a complete stranger? And not only a complete stranger, but also the daughter of someone, it was clear, neither of them liked. She had not been oblivious to their lack of greeting to her father. Nor to the barely disguised looks of pity that crossed their faces when they had been comparing Maggie's appearance to her father's. Maggie drew her thoughts back as Dumbledore continued speaking.
"She will be under a glamour and an assumed name," his attention focused back on Maggie. "Speaking of your name…"
"I've already thought about that," she said quietly. "Samantha Johnston. It's the name of one of my friends from my old school and would be familiar enough that I could learn to respond to it."
"Indeed," Dumbledore continued a twinkle in his eye. "Obviously, we want as few people as possible knowing that she will be living at the Burrow. I know that only Ronald and Ginerva will be living at home this summer, but neither of them can know who Samantha really is. As far as anyone is concerned, Samantha is a transfer student. Since she is, in reality, a distant cousin of yours, it will be said that her parents were victims of the war and she has come to live with you." He paused to unwrap a sweet. Popping it in his mouth, he continued, "Also, since Maggie is my goddaughter, I will be transferring a sum of money to help with her care."
Mrs. Weasley quickly stood up, "Albus! We couldn't accept any money from you."
Mr. Weasley also stood, "Yes, Albus, we can't."
"This isn't charity. Molly, Arthur, I am simply trying to do something for my goddaughter. As I will be unable to be one of her tutors this summer, it is the least I can do."
The Weasley's glanced at each other before turning back to Dumbledore. "Ok," Mr. Weasley said before they both sat down.
"Headmaster," Maggie's father began, "You mentioned tutors?"
"Oh, indeed! Quite a splendid idea of mine, if I do say so myself. Minerva is aware of the situation and has already readily agreed. Professors Flitwick and Vector have been told that there is a transfer student who, tragically, is far behind where she should be. They have both volunteered time to teach her as well. I assume, Severus, that you would be willing to cover both Potions and Defense Against the Dark Arts with her?"
"Of course."
"Very well. The other teachers will be told to report to you as Samantha has been sorted into your house and is your responsibility. You will also be responsible for setting a schedule with the other professors. Also, as I'm sure you noticed, she will not be having any classes in History of Magic, Herbology, Astronomy, Divination, Ancient Runes, or Care of Magical Creatures. Most of those can be studied through strict reading and I expect you to set her appropriate readings in these subjects. I also expect some incorporation of these into her studies of Potions to a sufficient level for her to pass relevant exams."
"She is determined to reach the level of her peers," her father began, "and I will do my best to see to it that she reaches it. I assume we can schedule O.W.L.S. for her if I feel she is prepared for them at the end of summer?"
"Of course, Severus. Now that we have settled all of these points, let me say that I think it prudent for you to bring Maggie to the Burrow on the day before our students leave Hogwarts for home. It will give her an opportunity to settle in before Ronald and Ginerva arrive home."
Her father stood and faced the Weasleys, "I appreciate your cooperation in this matter."
Mrs. Weasley stood with her husband and gave a small smile, "You're welcome, Severus. Maggie, we'll see you in about a week."
"Thank you, Mrs. Weasley, Mr. Weasley." Maggie said, following her father from the office and back to their rooms.