in the end ~ d. malfoy

Chapter Three

𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟒

NANDINI HAD ALMOST CRIED WHEN SHE SAW MAYA for the first time since the cup.

Magnus had been there too, his anxious face morphing to one of immense relief as soon as he caught sight of her petite figure stumbling back to the house after a particularly tense car ride. Maya hadn't even questioned why he was there, knowing that Magnus was family at this point, considering that he had half-raised her when Nandini had been busy on missions. It's not that her mother was away all the time. After all, she didn't like the feeling of having her daughter being alone for so long - hence why she'd been very apprehensive about sending her to Hogwarts.

And the incident at the Quidditch World Cup definitely hadn't helped.

"Are you sure you'll be alright?" questions Nandini, worriedly, a hand on Maya's shoulder as her daughter prepares to depart for the Hogwarts express. The train is standing there in all it's garangutan glory, thick ivory smoke billowing in heaps onto the platform. It irritates her lungs, Nandini having to spare a fit of coughing, for fear that the people around her will suspect that she's a chronic smoker - she does have one cigarette from time to time, but it's never enough to make her dependent on the nicotine or develop a chronic disease.

At least, that's what she thinks.

"It's not too late to pull you out of school, " she offers, as Maya sighs, "You could always go to Ilvermorny-"

"Mom, I'll be fine." replies Maya, softly, "Besides, I have friends here, people I know...."

Her words trail off, as she glances at the trio chattering about something a little further down the platform. Hermione's hair is as bushy as ever, matching Crookshanks's thick, spiky coat as her eyebrows are raised, clearly in the midst of an indignant monologue. Ron runs a frustrated hair through his violently ginger hair, shooting Maya an awkward look as Harry and Hermione's argument continues. Ginny gives her a sympathetic smile, sensing the American's nervousness at joining a boarding school for the first time. Maya returns it, turning back to her mother as Nandini's words continue.

"Remember, if you need anything, I'm just one call away. You can also send a fire message, if you want, though I'd suggest you only use it for emergencies - lord knows we don't want an accident like last time..."

"Amma (1), it's been two years!"

"Yet Church still hasn't recovered from the disaster that ensued in Magnus's kitchen-"

"Fine, fine, I'll stay out of trouble" mutters Maya, a little annoyed with her mother's overprotectiveness. She lets Nandini have it, though, knowing that it's just a front for her sadness for not seeing her daughter for the next nine months.

"And remember, school comes first" adds Magnus, pointedly, "I know academics won't be a problem for you - considering you're way above this level - but keep in mind the real reason you're here."

"Yeah, asian excellence won't always work for you"

Maya rolls her eyes playfully, crossing her arms over her chest as she checks the time on her watch.

10:55

"Shi- Crap, I'm so late!"

"Go!" replies Magnus, panicked, as Ginny grabs Maya's wrist with a pointed look, dragging her to the train at top speed. Maya waves to her mom and Magnus, her petite figure soon becoming obscured by the smoke. Magnus's cheery facade falls, as he turns to Nandini, the same grave, cutting expression on his face.