Squib - In the Noble House of Black

27- Blood at King's Cross

September 1st, 1978

It was Regulus' last year at Hogwarts.

He had been answering Maia's letter to him but his replies were vague. They were always much shorter than Maia's and hinted at his part in the war. That he would not be on the side with his siblings, as he mentioned meeting's at the Black house with Voldemort.

So it was a surprise when Maia received a letter from him asking if she and Sirius would see him off at King's cross. Their parents had never personally dropped Sirius or Regulus off at the Hogwarts express, instead it had been the house elf's duty. Kreacher apparated them in or out, they never had anyone hug them on the platform or wave to them as the train departed.

When Maia showed the letter to Sirius, he almost refused immediately, yet snapped his mouth shut at the look she gave him.

"If he's reaching out to us, we have to meet him."

"He's a little shit, a mama's boy who will follow whatever they tell him to do!" Sirius said. "You said he's been ignoring your letters, we gave him a chance and he's chosen his side."

"He hasn't been ignoring my letter, just not writing about anything besides answering my questions as short as possible."

"Probably because all he's been doing is Voldemort's dirty work."

Maia signed. It was almost like Sirius didn't want to believe any of his family could be good. Maybe that was so he could blame them, or maybe he was afraid of letting them in. In any case, Maia wanted him to be wrong about Regulus. "You can't think like that Sirius, he's your brother." He was still young, he could be shown what was right, but he could also easily be manipulated. Maia didn't mention that part.

"Look at the rest of our family!" Centuries back and they could trace who supported pureblood ideology. The ones who didn't were burnt off the tree.

Maia could see there was no point in an argument. Sirius was right, most of their family had gone off the rails. But she had her foot down on this one. "I'm going, and you're welcome to join or not." Sirius, obviously expecting an argument back, but with the lack of one he opened his mouth multiple times, but didn't respond immediately. Instead he dropped back in his seat, turning away from Maia, yet he spoke loud enough for her to hear.

"I'll go." Because afterall Maia was right, Regulus was his brother.

They met up with Regulus just outside the station. He sat on top of his trunk even though there was an open spot on a bench not 10 feet from him. He looked at everyone with disgust, even the giddy eleven year old first years that were arriving. He was already in his full school uniform, and sleeves pulled down, even for the warm day.

Sirius placed a couple glamour spells on Maia, in case there was anyone who would recognize the signature Black family traits and question who she was. Now her hair was a red that rivalled Lily Evans and freckles. Her eyes were now a soft brown, it was easiest to go as a red-head as there were countless Weasley's that most people didn't pay attention to.

King's Cross was busy but they decided it was better safe than sorry.

Sirius was rocking his leather jacket with a band shirt and a pair of star shaped sunglasses that James had bought him in muggle London. Where Maia tried to blend in, Sirius didn't care about sticking out.

Regulus therefore saw them coming a ways away. The first thing that he said when he saw Maia was "You look better with your normal hair." Then he turned around and started heading towards the train, but at least he recognized her.

They followed Regulus through the muggle portion of the station, and Maia tried small talk, "How was your summer Reg?"

"Quite boring, really. Mum and dad had lots of guests over." Sirius raised his eyebrows signalling Maia as if trying to say I told you. Yet Regulus said nothing compromising.