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For Maria, the day they left for Hogwarts couldn't come soon enough.
On September first, Maria had all her bags packed and ready to go as she begrudgingly waited for everyone else to finish what she had started weeks ago. When everyone finally was packed and ready to go, Maria realized how unprepared the adults were.
Chaos was everywhere as luggage was tossed around the Leaky Cauldron and everyone tried to figure out how they were getting to Platform Nine and Three-Quarters. It turned out, much to Maria's annoyance, the Ministry had sent a car for all of them to take.
By the time everyone had shoved their luggage in the trunks and fit into the cars meant for five people and not ten, they were running late for the train. Maria simply ignored everyone as they sped to the platform, pretending she hadn't caught Fred glancing at her multiple times throughout the ride.
They all poured out of the car when they arrived and Maria wasted no time yanking her bags out of the trunk before chasing after the rest of the group as they hurried to catch the Hogwarts Express. Much to Maria's surprise, they made it with a few minutes to spare but it didn't make much of a difference to her as she ignored the way the Weasleys hugged and kissed each other goodbye.
Maria left Perseus at the platform, not bothering to wait for him because she didn't plan on sitting with him. She made her way to the back of the train, finding a compartment she had never sat in before. Hoping her brother wouldn't be naive enough to follow her, she threw her luggage on the rack above her before sitting beside the Hogwarts window.
Looking out the window at all the families saying goodbye and having trouble leaving on the Hogwarts Express, Maria felt a sliver of sadness enter her chest. In a different world, she would have a mother to kiss her goodbye and a father to rustle her hair messily before she hopped on the train. She would actually be able to hug somebody, feeling the sadness of leaving her family but being filled with the pure happiness of returning to Hogwarts once again. Maria would be able to pull her brother along to the train, not having the fear or worry about touching another human being.
Maria forced her gaze away from the platform, knowing what she wished for could never become a reality.
What she hated most, however, was the fact she couldn't even cry about it. She didn't even feel sad enough to display any emotion. To anyone glancing into her compartment, nothing seemed off about Maria Black. She had the same emotionless expression and the same cold, dead eyes she wore every day.
Maria was snapped out of her thoughts when the compartment door slammed open and a pair of familiar redheaded twins entered.
"What are you doing?" Maria didn't mean to snap at the Weasley boys but she wasn't in the best mood to deal with anyone.
"What's it look like we're doing?" George grinned as he threw their luggage next to hers and plopped down across from Maria.
"We're joining you," Fred finished as he sat himself down beside Maria, who ignored his gaze.
