.

"Well, well, well, look who we have here," Missy gave a rather unpleasant smirk. "Maya Hart. And Riley Matthews"

"Do you know them?" Riley said in a very small voice to Maya.

"No," Maya replied unsurely. She did not recognize the girl. All she knew was that she had seen her at the station and felt a sudden intense dislike. She did not know why she felt that way, only that she did. However, the girl obviously knew her. Maya wasn't particularly scared of the girl. She had been left on her own long enough that she had taken to reading in her spare time. As a result, she was rather adept at jinxes and hexes. Nevertheless, she had absolutely no intention of getting in trouble before school even started, and so she resisted the urge to plunge her hand in the pocket. At least, that's what she was planning on doing until she glanced at her companion, Riley.

Riley had a fearful look on her face. Maya got the feeling that this wasn't the first time something like this had happened to Riley. She reminded Maya of the baby kittens that often scattered the streets, helpless without their parents. Maya had the sudden urge to wrap Riley around her arms, to shield her from any harm. It was odd-Maya wasn't used to taking care of anyone but herself. Yet here she was, slowly reaching her arm towards her wand, in case they threatened to harm the timid-looking girl sitting next to her that she had only just met.

"Awh, you don't recognize me?" Missy continued. "It's no wonder. I don't suppose your blood-traitor mom ever took you far into Diagon Alley. She was probably too busy washing dishes at that trash of a place she owns in Knockturn Alley."

Maya stood up, slowly drawing her wand, eyes full of menace. Suddenly, Riley gently tugged her arm, somewhat startling Maya.

"Don't, Maya," Riley said authoritatively, "it's too early to get in trouble. They're not worth it," she stood up then turned to face Missy and her goons.

"Leave her alone. She hasn't done anything to bother you," Riley said bravely.

Maya had to admit, although Riley looked scared witless, the kid managed to say this all in a firm, level tone. And, what's more, the kid had the audacity to actually try and prevent Maya from doing something. Although she normally took orders from none but herself, Maya inexplicably obeyed. She was really starting to like this girl.

"Awh, that's cute, the wittle baby Matthews is defending you. I doubt she could do anything-she tripped and made a fool of herself, just like her clumsy idiot of a father," Missy teased. The two girls flanking her laughed dumbly.

Maya glanced at Riley as the corner of Riley's mouth tilted downward. She couldn't help it-the poor girl looked like an injured puppy. And that set Maya off.

"Expelliarmus!" She exclaimed, pointing them at Missy's guards. They squeaked and stumbled after their wands, straight out the compartment.

"I sure wouldn't wanna be you right now," Maya said as she advanced towards Missy, narrowing her eyes threateningly.

"If that's how you wanna play it, Hart, then so be it," she turned away, seemingly in defeat.

Riley let out a sigh of relief but Maya knew better - as Missy exited the door, she quipped around and shrieked, "Petrificus Totalus!"

Maya had been ready for it though, and before Missy's spell could go through, she shouted. "Protego!"

The spell bounced back at Missy, missing her chest and instead hitting her arm, causing her wand arm to go limp. The force of the shield itself sent her spinning backwards and she let out a snarl as she fell out the compartment.

Maya smirked triumphantly. "I guess we don't need you to show the door."

"You'll pay for this, Hart. Both of you will," she yelled distantly.

Riley and Maya stared at each other for a moment then Riley got up and slammed the compartment door shut.

"Who was that? How did she know my father?" Riley demanded. "I've never seen her a day in my life. And oh my goodness, where did you learn spells like that? You did so good!"

Maya smiled in amusement at the girl's questions and compliments. "Let's just say I use my free time wisely, kid. And anyways, she's probably just some no-good pureblood family that think they're everything. Don't worry about them."

"Okay," Riley said. "How come she called you a blood-traitor?"

"My family is pureblood, but we're kind to Muggles. It's looked down upon by some of the older Wizarding families. Anyways, it doesn't matter. Don't let what they said about either of us get to you," she said dismissively.

Riley nodded, then grinned. "Thank you, although we could've gotten into a lot of trouble."

"We?" Maya raised her eyebrow. "I was the only one shooting spells."

"Well, yeah, but I'm not gonna let you take all the blame for it," Riley stated simply.

Maya looked into the chocolate-brown eyes and realizes the girl was being sincere. She opened her mouth but no words came out. Luckily, Riley spoke for her.

"Now I always believed a friend helps another friend out of trouble, not into it. But you were there for me. You had my back. If you're gonna get me into trouble, then I'm gonna get us out of it."

Maya smiled back. Looks like she had just made her first friend at Hogwarts.

...

a/n: hope you all enjoyed, more coming soon. i actually really enjoy writing this, it's loads of fun. also, to those wondering, i will most likely not include harry/trio into this. although there will be a ton of parallels drawn between the stories. i may include other supporting characters, however, such as the teachers, hagrid, etc. anyways, stay tuned for more, and thank you all so much for the support!