Chapter Three - Mei

Mei's POV

Past

I remember laughter. Running lightly over the grass, splashing in streams, feeling the wind on my face; all of those are things I remember well. A pale hand lacing with mine, pulling me deeper into the forested wilds, white hair blowing in the gentle breeze, a melodic voice prompting me; those are the memories of my mother that I choose to keep. I don't wish to remember the sadness, the pain and suffering, the exclusion we received because of our heritage. Because of our blood.

When I'd come home, crying, Mother would take me out into the forest. She taught me the Language of Beasts, enabling me to speak with any creature that had a side belonging to the untamed wild. She taught me to suppress my darkness when I was pushed too far, and when to bring my demon side to light. She brought a mirror so I could see myself change, and so I could see the signs when I started to give in.

Mother and I kept our practices secret from Rin. My twin sister was unlike me, being mostly human and witch. My body was human, but my soul a beast with magic running through my veins. My mother also taught me to stand behind Rin; she was fiery and could handle the situation without exposing something as precious and burdensome as my demonic heritage. As such, I grew in my sister's shadow, never speaking up, especially after the fire.

I would dream of Mother, though. Walking through the brush on a sun-dappled path and chancing upon a white wolf with red eyes and blue markings. Nestling closer, and speaking in the Beast language. Those are dreams I wish I could stay in forever, but the world has continued to turn.

Father loved my mother, and followed her to Amaterasu's Paradise not three years after the fire. Mother's sister, more human than beast, took us in, and understood when I would disappear into the forest for hours. When Rin would wake from a wolf's howl, I would be beside the beast, howling in my Beast form, hoping that my mother could see me from Paradise. The howl would waver and break into a human cry, and after Rin had succumbed to sleep, I would slip back with dirty feet, hands, and face, and wash quickly. The dawn would approach, and sleep would come fitfully, my senses full of wild and my mind full of Mother.

When Oba told us that we were being sent to the school our parents attended, Rin was excitement and happiness, while I was caution and fear. I remember running into the forest, white and red, scenting the fear that small creatures relayed in my passage. It was then that I discovered my dark appetite for fear. To strike such emotion in prey, or even equals, caused a sense of power that I had never enjoyed. When I changed back, I withdrew further from the world, becoming the mirror of my sister and her constant shadow, relying on her strength to pull me along.

She promised me that we would be Sorted together. Yet, now I am alone at this table, in the seat that Mother undoubtedly found herself in. Mother, are you watching me now? Can you see how hard I'm trying? Give me the strength to carry on where Rin cannot lead me. Give me your blessing, and I shall carry myself forward.

"Hey." The American accent fell through all conversation at the table like glass through air. Mari was sitting across from me, her golden eyes glittering. I thought back to the girl that insulted my sister and bristled. She noticed my reaction and laughed softly, her face adopting an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry for earlier."

I took a deep, startled breath. She's… apologizing? Where has this side come from? "We were stuck in that tiny little carriage for hours, from your country to mine, and then shipped overseas to this gigantic box," Mari gestured to the Great Hall, "pushed into a stool with a thousand people looking at us, and told our immediate future by a talking hat." She sighed, yet disgruntled amusement was written across her face. "You can see why I was a little cross, yeah?" She picked up a piece of roasted pork and divided it into three pieces, feeding her three-headed serpent. "I'd like to start over, as Housemates and friends this time. I'm Mari, from America." Her smile was guileless, and her proffered hand did not shake.

Her skin was smooth and warm when I took her hand, and Ryuu flew off my shoulder, heading towards Astaroth. Mari chuckled at them and smiled at me, warmth in her eyes. Suddenly, the noise seemed deafening, and I realized that the Slytherin table had been silent, waiting to see what would happen between us. When we became friends, everyone at our table resumed conversation, and my ears pricked slightly when most of the conversations around us mentioned our names. "Goodness, I do believe we've become celebrities among our House already." She snickered.

I smiled and spoke for the first time since our arrival. "Thank you, Mari." She looked at me, surprised, before grinning. I continue speaking, determined to finish my thought. "I have… always been living in a shadow…" My eyes darted to my sister where she laughed at the Gryffindor table, already surrounded by new friends. Mari nodded to show that she understood, and I spoke again. "I admire you… you are brave. You have confidence and are the first to speak your mind." I bit my lip, hesitating to speak what my thoughts are. Ryuu rubbed his face against my hand, and I smiled, courage bolstering within me. "Will you teach me to be more like you? I wish to learn to be my own person, not the weaker half of my sister."

Mari looked surprised by my request, her eyes wide and sincere. Understanding touched her face, which quickly shrouded in darkness as she glared towards the Boy Who Lived. "I know exactly what you mean." She murmured quietly, before looking up at me again. "Friends teach each other things. I'll teach you how to be yourself, if you teach me along the way." With that, she stood, and beckoned me. Breakfast was almost over, and we headed to the Slytherin dungeon, Pansy, Tracey, and Daphne leading us. I looked once over my shoulder at the Spanish boy that hadn't said a single word; he stayed still, gazing down at the table, though I imagined his eyes meeting mine. I promise myself that I will take my first step by speaking to him on my own time.

A/N - A.T. here. I suppose I'm spoiling you. I mean, three chapter in two days? That's almost unheard of from me! Anyway, I hope you enjoyed, and I'd really appreciate it if you'd drop a review to tell me what you thought. Contrary to my previous A/N, I am going to write this entire story in past tense, following the style of the original books. We're following their story integrated in the Harry Potter series, after all.

As a heads-up, because it would be unfair of me not to say something, this is going to be a LONG story, and I'm going to change the original plot of HP up a bit to fit my plans for the characters. Also, chapters featuring memories and POVs of different characters may occur at different times throughout the story. If you haven't noticed, each of my OCs are being introduced in their order of appearance and/or Sorting.

Have a good night, my lovelies, and I look forward to hearing from you!

Atarashii Tanjou