New Friendships with a Side of Grammar Mistakes pv Meiyu

Seeing an owl with something as simple as a piece of parchment had become a treat and even though they had never met in person, Meiyu was a friend to Hans like any other. It only added to the good mood he was already in for the entirety of the holiday; despite the questionable gathering he had attended every bit of it had played out in his favour. Even the gathering proved to be more enjoyable than first expected when he started making new friends, and finally, after all that time, learning how to dance without being under a charm. As his pen pal had said the experience did end up being much better than expected, which must have been the opposite of his counterpart's

Meiyu, on the other hand, must be commended on her ability to hide whatever unease must have been plaguing her, for when Hans read her letter he sensed nothing out of place bar from an odd mention of a dagger, and his response would be in complete nonchalance as it often was. Hopefully it would come off as more of a relaxing respite rather than a lack of empathy.

Dear Meiyu,

Yeah, I don't play Quidditch, but you're right. Maybe you can watch a race next year at summer camp? I could use a nice cheering crowd, you know. It was a pity last time, I thought I was going to win - I mean, I did win probably - until the other school tried some wild tactic of throwing their player past the finish line. It was like by a second. But I'm sad to hear that your holidays did not go particularly well. A dagger though? Interesting. Wonder what you did with it that served such a good use.

Congratulations I suppose for your uncle's marriage, and I'm glad to hear you bonded despite not having a great time. But no, I wasn't a suitor, probably half because my age half because I'm not actually pure-blood? They don't know that though, but even without that I don't think I'm what they were looking for. Sometimes I feel like my attention is taken by another, though the line is blurry there and genuinely I'm just confused. Doubtful you would have any idea on how to deal with that though.

I hope to come to Hogwarts for the Spring Ball, but if something happens again I swear I would write a bad review or something. Also I hope they get better music and make an actual party that isn't just ballroom dancing. I think I would have been bored if there hadn't been so much on my mind. But, anyways, that sounds terrible. I was in a fight (if you could even call it that) during summer camp, though it was mostly for fun. I would like to try martial arts sometime, I think, like the Muggle form because duelling never really enticed me. I wouldn't want us to physically fight either, because being the gentleman I am, I would be letting you win, of course.

Funny you think that, English food looks as gloomy as the weather. Though I can't handle spice beyond pepper anyways, and now that I have shared by only weakness with you I am trusting you not to use it against me. What's your favourite food from South Korea? I know like South Korea is famous for BBQ, but I haven't had much of their cuisine before. I also don't know much of the country in general, other than the K-Pop stuff - do you know that song APT or something? It's like all over my phone. It looks very nice though, I wouldn't mind a visit someday. Where would you be going to school if you were still in South Korea?

Strict? Sad that you think that, I would hate it. Pity you aren't close to your dorm mates, though personally I've had the experience of living with someone for like almost two years without ever talking to them. It completely sucked so maybe you could try to get to know them better? I tried and failed, but at least I tried to get to know him then? During that time I also spent a lot of time outside my dorm or even in the dorms of others, which I didn't much mind but it's weird. I mean you'll be living in there for God knows how long, would benefit you to make a home out of it rather than a room full of people who mean nothing to you. Or even request for a dorm change with a friend if that's not going to happen.

For the pet point, sure I guess. Don't think a housekeeper is the same though. For one housekeepers are well paid and not abused.

On a lighter note I did listen to "Do You Love Me?". Admittedly did not understand a word of the lyrics except for the English bits - as expected, after all I don't speak Korean - but that's what the translation's for I guess. I would definitely say it's not what I normally listen to, but I think it's a nice trying something new. I'll keep Taeyeon and this song in mind. Also, I would hardly consider myself sentimental, though I suppose circumstances always changes people in ways they never thought were possible.

Oh no. My brother is doing fine. Ravenclaw, though.

Now that we're going back to school, anything you're hoping for for the new semester? I feel like mentally and physically surviving it would be a challenge in of itself.

Have a nice day,
Hans.

P.S. I'm glad yours is a friendly owl. I fed Prudence some pellets.

If you had told Hans writing letters and sending owls would become a habit of his in September he would have laughed in your face at the suggestion of communication he deemed as pointless. But a lot had changed since September, and he supposed this was merely another mark of growth.

@Meiyu Xiang

Growing accustomed to the castle once more was still an unfamiliar feeling that Meiyu, the routine was rather preferable compared to the contrasts of Meiyu staring blankly at an inanimate object back home. It gave her something to do, yet the arrival of an awaited letter had eased the girl much more than she wanted to admit. She had found solace in talking to Hans, the feeling being welcomed more than ever at this moment in time, after the havoc over the holidays. For some reason, his letter felt odd, it could be accredited to the intense feelings she had surrounding paranoia, reading into the lines, fearing he was hiding some secret from her, as she was doing to him.

Though with this letter, she tried to write in a lighter note, answering his questions and for once, asking Hans a lot more questions than she usually did. Dawning on the fact that truthfully, by this point, he knew more about her, than she did him. Still, receiving the letter was a nice break from focusing on her studies, a mere exchange that quickly became part of her routine.

Hans,

Maybe, but I'm likely to travel back home to South Korea over the summer to visit my family, my uncle teaches Charms so it's difficult to find time for us to all meet. Did I tell you I'm part of Hogwarts' cheerleading team? We still need a lot of practice but perhaps I can convince some of the girls to come cheer during summer camp, though I'm not sure what that's entirely about. I've yet to watch a Quidditch or Broom Racing match in person, the thought doesn't appeal to me much considering how horrid my housemates play. Oh, I guess you could say it just proved to be useful, besides, the dagger was gifted by my uncle, odd gift choice to others but makes sense, I do like weird things and antiques.

Thank you for the congratulatory message, I'm not entirely anticipating the wedding, but that's likely to come at a later time. Why do people not know you're not pure-blooded? Are you keeping it a secret or?? Besides, it doesn't really matter much, despite my family being pure, I am not. Thankfully they don't encompass the same out-dated morals some blood purists have, though, they raised me as though I was pure, hence, the familiarity with attending such balls. Don't tell me you have a little crush Hans, you need to tell me all about them, what matters the most, I guess, is your happiness. I kind of understand how you feel, it's a little confusing, I find myself preoccupied with thoughts, switching from one of a person and one questioning my own character, though the latter has been frequenting my mind much more recently.

How many wretched balls is this castle hosting, I didn't even think they'd bother hosting something else after the terror that was the Gala of Mysteries. I'd join you in writing that bad review, shame the castle is hidden away from the joy that comes in the form of Google Reviews. Though, I'd look forward to seeing you there, we'd finally be able to meet and maybe you could tell me about what's been bothering your mind and I could likewise. Hans, I say this with the most sincerity, I could never imagine you in a fight, probably because I don't even know what you look like, but, I doubt it's a look that would engage in such things. Martial Arts does sound fun, I think one of my brothers wanted to try doing that, but I haven't caught up with them during the break. At least you are a gentleman, unlike the trolls in this castle, they'd fight you regardless of gender. I've fought a guy before, what a pathetic excuse of a 'man'.

I definitely would recommend expanding your palate the next time you go home over break, of course, you can't handle anything beyond pepper, I cannot have a friend who has a low spice tolerance. I really like spicy raw crab, it's probably my favourite dish especially when I was in South Korea, Korean BBQ is really delicious, I'd highly recommend, surely, there would be Korean restaurants in Berlin. Since we're on the topic, whats your favourite food, snack and drink of choice? I heard that APT song when I went home, my brothers would sing it a lot. I went only went to daycare in South Korea and did a year of elementary school, elementary school starts at 6 and middle school starts at 12 there, but I moved to England when I was around 7. Did you attend muggle school too? How was it? I didn't have any friends, the move was too stressful for me. If I stayed in South Korea, I would have likely attended the same school my uncle teaches Charms at, Garamhwihak, it's a prestigious school but not that known in the wizarding world, another option would have been Mahoutokoro.

You prefer a strict environment? Let me guess, you enjoy routine too? Personally, I do follow a routine, particularly with my morning and evening routines, but I would never think a boy would enjoy following routines either. I know one of my dorm mates, I cherish her, we share similar personalities though she's dubbed as a mean girl. I don't really want to know some of them better, especially at this moment in time, I'd prefer to keep my distance, I can't trust them. I think I can trust you, considering how much I've been writing in our recent letters. At least you made conscious efforts to try and befriend your dorm mate, it's admirable, especially your efforts with initially sending the OWL. I kept that first letter, it makes me laugh at times.

On a lighter note I did listen to "Do You Love Me?". Admittedly did not understand a word of the lyrics except for the English bits - as expected, after all I don't speak Korean - but that's what the translation's for I guess. I would definitely say it's not what I normally listen to, but I think it's a nice trying something new. I'll keep Taeyeon and this song in mind. Also, I would hardly consider myself sentimental, though I suppose circumstances always changes people in ways they never thought were possible.

Oh, I could send you the translations for any Korean songs you come across, my Korean is a lot better than my Chinese so at least I can help you with that. Would be longer than searching up the translation, but it's always an option. It's such a shame you aren't a ballad guy, probably the biggest shock there is about you, we should send different song recommendations each time we exchange an OWL, though it would be hard for me to listen given I'm back at the castle, so I'd have to write a list of all your recommendations. I get how you feel, recently, I've been feeling weird, like I'm being followed around by someone, or something. Have you ever felt like that? Especially after that incident.

Ravenclaw? Do I know him? I wonder what house you'd be if you were sorted here, maybe a Gryffindor like me. I'm not anticipating the new semester, I want it to end already, so we're on the same page around that. If only we could just escape.

Feel better soon, Hans!
Meiyu.

P.S. I didn't get to see Prudence before I left, but thank you for feeding her. Unfortunately, you'll be seeing the Hogwarts owl a lot more.

With a sigh of relief, Meiyu's lips curved into a small smile, content with the fact that Hans' letters provided a nice distractions from the issues she had to face. Yet, her heart churned, fearing Hans experienced something similar, finally understanding his previous hesitations, particularly when disclosing the traumatic incident he had experienced. Sighing once more, she sealed the letter and made her way to the Owlery, the first of many this upcoming semester.

@Archer Duncan

Meiyu's new letter was as enthusiastic as any other in their recent exchanges, and Hans did his best to answer her questions, though at certain ones he paused and jotted down vague, generic answers instead. The one regarding his schooling prior to Durmstrang particularly stood out to him as a poorly written response, more focused on Germany's school system rather than his own experiences, but truly he could not bother with unpacking memories of the past he would rather have forgotten.

Dear Meiyu,

South Korea sounds nice, it must be pretty there in the summertime. Personally I'm not entirely sure if I'm attending this year's summer camp either, I mean, last time, I got attacked by hag slugs, which as you can imagine was not a particularly enjoyable experience. Still seemed like child's play in comparison to, you know, what happened this time. Anyways, you didn't tell me about the cheerleading, that seems cool though. I have zero experience with cheerleading and frankly I have no intent to try either, but I will keep out an eye for them if I do come to camp. Ok then, a dagger, it's nice that you liked it, at least.

Well, as for my blood status I hadn't been actively hiding it. It was just that I had been presented as a pure-blood, which I didn't particularly mind - I mean I don't know, the topic was more evaded? - anyways because it was a pure-blood only ball. And by "they" I meant the family of the girl to be married off (God that sounded terrible), the LeDames. I danced with another girl, named Aurélie, and I told her about my blood, kind of just for the sake of a conversation. I myself was raised muggle, but my grandfather, who had taken me to the ball, introduced me to magic during my childhood. He is a pureblood, and so is my mother, but she married my father, who is a muggle. But no, unfortunately this Aurélie isn't my crush, if you could call it that, that would make life far too easy. I barely know her. I must say I may like someone I know quite well, but I don't know if it is infatuation, you understand. It's complicated, sorting through feelings is hard as fuck.

Whatever, maybe I can finally dance at a Hogwarts' ball, I just learned in that pure-blood gathering which I supposed was the only nice takeaway. I look forward to seeing me too, though and we could talk in person, though if it is truly about the shit on our mind it might not be that much of a pleasant one. Though hypothetically if a person was to ask Oh never mind. In the summer this girl named Oonagh challenged me to a fight and I didn't back out of it, so I would say it's hardly my fault. I would remind you she threw the first punch after all. I think you might know her, she should be in your year and house. Has very distractingly large blonde hair. I'm not usually a gossip but I wonder how that fight ended. I have enough faith in you to think you won.

I can eat curry, I like it in fact. In Germany there's a pretty good dish called currywurst which is curry with sausages. I normally like it with french fries but I don't think it's nothing like proper curry so I don't actually know how spicy it is. I would recommend it though. I like seafood though, but I'm yet to have raw crab, much less the spicy kind. Could try the BBQ though, I like grilled stuff. I'll check a Korean restaurant out though, there's bound to be one. I've been to a Chinese place a few times before, that was pretty nice. What's your favourite Chinese food? I enjoyed the Kung Pao chicken. My favourite food is bread, my favourite snacks are pickles, my favourite drink is beer. Nah, I'm just playing with you, as you probably guessed I can't even drink beer. So my actual favourite food is döner kebab, which, in short, is meat cut off from a roast and put in a wrap with vegetables. My favourite snack is Pfeffernüsse, which is a cookie with all sorts of spice in it and I drink a variety of stuff my I like apfelschorle, sparkling apple juice. What about you?

I did muggle school too. It wasn't particularly eventful. Up till five I went to Kindergarten and stuff, then form six to nine I did Grundschule, which is just primary school. I was going to go to a Gymnasium, which is an academic school (not a gymnasium in the english sense, mind you), but then I went to Durmstrang instead. I had a fine time then, it was enjoyable.

Well, thank you for your compliment about my effort, I suppose. Sad, I would I have thought you kept all my letters and enjoyed them equally. I did yours at least. But, sure, translations would be nice. It would also be nice if you send some random stuff to me in Korean or Chinese, I don't know, I think that could be interesting. It's hard for me to listen to stuff myself, hating how spotify or even just any devices doesn't work in school. I'm not sure what recommendations to send though, I didn't really listen to that many new songs during the break. Would love to hear more songs in Korean or Mandarin though, would be something nice and new to listen to.

No, he's not at Hogwarts, it would be a pity if he left Durmstrang. I only meant to say I think he would be sorted into Ravenclaw if he was. I agree, I think I could be a Gryffindor.

But followed by someone? Or something? What do you mean, Meiyu?

I hope you feel better soon too,
Hans

For the first time since Hans reached out to Mei his letter ended not with that familiar satisfaction of mutual understanding but a cold apprehension. Her words replayed in his mind, that crisp penmanship of hers rewriting itself time and time again in his mind. Confusion plagued him: what could she have meant; why such sudden paranoia? Slipping the piece of parchment to a perched bird he tore himself away only to turn back again. With concern lining his brow, fierce brown eyes followed the owl till its shadow disappeared over the horizon, to that isle a thousand miles away and a girl he did not know how to help.

@Meiyu Xiang

Hans' letter only bothered Meiyu, the combination of lack of sleep, the pressure to maintain a sense of normality within the castle, along with the voices and paranoia that refused to leave, only added to the burdensome emotions she refused to even acknowledge. The lack of sunlight during January made it difficult for the young girl to find enrichment that would supplement the vitamins humans required to function. Yet, Meiyu found extreme difficulties in maintaining the facade she once had, her face twisting when reading particular sentences that she disagreed with. After sharing so much with him, he had returned to the previous state he had been in, during their initial exchange. The regret of opening up entwined with rage washed over her, her scribes appearing more rushed with some mistakes compared to the usual manner she sent letters with. Her internal monologue, more-so her rational, screaming in rebuttal with the words she wrote, but, Meiyu could not stop.

My Beloved Hans,

Apologies in any delays, it's been a little hectic over the past few days. It seems like you're an unfortunate victim in most tales you share, why is that? I doubt you did anything, right? Maybe you did, if you got attacked by hag slugs!! Cheerleading is... interesting, just a way to pass time. Yes, I liked the dagger, it's so pretty, maybe not with blood, but the crimson red accentuates the colour. So pretty... the splatters can make someone prettier too... What do you think Hans? I know you don't know what I look like, surely my blood is pretty, would you want to see one day? Maybe we can watch the atoms of our blood intwining with one another under a telescope, then decorate the halls with the alluring crimson!!!!!

You seem more withdrawn Hans. Are you too being plagued? Why don't you trust me. I don't understand why you would share blood status' with others, particularly at such balls, you should know how hypocritical those kind of people are. Passing off as a pure-blood during these events is a feeling I know too well, yet, it comes with nothing good. Envy. They are watching. Always. That is why you cannot trust anyone, not even me, Hans. But you must. However, when it comes to infatuation, you have to do everything, regardless of who is watching you. Love is beautiful, dreaming about methods of manipulation, it's an amazing way to succeed in getting someone to like you back. I have my own plans, I'm going to do it Hans. I will make him mine. If not, chaos will come.

You MUST dance with me at the next ball, there is so much to do. My mind races with endless possibilities, Hans, we could change everything. Together, we can feel like GODS!!!! Why would it not be a pleasant time with me Hans? I have been nothing but good to you. I told you everything and you took it for granted. They were right. I should not have trusted you. Pain only grows, like a plague. At least you can defend me, that gives me enough to resume writing this letter. Quickly you became an ally, and for the right reason. Of course I won. I never lose. I can't. Not again. Not after seeing his blood on my dagger. Not after taking him away with her. She helped me. Like you will.

Hans as I write to you, my mind becomes more scattered, this plague has taken over. Your allegiance is enough during difficult times such as these, albeit your struggle for spice. I will research a meal plan for you so you can become stronger for all that we will face. We have to prepare, and we must do so quickly. Take this as a sign to begin, I will be in contact once more with further steps. Can you escape? With a dragon? Once again Hans, I see you withdrawing. I do not like it. Change immediately, I will be seeing you sooner if plans go accordingly.

What do you mean followed? I never told you that?? Are you writing to someone else and asking them for information about me?

It is not too late for change Hans. The blood within us, it heals us. Mine does not heal me. Yours will!

Meiyu.

Hans clearly did not see Meiyu the way she had seen him, as a friend. Her first. Upon completion of the letter, which she had not bothered to re-read like she typically did, it dawned on her, that she did not care if Hans did not write back. She had chosen to ignore most questions he had, switching back to what she believed to be the cold demeanour she typically fronted with. Brows furrowing as infuriation took its place as the emotion of the minute, she tossed her quill aside, footsteps heavy as she trudged once more towards the Owlery in the castle. The short friendship she had once cherished, gone in an instant. For once, it wasn't her fault, rather his. Hans had chosen to keep things from her again and for that, he would face the consequences, whether it came in a poorly written letter filled with both adornment and harsh words, or, the end of their friendship with the likelihood he would not respond.

Once more, the fate of their exchange would depend in his hands, the exact way it initially did.
@Archer Duncan

What the actual fuck did I just read?

Hans did not think that was an unjustified first thought when finally folding up the rambling monstrosity of a letter Meiyu Xiang had sent. Some that followed were: had she been possessed, was she in danger, and was this her idea of some sick sort of joke, because Hans would most rather believe the latter to be true. For the past mentions he had brushed off the dagger, yet the casual discussions of colour... the suggestions at being an accomplice... no. No.

What’s that on your hand? It’s red, it oozes, and it’s not yours.

The visions came back to him. No matter where he was it always managed to squirm into his mind like a parasite, and that damned dagger was raised to strike him down. One dead. Two dead. And he knew he would go further if he needed to. He could kill the whole damned den. Puddles of blood on the floor. Sometimes they were sleeping, sometimes they were eating, sometimes they were working, though the worst of it always happened when they dared to hurt his brother, for their rage would be repaid ten fold. One had struggled, the other had not, but how they died didn't matter. All that mattered was that Mikhail and Myrene were dead. Yet when he turned for Nikolai, the disapproving stare of electric blue eyes from the portrait forever burned into his retina, the reflection of a glaring wolf haunting his back every time he was brave enough to look in a mirror. It was a sacrifice he could live with. They were gone, and they won't bother him anymore, and it felt so fucking right.

Shut the fuck up. Please.

When he had finally taken ahold of himself he had brought the letter faraway from his friends, hovering over it as if it was a bomb set to explode. He wrote, offering very little new information but crafted every word to fit perfectly into Meiyu's puzzle. Hans' response felt lacklustre, but that was no gripe for it only meant he had succeeded. He would play into Meiyu's little game, get her to reveal what was wrong, and even if deception made him sick to the guts, it would be worth it if he could help her. There was not a sentence in those five paragraphs that was entirely guileless or genuine, and the repeating adjective in the preamble felt especially forced.

My Beloved Meiyu,

Please do not worry about the delay, I read your letter with excitement all the same. I hope you're doing better now though. You see, Meiyu, I do not want to keep anything from you anymore, so if you want to hear the full story just let me know I will tell you the full story after I finish the main part of this letter. Anyways, I like crimson as a color, don't you? I think it could really stand out against certain colors. True, I haven't seen you before, but I imagine your blood is just as pretty as you are. That being said, what you told me sounds interesting, it's definitely something I've never done before, though I'm always down for a science experiment, you know. And of course, such boring walls are in desperate need of decoration.

Of course I trust you, and I'm sorry if I've been seeming with drawn. In hindsight perhaps it had been foolish of me to have revealed so much about myself to her so quickly. I thought keeping my head up through it would be enough but perhaps not... they are hypocritical, and maybe it would be better if I try to pass of as them. I don't understand why you think I can't trust you, I do, I've said that, and even if you think otherwise I will. Anyway, I think I've had this crush since summer, and I still don't know how I feel about her. But I wish you all your success in your own romantic relationships, I don't understand why he won't like you back. Ever since sending that letter I have had someone I can talk about absolutely anything in the world with. I can talk to you as I do myself, that is the grandest blessing.

I WILL dance with you in the spring ball, trust me, it would be wonderful. And my mind too, we could really change everything together. I don't know yet, but tell me what you look like, Meiyu, so I can find you in the crowd faster. Despite how unpleasant Hogwarts is sometimes I am very excited to meet you! I'm sure you're the only reason that school is still running. Meiyu, whatever this pain it is of course I will defend you from it, tell me what it is and I will fight it off for you. And we - you, will win. I will help you, just tell me what kind of help you need.

I'm very glad you've decided to look into my diet! Tell me what you want to do, and like you've said we will do it quickly and immediately. I will be eagerly awaiting your next reply, because not only do I await your instructions, but you know I'm always excited to get your letters. No, I'm not getting information from any outside sources, I must have read your letter wrong then, my memory's hazy. Of course, I'm sorry, I will change, I hope from what I've written you would have found that I have changed.

I will heal you, Meiyu.

With all my love,
Hans.

The final sentence was his only genuine one.

Hans had no idea what to do, and that was quite the understatement. Desperately he wanted to share the letter with someone, if only to seek help for Meiyu. Who, though? Not Astrid, he could not allow her innocent soul into such a clusterfuck. Not Albrecht, Hans' mistrust for authority still led to wariness to bring the topic before him. Not Nikolai, most certainly, most definitely, without a shred of a doubt, not Nikolai. How could he ever suggest something so dark to him when every step of his recovery could have gone up in flames with just one misstep? How could he ever reveal that side of himself to a boy so innocent and righteous? How could he ever allow more suffering to be brought upon him. No, Hans knew that he had to take the situation into his own hands, so with that followed a message.

PS. Meiyu, here is the story. Apologies for the mistakes that's probably in this, my dictionary is missing : (. Can you circle them and tell me how to correct them? Thank you. Here it is.

I was having a pretty spectecular day, you know, I had just got to Hogwarts and everything is so exhilatating. I saw some of my Quidditch player friends, Val, Greta, and Astrid (who may or may not be this girl I like) in the distancs, and also two other people I know, Johannes, Felix (both or these were pretty unhelpful, to be honest) and Romeo. They seemed to be hanging out and enjoiing themselves, and I approached them to join in.

For a second I thought I had walked in on a personal moment between Val and Greta, though searching my recallection I didn't think they were dating. From what I could see they seemed to be sharing a kiss, while Val was mormuring something incomprehenxibly in a language I didn't understand. Greta also seemed confused herself, then I realised why the whole scene looked to be completely unconny, Val was almost stiphling her! Then, something terrible came out of his mouth. It was slimy and disgusting and it was a black slug. It was so unbelievably long too, gotta be a meter at least (idk, do you use metric or imperial? that's several feet probably).

Regrattably, I missed a lot of this, because then was only when I thought to spring into action. Especially I knew I had to help Astrid, because Romeo, who I will remint you practically TOWERS over her was also vomiting out a fucking slug. My first reaction was a folish one now that I think back on it. You know how slugs can be killed with salt, right? Well, I thought that would work, but of course it didn't, because, in the words of the forever simpathetic Johannes, "these aren't your grandma's garden slugs". Of course, that was pretty stupid, but I couldn't just watch and let Astrid get strangled by that thing, even if I didn't have my infatuatiun. I seized an opening practically poonced onto the fight. I suppose you could say my hero symdrome thing kicked in (if that's what it's called, though who am I kidding, I don't even fully know the meaning) and I managed to get here away from Romeo and his fucking inormous slug and statur.

To my surprise Astrid (at least in the moment) was not grateful nor relieved when I suggestet we got to the medical tents to get her help. She was deadstrong and wanted to go fight against the slugs. While I wanted to I couldn't exactly force her, now could I, so I just allowed her to, which I don't know if I should have, sometimes. Evantually after a few spells (I remember doing an Incendio I think, they are supposed to work against slugs), we managed to have won, I guess, if you could realy call it that.

I have no idea where they came from, or what the hell they were doing in their bodies. But it was nice that we finally disqosed of them.

Hoping to receive answers, Hans sent the letter as quickly as he could and was glad to get it off his hands Meiyu was no longer the harmless girl whose mere poison was banter. She could have very well been a murderer. But it wasn't like Hans was any much better than her.

@Meiyu Xiang

After a brief period of respite due to extreme mental and physical fatigue, Meiyu finally slept for a day and spent the majority of the day sleeping in, much to her detriment. Fortunately, making it to the Great Hall just in time for dinner, which is when she received Hans' letter. Upon first read, the young girl was far from perplexed at the contents of his letter, what the fuck was he talking about? If it was in a direct response to what she had sent, what the fuck did she say to prompt such a strange letter in return.

The haze from her prolonged slumber disappeared after dinner, particularly, in phases as she wrote a response to her friend distanced by the ocean. Hence the shift in tone with her response, though, the strange girl was content with what she had written, believing it was the perfect message to get everything across; while she could. Truthfully, she had not sought help, besides her previous confinement in Professor Lennox, which itself, was a strange and unfamiliar occurrence for her and her mood changes. Meiyu hoped Hans would understand the contents much better, praying he did not make another sly attempt to pass a message through, one she could poorly return with the state she had been in.

Irregardless to the brief rational she had post-slumber, Meiyu had to get something across, despite not feeling any remorse for whatever she had previously sent.

My Dearest, Sweetest, Hans!

Beyond thrilled to hear from you, I began to worry for your demise. The plague persists, but fear not my beloved Hans, I shall persevere. I must know the full story, besides the tales of your little crush, which by the way, consisted of multiple mistakes. Hans, your defiance in me has only bothered me once more, why would you hide a message in there? I am safe, I do not need help. Especially not yours, considering you felt the need to deceive me once more.

On a lighter note, I appreciate the compliment, you're the first to call my blood beautiful, I will cherish this forever, Hans. One day, our blood shall flow beautifully together, I cannot wait for what is to come; the day we will be free from the plague. If not for our blood, our bodies will decorate the halls far more beautiful than the lovely crimson blood-moon.

After finally resting better for a night, I do not recall the contents of what I sent you. Recently, it appears that a foreign source takes control, forcing me to behave in such a manner. I do accept your apologies, yet, I would expect a friend to be able to confide their secrets, that is what we are, aren't we? Perhaps I should not act hastily once more, the mentions of your crush bother me also, considering the plans I have prepared since my last letter. Hans, why must love hinder all? Should we paint the halls with their blood, or is that cruel? My beloved snake... I do not want to harm him, but I must, it is the only way to make him mine. Only then, I would like your assistance in the endeavour, since, deception comes easily to you.

You are right, the more I think about it, we would be phenomenal together, of course, I am the brains. What do you think about executing those plans during the ball? Or, would we be ridden from the plague by then. Much to my demise, at times, I enjoy the plague within me, it brings me phenomenal ideas of changing everything around me, the voices in my head know me so well, more than anyone would possibly be able to. My beloved, Hans, you will know it is me by the crimson in my hair, such a beautiful colour, one which had painted my DAGGER so well amidst the silver elements. I wish you could have seen me then, I was so brave... for the first time ever, maybe, my placement in Gryffindor makes sense... You cannot fight this pain Hans, I do not NEED HELP.

That reminds me, I visited the library; bumped into another hideous man who only angered me once more. Stupid stupid men. Why must they do everything in their power to exist. I will eradicate them, one by one, starting with the trolls roaming. How, you may ask, merely by punishing them. I will PRAY that their path strives away from mine, just like the voice requests. For now, you must cut down on the pastries, train like the dragon we will escape on.

Good. You must listen to me, not that girl in your life.
Only I can FREE you from the plague, blood for blood.

Meiyu The Great.

P.S. You cannot share the contents of this with anyone, this is a private matter I confide in you with, do not betray ME.

Sighing with discontent at the mess that was another letter, Meiyu attempted to convince herself; more-so the voice urgring her not to send the letter, that the contents were fine, albeit strange.

What had possessed her to even involve her only friend into the entire ordeal, was beyond comprehension. Accredited to the fact she had never had friends before, thus, being unable to even converse with someone properly, let alone confide in with whatever bothered her. The regained sense of control had only lasted briefly, her mind embracing the insanity once more as though it truly belonged like it was akin to her nature. Turning her head to the large glass-stained window by her bed, Meiyu sighed as she glared at the dark sky, her stoic expression refusing to falter irregardless of her hidden desires to maintain a some-what normal correspondence with her first friend.

A piece of information she would take with her to the grave.

More-so, the second piece of information.

@Archer Duncan

The more time Hans spent puzzling over Meiyu's next correspondence the less answers he found. While less surreal than the last letter the new one was far from reassuring and planted a seed of certainty in the young Durmstrangnian's heart that whatever game Meiyu was playing, it was most certainly not one in jest. Little of her letter did Hans understand, but the capitalised letters stood out to him as they were meant to, the reply to his message despite previous denial. From this he could imply many things but the one "help me" was the centre of his attention. "Free me" was an ominous way to end their only means of communication with for it was an instruction that only raised more questions. For the time being Hans had truly told no one of his letters yet, for his words would be completely honest that he had no one else to tell. Determined to provide support on his own and refusing to tangle anyone else into this murderous mess he set his pen down on parchment in reply.

My dear Meiyu,

You really flatter me with that greeting. Thanks.

Why do you worry for my demise? I have perfect faith in you that you will persevere so I trust you should also have faith in me. That's the full tale, I told you, but there are many other tales I have, do you wish to hear of them? And a message is not deception, Meiyu. You must understand, if we wish to undertake this great plan of yours there would be risks - my mom is compliance officer, I know what I'm talking about. What if our letter gets intercepted? We never know if there are enemies, Meiyu.

I'm glad you finally got a nice rest. A foreign source? What do you mean by this? And what secret have I not confided in you? Ask me something, Meiyu, and I will tell you. Oh well, I have been feeling... confused about this crush of mine anyways, so maybe this is my call to give it up entirely. I don't know if we should be painting the halls with their blood, that sounds incredibly cruel. Though, tell me, who is this snake you talk about?

I do see you as the brains. That would make me the... brawn? That's the saying right? I can't quite remember. But yes, I think it's a brilliant idea to execute those plans during the ball. What is this plague that you are talking about, Meiyu? Have I caught it?? Though just crimson in your hair is very little information, I suppose I will be keeping my eyes open for that. You can find me, I guess, because I will be standing out from the crowd, but in a relatively good way. Unless something like... you know what happened this time happens again, that might make things a lot different. I do wish I could have seen you, now that I have told you my story, maybe it's your turn to tell yours? Tell me more about this dagger of yours though. Why do you put it in all caps? Why are you so excited about it?

Of course I'm not sharing it with anyone. I don't have anyone else I can share it with. But what do you mean you can free me from this plague? What about yourself? Are you also trapped by it? How do I help you?

I'm sorry to hear about your encounter, some people are just jerks. But I will, I don't like pastries anyways.

Hans.

Since the one Meiyu had sent Hans' letters had been particularly messy, though he could live with it convincing himself that the state it was in was only in reply to Meiyu's. Almost relieved when the letter left his hands his eyes followed the owl as it flew away into the distant, wings drooping and rising in great flaps. Whatever the pain his distant friend (? that word had begun to be used warily around this girl) experienced of course Hans could fight it. What other point was there to his father's career if not to heal the wounded?

@Meiyu Xiang

Once more, the letter received by Hans was more puzzling than ever. By this point, her mind took cognitive control, sparing her from the gruesome events which had transpired at the manor, one she was fortunate enough to play shock to. Despite the paranoia subsiding, in truth, Meiyu was not entirely spared; rather being haunted with nightmares which had only urged her to condense her strict sleep schedule in mere avoidance of the ordeal. Pitying the poor boy as she wrote a response, denying all that had occurred with their previous exchanges. Given it had been her first successful attempt of a formidable friendship, the young lioness was beyond hopeful to salvage what she had once more, ruined. One thing she had not anticipated had been the vast amount of questions Hans raised, her fable cry for help between consciousness had resulted in a tear at what once was, a rather enjoyable exchange between the too.

For now, her best option would be to avoid and lie; similar to she had done with her parents and grandparents prior to the entire ordeal, forcing a New Year party with strangers masked as faux friends under her relatives prying eyes.

Hans

It brings me joy during these times that you can search for flattery in my correspondence, evidently, your time at Durmstrang has not provided you with such thrill. On a lighter note, you are very welcome, for what, I have no clue.

At times, I believe us to be friends, can I not share my concern and present you solutions to prevent demise? Is it a crime? As far as I am involved in this entire ordeal, I have not commit a crime, nothing can warrant such allegations against me. Unfortunately, there is no great plan, Hans. I believe you are strongly mistaken, not once did I indicate such thing in anything I have written to you, are you well? By the immense sense of paranoia you are displaying, I have grown to fear for you, my friend.

You ask too many questions, questions that cannot be answered, given the delusions you are exhibiting — unfortunately, sharing those delusions with me. Despite what you tell me, I find it peculiar that this is the first mention of your mother, my own, works in the Department of International Magical Co-operation within the Ministry of Magic. Not very thrilling, she's almost identical to a house wife at times, you would assume she has no job with how often I find her home.

Hans, by any means, do NOT give up with your crush, I re-read the previous letters; albeit confusing, given the numerous amount of mistakes you made. Tell me about Astrid, she seems to bring out something different in you. That reminds me, will you attend the Beauxbatons' Valentines retreat? After pondering on the entire ordeal, I think I'll attend. Rather do that then spend my time rotting away here, besides, a change of scenery would be nice. You should invite Astrid, we could finally meet and I can aid you in your love endeavours. Though, not entirely sure what you mean by the snake I talk of, I do not recall mentioning a snake to you.

Once more, you are far more than whatever a brawn is. Accept my apologies, I truly am unable to recall what I sent you since I returned to the castle, things have been strange... in a way.

If it is information you search for, perhaps, it is best to save that for our face-to-face meeting, even if it is a heavy matter to discuss. Besides, I trust you. Unfortunately, the dagger, is not with me, it is locked away in Oxford. The memory is vague, at times, it returns to me. Most of the time, I don't remember what happened, maybe my brain blocked it out by this point, in attempts to spare me. For now, this is all I can share.

What plague? Hans, are you sure things are well? I have not once written to you about such matters, if you mention this once more, I will be forced to end this correspondence.

Besides, I thought you do like pastries?

During the retreat, I will ensure to bring some pastries along, they will be for you and for you alone.

I hope to meet you there, at the very least.

Meiyu.

Perhaps, for the second time, Meiyu was hopeful. Hopeful to finally meet the person behind the letters, despite the ache in her heart for blatantly lying to him. Hans was far more intelligent than she wished to credit him for, the sly hidden message behind his previous P.S. note being mere evidence of that. Genuinely smiling to herself for once, the young girl once more made her way towards the Owlery, in a significantly happier mood than the last month upon her return to the fortress. Sneaking a few pellets to the owl which would quickly transcend over the ocean, a route the owl grew to know significantly better. A route Meiyu hoped to make herself one day, visiting her friend from afar.

@Archer Duncan

Extremely frustrating was how Hans would describe Meiyu’s reply. It was so full of denial that the river probably now flowed into the Yangtze in China. It was obvious that her letter was ridden with evasion and lies because of how close to the — artform, if you will — Hans was. There were very little conversations where Hans had his true self on full display, even a fool would claim that idiotic. Especially in the past when any talk of family threatened to bring more vexation or the constant tearing between his parents and grandfather, the tactic was used as smooth as butter to steer the conversation away into his childhood latchkeyism.

If Meiyu felt it necessary to guide their letters away and back to their originally carefree nature, Hans would comply. This resulted in a rather short response but still it made for the breath of fresh air he needed.

Dear Meiyu,

Do not worry, my friend, I will be coming to Beauxbatons, and thank you for your offer of bringing pastries. I have invited Astrid, and I think I might need one more wingman. I’m very excited to tell you we’re staying in the same tent — and kind of nervous, but hey, it’s all part of the process right! And I can tell you about Astrid. She’s very sassy and headstrong but she’s also incredibly sweet and caring when she knows someone needs it. After the attack on Hogsmeade she was very kind and helpful when I was going through grief and worry. I feel like I want to further our relationship but I’m also just very happy she’s my friend. Doubt she likes me back though so yeah.

I don’t see a point in our back and forth asking questions but not receiving answers, but we will speak in person in France (FRANCE!!) and hopefully that would be better. Have a nice day.

Your friend,
Hans

Excitement was one word to describe how Hans felt about the upcoming retreat in the foreign school. Trepidation another. Refusing to allow the dark bloody stain that had been left in Hogsmeade ruin the trip he had exiled the thought from his mind entirely. Perhaps he should have been more attentive but surely God had played with his life enough already. By no means either would Hans allow a girl he had never even met to taint his trip with unsoundness. Meiyu had grown odd, no longer the proper girl who occasionally diverged into enjoyable sarcasm. If by some lightning of Thor they truly met, so be it, it wasn’t as if Hans didn’t have crazy friends already.

No, Hans was afraid his trepidation came from far more trivial matters. Though one could hardly call the force of nature known as Astrid Olsen something as dismissive as trivial. It had taken Hans half a damn year to sort through his emotions for the girl starting with a petty little infatuation over the summer. Feelings in romance had then been quickly dismissed as more dire things took over his life, the explosions, the losses, his brother’s recovery. As the dark cloud finally unsettled it had been more important to ever to ease himself into a quotidian routine, and soon almost as a coping mechanism began his thoughts once more. The constant teasing every time Hans brought up the subject didn’t exactly help either, but he guessed the boy didn’t know any better than him — after all his first kiss was with some random guy from Scotland. Yet now his loyal ведущий (wingman) was busy vacationing in Crete….

But now wasn’t the time to care when he needed to make sure the letter was sent first. There was some hopefulness as the letter was handed to a nearby owl. Hopefulness that he was meeting a friend, one originally separated by a channel and half a continent, now, he could hope as he hoped for many others things, that they would not be further separated by a fragmented psyche. In a smile paralleling his own pals he watched like he had done many times before the owl fly of into the distance.

This was going to be fun, and if fate doesn’t make it, he would force the damned thing to cooperate.

@Meiyu Xiang