You kindled me, heap of ashes that I am, into fire. -A Tale Of Two Cities

When I was three, I believed that parents came on sets of two. I also thought that love was real and was soft and kind, that people who loved you could never hurt you, that good always won over evil, and suffering was a myth.

That was before my mother killed herself and my father decided he didn't want anything to do with me and shipped me to France.

Now I know better. I know parents come in shattered pieces. I know that love is a sham and causes heartbreak and horror, that the people who love you are the ones who hurt you most, that evil always wins, and suffering happens every single day.

Sometimes I wish I'd stayed three.

****

My name is Teresa.

If you asked anyone at my school what I was like, they'd reply with 'bitchy', 'mean' or 'heartless'.

Unless they were blind. Or deaf. Or if they were Ella or Regulus.

Ella's my friend. She's nice- she's one of two who are able to see through the walls I put up around myself and see the real me- the girl who I'm not sure even exists anymore.

Ella can see her, though. I can't.

Ella's one of two, though. The other person is Regulus Black- and he only wouldn't say I was bitchy or mean because he's convinced he's in love with me.

He's not.

He's heartless, cold, cruel and hot. Most people think we're dating because we're both the stereotypical Slytherins- pure-blood obssesed, looking at everyone like they're dirt, house-elves in the kitchens at home, rich...

Regulus Black is like that. I'm not. I'm a half-blooded girl with a father how hides in the shed and leaves me alone in an empty house and just enough money to feed me in the summer and buy school supplies.

Me and Regulus couldn't be more different if we tried.

That's why it's a shame he's decided he's in love with me.
It's also a shame I actually am in love with him.